Why use Linux?

This is the one question that most people ask: Why bother learning a completely different computing environment, when the operating system like Windows works fine with most desktops, laptops, and servers? To answer that question, I would ask another question: Does that operating system you’re currently using really work “just fine”? Or are you constantly battling viruses, malware, slow downs, crashes, costly repairs, and licensing fees?

If you struggle with the above, and want to free yourself from the constant fear of losing data or having to take your computer in for the “yearly clean up,” Linux might be the perfect platform for you. Linux has evolved into one of the most reliable computer ecosystems on the planet. Combine that reliability with zero cost of entry (free availability) and you have the perfect solution for a desktop platform.

That’s right, zero cost of entry...as in free. You can install Linux on as many computers as you like without paying a cent for software or server licensing. Using Linux is free and also the softwares that come for Linux environment are free. Unlike windows, you don't have to pay for any software like MS-Office. In fact, Linux is a free and complete server on our desktop.

Comparing other interfaces, Linux has a most secure environment. There will not be a problem of viruses, malware, trojan or computer slowing down. Compared to windows where there is mostly a problem of viruses and slow-downs. We need not to install a single antivirus program on Linux as that on windows (despite of windows defender).

Next problem which occurs mainly in windows is system restarts frequently when installed a new driver, software, updates, etc. Linux does not need system restarts for all these. It only needs a system restart when updating/downgrading kernel as it links hardware with system. It is not out of the ordinary for a Linux server to go years without being rebooted. That’s stability and dependability.

Linux is also distributed under an open source license. Open source follows the following key philosophies:

• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
  
• The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
  
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
  
• The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.
  

The above are crucial to understanding the community that comes together to create the Linux platform. It is, without a doubt, an operating system that is “by the people, for the people”. These philosophies are also one of the main reasons a large percentage of people use Linux. It’s about freedom and freedom of choice.

In short, the answer to Why use Linux is - Security, Control and Privacy.