14 DAY TRIAL // Linux has quickly become a really powerful alternative for Windows users looking for a more stable and affordable operating system, and with Windows XP support coming to an end soon, the prospects aren’t looking too good for Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
We’ve heard from you that in some cases, switching from Windows XP to Ubuntu and ignoring Microsoft’s modern operating systems is quite a trending option these days, pretty much because Linux is said to be virus-free, more stable and available at absolutely no cost.
As my colleague Silviu Stahie, in charge of our Linux news section, told you a few days ago, there are indeed several advantages when it comes to going from Windows to the open source world, but before doing this, you really need to consider your options.
Today, I’m going to present you not ten, not five, but only three reasons why Windows is still superior and deserves another chance, especially when taking into account the recent improvements that Microsoft has made to both performance and user interface.
Keep in mind that we’re not trying to blast one operating system or another here, but only to highlight the advantages of each of them in order to lend you a hand when it comes to making a decision and picking your next platform.
1. Windows is still a lot more user-friendly
There is no doubt that Linux in general, and Ubuntu in particular, have been improved a lot lately, but it’s pretty obvious that no matter how hard the developers are trying, Windows still remains your good old pal that lets you perform your daily activities without further research.
Setting up and using Ubuntu might be a piece of cake, but beginners would definitely have a hard time when it comes to configuring hardware components or finding software alternatives for some of their Windows apps. Tutorials are all over the web, but if researching is not your cup of tea, Windows is the best choice.
Windows hasn’t changed too much over the time and even though the Start Menu has been removed, there are signs that it could be brought back very soon. This means that you can continue using Windows in the same old way, while enjoying several modern features.
Installing apps on Ubuntu is no longer rocket science thanks to the built-in Software Center, so you now need to simply search for the app you want and bit the install button.
But, even though the whole process is so simple and fast, there are many drawbacks. For example, some of the most popular apps on Windows are missing from Ubuntu’s arsenal, including here Microsoft Office and Apple’s iTunes.
While there are many replacements for the majority of Windows apps out there, most rely on complex configurations and advanced setup procedures that could hardly be performed by the average user. For example, getting podcasts on your Ubuntu machine is indeed possible by following some tutorials, but on Windows, everything’s a lot simpler thanks to the intuitive UI of Windows.
On Windows, we all know that software installation is as simple as double-clicking the setup and hitting “Next” until you’ve reached the final step, so everybody can do that with very low to no previous computer experience.
Whether it’s the classic Solitaire or Counter Strike Global Offensive, gaming is a delight on Windows, pretty much because most developers out there offer support for Windows.
Steam has recently launched on Linux as well, but it’s still in the incipient stages, so advanced graphics performance and stunning visual effect are yet to arrive on the open-source platform.
On Windows, on the other hand, it all comes down to system specs. You should be able to run every single game out there if the hardware configuration allows you to, regardless of whether it’s shipped via Steam, a retail DVD box, or straight in your browser.
In the end, the battle between Windows and Linux is yet to reach the boiling point, but before making any decision, make sure that you consider your options and you do an in-depth research of the capabilities of your future operating system.
