Advantages and disadvantages of Linux over Windows

Linux is an open source operating system developed originally for personal computers. It came as an
alternative to MacOS and Windows. Even though Linux operating system is not so much popular today still it is preferred by programmer and IT administrators. 

Linux is a type of operating system which is in constant evolvement due to new technologies and other reasons. Apart from being an operating system, Linux can also act as a platform enabling it to be used in servers, cars and home appliances rather than only in computers. So Linux provides more benefits compared to other operating systems. However, you should be aware that similar to other operating system Linux too has its own benefits and drawbacks. Through this comparison, you will known if Linux is a worthy operating system or not.

In this article, I will be discussing about the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux Operating System | Drawbacks & Benefits of Linux Operating System. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using Linux operating system.

Let's get started,

1. Cost

Linux operating system comes with General Public License (GPL). Different from windows it does not require any licenses. So the OS is free to use. Even some of the softwares are entirely free on Linux. This makes Linux highly cost effective. You can find good windows alternative programs in the software manager. 

2. Security

On default, Linux is designed to be secure. Unlike Windows, Linux is not much exposed to viruses. On very rare occasions, Linux is virus affected. That is the reason why Linux users do not normally install an Antivirus software. And also hackers are not very interested in Linux due to its low market share. Even if it is, they cannot easily hijack the system since there are locks on each layers.

3. Source Code

Linux is an operating system which is of open source base. Which means that the code is free to modify. Users can easily change the code based on their needs. Thus, you can customize your own personal operating system. However, you will need to have the appropriate programming knowledge.

4. System Requirements

Linux OS can even run on systems with low specifications. It is not very resource intensive like windows operating system. All the components like memory, diskspace and CPU are lower in this OS. So you do not need to upgrade your existing hardware for existing hardware for installing this OS. This is a fact that makes Linux a greater choice for all systems. 

5. System Updates

Linux is also a step forward in terms of system updates. Frequently, the Linux OS releases system updates. In the case of upgrading your OS, you can do this without deleting your existing software. And the updates are hassle free when it comes to installation. It won't take much time if you need to update the system. Moreover, these updates normally do not crash your system.

Disadvantages of Linux Operating System

1. Adaptation

For people who are less expertise in computers it can be hard to understand Linux. Most users find it difficult to adopt to Linux due to the terminals used. Terminals are command line interface where you need to enter specific command in order to complete tasks. Furthermore, the level of difficulty varies according to the distribution used. For distributions like Arch, learning to use Linux becomes even more difficult.

2. Software Compatibility

Popular applications which are made for Windows and Mac are not available for Linux. Many developers are not interested in making softwares for Linux due to its small market value. Some of such softwares are MS Office, iTunes and Photoshop. Even though there are alternatives to these softwares, they cannot match up to the original level.

3. Gaming

Similar to sofwares, games too doesn't natively support Linux. Because Linux is not a platform which is not widely used, gaming developers are not much interested in Linux. So you cannot expect your favorite game to run on Linux. However, the number of games developed for Linux is on a rise in the recent years. Al though you can use third party softwares like Steam to download any gaming title, still the game will not run smoothly as it does on native operating system. 

4. Hardware Compatibility

Almost all the hardwares can be connected to a Linux operating system. But the problem comes with the drivers. The concept of drivers in Linux is very different from other operating system. The drivers here are inbuilt inside the Kernel. Since the drivers are already preinstalled, the newly connected hardware device may not have the proper drivers. This makes the connected hardware device to be incompatible.

5. Technical Support

Since Linux is an open source operating system it lacks on the side of technical support. The problem cannot be rectified unless you find a solution yourself. For each problem users need to look online ; possibly a community forum. This cannot guarantee to have the exact problem which you experience. Apart from these, it is also difficult to find someone expert in Linux. Otherwise, once you encounter a problem you will have to look for other Linux distributions.