Reasons to Move Away from MS Windows
Published: 2010-10-13 17:57:25
Categories: Robotics & Perception Systems
I am sure most of you would be in a defensive mode, defending your favorite and dear Microsoft Windows. My view is that open source alternatives are often better than paid options. Why use a pirated Windows when Linux is available for free? Here are a few reasons to consider migrating to Linux.
Forget Viruses
You probably remember recent waves of malware attacks. We could avoid a lot of that pain by moving to Linux. Yes, anti-virus tools exist, but do we really want to spend computing power and time on constant anti-virus maintenance? Linux systems are generally less dependent on anti-virus software as a necessity.
Stable Systems
I remember the days when I had to force power-off my PC because it froze. Modern Windows versions are more stable than before, but freezes and sluggish behavior still happen. No operating system is perfect, but Linux tends to score better on long-term stability.
Why Pay for Windows
Why pay for Windows when you can get a capable alternative for Rs. 0 (legally free)? If your PC came with Windows pre-installed, you paid for it indirectly. The machine would often be cheaper without that license. If someone uses an illegal copy, that is still software theft.
Freedom
When we talk about freedom, we mean "free speech," not "free beer." In practical terms: anyone can copy the software, modify it, and share it. If you wonder how money is made in that model, it is similar to restaurants: services, support, and value-added work around the core product.
Software Availability
On Windows, OS installation is often just the beginning. Then comes searching, downloading, and installing many tools. On Linux, most daily-use software is available through package managers, and installation is straightforward: request a package and the system resolves dependencies and installs it.
Forget Installing Drivers
On Windows, users often install many drivers manually (display, printer, etc.). On Linux, support for many devices is built in. In many cases, you plug in a device and it works.
Why Windows Gets Slower Over Time
People often say, "My computer is getting sluggish, I should reinstall." Reinstalling may help temporarily, then the cycle repeats. Linux systems are generally more predictable over long periods: years later they can still feel responsive, with fewer malware/adware issues and less frequent reinstall cycles.
Music and Media
Linux has strong music players (Amarok, Rhythmbox, Banshee, etc.). They can manage libraries, fetch metadata/lyrics, and provide a solid playback experience.
These are only a few reasons to switch to Linux. There are many more. If you want to try it, you can download a Linux ISO from official distro websites (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.).