9 Reasons Why You Should Use Linux

Dr. Ankit Sharma, PhD

Reasons Why You Should Use Linux

Windows and MacOS are closed-source operating systems; Linux is open-source. These days, its use extends beyond the operating system to include desktop, server, and embedded system operating systems. Because of its modular design and open source nature, one of the reasons why you should use Linux is that it offers a wide range of distributions and variations. Linux’s kernel is one of its fundamental components.

Numerous services, including file system management, basic peripheral device management, process scheduling, and application scheduling, are managed by Linux systems. In comparison to other operating systems like Windows and macOS, Linux has a number of benefits. So, it is employed in nearly every industry, from autos to household appliances and cellphones to servers (supercomputers).

Reasons Why You Should Use Linux

1. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most immediate reasons why you should use Linux is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike proprietary operating systems, many Linux distributions are available for free. Users can download, install, and use Linux without incurring licensing fees. This cost savings can be substantial, especially for businesses and educational institutions looking to deploy multiple systems.

The availability of free software and open-source applications further extends the cost benefits, enabling users to avoid costly commercial software while still accessing a wide range of tools and utilities.

2. Open-Source Nature

Linux’s open-source nature is a cornerstone of its appeal. The source code of Linux is freely available to anyone who wants to view, modify, or contribute to it. This transparency promotes a collaborative development environment where programmers from around the world can improve the operating system.

Users benefit from the collective expertise of the global Linux community, leading to faster bug fixes, enhanced security, and continuous innovation. Open source also means that users have more control over their systems and can customize the operating system to meet their specific needs.

3. Security and Privacy

One of the benefits of using Linux is that it is renowned for its strong security features and robust privacy controls. The operating system’s permission-based architecture limits the potential damage that can be caused by malware or unauthorized access. Unlike other systems where users often operate with administrative privileges, Linux encourages the use of regular user accounts for everyday tasks, reducing the risk of system-wide infections.

Additionally, the Linux community actively monitors and addresses security vulnerabilities, ensuring that patches and updates are promptly released. This proactive approach to security makes Linux a popular choice for servers and sensitive applications.

4. Stability and Reliability

Linux is celebrated for its stability and reliability. The operating system is designed to handle high workloads and maintain consistent performance over extended periods. This reliability is why Linux is the preferred choice for servers, mainframes, and critical infrastructure.

Linux’s stability is also evident in its ability to run for years without requiring a reboot, making it ideal for environments where uptime is crucial. The Linux kernel’s robust architecture ensures that the system remains responsive and functional, even under heavy load or when running complex applications.

5. Customizability

One of the reasons why you should use Linux is its high degree of customizability. Users can choose from a wide variety of Linux distributions (distros), each tailored to different use cases and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist setup, a user-friendly interface, or a distribution optimized for performance, Linux has a solution.

Additionally, users can customize the desktop environment, system settings, and software packages to suit their needs. This level of personalization allows users to create a computing environment that aligns perfectly with their workflow and preferences.

6. Performance and Efficiency

Linux is known for its efficient use of system resources. It can run on older hardware with limited specifications, making it a viable option for revitalizing aging computers. Linux’s lightweight distributions are designed to maximize performance and minimize resource consumption, ensuring that systems remain responsive even with modest hardware.

For modern hardware, Linux can take full advantage of cutting-edge technologies and optimizations, delivering exceptional performance. This efficiency makes Linux an excellent choice for both low-end devices and high-performance computing environments.

7. Community Support and Documentation

The Linux community is a vibrant and supportive network of users, developers, and enthusiasts. This community-driven support is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced users. Forums, mailing lists, and online communities offer a wealth of information and assistance on a wide range of topics.

Additionally, Linux benefits from extensive documentation, including user manuals, how-to guides, and troubleshooting resources. This rich ecosystem of support and documentation helps users navigate the complexities of the operating system and resolve issues quickly.

8. Software Ecosystem

One of the benefits of using Linux is that it boasts a diverse and growing software ecosystem. While Linux may not have the same range of commercial applications as other operating systems, it compensates with a wealth of open-source software. Users can access a broad array of applications for productivity, development, multimedia, and gaming.

Popular open-source tools like LibreOffice, GIMP, and VLC Media Player provide functionality comparable to their commercial counterparts. The availability of package managers simplifies the installation and management of software, allowing users to easily discover and install applications tailored to their needs.

9. Educational Value

Linux offers significant educational value for users interested in learning about operating systems, programming, and system administration. The open-source nature of Linux provides an opportunity to explore and understand the inner workings of an operating system.

Students and professionals can experiment with the kernel, explore system configurations, and develop custom applications. This hands-on experience can deepen knowledge of computing concepts and foster skills that are valuable in both academic and professional contexts. Additionally, many educational institutions use Linux to teach courses related to computer science and information technology.

Some Famous Linux Distros

We hope we have clarified the reasons why you should use Linux. You may use these Linux distros as they are free and open source:

Ubuntu: Ubuntu Linux is a popular and user-friendly distribution known for its ease of use and robust performance. Based on Debian, it offers a polished desktop experience with a strong focus on simplicity and accessibility. Ubuntu is released in regular cycles, ensuring up-to-date features and security patches.

Its extensive software repository and community support make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. Ubuntu’s commitment to open source and regular updates fosters a secure and innovative environment. Its versatility extends from desktop to server use, catering to a wide range of computing needs.

Arch Linux: Within the Linux ecosystem, Arch Linux is unique in that it is not based on any other distribution, yet it is widely used and well-known by the community.

Generally speaking, Arch is not advised for novice users due to the installation process’s complexity, which calls for a significant amount of user involvement. For an installation to be effective, you need to know a little bit about partitions, LVM, and Linux in general. The good news is that this is exactly what allows the user to alter the system to suit their preferences.

Mint: Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution that is reliable, stylish, and stable. Its popularity stems in part from the fact that, until version 20.x, a lot of helpful software (such as multimedia codecs) was included right out of the box.

Version 21 put a stop to this, however, and left it up to the users to install such packages once the operating system had started. To be clear, it isn’t that Linux Mint no longer supports the multimedia codecs and other applications that it included in its package until recently. This choice was made for a straightforward reason: providing codecs required a lot of effort from the developers and did not much increase distribution.

Debian: With over 30 years of experience in the Linux community, Debian is notable for its dependability, stability, and efficient release process. It is also the distribution that offers the greatest variety of packages and is a preferred option for servers. Debian does not seem to be planning to go back to using SysVinit as the system and process manager by default.

Elementary: Based on Ubuntu, Elementary (or more accurately, Elementary OS) is another Linux distribution targeted at Mac and Microsoft users.

It was originally made accessible in 2011 and is now running on Ubuntu and is in its seventh stable version, codenamed “Horus.”. To be honest, we think this is one of the most visually appealing desktop distributions users have ever seen. One of Elementary’s standout qualities is undoubtedly its refined aesthetic design.

FAQ

Q: Can any device run Linux?

A: An open-source, community-developed operating system (OS) for PCs, servers, mainframes, mobile devices, and embedded systems, Linux is comparable to Unix. It is one of the most extensively supported operating systems, supported on almost all major computer platforms, including x86, ARM, and SPARC.

Q: What are the advantages of Linux for workers?

A: Because Linux is open-source, businesses may customize the operating system to meet their own needs. This degree of personalization is very helpful for niche markets or businesses with unique hardware and software requirements.

Q: Can Linux run Windows PC games?

A: Many PC games for Windows are available for Linux nowadays. If you can’t find the title you are looking for, run Windows VM with a VirtualBox.

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