We discussed on the need to explore other operating systems in our previous post after Microsoft announced that they are shutting down support for Windows 10. We talked about MacOS, now let’s talk about Linux.
It’s one of the least popular operating systems in computers, especially with Windows dominating the market. Think of an Android phone you’re using with different skins. Samsung uses Android, Redmi uses Android, Vivo uses Android, Oppo uses Android, but none of them look identical to each other.
It’s a similar case for Linux — we have different ‘skins’ for Linux. We call them ‘distros’. Some of the popular distros for Linux include Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop OS. There’s more, but these are the ones you will most likely encounter when you want to explore Linux operating systems.
So, what will you expect from using Linux? It’s completely open-source, that’s one thing. It basically means that whatever code is running behind Linux, you can see it and work on it, if you’re a developer. You can contribute to the community that develops the Linux distros.
That’s one good thing about Linux; they can optimise the distros to make it run well. That’s why whenever you encounter Linux users, God forbid us, they will never stop telling you how good it is to your computer. It’s like breathing new life into your computer, and they are right.
Windows laptops are generally full of bloatwares unless you do a full factory reset upon starting them. Old computers tend to get slower as you install more and more updates, too. Sooner or later your laptop will no longer be able to support additional updates.
Not too sure why Windows are constructed in such a way, but Linux rarely has this issue. I tried installing Ubuntu Linux on my ancient family computer, and it worked like a charm. But that was a while ago; I was still a teenager back then.
They all have different looks to it, but they all share the same features. If you plan on switching from Windows to Linux, these are the distros that are user-friendly to the users. Some of them have every necessary programme right from the installation package, so the moment you install it, there are already programmes you use already installed along.
Linux does have significant performance compared to Windows. Like a massive ton. I’m not even joking. No matter how old your laptop is, Linux runs smoothly on it. It doesn’t matter if you have a browser opening in the background while you’re scrolling through old pictures on your hard drive — it won’t slow down.
The only problem is, not too many are familiar with how Linux works. Not even me. If you’re just using it for day-to-day operation, it’s fine. But for a power user who already knows how things work on Windows, and how to disable this and that to install things, it can be somewhat complicated when switching to Linux. Yes, they do offer you control, provided only that you have technical skills to administer it.
Remember the statistical data shown in our previous post about the market share between operating systems? Linux was the least used. So, if you’re trying to configure things in the registry as you did in Windows, chances are there’s very few sources you can find to help you. For Windows, you can just look up any guides on YouTube, and they will show you.
There’s another main problem with Linux — video games compatibility. There has been more and more support for Linux when it comes to video games now, yes. Even Steam has worked alongside Ubuntu to provide Vulkan compatibility layer for them to enjoy some of the supported titles on the platform. I can’t say the same for other game launchers, unfortunately.
When it comes to performance, Linux outweighs Windows, as expected. There are less background programmes that are being operated. But there are still problems with gaming on Linux. Some games may have graphical issues.
They might encounter some sort of glitches with map loadings, etc. It’s not severe, but it does get to you eventually. So, unless they have these issues addressed, Linux will always be overshadowed by Windows in gaming.
You helped me a lot with this post. I love the subject and I hope you continue to write excellent articles like this.
You helped me a lot by posting this article and I love what I’m learning.