I’ve spent a good period of time with Linux and Home windows and concluded that I am unable to dwell with out both. So, I lastly overcame the battle of “which to make use of” and determined to maintain each. This is why it was a terrific choice.


Each Have Their Deserves and Limits

Evaluating working techniques, neither Home windows nor Linux can declare the title of “good.” Each have distinct strengths that make them perfect for particular use instances. Nonetheless, in addition they include limitations that forestall them from being one measurement match for all options.


Home windows gives unparalleled software program availability, particularly for mainstream industrial software program functions akin to Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and lots of gaming titles. It is well-known for its user-friendly interface, which requires little technical information, making it a go-to selection for most individuals.


Split screen with Linux Mint and Windows 11.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek

As for weaknesses, Home windows can decelerate over time attributable to software bloat, background processes, and piles of unnecessary files. That is why it isn’t a terrific selection for previous or low-end {hardware}. As some of the well-liked working techniques, it is regularly focused by malware and viruses, requiring common updates and third-party antivirus software program. Being a Microsoft product, you may need to comply with many phrases that do not respect your privateness. Then there’s additionally the price of getting a Home windows license.

Coming to Linux, it is a modular, customizable, and extra versatile system than Home windows. You’ll be able to totally customise the working system from the appears to system conduct. Linux tends to be lighter and faster, usually requiring fewer sources to perform. It is a great choice for old and low-spec devices. It additionally has the open-source benefit. They’re free to make use of. There’s additionally transparency in how your knowledge is dealt with.


Then again, Linux distros have a steeper studying curve. Though they’ve improved in usability, you should still want understanding of system administration to make good use of them, making it a bit daunting for brand new customers. Whereas Linux has many options for well-liked functions, some industry-standard functions, particularly in design and productiveness, are both unavailable or require difficult workarounds. Such causes might drift many users away from Linux.

Why I Use Linux

Several linux terminals.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek

My journey with Linux began once I wished to be taught internet programming. The course I used to be following really helpful organising a programming surroundings on Linux. I am glad that I adopted that recommendation. In relation to doing technical work and IT-related stuff, Linux has the edge.


Linux’s growth surroundings is highly effective and versatile, making it a best choice for coders. It comes pre-installed with many developer instruments and packages, so you may get began proper after set up. The Linux terminal is incredibly powerful and gives an unlimited variety of command-line tools and utilities that improve developer productiveness. I take advantage of it primarily for Python projects, Bash scripts, and low-level programming. There are numerous Linux distros for development you possibly can select from.

For cybersecurity and moral hacking, Linux has lengthy been the popular platform, and for good causes. Distributions like Kali Linux and Parrot OS come full of a big selection of instruments for penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and digital forensics. I take advantage of Kali Linux nearly commonly for safety work and taking part in CTFs (capture-the-flag games).

Linux excels in networking duties. Its light-weight and environment friendly nature make it good for working on servers and dealing with networking providers. Whether or not you wish to configure community environments, handle servers, or simulate networks, Linux is nice to work with.


Why I Use Home windows

A laptop with the windows 10 default wallpaper.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | Framesira / Shutterstock

Whereas Linux is my favourite for dealing with technical duties, there are numerous explanation why I additionally need to depend on Home windows for sure elements of my each day routine. In some contexts, Home windows makes extra sense, and it is usually vital to keep up compatibility with others who use it.

The most important motive I proceed to make use of Home windows is straightforward. It is all over the place. From household and pals to college labs and work computer systems, Home windows dominates the panorama. I’ve run into numerous points when collaborating with others who use Home windows, whether or not it is attempting to work on a shared challenge or just sharing a file that opens otherwise on Linux. In these conditions, switching over to Home windows removes the friction and makes positive I can keep suitable with everybody else.


Moreover, when somebody needs to borrow my laptop computer, Home windows supplies a well-known interface that avoids confusion. For many individuals, Linux seems like an alien, whereas everyone seems to be snug with Home windows. This familiarity makes each day interactions smoother.

One other key motive I run Home windows is software program availability. Even now, so many industry-standard software program are Home windows-only. Regardless of how succesful Linux is, it will possibly’t run all of them natively. Whereas Linux has nice options and compatibility layers, like Wine, the expertise is usually clunky and unreliable.

Furthermore, typically, I’ll must obtain obscure or area of interest software program and previous video games that run solely on Home windows. It is simpler to put in and use these applications on Home windows, with out twiddling with compatibility layers. Home windows simply works for this type of software program.

One Cannot Exchange the Different

Tux mascot jumping from Windows to Linux.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek


As knowledgeable consumer, it shortly grew to become clear to me that neither Windows nor Linux can fully replace the other for me. Every working system has its distinctive strengths, important for various situations. Regardless of my preference for Linux in technical work, I discovered many duties the place Home windows was the higher selection. Over time, I noticed that utilizing each working techniques isn’t just handy, it is necessary.

Curiously, this example is sort of totally different for informal customers. For somebody whose utilization is proscribed to shopping the net, sending emails, streaming content material, and consuming fundamental media, each Linux and Home windows are greater than succesful. On this context, neither OS is superior. An off-the-cuff consumer can follow both one and nonetheless be productive with out dealing with the identical compatibility points {that a} skilled consumer may face.

Finally, when you’re knowledgeable in fields like IT, growth, or system administration, you are certain to face conditions the place one working system merely will not suffice. I confronted this actual dilemma, which led me to embrace each.


Finest Methods to Use Each Linux and Home windows

Presently, I’ve two gadgets housing the 2 totally different working techniques. My previous laptop computer is powered by Ubuntu 22.04 whereas the newer and extra succesful one is rocking Home windows 11. When you’ve got an additional gadget to spare, you possibly can set up the choice working system on that. This offers you the complete expertise of each working techniques with out holding again.

I additionally run a couple of Linux virtual machines on my Home windows gadget in case I want fast entry to Linux and my different gadget just isn’t with me. I’ve had a troubled historical past with dual-booting Linux and Windows, so I attempt to keep away from that. There are numerous different methods you possibly can use Linux without leaving Windows.


Quite than struggling to make one working system match each use case, I take advantage of each Linux and Home windows for what they do greatest. This dual-OS strategy permits me to make the most of the strengths of each techniques, making certain I’ve the fitting instrument for the fitting job. When you’re a Home windows consumer trying to check out Linux, test these Windows-like Linux distros to get began.



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