Linux is a buzzword and you keep hearing about Linux here and there. People discuss it in the tech forum, it is part of the course curriculum and your favorite tech YouTubers get excited while showing their Linux build. The 10x developers you follow on Twitter are all Linux fans.
Basically, Linux is everywhere and everyone keeps talking about it. And that gives you FOMO.
So, you wonder about the advantages of Linux and whether is it really worth trying.
I have compiled various possible advantages and disadvantages of Linux in this article.
If you are on the fence about choosing Linux over your preferred operating system, we would like to help you out.
Before you start, you should know that Linux is not an operating system on its own. The operating systems are called Linux distributions and there are hundreds of them. For simplicity, I’ll address it as Linux OS instead of a specific Linux distribution. This article explains things better.
Advantages of Using Linux
Considering you are curious about Linux as an alternative operating system choice, it only makes sense that you know its advantages.
You might never regret your decision if it excels at what you want it to do.
No Need to Purchase a License
lightweight Linux distributions that are tailored to run on older hardware with no hiccups.
So, you have more chances to revive your old system or get a fast-performing computer in no time with Linux.
Less Exposed to Malware
If you are into personalizing your experience and willing to put in extra effort, Linux is for you. As an example, refer to the KDE customization guide and dock options to get basic ideas.
Something for Everyone
With macOS or Windows, you get limited to the design/preference choices finalized by Microsoft or Apple.
But, with Linux, you will find several Linux distributions that try to focus on various things.
For instance, you can opt for a Linux distribution that focuses on getting the latest features all the time, or you can opt for something that only gives you security/maintenance updates.
You can get something that looks beautiful out of the box or something that you provide crazy customization options. You will not run out of options with Linux.
I recommend starting with options that give you the best user experience.
Complete Development Environment
If you are a software developer or student learning to code, Linux definitely has an edge. A lot of your build tools are available and integrated into Linux. With Docker, you can create specialized test environment easily.
Microsoft knows about this part and this is why it created WSL to give developers access to Linux environments inside Windows. Still, WSL doesn’t come close to the real Linux experience. The same goes for using Docker on Windows.
I know the same cannot be said about web designing because the coveted Adobe tools are not available on Linux yet. But if you don’t need Adobe for your work, Linux is a pretty good choice.
Learning Linux is a Skill One Must Have!
There is a learning curve to using Linux, but it provides you with insights on various things.
You get to learn how things work in an operating system by exploring and customizing it, or even just by using it.
Not everyone knows how to use Linux.
So, it can be a great skill to gain and expand your knowledge of software and computers.
Linux is an in-demand Job Skill
single-board computers like Raspberry PiYou can also deploy open source software on your own server and maintain them. This is called self-hosting and it has the following advantages:
- Reduce hosting costs
- Take control of your data
- Customize the app/service as per your requirements
Clearly, you’ll be doing all this either directly with Linux or tools built on top of it.
Disadvantages of Linux
Linux is not a flawless choice. Just like everything, there are some downsides to Linux as well. Those include:
Learning Curve
difference between macOS and Linux.
I agree that some users catch on quicker than others. But, in general, when you step into the Linux world, you need to be willing to put a bit of effort into learning the things that are not obvious.
Variety
While we recommend using the best Linux distributions tailored for beginners, choosing what you like at first can be overwhelming.
You might want to try multiple of them to see what works with you best, which can be time-consuming and confusing.
It’s best to settle with one of the Linux distributions. But, if you remain confused, you can stick to Windows/macOS.
Market Share in Desktop Space
Linux’s market share, to get an idea.
Lack of Proprietary Software
As I mentioned above, not everyone is interested in bringing their tools/apps to Linux.
Hence, you may not find all the good proprietary offerings for Windows/macOS. Sure, you can use a compatibility layer to run Windows/macOS programs on Linux.
But that doesn’t work all the time. For instance, you do not have official Microsoft 365 support for Linux and tools like Wallpaper Engine.
Not a Gaming-first OS
Steam Play to try many of the Windows-exclusive games on Linux without potential hiccups.
Steam Deck is encouraging more game developers to make their games run better on Linux. And, this will only improve in the near future. So, if you can take a little effort to try your favorite games on Linux, it may not be disappointing.
That being said, it may not be a seamless experience for everyone. You can refer to our gaming guide for Linux to explore more if interested.
Lack of Professional Tech Support
I know not everyone needs it. But, there are tech support options that can guide users/fix issues remotely on their laptop or computer.
With Linux, you can seek help from the community, but it may not be as seamless as some professional tech support services.
You’ll still have to do most of the hit and try stuff on your own and not everyone would like it.
Wrapping Up
I am primarily a Linux user but I use Windows when I have to play games. Though my preference is Linux, I have tried to be unbiased and give you enough pointers so that you can make up your mind if Linux is for you or not.
If you are going for Linux and have never used it, take the baby step and use Linux in a virtual machine first. You can also use WSL2 if you have Windows 11.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.