Advantages of Linux:
Freedom!
Linux is very stable!
Linux systems rarely crash, and when they do, the whole system normally does not go down. The “blue screen of death” familiar to Windows users is not a worry for Linux users.
Linux is less vulnerable to computer malware!
Because most computer malware are designed to attack Windows (often through Active X which is not typically found in Linux) the odds are considerably less for Linux to be infected with a virus than Windows [2]. The same holds true with spyware, trojans, and worms. While Linux malware does exist, they are relatively few in number and none have become widespread so far [3]. While Linux is very secure by its nature, users should still employ good sense while surfing the Internet; click here to learn more [4]. As long as Linux users download and install only from their distro’s official software repository, then security is greatly increased. One nice security feature In Linux is that files must be made to be executable by someone with administrator privileges, which requires a password. So even if a Linux virus is loaded on a Linux computer, it will not be able to run without the user who has administrator privileges intentionally making it executable. Another important aspect of Linux security is the fact that it is open source. Because the programming code is available for anyone to view, there are many eyes constantly examining it, which makes it highly difficult for malware to be hidden within the code [5]. Also, security patches normally come much quicker to Linux than other operating systems because so many people are contributing to it. Here are some resources with more information about Linux security and why Linux computers are much less likely than Windows to ever become infected with a virus:
Why Linux is More Secure Than Windows [6]
Do I Need an Antivirus Program on Linux? [7]
The Big Ol’ Ubuntu Security Rescource [8]
Ubuntu Documentation: Antivirus [9]
Linux Security for Beginners [10]
Linux Malware – Wikipedia Article [11]
Linux typically does not slow down over time!
Unlike Windows, Linux does not easily become bogged down with spyware, viruses, trojans, etc., which can greatly reduce a computer’s performance. Also, because Linux does not have a registry like Windows, it is not plagued with registry errors which can slow down a computer over time. Finally, the hard drives on Windows (especially Windows XP and older) computers need to be defragmented on a regular basis in order to maintain faster performance, due to being formatted in NTFS. On the other hand, because Linux is normally formatted in a different way using ext4 among others, there is no need to defragment a Linux hard drive.
Linux can breathe new life into old computers!
If you have an older computer (especially Pentium III or later) laying around, you can install Linux and in essence have a new computer. In many cases Linux will run faster and you can do all of the basics such as browse the Internet, email, play games, and create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. It should also be mentioned that Linux runs great on newer computers as well.
With Linux, you have so many choices in a wide variety of distros!
Linux comes in all sizes and flavors, which offers a wide variety from which to choose the distro which will best suit your needs. Another advantage of this variety is the innovation that is taking place in the Linux world because it is open source. You can learn more about different Linux distros by going to distrowatch.com.
With many Linux distros, you have access to free software which numbers in the thousands!
Popular distros such as Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, andOpenSUSE offer excellent software repositories within their package managers where virtually any type of software can be downloaded and installed to your Linux system for free. This includes just about anything you can imagine, such as games, educational software, office suites, and much more! Some smaller distros, such as Peppermint OS, Lubuntu, Bodhi Linux, and Puppy Linux are based on Ubuntu and as a result have access to Ubuntu’s software repositories. One very nice aspect of these repositories is that the software found in them has already been tested for compatibility and safety. For example, the thousands of free and open source software found in the Ubuntu Software Center has been tested and examined by Ubuntu, so a user can be confident that the software will be compatible with Ubuntu and will not include malware.
A superior method of updating software!
Other Linux advantages!
Click on the following to read a couple articles about Linux advantages:
10 Reasons for Switching to Linux [13]
Disadvantages of Linux:
Many Windows programs will not run in Linux.
There is a smaller selection of peripheral hardware drivers for Linux.
There is a learning curve for people who are new to Linux.
References:
1. ^ “How to Install Linux.” https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/how-to-install-linux/.
2. ^ “Why Linux is More Secure than Windows.” http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/202452/why_linux_is_more_secure_than_windows.html.
3. ^ “The Short Life and Hard Times of a Linux Virus.” http://librenix.com/?inode=21.
4. ^ “Tips for Better Computer Security.” https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/tips-for-better-computer-security/.
5. ^ “Why Linux is More Secure than Windows.” http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/202452/why_linux_is_more_secure_than_windows.html.
6. ^ Ibid.
7. ^ “Do I Need an AntiVirus Program on Linux?” http://techthrob.com/2009/03/02/do-i-need-an-antivirus-program-on-linux/.
8. ^ “The Big Ol’ Ubuntu Security Resource.” http://www.itsecurity.com/features/ubuntu-secure-install-resource/.
9. ^ “Ubuntu Documentation: Antivirus.” https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Antivirus.
10. ^ “Linux Security for Beginners.” http://www.linuxtopia.org/LinuxSecurity/.
11. ^ “Linux Malware.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_malware.
12. ^ “Linux, the Ultimate Unix.” http://linux.about.com/cs/linux101/a/linux_2.htm.
13. ^ “10 Reasons for Switching to Linux.” http://techie-buzz.com/foss/10-reasons-for-switching-to-linux.html.
14. ^ “Linux Equivalents to Windows Software.” https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/linux-equivalents-to-windows-software/.
15. ^ “Is My Computer Compatible with Linux?” https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/is-my-computer-compatible-with-linux/.
16. ^ “Desktop Environments for Linux?” https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/about-linux/kde-gnome-or-xfce/.
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