I recently came across this funny flowchart on LinkedIn. Not only did it make me laugh, but it also got me thinking about why I prefer Linux over Windows or macOS.
I'll start by saying that I'm not a Linux elitist. I don't think that one operating system is inherently better than the others. They all have their pros and cons depending on your situation, needs, and preferences.
However, I do prefer Linux for a few reasons:
1) Linux is all about freedom and control. With macOS and Windows, you're pretty much stuck with whatever the operating system comes with. With Linux, however, you have complete control over your system. You can customize it exactly how you want it, and if you mess something up, it’s not a big deal since you can just fix it yourself. You're able to see everything under the hood with complete transparency.
2) Linux is more stable and secure than Windows and macOS. This is because it's designed to be used by power users who need a stable system that can handle heavy workloads. With Windows, you’re constantly at risk of malware and viruses. With macOS, you’re at the mercy of Apple’s security updates. With Linux, you can rest assured knowing that your system is secure.
3) Linux is much faster than macOS and Windows because it is less resource-intensive. This is due to the lack of extra features and bloatware that the other two operating systems have. I remember the first time I installed Linux Mint on an old, beat-up laptop for the first time and was amazed by how fast and efficient it was, despite the ancient hardware. Linux will give your old laptops a new life.
4) Linux is free. Windows and macOS cost money, and while you may argue that you get what you pay for, I would argue that you don’t. With Linux, you get a superior operating system for free.
5) Linux is just more fun. Even though Linux may be challenging to use at first or you might break things, the process of learning how to use it effectively can serve as a valuable learning experience. It will sharpen you and expand your understanding and abilities as a user. With Windows and macOS, you never really learn anything since everything is hidden from you. With Linux, you learn about the system and how it works, and you become better equipped as a result.
So there you have it, my five reasons for why I prefer Linux over Windows or macOS. I hope this has given you a better understanding of Linux and why it is such a great operating system.
Interested in learning Linux? Here's my advice
A colleague of mine recently asked me what the best way to learn Linux was. She said she was going through a course on it currently, but wanted to know if there was a better way.
In my opinion, the best way to learn Linux is to dive in head first and actually make it your primary operating system on your computer. Yes, you're going to be frustrated at first and will need to Google a lot of things, but this method will FORCE you to learn.
Do this for the next 60 days, or if you're feeling extra ambitious, do it for the next 3 months. After that, you may be fully converted.
Sometimes the best way to learn something is to push yourself into the deep end of the pool. By making Linux your primary operating system, you're doing just that. Your brain will be more engaged and things will stick because you've got concrete things you're trying to do and accomplish in real-time, and you're using it in a real-world setting. Plus, you'll be doing it everyday, which is the best way to learn: repetition.
This method of learning may not be for everyone and may be stressful or daunting at times, but it is also the most effective. The good type of stress that'll benefit and improve you.
Similar to how lifting weights causes stress to muscles in order to grow them, a little bit of stress caused by Linux's learning curve can also be beneficial in helping you remember key concepts better. By using it as your main operating system for 60 days, you will gradually become more familiar and proficient with it.
Things will start to click and you will be a Linux expert in no time.
So don't be discouraged by the learning curve, it's definitely worth it in the end!
