One way or another you are already using Linux every day. Linux is the dominant platform on web servers, including the one used to host this website, and it is also the core of the Android operating system, which you may have been using for a long time on your tablet or smartphone. In addition, Linux is also present in a lot of other devices, from the best supercomputers to small specialized devices, such as the ADSL router that allows you to connect to the Internet.
However, about 90% of desktop users use Windows. According to statistics, Windows 7. And for most this may seem like the only viable option, although it can be a bit frustrating at times. So if you've ever had a problem with Windows - who doesn't, right? - and wondered if there was something better or played with one of Apple's computers in a Mac Store and suddenly you were "bitten" by experimenting with a system other than Redmond's, you may be interested in reading on.
The truth is that there is a Linux distribution for everyone, but there are certainly a lot of people out there who could be using Linux on their desktop or laptop PC just if they knew it exists. That is, Linux is missing marketing and - for now at least - few desktop computers come with Linux installed by default. To the extent that this is the case, we who are already Linux users will need to «let's evangelize" to the rest.
With this in mind, here are 9 symptoms that you should try Linux.
1. I am running Windows XP and I don't want to upgrade to a newer version
There are several reasons why you may not want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Maybe your computer is too old and you are afraid that the new version of Windows will run very slow. Or you just don't like Windows 7/8. Of course, there is also the possibility that you do not want or cannot pay for such an update.
Whatever the case, sticking with Windows XP is an increasingly dangerous proposition. He is already 13 years old! That makes it absolutely obsolete in computing terms. In addition, Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, which means that you will not receive security updates for an operating system that was already known to be insecure. You may also not be able to run some of the latest applications on that system.
If you don't want to or can't update to the latest version of Windows, your only option is to try something else. Besides expensive Apple computers, your only option is Linux, a modern and highly secure operating system. In addition, you will even be able to get Linux distributions -Zorin OS or Lubuntu, for example- that they look very similar what you are already used to in Windows XP.
2. I do not depend on any exclusive application for Windows
There are people whose profession or hobbies require applications that are only available for Windows, either because the equivalents that exist in Linux are not up to the task or because the use of an alternative is simply not an option. For example, electronic music producers using applications such as FL Studio, Cubase, or Ableton may find some alternatives on Linux, but these are more difficult to use or do not suit the established preferences and workflow in the market. Using emulation or virtualization to run these programs may be an option, but it usually comes at the cost of some compromises, especially in performance.
But if you don't need these types of applications, then there is practically no impediment for you to use Linux. Pretty much everything you do in Windows can be done in Linux and there are a lot of available applications.
3. I don't use "exotic" hardware that only brings support for Windows
There are some hardware components and peripherals that are not fully compatible with Linux, such as some professional audio interfaces. Most likely, all hardware is working fine, although Linux still has some trouble supporting some peripherals (webcams, printers, etc.) today. Anyway, you can always check if your hardware is fully compatible.
4. I use my computer only to connect to the Internet
If you use your computer only to connect to the Internet, your level of dependency on Windows is much less significant. All major web browsers except Internet Explorer work like a charm on Linux, including Firefox, Chrome, and Opera. All major voice calling and chat applications are also available for Linux, as are Skype and IM clients for various messaging networks. There are even specialized clients for Twitter that are quite nice.
5. I use my game console or I am not a sick gamer
Gaming used to be one of Linux's weak points, but things are improving dramatically in this regard. Not that there weren't good quality games on Linux before, but it was usually about abandonware or free games from independent developers, and the most popular commercial titles often didn't carry Linux support.
Today Steam is available on Linux and an increasing number of top-notch games are being ported to our favorite operating system. Valve, the company behind Steam and a number of those popular titles (like Half Life, Portal, Team Fortress, DOTA, and others), in fact, believes that Linux is the future of video games. It even markets Steambox, a Linux-based console.
However, it is still very possible that some of your favorite games are not available, and if you are a hardcore gamer this can be a problem. Here there is also the possibility to use Wine, emulators or virtual machines but it is likely that the experience is not without problems or a performance significantly lower than that experienced in Windows.
On the other hand, if you only use game consoles - like the PlayStation or the Xbox - to run your favorite games, then Linux is not yet the paradise of video games is not a problem.
6. I am tired of viruses, adware, spyware and malware in general
Most, if not all, software for Windows is downloaded from the software manufacturer's website or a dedicated software download site such as Softpedia or Download.com. It is a well-known fact that they often try to install additional software that you probably don't need, that change some of your system settings and run in the background, consuming valuable resources. Some even do not stop showing annoying ads or send information about your habits.
Not infrequently they do it without our consent and it is not uncommon for the checkbox to install these types of additional programs to be pre-selected by default and to be presented in a way that is very easy to ignore. That is if the developer was "honest" enough to put a checkbox first.
This mechanic almost never occurs on Linux. Actually, I say "almost" just to cover myself for any exceptional cases that I'm not aware of. In fact, I never saw anything similar on Linux. Most of the software that is installed on Linux comes from a central repository managed by the same company / community that is behind your Linux distribution. All software is packaged and maintained by them. In this way, you will download and install the programs from a sort of centralized library, much like the Android (Google Play) or Apple (Mac App Store) application stores.
7. I want something different. I got tired of winbug
Windows has made a lot of changes in recent versions. For example, the appearance changed significantly between Windows XP and Windows 7, and even more dramatically between Windows 7 and Windows 8. As if this were not enough, it could be said that most of the time those changes have been for the worse.
Windows 8 removed the start menu and replaced it with a modern, full-screen user interface. However, some features that significantly improve the ease and efficiency with which we use our computers are still missing from Windows (notifications, exposé effect, virtual desktops, etc.). So if you are eager to try something different, Linux may be the answer.
What's more, Linux offers a host of options when it comes to the way the desktop looks and feels. If you like a user interface similar to Windows XP, it is easy to get there. On the other hand, if you prefer a Mac-like style, this option is available too. Finally, if you are looking for something completely different you can find thousands of variants in Linux.
8. I like to customize my system and / or want to learn how it works
Speaking of choice, depending on the Linux version you choose, in Linux it is possible to customize your desktop to taste, and to do it in several different ways. Each Linux distribution allows different levels of customization. This, unlike what happens in Windows, where a task as simple as changing the appearance of the desktop can become a nightmare.
Thanks to the active and generous community behind each of the Linux distributions, you will know in depth how your system works and to "tune" it as you like. You may even be able to acquire some potentially valuable skills if you have chosen a career or job related to computer science.
9. I want to save money
Linux distributions are almost all free. As if this were not enough, not only do you not have to pay anything to obtain them, but their source code is available and their users are free to copy and distribute them without committing any crime. The piracy Windows is practically non-existent in the Linux world. That is the nature of licensing FOSS with which not only Linux distributions are distributed but also a large part of the software available in their respective repositories.
This can save money because, obviously, you no longer have to buy Windows updates to work on your computer legally. Not to mention that the budget goes up and up if your family is large.
However, it should be noted that despite being free software -or perhaps thanks to it-, the quality of the software available for Linux is surprisingly good. In fact, you may have already tried some gems of free software such as Chrome, Firefox, VLC, and many others.
Seen in: Nuxified
After reading the article, it becomes clear that the only thing Linux is for is browsing the Internet. Find yourselves a job lazy.
Next comment like this and you go to the moderation list. It is clear that nobody is going to answer a message like this that does not contribute absolutely anything.
It is true that the comment does not contribute anything, but it seems to me that this article is designed to be thought of in such a way. If you read the points you will realize:
1. I don't want to upgrade Windows XP, use Linux.
2. I don't depend on any exclusive Windows application, it uses Linux. Or mean, what if it depends on, say, Microsoft Word? So the migration is no longer done because I depend on a program under that system?
3. I use my computer to connect to the Internet ... well, this point does not deserve much explanation.
I think Linux has much more to do than the points made. Anyone who comes from Windows (as the comment) will wonder if those are the reasons (of little weight) to migrate. It's basically saying that if you only use the internet, in Linux there is Firefox, Chrome. Opera!
The article is good but can be borrowed for those details.
to this type of people who use windows and come to blogs of / on linux would have to ban their ip if it could.
If there is 100% of the world's population, 80% playing video games on PC and the remaining 20% browsing or checking their emails, isn't that 20% supposed to be doing the same thing as a Linux user?
elav, don't worry, the presence of a frustrated Windows user will be clearly observed.
And before opinions arise about my comment, my pc is dual and the distribution I use has been much more functional than Windows
haj I would say that it is the other way around, and windows you can hardly do that (because you have to be very careful not to get caught by a virus, spyware, adware, etc.), also that you are paying for something when it is something better or in any case it you are hacking and committing a crime when you have better free things 🙂
What a Troll look your comment. It is useful for many things, do not be ignorant, it seems to me that you are a fan of windows, it is not all bad, I also use windows for other issues but it seems to me that throwing shit so you can sell me something else is bullshit. What are they looking for? Work? hahaha but if most are experts in programming something that you may not have enough intelligence. denoting your comment
@Daniel Menuda pint of Troll your comment. It is useful for many things, do not be ignorant, it seems to me that you are a very fan of windows, it is not all bad, I also use windows for other issues but it seems to me that throwing shit so that you can sell me something else is bullshit. What are they looking for? Work? hahaha but if most are experts in programming something that you may not have enough intelligence. denoting your comment
@Daniel, Comment like this ... they do not contribute anything to free software and will live forever enslaved under the private domain of windows that on top of that ... windows 8.1 asks for your personal data to your personal email and checks it to see if it is true , ... that is, an absolute domain of interference in the privacy or intimacy of its users. PCs that used windows XP ... are not suitable for windows 7 and much worse for wondows 8, ... why? ... due to the lack of hardware (RAM ... processor ... graphics card ... etc), ... due to the lack of drivers, and If they still insist on installing those systems… .the machine simply doesn't give more and the system hangs. I have tested up to windows 8.1 pack center…. and I do not regret having thrown away said system that I had complete, and now I am happy with Linux Mint that the machine appreciates and performs more with stable security without anyone handing over the records or personal data to the dark powers.
Of course, Linux has very good functions, such as being excellent on servers, for programming. And I can still answer you, Windows, it is only used to play video games.
I advise you to give linux a try with Linux Mint.
GNU / Linux is much more than what you say, too bad a sad ignorant and conformist like you, locked in the world of Winbugs, does not realize it.
using explorer your comment was born dead!
Mother of God!!!
What things to read: S ... a phenomenon this boy, hahaha
A Troll should not be listened to, but you know that I tell you: Leave them subject to the yoke of their operating system, a yoke from which I got rid of seven years ago and every day that I spend with my Xubuntu the more I am glad of the day I did the change …… Viva Linux !!!
off-topic: Greetings to Pablo because for some reasons or others I did not have the opportunity to follow him since the days of usemoslinux .... I am happy with the improvement of the blog, which was already ten points before and of course the new additions to the staff of the site.
We will try to read regularly and contribute to the extent of my user level.
Thank you for offering us this site team …… .. 😉
Javi
Thanks Javi!
I send you a hug! Paul.
Totally agree, it is to waste time I was an Ubuntu user and it really only serves to navigate in safe mode ...
Well no, and even if it were in the long run, nowadays any operating system with a browser covers 99% of the needs of the majority. Add to that the easy installation, the absence of viruses and not having to worry about hacking anything.
The truth is, I don't even know why you don't write to us. desde linux
No answer yet ... well then I'm right. Goodbye and turn off the PC and get a girlfriend.
You are using internet explorer ... fuchi
I think you need to go through windows and see that iexplore has evolved enough to be a good alternative
ps: in metro mode on the surface the iexplore is really cool 😀
Yes, I tried it, it evolved, but it is still crap in comparison, when the ineternet explorer went, the other explorers went and came back 40 times, and it will always be that way because innovation is not part of that explorer, which is always behind . The only thing that I thought was good is being able to pin web pages to the Windows bar, but it is not that useful either. Also, see how long it took to include the option to synchronize bookmarks. On the other hand, version 11 came out last year and they still haven't updated it, instead the others release several updates per year.
For me there is nothing like a good Firefox, the best browser on the web.
@Christian:
IE has improved a lot, but unfortunately it gives preferences on the .NET instructions over the HTML5 standards, and on top of that, when browsing in FB, the bastard hangs.
@Daniel:
To foolish words, deaf ears.
I have been using GNU / Linux for more than 3 years and I forgot about Windows.
I use Kubuntu 14.04 (64) for college, my work, my fun, games, etc.
When you know an operating system well, and compare it with another that has been used, the differences are seen and that does not give authority to offend, on the contrary, it teaches you to see, understand, collaborate and criticize only when you know how to improve what criticism, that is, present solutions.
A Magic Hug
I'm going to answer you in the only possible way: hahahahahajajajajajajajajajajajaja.
If you are looking for trouble go trolling elsewhere. These people do a wonderful job, and I know what it is to work a good article for you so that someone like you comes, without any respect for the work of others to disturb. Please be, first and foremost, a PERSON!
To those responsible for the site: Congratulations! I want to counteract the bad karma of this person so that you are encouraged to write more and more. ÇI love the blog and I learn a lot from you.
You do need a girlfriend, you come here just to give it up the ass.
The boy gets bored and instead of cleaning the numerous residues from his system and removing the infinity of bugs that slipped through the back door, he dedicates himself to making us laugh with his sarcastic humor ... quite a detail, a little humor always comes good.
As a Troll you are a phenomenon kid… .bravo!
😛
you do not have a girlfriend. If you had it, you wouldn't be wasting your time doing the troll
We will see what happens with point 6, it may be the key at the domestic level. As I enjoy old video games and shooting emulators I have no problems, but for other people it is something more important than the other exclusive Windows applications, because for Photoshop, Office and others there are alternatives if professional use is not required. It's not that GNU / Linux videogames are bad, but they are still really big.
That is changing, little by little ... thanks to Steam.
"... and get a girlfriend." hahahahahahaha
Personally, I have been using Linux for about 12 years (I have to get the account right). And I never passed the level of mere user.
What led me to install it was because of that undefined thing that one is half or almost the owner of something that he acquired. Anyone who rents a house and lives that countdown from signing the contract must understand what I mean.
At that time I refused to install it and connect to the internet; but once the thing was deployed I knew that the machine was already one hundred percent mine; This feeling is very favorable in capitalist environments.
And when the machine boots, I have that certainty of being on the fringes of mercantile wills or business vertigo.
Of course, I have lost a portion of friends who used to provide me with keys and other goodies.
It's not to sound bluff, but I know linux geeks who are womanizers, it is curious that even knowing Linux can be used to advantage to flirt with women who like intellectual types or geeks.
P.S. offtopic: I'm seeing a lot of people with W7 / 8 in this post (in my case for emulating the Soul Reaver of the psx, I got bored of wanting to configure the control in Arch: v)
The bad thing about games is that most of them are not free, even if you run them in Gnu / linux.
In addition, nowadays few people pay for games, if in Windows cracking them is a nonsense, on the other hand, the few that there are in Gnu / linux you have to pay for them, which at least I am not going to do.
Maybe I'm not a gamer, so Linux is fine for what I use it.
I tell you, PlayOnLinux (Wine) is a phenomenon for a large number of Windows games, including many of the most modern ones.
Yes it can be, but I prefer to have Windows in dual boot with Linux and that's it.
Sep, me the same, I got used to windows to never pay anything ... fundamentally games, and if I have windows it is to play without garping. Although recently I've been thinking about maybe, "pay" something ... hahaha, but seriously, even some programs, bah, pay or donate some money, because some things are very good, and seeing people's work makes you want to enhance their work (something that hardly happens with a super mega production microsoft all closed). The only thing that being in dollars, here in Argentina, because of the "economic diretes" you are never completely sure of how much you are paying or donating ...
If it weren't for the "free" games, I wouldn't have windows.
On the other hand, I hate when in linux I have problems with a dependency ... that is to say, it is missing, and I do not solve it with a quick search in google ... but hey, I would be the user who is more a desktop computer ... browser, word processor, program for movies and music, peerflix, multimedia server… and ……. niente piú, with linux I go like a blow with that.
Greetings and thanks for the article.
I'm with «joakoej», if I have to pay for games, it will be buying some for the console that I have at home (xbox). As far as PC is concerned, everyone at home (especially my little daughter), with what comes in the software center (Ubuntu 14.04), is enough for her. His favorites: supertux kart, froggato, openarena, supertux, etc… ..
Does your daughter play openarena? D:
Either he becomes a gamer, or he becomes a big XD linuxra (or both).
I don't know what else is missing if marketing or neurons in windows people like gnu / linux and mac?
Marketing is missing, I assure you ...
But more than that, more computers with Linux by default need to be sold. And with easy-to-use distros.
A real office is missing, as long as it is not assumed that libre-openoffice and the odf "standards" are not the de facto standards, many of us will not move, because the office is without comparison, and second, because the documents that already we generate, they are deconfigured when imported into an alternative tool ... the "standards" enclosed within four walls do not matter much, for the user that does not matter much, they just want it to work
In Europe the ODF has become a revolution that has even cursed the WPS Office, which in Latin America will not happen.
Although Microsoft's OOXML (used by new versions of Office) is the standard that suffers the most corruption than the previous Office standard and ODF combined, it is still being used thanks to pressure from Microsoft. So far, Kingsoft has best optimized WPS Office to edit such Office files without corruption.
I am a user
Hi, I'm a 97% Linux user, my desktop pc and my laptop are 100% Linux Debian, but for my work I use windos 98 if 98,
I use Windows 98 in virtual machine to work with Visual Studio 6.0, and thus I avoid problems when working with Windows Vista / 7/8.
Windows is not the devil, it is just another OS. If you like it fine, if you don't use something else.
Saying that you have it big and that the other has it small does not help at all. But when the reasons you give are half-true.
First of all, two clarifications. 1st: I write this from Windows because it is the computer I work on. 2nd: Sorry for the verbiage; sometimes I can't help it ... ó_ò
I agree with the general content of the post, but I would like to clarify some points. Not for criticizing or for making me interesting, but only for pure entertainment ... and if it serves to improve the post, so much the better. =; D
- If someone who comes from Windows is going to talk about Wine, I always recommend mentioning (even in passing) the PlayOnLinux front-end: configuring Wine directly can be quite difficult for a common user; PlayOnLinux, without magically solving all the problems, greatly facilitates this task.
- My experience tells me that it is not the "exotic" hardware that causes problems in Linux, but rather specific products (laptop chipsets, some WiFi modules, etc ...) or entire ranges of products from specific companies (for example, the moderately old ATI / AMD graphics: the free driver lacks certain important functions, the current proprietary one no longer supports them and the old versions of it do not work in modern distributions). However, professional and little-known printers tend to work the first time, strange USB gadgets are recognized without problem or there is a free driver on the Internet, touchpads that in Windows and with the official driver do not accept multi-touch come preconfigured in Linux to scroll with two fingers ...
And I have seen all that with these little eyes! What's more, I've seen most of these cases on my own computer!
- Steam is a benchmark in terms of Linux games, but it is by no means the only important source. It is worth mentioning that in Humble Bundle they also have a good selection of native Linux titles (and, in addition, without the need to have any client programs in the background and without DRM in many cases). Recently, GOG also offers titles for Linux, even with the company taking care of porting some on its own (and also without DRM or background client).
- "This, unlike what happens in Windows, where a task as simple as changing the appearance of the desktop can become a nightmare." I disagree.
The customization options for the Windows desktop, precisely because they are so few, are very easy to use. Using third-party solutions (eg: Dexpot, Classic Shell, Desktop Info…) requires a bit more experience, but they are also usually easy to install and configure.
Linux desktop environments offer much more customization, but this is often somewhat cryptic, depending on modifying configuration files by hand, or requires much more complex scripting than the average user can assume. In addition, the large number of alternative desktop environments can intimidate many users ... and that is not to mention incompatibilities, difficult installations (they are not common, but there are), dependency problems, etc ...
In another vein, I am surprised that Windows 7 and 8 are referred to on several occasions but Vista is not mentioned at any time, being the direct successor to XP. In fact, to upgrade from XP to 7 without reinstalling, you must first do a temporary upgrade to Vista.
I suppose it has a lot to do with the low acceptance of the product by the public, due to the great problems it had in its (hasty) launch, but that does not mean that it exists or justifies its being ignored; in short, both Windows 7 and 8 still have the core of Vista with certain improvements.
As a constructive criticism of the author, I would recommend that he try not to use localisms in his writing, particularly in certain verb conjugations (“… you are afraid that…”, “if you are looking for something”, “you can find”). In your region it may be a common way of speaking, but if you want to write for a wider audience, it is better to avoid these expressions that can cause some discomfort to the reader who, sharing a language, comes from another part of the world.
I myself am Andalusian and in my daily life I speak with a very marked accent and use colloquial expressions that are little less than incomprehensible even for other Spaniards. However, when speaking with people from other regions or when writing (even if it is to myself), I try to use as neutral Spanish as my knowledge allows me.
PS: I hope nobody is offended or scandalized by these comments. It is not my intention to disturb anyone, nor to initiate a "flame" * or anything like that. I just wanted to take advantage of the great opportunity that the Internet offers to express opinions and perhaps start some interesting discussion.
* Does anyone know an expression in Spanish equivalent to this? “Annoyance” occurs to me, but I don't know if outside of Spain is a common word.
Your comment is very successful ... about the word "anger", as it would rather be "war" in this case or simply "discussion", what happens is a "head butting discussion", because some want to be right over others .
Hi Yomes. I agree with the criticism of the way of writing, but it must also be borne in mind that each writer has his way of expressing himself and over time, when reading an article we can know who wrote it almost by guessing.
I understand what you are saying because both in Spain and Latin America we use different regional expressions that may not be well understood or misinterpreted as the case may be. I am from Argentina and we speak quite differently from Spanish, but always when writing, I try to use the neutral language with expressions known to all.
Hi Yomes! Excellent comment. I am not offended at all, on the contrary, thank you for stopping by and writing. In fact, I think that sometime you should encourage yourself to write a post.
Regarding what you say about Linux, I totally agree, from end to end. In relation to "regionalisms", first of all clarify that the voseo used in Argentina and other countries is not a colloquial way of speaking but simply the way we speak. As in Spain they say "you were", we say "you were." Honestly, I'm not going to change the way I write because I don't see people like you writing the same thing on blogs that use Spanish "regionalism", abusing you and a lot of words ending in teis, ois, and no I know how many more things.
In conclusion, writing in a different way, for me, at some point is giving up who I am, my own identity. I write as it is written in my country. I'm sorry if there are people who find it difficult to follow the reading, in the same way that it is difficult for me and Latin Americans in general to understand Spanish in Spain.
I send you a hug,
Pablo.
First of all, I have withdrawn the criticism in another comment. On second thought, I shouldn't have written it in the first place.
About writing a post, I already do! I've been participating and moderating on a PSP forum for years, writing tutorials and things like that. I also have a small Linux blog in which I release my verbiage from time to time, although it is a very personal project and only four cats visit it.
In any case, thank you! The comment made me have a bad day. 😀
Yes, for me what you say is also very good, except for what you said about the way you express yourself.
What I mean is that "you" is not a regional expression, at least not completely, it is not as if I started to say "boludo", "chabón", "yuta", etc in the posts.
The vos plus the ending -ás -iste -ís, etc is a verb form, which I'm not even sure it was formed in Argentina, although it seems to be the only country where it is used.
And, you can tell an Argentine not to say any of his expressions, mentioned above, but you are not going to convince him to stop using the vos, because for an Argentine to use the "you" is almost ridiculous, since it is not incorrect to use the vos, is not a colloquial expression, it is completely valid to use it in any circumstance and part of the Spanish language.
I do not know if I explain myself.
Well, it seems that the language issue has attracted more attention than any of the technical nuances. I guess I should have expected it.
I would like to clarify that the article did not seem difficult to read for that reason, I just find the way of speaking a bit strange. In fact it seems to me that it is very well written (otherwise I would not have read it).
Reading the comments I have reconsidered. I understand that using another way of speaking (or writing) would make it more uncomfortable for the author to write than it might be for me to read as he writes, so I withdraw that criticism.
I am glad that the discussion was cordial and constructive. That says a lot about the readers of this page! =; D
I only have two things to say about your comment:
1.- Well said. Very well clarified about the GNU / Linux experience, although for KISS distros they are the ones that usually cause problems in very, very particular cases.
2.- On Flame: the closest term to said Anglicism: Brawl.
Well yes, I think it is the word with a closer meaning. I had not thought about it. XD
Thank you!
Good article, it is like the most weighty when deciding to change the OS. What I want to say and although it is more than known, is that Libre Office has the key to the success of Linux, I say it because in a time interval of 6 months, many people have asked me about Linux, and the typical question, can I use Office. ??? and when they ask about games, dual boot is not something that causes them antibodies, on the contrary, they even find it "interesting".
The vast majority of them are college classmates who want to have something new and also because they have heard something out there called "Ubuntu".
Greetings.
I have Linux accidentally, but I don't go back to windows. With windows you always have a problem, an update that you have to pay for, or you don't have the keys, a virus, they make you go from one to another to another ... you are forced to go to the technician. And I don't just use it for browsing, I also use it for research. The problem that I found is when sending files (word, ppoint, exel) that when they are opened in other windows (2003, xp, seven, 2010 ...) they never remain as one leaves them ...
Chrome free software?
Well, it wasn't entirely accurate ... Chromium (which Chrome is based on) is ...
Sure, if it's the Chromium fork (and Google Chrome's main parent project).
Right now I am using it (believe it or not).
Hahaha, good "debate" that was armed by those who use windows, in short it is a matter of taste.
Hello, why doesn't my comment appear? I, who am a good person, never do harm to anyone now what I did to deserve this... O_O I don't understand what happened, well, it doesn't matter that I was going to cry hahaha, I really don't know what's up, I loved you desde linux 🙁
Ok apparently the comment takes a while to show up I'm a little anxious esp it's not my fault PAZ 🙂
Awesome
Good article, I will use the arguments and contributions to continue convincing more users. Cheers
For gamers, Linux is NOT an option, although Steam is struggling to make compatible many games the industry itself is not following it and WINE or similar is simply not the solution because it is to add an emulation layer and thereby degrade the final experience.
Many games have many problems in WINE and there are some that just don't work.
Windows is a great operating system, it avoids many problems for the average user (90% of users), it allows a standardized work integration and it is the basis for many work tools (not only for office automation, but also for design, programming and control), I think that an article like this instead of helping to define the advantages of Linux, degrades it and adds to the eternal fight of children of my father beats yours.
Linux can have a lot of things, uses, utilities, front ends, but as long as its users keep putting it under the shadow of windows when making simple comparisons, then people will not be able to understand the options they have.
Ironically, the greatest enemy of Linux today is Android, which, even based on its kernel, has managed to give direction to massify many general and specific characteristics, such as entertainment center, office automation, etc.
At the developer level, Linux is a more economical and versatile platform to embed in arcade machines. A notable case is Andamiro, which uses Stepmania for main game engine for the US version of the Pump It Up dance simulator.
Interesting article, gnu / linux is very good in terms of stability and has an interesting niche. Generally it could be substituted except in specific cases such as games.
When they can be played and "Free", not to say tricks, it will be completed
Very good article, I use both systems, but 99.9% I am on Linux,
ah remember not to feed the failed troll above, it looks like it is a lost cocoon on the web
What is the best operating system on Linux?
the one you like the most
Juan, I think that all GNU / Linux operating systems are very good, only that there are some for "novice" users and others that require more computer skills. I think Debian, Linux Mint, Ubuntu or openSUSE are easy to install and use operating systems.
An important reason was missing, possibly related to reason # 8 from the article: Linux is probably the best and most widely used operating system for developing and programming. In conjunction with free hardware proposals like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Beaglebone, and the like, the Linux world is way ahead of Windows and Mac in terms of development and programming. With Linux, the user-computer relationship goes beyond the simple relationship of habitual consumption, expanding to a relationship of constant knowledge and learning. It is an excellent operating system.
Óscar Murcia dixit: »With Linux, the user-computer relationship goes beyond the simple relationship of habitual consumption, expanding to a relationship of constant knowledge and learning. It's an excellent operating system. "
This is true and I know. Today I bought five HP LaserJet Professional P1102W printers… nothing to write home about. I connected two of them to two iMac and it was just "plug'n'play; I connected another two to two workstations with Windows 8.1 and it was also «plug'n'play» ... connect one to another workstation with Windows 8.1 and Linux Mint Qiana and well ... with Windows «plug'n'play» ; In Linux Mint I installed a driver, it recognized the printer ... but it did not print. Investigating, I found that this driver does not work with the version of Linux Mint that I have installed, so I had to search the internet to download the appropriate driver, and once with the driver installer on my hard drive, to install! ... Ah ... but wait! The terminal throws me a message: need to install missing dependencies ...! Well, I installed the dependencies and… oh no… now it turns out that there is some incompatibility with the installed driver because it is an older version… a message in terminal asks me what I want to do:
a.-Uninstall the old driver and install the new version.
b.-Over-write it.
c.-Abort the installation.
What difference does it make?! Let's uninstall old version and install the new one! 45 minutes later the installation is finished… and now you have to reboot the system for the driver to "detect" the printer. Linux Mint already restarted now you have to configure the printer.
In total it took me between 90 to 100 minutes the whole process; from detecting the problem, to looking for the right installer for the version of Linux Mint that I used, to being able to print a test. If someone tells me that I learned something today, I'll tell them ... I'll send it away. It's honestly stressful. For me, IT IS STRESSFUL… Is it not the fault of GNU / Linux but of the HP manufacturers who do not provide the drivers for these distros? What do I care about that ?! In practical terms for me there is no difference: with one it was very simple and with the other it was not.
Does this experience turn my Linux Mint into a bad distro? NO! I like it, I will continue to use it and will continue to recommend it, but I cannot sell the idea that GNU / Linux distros are easier to use than MacOSX or Windows because it is not true.
Tina, your example is valid but you have to take it with a grain of salt.
I fully understand what you are talking about, but if Windows or Mac detected the printer at the time it is not because they are great and simply easy, but because HP provides them with the necessary drivers (with money, contracts, agreements in between) and that is why they work at the same time. first. A lot is done by Linux developers who manage to support almost all types of hardware by reverse engineering.
I don't know which version of LinuxMint you use either, but I imagine it to be something LTS or Stable. If so, it is normal that some drivers do not work correctly when the hardware is much newer. In the end you lost 90 minutes of your time (I still don't understand why that much, maybe because of the speed of the connection or something like that) but at least Linux Mint detected the printer and gave you the steps to install it correctly. For which you are right, it is not a bad system. 😉
regards
I agree with both, in some systems it can be easier than others to connect devices, but we have to see what the reason is.
Luckily I never had problems with the printer (hp multifunction) and GNU / Linux recognizes it to me instantly. And now that I use Linux Mint with KDE I realized that I can access some devices that I couldn't with Gnome or Xfce, and in Windows I need the drivers cd:
-Kodak EasyShare Z8612IS digital camera -> card access to download images.
-Cellular Nokia 5610 -> card access to copy files and access to folders on the equipment itself.
-Wi-fi network card (TPLink, I don't remember the model)
-Sony dcr-dvd308 camcorder -> access dvd and memory card.
-Chinese cell phone without brand -> use front or rear camera as webcam
But also at another time it did not work for me with other distros or environments.
That is understandable, since HP is a pain in the cable not only at the hardware level (as was the case with the original cartridges), but also at the software level. That is why I love Canon and Epson because they have better compatibility with GNU / Linux and that GNU / Linux uses CUPS to recognize printers.
And if that weren't enough, that's nothing. I spent like 4 hours to install the driver to the Huawei E175 in Debian Jessie (in Wheezy, it did not give me problems).
With regard to Windows and OSX, they are just as vulnerable. Regarding GNU / Linux, I share the same opinion as with OpenBSD and GNU / Hurd: they are quite transparent with the user, and at least you feel the human warmth when consulting the forums and support pages dedicated to the respective distros .
@elav and @Joaquin, thank you so much for reading my comment.
@elav dixit: «… if Windows or Mac detected the printer at the moment it is not because they are great and simply easy, but because HP provides them with the necessary drivers"
@Tina Toledo dixit: «What is the fault not of GNU / Linux but of the HP manufacturers that do not provide the drivers for these distros? In practical terms, for me there is no difference: with one it was very simple and with the other it was not. "
Elav, you are absolutely right: for me Linux Mint Qiana is as, or more, great than Windows 8.1 or MacOSX. I am convinced of it. But an operating system is not an island and we cannot, nor should we, evaluate its ease of use based on how easy it can be to install, customize it or whether or not you have to take care of worms, Trojans and viruses. I think that the purpose of an operating system is not to exist by itself but to be a tool capable of meeting certain specific needs that vary depending on what we need it for. If you notice in my comment-complaint-relief I do not blame anyone, I only raise one fact: at least Linux Mint Qiana can present problems that make it difficult to use. I'm not saying that because someone told me, but it's my experience as a user: I have had serious problems with broken dependencies that force me to reinstall everything again, scanners impossible to use because there are no drivers for them and even a laptop whose wi -fi does not work with Mint -Do you remember that almost two years ago I told you about it? -. Those are just a few examples.
Beyond the libertarian philosophy of GNU / Linux, I consider that Linux Mint is an excellent distro for all those who wish to abandon Windows, however I also consider that we must be honest with those to whom we are going to introduce GNU / Linux to this world. : At least Linux Mint is probably not going to cause you the same problems as Windows, but if you are going to find yourself with issues that, some, can be easy or, others, complicated to solve. In that sense, you have to leave that new user a warning: if you are not willing to invest your time in solving these problems and you get frustrated very quickly, GNU / Linux is not for you. And this consideration goes beyond the famous song of "self-improvement" and "stupidity", it is simply that we do not all have the same goals, interests and priorities in our life.
As Joaquin says:… in some systems it may be easier than others to connect devices, but we have to see what the reason is. But beyond understanding and justification is the fact that, for whatever reason you like and send, for me last night it was very difficult to use a printer on my beloved Linux Mint Qiana.
pd Elav, the download and installation did not take me that long. I spent ninety minutes - or maybe a little more - detecting the problem of why I couldn't print, searching and finding the right driver - this was a trial and error process as I had to download three different versions to see which one worked - until finally I was able to get a proof sheet. If I didn't have a quick connection, the whole process would have taken me longer.
So if you learned something 😉
I had the same problem and I gave Linux a second chance but I see that it always goes back to being an egg breaker.
@Tina_Toledo:
I was going to tell you to come to Debian, but I realize that suffering with Linux Mint is more than enough. Debian Jessie is full of unsolved mysteries such as the incompatibility of the Huawei E173 when registering it so that it recognizes it as a USB modem (something that in Debian Wheezy is plausible).
Anyway, there are times that we run into Orinoco things.
@ eliotime3000:
Well, it seems that Linux Mint is paving its own path on Debian. Hopefully it stops being just a project and Linux Mint is a true Debian-based distro.
Too bad the bad experience you had with your printer, I never really had a problem with printers. I have 2 an epson and a hp, I always connect them and I detect them without installing anything. It was even easier to use them in linux, because I didn't have to install anything (in windows I have to install the drivers). I even got to print from microsoft office running on wine.
Hello TheGuillox!
Well, I've been using Linux Mint for almost six years and I already know that such things happen. In fact, this problem is just as Joaquin says: each distro and each desktop environment usually have different drawbacks, with some certain peripherals work well and with others not. But my point is that it is not very correct to gleefully promote GNU / Linux distros as if they were the holy miracle worker who is going to solve all our problems almost magically. You have to be honest and warn potential new users that they are still going to face problems and give them an induction so that they can search and find solutions themselves.
Using Linux Mint for so many years, without changing the distro, has led me to know him quite well and when I recommend him I place a lot of emphasis on the problems he has given me and how I have solved them, I recommend sites -blogs, forums ... - where the new user can be advised by experts - I am not an expert - and, from experience, I have noticed that this creates new, more loyal users because it does not create a false expectation. Honestly, I prefer four new permanent users to that of ten, finally, only one remains because nine already ran fuming when Linux Mint presented the first problem.
@Tina: I agree that you have to show the good and bad side of everything when we recommend a distro, especially if it is a user who does not know GNU / Linux.
Before using Mint I tried OpenSUSE and I loved the way to install applications from the web "with one click" (unlike Ubuntu and Mint, which have to add the repos to the list), but it was somewhat different in terms of its setup (I know more about the Debian family) and I couldn't fix an audio problem (no sound on youtube).
So I tried Mint because it has a reputation for being very simple and so it is… but you have to take into account many things. For example, in Mint the wifi did not work if I used the same kernel as the openSUSE (3.11…). Anyway, things happen and I don't have the knowledge or time or patience to find the difficult solution, so I'm using an older but functional kernel (3.2 ...).
I understand your concern, sometimes there is no time to fix the problem, but I also do not complain so much about some difficulties because I think that thanks to the fact that it is free software, at some point the solution will come. Besides, I chose that system because it is comfortable for me and I can do whatever I want with it. It does bother me a lot and it makes me angry when I buy a device that only has support for Windows and problems appear in Windows itself, it seems unacceptable to me.
Since 2008 I have been using Ubuntu (that is, since the Hardy Heron version) as a very simple user: I use the office suite, listen to music, watch movies, surf the net, scan images, edit music and videos; in short, nothing far-fetched.
I think I would never go back to Window $ because of the stability and security that GNU / Linux gives me.
Tssss, How I love this type of post.
"Ladies and gentlemen, come come, I come to inform you about our savior, LINUX."
Guys, if linux is good, but it's not for making this kind of "contributions": "Say yes to Linux, Say NO to Windows."
Linux evangelism, today, is an inherited defect rather than a virtue.
Years ago it had its meaning when it was working with magazines and rolling CDs.
Today with the ubiquitous internet, it makes no sense to grill people. The one who is restless finds out immediately and the one who has no restlessness does not care what you say. And the most likely thing is that you waste your time with facilities and others. And in 10 days it will tell you that it returned to windows. In addition to having you as a technological secretary.
It is best not to support windows. In a punk style, with the poise that only having done the panoli many times gives. "I don't know, I don't use windows" and what do you use? »Linux, free software that doesn't give that problem, google it» and you're done. If the bug bites you, it will look for it. And if not, that someone else gives you free support for windows.
It is better to do a tutoring on the NET and have it for everyone, than to waste time with a neighbor who has no interest. Less evangelize and more procreate.
take advantage of the fact that linux mint is a delight, easy (much easier than win) and does not cause any kind of problems, at least with my hardware.
"I want something different. I got tired of Winbug »
Winbug, Window $, M $ Windows are words that should be used as a filter for every serious article… seriously… Anyone expecting an objective report after reading something like this?
hi tech geniuses, I love what they do.
Some time ago, with the help of lovelock, I managed to install ubunto on my husband's PC, but it only worked, the transaction with my husband to use his PC, at the same time, there was no trace of ubunto on the PC. my own lap top and I would love to migrate to ubunto, I'm going to start reading the articles and learn how to operate the ubunto system, I'm just a newbie yet.
I greet you sincerely.
Betty.
it is fair and necessary.
Regarding item 7 «I want something different. I got tired of Winbug »I mean that before knowing GNU / Linux, I used XP and searched the internet for tricks to speed up the system and stuff. To be honest, I thought (in my absolute ignorance) that Windows was part of the computer and came with it.
Many times I got fed up and even got rid of its slowness and unknown errors, but it never crossed my mind that there were other operating systems and I honestly believe that no one who does not know something about computers and only uses their computer for the Internet and «do works in Word ”, you know the word“ operating system ”.
I think that's the big problem with all this, how can a person choose if he only knows one option?
I only read the first five comments to realize the absurd rivalry between some Windows users. If you're on a linux blog, what are you waiting for? Haters exist and you have to learn to live with them.
I am 24, I have been using windows since I was 8 years old. The only reason I never migrated to Linux is because I am a hardcore gamer, and even that is not reason enough to stay on Windows. I just want to leave my point of view regarding the migration from windows to linux.
If you are a student of Systems / Informatica / software etc. A migration to Linux is a necessary condition, because enrichment in the profession has no measurable value. It indicates a challenge and an interest in knowledge of the operating system on many levels. Installing new software can be complex and even searching for alternatives is very fun and challenging.
People, Just say thank you for your posts because you really can see the passion in the news.
Hugs!
Windows has real benefits:
1. All the hardware that comes out on the market, including ALL the latest generation hardware in graphics, sound cards and multiple devices useful in various professions come for Windows… and (as an addition) Mac. Being tremendously easy to configure in Windows and giving all their performance (sometimes) on that platform.
2. The main professional programs and applications used by most professionals come for Windows, or have effective versions for that system. These are programs that are so widely used that universities teach how to use them.
3. Windows is a completely productivity-oriented system (Amen of games). The Windows user, with the exception of a tiny minority, does not change icons, almost never changes desktop themes, does not embellish, generally does not change the Wallpaper, HIS REAL TASK is to make working documents. All the years that I used Win XP I never thought of changing icons, however I did a lot of documents on that platform.
4. An operating system is easy to do, said an Asian Hawei executive, the difficult thing, he added, is to create the ECOSYSTEM of applications, and in the PC world, the ecosystem of hardware manufacturers that support that platform. Linux, even today, is seriously lacking in that, and whoever is given to buying the latest hardware either experiences many frustrations, or ends up becoming a Kernel Hacker because of what he learns to start the last hardware he has bought.
5. The number of applications for Windows overwhelms, for practically any need there are seven, eleven and even more options, between free and paid Apps, many of them exceptional. In Linux, however, although, as a whole, there are many apps, many are very defective or green and for many specific work or leisure tasks, we count on the fingers of our hand the Apps that there are and we have fingers to spare.
6. Finally, too many things that the normal user has to do in Windows are incredibly easy.
I have opted for Windows 7 recently, not because of any of the above, but because it made me angry, seeing the Hispanic Linux community, it made me angry to spend the remaining time changing icons, testing applications, announcing the exit of the latest Google browser , testing distros, testing desktop environments, downloading new Ubuntu derivatives, and in all that there is no productivity whatsoever, except for professional sites. I am 42 years old, and I am not going to reach fifty in front of a PC looking for an Icon Pack.
For this reason, I installed Windows 7, and I am only concerned with security, which is a problem in Windows, as in Android and recently in Mac, because every platform that is massed is intensely attacked.
Everything else continues as before: Chrome as browser. Thunderbird as a mail client; so far Libre Office as a word processor, VLC as a video player and now iTunes, Windows Media Center and an endless number of Apps to play media.
Honestly, the "daily life" talking about the things that I have mentioned: Icons, Themes, Desktop Environments, distros, derived from Ubuntu, App updates, is not what I want for my free time in what remains.
Right now I can only find a good video editor, there are many, and concentrate on reading, studying and making professional documents, which is what I have always done. I'm sure that in Windows 7 I don't even have to think about Themes, Icons and things like that. That is not to consider there, but, in my case, more productive things, because what I could never achieve in Linux is to be as productive as I was when I used Win XP, this fact is a mystery to me, but it was like that.
I do not doubt installing Ubuntu later, surely, but as a secondary thing, now I'm not on it, although I thank that system very much. I secured some blogs, I will visit the Ubuntu community, I will share any news, but up to there.
Very good publication, I have been using Linux for more than a year and a half, we must understand that it is easy for us to make that transfer from Windows to Linux, because it changed me, at first it was a curiosity and I liked it more and more, until About to have my two old computers with linux and zero windows, after passing one distro after another I found the ideal one for me and it is fantastic despite so many myths of rolling release distros, Arch is fabulous, it cost me a lot to install and understand it, I'm enjoying this distro, what if you have to be modest, with Linux you never finish learning, you have to have a lot of patience and perseverance.
My best regards.
First of all, allow me to express my sincere thanks for all the information provided. Then I would like to indicate what linux software I could implement as my operating system, taking into account that I have a sony vaio laptop, with an intel core i5 processor, with 4Gb of memory, a 500 Gb hard drive, 2,53 Ghz. Thank you.
Hi Jose Antonio!
First of all tell you that this is my opinion.
If you don't have much knowledge about Linux, I recommend that you start with Debian, without a doubt.
The hardest part is choosing the desktop environment that suits you.
Personally I use Gnome and did not change it for any other, anyway, in your situation I would look for some comparison between the Gnome and KDE environments.
A greeting!
Hello Jose! First of all, thank you for leaving your comment.
I think it would be better if you ask this question in our question and answer service called Ask DesdeLinux or in our Forum so that the whole community can help you with your problem.
A hug, Pablo.
Good afternoon, I am a user who has been using Windows for years, (I started with Win98), me, 2000, xp, vista, 7, 8, 8.1 upgrade 1. and only a few years using Linux: slax, ubuntu, kubuntu, xubuntu, linux mint, puppy linux, etc etc.
And I can say that the first versions of linux that I used were rubbish, they did not work well on my computers, they had no sound, or video. The main problem was the drivers.
But currently they have improved a lot. Unfortunately, I can't stop using Windows. I currently dual boot ubuntu-Windows. But mainly for the office, the games, the utilities and the programs that are in windows.
And what a curiosity, that the best programs for Windows are free, even free, and that they only work on Windows!
Linux is excellent to navigate, it is very stable, Linux is beautiful, and free! It has almost no virus, no antivirus, more sophisticated, without so many restrictions, and above all, more flexible. Whereas Windows is very responsive. Even the installer does not allow you to use live windows, and when it gets damaged it is another problem.
But hey, you have to use both systems. In my case, I use Win8.1, which in terms of stability has improved, is more robust, and can be played, and use audio, multimedia, video, games, graphic design, etc. converter programs. And when it is free go to grub and select Ubuntu 🙂 And browse, listen to music, see new programs, etc.
Anyway, for now, use both systems, depending on the occasion.
Regards!
very clear, reuse your description.
thank you very much