Top 7 Things Linux Does Better than Windows

Summary

In this video, the creator highlights seven things that Linux does better than Windows 10 and 11. These include offering a variety of desktop environments, deep customization options, manual control over updates, and enhanced security. Unlike Windows, Linux does not require an online account for most distributions and is more suitable for older hardware. The video also emphasizes Linux's superior hardware independence and ease of migrating installations across different systems. The video concludes by acknowledging Windows' advantages but stresses the unique strengths of Linux, especially for those considering a switch.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linux offers a variety of desktop environments (e.g., KDE Plasma, GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon) for users to choose from, unlike Windows which offers only one option per version.
• 😀 Linux provides deep customization options for the desktop interface, including control over fonts, themes, and window decorations, which Windows does not allow to the same extent.
• 😀 Unlike Windows, Linux gives users full control over updates. Users can manually choose when to install updates and even block specific ones.
• 😀 Linux does not require the use of an online account for most distributions, offering more privacy and freedom compared to Windows, which forces a Microsoft account for login.
• 😀 Linux is generally more secure than Windows due to its lower user base and built-in security measures like requiring password authentication for system changes and software installations.
• 😀 Linux supports older hardware more effectively than Windows, with many distributions still supporting 32-bit processors and running well on systems with less than 4GB of RAM.
• 😀 Linux offers higher hardware independence, allowing users to migrate their Linux installation from one machine to another without issues like reactivation, which is required in Windows.
• 😀 Linux provides a more seamless experience for booting from external drives, while Windows requires third-party software or tools like 'Windows to Go' to achieve similar functionality.
• 😀 Linux allows users to run their system from an external USB drive, making it more versatile for use across multiple machines or as a portable system.
• 😀 Linux offers a wider range of free distributions (distro) with various desktop environments, so users can choose based on their needs and preferences, unlike Windows which only offers a single interface in each version.

Q & A

What is the first thing that Linux does better than Windows?

The first thing that Linux does better than Windows is offering a choice of desktop environments. Unlike Windows, which restricts users to a single desktop interface, Linux provides various desktop environments like KDE Plasma, GNOME, XFCE, Budgie, LXDE, LXQt, MATE, and Cinnamon, giving users the flexibility to choose what suits them best.

How does Linux allow more interface customization compared to Windows?

Linux offers a far higher level of interface customization than Windows. In Linux, users can modify various interface elements like font style, size, and window decorations. This degree of customization is not available in Windows 10 or 11, where users can only adjust global factors like font size or mouse pointer size.

How does Linux handle updates differently than Windows?

Linux provides users with manual control over updates. By default, automatic updates are turned off, and users are notified when updates are available, allowing them to choose when and which updates to install. This is in contrast to Windows, where updates are generally pushed automatically, and users have limited control unless they manually tweak system settings.

What is a significant advantage Linux has over Windows in terms of account management?

Linux allows users to log in using a local account by default, without the need to connect to an online account. This is a contrast to Windows, where a Microsoft account is often required. While Windows allows workarounds, it frequently prompts users to complete the setup of an online account, which is not the case in Linux.

Why is Linux considered more secure than Windows for the average user?

Linux is considered more secure than Windows due to its design and lower market share. Fewer malware programs target Linux because it has a smaller user base. Additionally, Linux requires password authentication for actions such as installing software or applying updates, reducing the risk of unauthorized system changes.

How does Linux benefit older hardware compared to Windows?

Linux is often more efficient on older hardware. While Windows 10 and 11 may struggle on systems with low resources (e.g., under 4GB of RAM), Linux can breathe new life into older machines. Some Linux distributions still support 32-bit processors, which are no longer supported by newer versions of Windows.

How does Linux handle hardware independence and boot media tolerance?

Linux is highly versatile when it comes to hardware independence. It is easy to migrate a Linux installation from one computer to another, and Linux systems often boot smoothly from external drives, such as USB drives. This is a significant advantage over Windows, where transferring a Windows installation from one computer to another may require reactivation and may not always work without issues.

Can Windows be run from an external drive like Linux?

No, Windows is not as easily run from an external drive as Linux. While Linux can be booted from an external drive with ease, Windows requires third-party software to create a bootable external installation. Additionally, Windows installations may need to be reactivated when moved to different hardware, unlike Linux installations.

What makes Linux a better option for users who prioritize security?

Linux’s emphasis on security comes from its design, where users do not have root access by default, and every system modification requires password authentication. This makes it harder for malicious software to make unauthorized changes, which provides a layer of protection that Windows does not enforce as strictly.

What are the key reasons why a user might prefer Linux over Windows?

Key reasons to prefer Linux over Windows include a greater degree of customization, manual control over updates, enhanced security, better support for older hardware, and higher hardware independence. Additionally, Linux provides users with the freedom to choose and personalize their desktop environment without being locked into one option like Windows.