Why would you choose Linux/Ubuntu over Windows/Mac?

Question

Why would you choose Linux/Ubuntu over Windows/Mac?

Answer 1

Linux is usually free of charge, doesn't have all the multitude of issues windows has, is not susceptible to malware, and has a whole world of free apps to use. Most Linux is easier to use than any windows or Mac ever.



There are some circumstances ( some games, work, or school) that forces some people to need windows or Mac for specific reasons. In those situations they have to use it. But for millions of others.....it is just senseless to fight with windows daily, or spend a small fortune on mac.



I tried Ubuntu back in 2008.....it was so easy and trouble free- that I never looked back to windows. I haven't needed it yet, and I do not miss it at all. One more thing.....I have not had a single software issue now in 9 years. Can windows users say that ?..........no!



( the only issue I have had...is trying to figure out which Linux I like best)

Answer 2

Hello!



There are a number of differences between Linux and Windows, but depending on the person and their use of the computer each could be a pro or a con. One major difference between them is that Linux requires the user to be able to use Terminal at least a little bit, which is much like command prompt. Usually this is to install programs that are not readily available in the store. Just like mac has their app store. Another key point is Linux far less likely to get malware and is much harder to hack. Windows is the easiest of all operating systems to hack and get malware due to several security issues in Edge, Flash, and Java as well as other programs too. Everything with Linux is based on the open source principal belief that no one should have to pay for software, but you may donate if you feel generous. Windows programs all have a cost, including the operating system. Now there are exceptions to both, but the vast majority fall under that rule of thumb. Linux can now play video games with the Steam OS, PlayonLinux, and Wine. Pretty much any computer game can be used on Linux regardless of which it requires. Same goes for software. However, due to the nature of Linux you will need to do a lot of research, trial and error, and more research to resolve your problems. There is an open chat community that will help you as well. There are countless differences between Windows and Linux, but the best way to learn it is to experience it yourself. Download Ubuntu Mint with Cinnamon to a flash drive and then boot from it. You won't have to install Linux to use it like you would Windows and enjoy! :)



Ubuntu Mint with Cinnamon

https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php



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Answer 3

Because you are a proud geek. If you think you can run these program on an XP machine, nope. Not even close, so you need an up to date 4 Gb dual core (slow) or quad or more CPU. If you like to TAR and unbind files to update, go right ahead. And not use standard software (except Chrome or FF), go for it. You have a problem, don't ask your friend as they most likely use Windows. Get a Chromebook, the newer ones are way fast. Instant boot-up and now you can replace the HD in them with huge memory cards ($249 but it will drop) and save every app you want.

They were great 8 years ago, now Chromebooks come in all kinds of sized, touch screens and guess what, it's just like your Android phone ! ! MAC, got $3000 + for something good, their new MAC book is still 4 years behind. No touchscreen... . really. That stupid bar is an improvement. Laptop prices are dropping due to Chomebooks. No school uses laptops anymore. Desktop are only around to go to their chrome account and print. Even that, you just share a folder with your teacher, no printing anymore.

Answer 4

As a person who does a little bit of everything on computers, I would generally choose Linux over Windows or MacOS because of its versatility, and the principles of freedom (freedom to modify and distribute any part of the system itself). Even though I had to relearn a lot of things and had to resort to looking up answers, I would still take that over being too reliant on one party to fix everything [that's supposed to be run-and-forget] which could take months or even years.



That being said, I still do have a Windows installation somewhere in case if I needed to use something that won't run on anything but Windows. As far as games, I have Steam and a few native games for each system. Of course I would like to have native Linux support for all the games (so I can finally kick Windows aside), but that won't be happening immediately.



Also, like pijai said, no system is completely invulnerable to malware and exploits - it's just that the latter two systems are the talk because they're the major players by market share.

Answer 5

Cost and security.



I have a 6 year old computer here that runs Linux fine for my day to day use. Total cost is zero as it's put together from recycled machine that I have collected.



Yes I know Linux can still be exploited by Malware, same a Mac OS can. But it's more secure than Windows, and less likely to be attacked.

Answer 6

For some tasks Linux simply is a better choice in terms of workflow and tools for some kinds of development. I prefer working with a BSD over Linux (usually OpenBSD or FreeBSD depending on what I need to do) for servers, but Ubuntu Server is incredibly easy to get up and running.

Answer 7

Security, stability and control Linux is practically immune to many problems that plague windows systems. Linux is a more stable operating system and needs less maintenance than windows. You can also control nearly if not everything about the OS and there are tons of variations of Linux available. Lets not forget the best part it is 100% FREE!!

Answer 8

I have been running various Linux versions for over 20 years (currently Ubuntu 14.04) and my Linux has never been infected even during rare times that Windows was infected on same computer. I even have an old PC (333 MHz Celeron w/158 MB RAM) in my basement with no monitor (running 24/7 since 2003) that I was using to learn smtp (e-mail transport) and name based virtual hosting with apache web server while infected Windows IIS servers were trying to spread various worms (code red, nimda, etc.) and while they inundated my server at times, they never succeeded in breaking in.



But I mainly use it because it is more secure and boots much faster than Windows using less memory and is ready to go once you get to the desktop. Windows always seems to have high CPU usage for quite some time after you get to its desktop doing anti-virus scanning, checking for updates, etc. (sometimes for 20 minutes to hours if it has not been run for awhile). But I am very familiar with Linux because I was running it and doing networking before Windows even had native dial up networking or a web browser (before Win95).



The reason I first got into Linux was because my first ISP gave us a shell account and apache web space in SunOS (Unix) and it was much easier to develop and test CGI scripts in Linux and simply upload them than to modify a lot of things going from Windows to Unix. I also helped people with virtual websites on FreeBSD and I have a remote shell account and web space on NetBSD servers. So other than minor differences I feel right at home and can find my way around any *nix like OS.



I have LibreOffice for office stuff, gimp for graphics or improving photos, color laser printer, network scanner, Hulu and Netflix (besides YouTube) for entertainment. And now with Linux Steam for gaming, who needs Windows?

Answer 9

What you going to do with an old PC that is running an out of date Windows system and goooooing slow?

Simple - switch to Linux.

Takes only a few minutes

Answer 10

they are built different under the hood. it might look the same, but Linux is more secure. ( less chance of virus )

also, if you like to tinker with stuff, Linux give you more control over what you can do.



Apple OS X is based on Linux ... Also Linux is prefered for computer coding dev.

Answer 11

It just works? I am quite astonished myself when no one else echos my sentiment that Linux leapfrogged everyone else as being very versatile in hardware, meaning I can take a full install on SD/USB/IDE/SATA and boot anyone at random with any other possible setup and Linux will just oblige, Windows crash and burned attempting the very basic of Live Disc.

Answer 12

Security Purpose

Answer 13

Linux is free, highly customizable, and also, in my kind of work (software programming), Linux makes my life a lot easier.

Answer 14

Cost, security and reputation. Windows has a along history but Mac has something advanced and creative.

Answer 15

(1) No cost for software (open source). (2) reasonably reliable, few if any viruses. (3) Able to run on minimal system (I have a $200 refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad running Linux Mint quite happily.)

Answer 16

(1) no cost for software (open source)... (2) reasonably reliable, few if any viruses... (3) able to run on minimal system (i have a $200 refurbished lenovo thinkpad running linux mint quite happily...)

Answer 17

i work on all three platforms … they each have their pros 'n cons. and to dispel misinformed notions … they all get exploited.

Answer 18

Ubuntu is freeware and virus free.. compared to Windows..

Answer 19

Linux is free as well as it can exploited by Malware.

Answer 20

linux is free, highly customizable, and also, in my kind of work (software programming), linux makes my life a lot easier...

Answer 21

Its free and unlike windows and mac no one uses it so almost no one makes malware for it

Answer 22

cost, security and reputation... windows has a along history but mac has something advanced and creative...

Answer 23

Terminal puts cmd to shame.