Today we want to introduce you to some differences that you will find in GNU/Linux with respect to Microsoft’s new operating system. That is to say, Windows 11. Surely it will make you think more than twice before staying with Microsoft’s system. Windows 11 has certainly come on strong. This makes many wonders if it is a serious alternative to GNU/Linux. Certainly, it is likely that the majority of users do not take this OS so much into account. However, GNU/Linux is one of the big players for software developers. It is true that many others who have decided to switch to Linux will need a couple of weeks to become familiar with it. However, after that, everything will be just as easy on Windows as it is on Linux.
In short, today, it is equally easy to use both Linux and Windows. In reality, it’s just a matter of taste and habits to feel more comfortable with one operating system than the other. However, there are still some things that make more sense in GNU/Linux. GNU/Linux can be used in numerous (and creative) ways. That’s why we wanted to compile a list of things GNU/Linux does. These things don’t necessarily make it much better than Microsoft with Windows 11. However, it does do it differently. As already mentioned, it all depends on preferences.
Things you can currently only do on Linux, and it’s not Windows 11
A truly free operating system.
As you probably already know, GNU/Linux is open source, and you can install it for free. Unlike Windows, which is sometimes quite expensive. The creator of GNU/Linux developed this operating system because he wanted it to be truly free to use. Therefore, you can select any version of Linux and install it without worrying about spending a dollar. There are certainly some paid versions. However, they are the exception to the rule. Besides, they are optional, and you will always have the opportunity to install a free version.
In addition, most of the applications that come with Linux, such as LibreOffice, Firefox, GIMP and many more, are also free. Here is a big difference from the expensive Microsoft Office subscriptions, which has really generated a great success.
Forget about having to reboot to upgrade.
Rebooting after every system update or uninstalling software is quite annoying on Windows. This is usually not the case with Linux. Indeed, installations do not require the system to reboot at every step. It is true that there is an exception and Linux needs to reboot sometimes. However, this is only after updates to the Linux kernel. With this and in general, the experience is quite smooth. Therefore, it does not require long hours of waiting for a system to reboot and configure after an update.
GNU/Linux can run on almost any hardware
This is one of the great comparative points with respect to Windows 11. Let’s remember that this system usually generates installation problems. More than everything to its almost ridiculous requirements of installation. For example, it doesn’t matter if you have a 7-year-old PC, Linux will bring it back to life, and you will be able to use it.
GNU/Linux allows a high degree of customization
As this system is open source, it means that anyone can use, modify and test its code. As a result, we will be able to add custom features and enhancements to your system. Suppose you are not a developer or simply don’t want to mess with the source code. Don’t worry, Linux allows you to customize almost every aspect from the configuration. This step is considered quite innovative and is one of the reasons behind its popularity.
Clearly, you can’t do such things on Windows because of the unavailability of source code. Microsoft prefers to keep Windows closed source.
Using antivirus is not necessary
Another advantage of using Linux is that Linux-based systems do not need antivirus software. This is because most viruses and malware target Windows PCs. On the other hand, the GNU/Linux system has a protective layer over the core files of the operating system. This does not allow anyone except the users to access the files. That is why virus attacks on Linux are rare. Therefore, you don’t need to buy or download free versions of antivirus software for your system, as you do with Windows.
You will also be able to run Windows software.
Indeed, if you want to run Windows software on Linux, there is a way, and it’s called Wine. First developed in 1993, it is a software program that allows users to run many Windows applications on Linux. Unlike running a virtual machine or an emulator, Wine focuses on Windows Application Protocol Interface (API) calls. It then translates them into portable operating system interface (POSIX) calls.
