What Is Linux OS

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Linux is an operating system used to power a multitude of systems from light bulbs to guns, laptops to large computer centers.

Linux powers everything from your phone to your smart refrigerator.

In desktop computing terms Linux provides an alternative to commercial operating systems such as Windows. 

Why Use Linux Instead of Windows? 

There are many reasons why you would use Linux instead of Windows and here are just a few of them.

Linux is supported on older computers. While Windows XP will still run on older hardware it is no longer supported, so there are no security updates. There are a number of Linux distributions that are created specifically for older hardware and are maintained and updated regularly.

Some Linux distributions and desktop environments are now more familiar to traditional computer users than Windows 8 and Windows 10. If you like the Windows 7 look and feel why not try Linux mint for instance.

The Windows 10 download size is huge. A typical Linux distribution comes in at just over 1 gigabyte although you can get some which are just a few hundred megabytes. Windows requires at least a DVD's worth of bandwidth.

Linux ships with free to use software and you can change and use that software as you please.

Linux has always been more secure than Windows and there are very few viruses for Linux, although the internet of things has been targeted lately.

Linux performs better than Windows in many ways and you can squeeze more out of the last drop of resources for older and restricted hardware

Privacy. Windows regularly phones home with data gathered via Cortana and search in general. While not a new thing and clearly Google does the same thing you can be more assured that Linux isn't doing the same especially if you choose a free community distribution.

Reliability. When a program hangs in Linux you can kill it quite easily. When a program hangs in Windows even when you try and run task manager to kill it the offending program doesn't always let go.

Updates. Windows is very intrusive with its update policy. How many times have you turned on the computer to print out concert tickets or other important information to see the words installing update 1 of 450?

Variety. You can make Linux look, feel and behave exactly as you want it to. With Windows, the computer behaves exactly as Microsoft think you want it to.

If you still aren't clear check this guide which helps you to decide whether Linux is right for you.