Linux vs Windows debate has been going for a long time now; both communities keep arguing over which operating system is better and how. In this article, I have mentioned ten aspects of Linux that is way better than Windows.
These points also form the reasons why Linux users hate Windows. Scroll down to read the full article.
1. Terrible security
Windows is the most malware-ridden operating system vulnerable to various threats, including spyware, adware, Trojans, and worms. Windows users fall easy prey to such malicious agents due to the lack of security and popularity of Windows. Hackers spend their time exploiting Windows machines as it is the mainstream OS.
On the other hand, Linux has a superior security architecture, and people can find and fix vulnerabilities in Linux without having to reverse engineer binaries, unlike Windows.
Linux computers rarely get a virus, and there is no known case of widespread virus infection in Linux; however, in Windows, malware and ransomware create chaos every year.
2. Lack of Privacy
Windows is a privacy nightmare. Linux users hate proprietary software collecting user data with or without the user’s consent.
Windows 10, by default, gives itself the permission to collect loads of personal data on you and profile the way you use Windows.
It shares much information about you with Microsoft. Windows sends Microsoft everything you say to Cortana. It also collects your name, nickname, calendar events, and a lot more.
It collects information about how often you use specific apps and programs on Windows 10. Microsoft uses this data to improve its services and sell targeted ads. It is a part of the company’s “Intelligent Tracking Prevention” feature introduced in April 2018 with Windows 10 version 1803.
3. Limited choices
Linux users love the broad choices they get with their Linux operating system. However, with Windows, you are stuck with the same desktop environment and default apps until Microsoft releases a new Windows version with a different look and feel.
In the Linux world, users can choose from 100s of different Linux operating systems and desktop environments; you can turn the whole UI upside down, completely switch it with a new desktop environment or customize it to any extent; the sky is the limit.
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4. No freedom over your system
Windows users are restricted from complete control since Microsft is always worried about users messing up and deleting necessary system files. Meanwhile, with the sudo command in Linux, users can access a privileged user root with full permission and access to the system. Linux users are mostly Techie and demand greater control over their system.
In Windows, Microsoft decides the fate of your computer; if it decides that your hardware is old, you will stop receiving system and security updates, and the system will become laggy and slow over time.
You have no choice but to throw away the old hardware and buy a new one, although we recommend recycling it or reviving it using Linux. You are also stuck with the same dull GUI forever until Microsoft releases a new version of Windows, but on Linux, you have a wide range of distros to choose from based on your liking and needs.
Linux is free to use. You can view, edit, share and review the source code and share the OS with your friends without paying ever.
5. Windows is Proprietary
Windows is proprietary, and Linux users are FOSS lovers. Free and open-source software which can be downloaded and shared without restrictions. Users can contribute to these software and review the source code for bugs.
Linux users hate proprietary software controlled by corporates that they can not trust with their data or system.
In Linux, users choose the way their operating system looks, works, and is available in the market. They can contribute to the distribution, improve it and bring changes they like. But on the other hand, Windows is proprietary, controlled and distributed by Microsoft and the source code is not available for public review.
6. No support for old hardware
This is not just a usual Linux VS Windows issue but an environmental disaster; thousands of computers get tossed every year because Windows dropped support for it.
The latest Windows 11 does not support hardware older than three years, pushing users to get the latest technology and toss away the older hardware, which harms the environment.
Windows do not support old hardware, and even if it does in a few cases, it has trouble running properly, which means the user will be forced to pay for a new computer that can run windows.
Linux is very lightweight, and it supports all hardware, be it new or old. People install Linux on their computers to revive them, which is cost-effective, helps keep the environment clean, and follows the principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
7. Windows Updates are Annoying
Everyone, including Windows users, agree with this point, “Windows updates are Annoying.” They hit you when you are at your lowest, they are annoying and stack up to tens of gigabytes if you don’t update regularly, and in the worst case, they break your system.
Windows update takes decades to download and then eternity to apply after reboot. This can be very annoying, especially when you boot your computer for important work and find windows updating itself without asking you.
Microsoft has also delivered buggy updates in the past, leading to data loss and frequent system crashes.
https://fossbytes.com/windows-10-driver-update-fix-buggy-windows-updates/
However, in Linux, updates can be applied immediately without rebooting the system. All system updates and software updates are tested to be stable and shipped directly via the software manager using repositories. Updates are small and easy to install and can be installed with a single command using the terminal or through the Software manager.
8. Stability issues
Linux is more stable because of how it is built using modules. While the modules do interact, they remain independent of each other. So if one module goes down, it doesn’t crash the whole system.
Issues are easier to debug on Linux because it is open source and how it’s built, but Windows users face a more challenging time figuring out what is causing the Blue screen of death.
Over time, Windows computers become slow and laggy, the system starts to hang, and the user can either wipe out the whole system and reinstall Windows or buy a newer and upgraded computer. Windows also crash more often than Linux, causing frustration and hate towards the OS.
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9. Slower than modern OS
A good modern operating system should be fast and responsive and can multi-task under high load, but Windows completely fails to do so.
It eats up a lot of RAM and CPU, leaving just enough for other apps to run. While multi-tasking and under load, it is common for Windows to freeze.
However, on the other hand, Linux is a lightweight operating system that can run on decade-old hardware. It runs on minimal specifications, and users always have a choice to choose a lighter Linux distribution that supports their device and system.
10. Command prompt is useless
Command prompt is pretty much useless as compared to the Linux terminal. You can control the whole system through the terminal and create and run scripts to automate tasks. The terminal makes programming tasks easier with tools like curl, sort, find, etc.
The entire system on a Linux OS can be controlled via the terminal. It is more efficient to alter settings and customize the computer via the terminal.
The terminal is the reason many people use and learn Linux.
Final Thoughts
These are the main reasons why Linux is better than Windows and why Linux users hate Windows. Think you have something to add to the article? Drop your opinion in the comments below.