Linux is an operating system kernel used to power computers around the
world, from PCs to internet servers. Regardless of the purpose, Linux
seems to find a way to remain advantageous. The many distro (Linux
distribution) choices, the open-source code, and the passionate and
informative community all culminate in an operating system experience
that is unrivaled.
Windows users, or otherwise average consumers, are often stuck with the
operating system that comes preinstalled on their devices. Since
Microsoft strikes deals with computer manufacturers - which commits said
manufacturers to preinstall Windows on the computers they produce - the
average consumer is oftentimes exposed to Windows as their first
operating system. Once someone becomes familiar with an operating
system, it becomes difficult for them to switch and “relearn” how to use
their computer(s). As a result, consumers often view switching operating
systems as an inconvenience and not worthwhile.
However, if one were to look further into the subject, the benefits
become clear. The speed of Linux combined with its customizability
provides for a convenient experience with performance far beyond
Windows’. However, most importantly, Linux allows the user to actually
own and control their computer. For example, Windows machines come with
software that is pre-installed and sometimes irremovable such as Edge,
Mail, Groove Music, Sticky Notes, Voice Recorder, Paint 3D, and even
Candy Crush (no joke). On the vast majority of Linux distros, you choose
what is installed and what isn’t. Even on distros that have
pre-installed software, the uninstallation of said software is as simple
as one command.
Switching to Linux is often viewed as a scary and threatening task,
mostly due to the emphasis on the terminal. For context, the terminal is
the Linux equivalent of command prompt or PowerShell (in reality they
are not even comparable, but this is the best example I can think of).
The emphasis on the terminal is powerful, as almost every Linux distro
essentially requires that you have at least a basic understanding of the
terminal.
Although the necessity of the terminal differs from distro to distro,
many beginner distros require less knowledge of the terminal (such as
Ubuntu or PopOS). On said distros, there are tools in place to avoid the
usage of the terminal completely. Installing apps can be done using the
PopShop or .deb installers, and exploring files can be done using
pre-installed file explorers. This user-friendly style allows new Linux
users to gradually become familiar with the terminal while using
graphical tools that are familiar and intuitive.
The main reason that consumers should switch to Linux, is the endless
tracking on the part of Microsoft (Apple and their operating system
macOS are also big offenders). There have been many instances of
Microsoft being exposed for having implemented spyware in Windows. For
example, according to the InstallGentoo Wiki (https://wiki.installgentoo.com), “It was revealed that Microsoft sends encrypted images of the user's
desktop back to [their headquarters].” To demonstrate the extent of the
spying, The Hacker News (https://thehackernews.com) did an experiment where they tracked their network activity on
Windows to see what data was being sent where. “[The] idle Windows 10
box[system] had tried over 5,500 connections to 93 different IP
addresses, out of which almost 4,000 were made to 51 different IP
addresses belonging to Microsoft.” In other words, the Windows computer,
sitting alone and not being used, connected roughly 4,000 times to
Microsoft’s servers. And this spying isn’t only limited to Microsoft, as
the way the spying took place was less than secure. “Windows 10 expanded
that connection to 113 non-private IP addresses, potentially allowing
hackers to intercept this data.” [their italics].
Why should you care about Microsoft tracking you? Your computer is
personal and contains private property. Allowing companies to access the
data stored on your computer (which is private property) without your
knowledge is plenty of reason to care. To draw a comparison, you
wouldn’t like it if a car manufacturer sold you a car, then proceeded to
constantly monitor where you traveled with it and who or what you
traveled with. Why should that same ideology not apply to your computer?
And if you think you couldn’t care less about people knowing what’s on
your computer, I urge you to think twice. You are most likely storing
valuable data on your computer(s) (such as financial information,
private diaries or records, medical information, work resources, etc).
These large companies are often perceived as faceless, but it’s
important to understand that strangers have access to your private data,
people that you might not want to see it. Your property is on that
computer, and it shouldn’t be turned over or exposed to random
strangers. Furthermore, these companies use the data they collect to
exploit users for money and power. Giving tech companies the power they
desire is a terrible idea, and society as well as individual people are
already facing the consequences (think of Facebook spreading conspiracy
theories and/or Google selling your personal information).
On Linux, it is extremely rare for distros or companies to track your
activity or spy on you. Since Linux is open source as well as the vast
majority of its distros, spyware is easily snuffed out and often exposed
publicly so you don’t have to worry. Even distros and software that have
telemetry are often doing so only with the consent of the user (like
Ubuntu, which has opt-in telemetry).
Besides all the technical benefits of using Linux, there are economic incentives as well. The Linux kernel itself is open source and thus free to use. As a result, the vast majority of Linux distros are free or have optional pricing. This starkly contrasts with Windows, which costs upwards of $130. macOS is in a similar situation, where using the operating system is only allowed on Apple computers which are notoriously expensive (although in theory, you can install macOS onto any computer using various techniques). Besides the cost of the operating system itself, due to the Linux community’s emphasis on free software, there are many alternatives to expensive software available on Linux that cost nothing to install and use. Overall, using Linux turns out to be much cheaper than Windows or macOS.
If there is one thing you should take away from this, it’s that Linux
distros are, in general, better than Windows. Better of course in this
context means more privacy, security, performance, and customizability,
but with less bloated and unnecessary software. Making the switch can
feel risky and inconvenient, but I assure you that beyond the initial
switch comes all the benefits of using Linux over Windows.
I urge everyone who uses Windows to think more deeply than “It’s a lot
to learn” or “I don’t care if they track me”. Do you really think that,
or are you making excuses so you can in good conscience avoid the
inconvenient switch? All I ask is that you research more and think
deeper about your values and priorities.