5 reasons to work with Linux - TUXEDO Computers

There are always headlines about the insecurities or bugs with Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS. Many users are wondering what alternatives are available.

TUXEDO Computers offers laptops and PCs that are pre-installed with the free Linux operating system. This raises the question: Can I work with Linux and what reasons are there to switch? Basically, you can do (almost) everything with a computer based on Linux that you do with your usual laptops and PCs.

It takes a little getting used to, but when familiar operating systems switch to new versions, you have to get used to them again. So that shouldn’t be the deciding factor. In addition, more and more programs now also work under Linux and the number is increasing.

In general, here are 5 reasons why you can work with Linux or operate a device with it – albeit a little exaggerated, of course. In fact, there are more reasons than these, but the most common aspects are sufficient for now, because programmers will certainly find other aspects of working under Linux than the average user.

#1: Open source and free — and, there is also a community.

These three terms are the most important in the discussion about Linux. Open source means that the software is open source and anyone can take a look at the code used and work on it. Everyone benefits from this. Because if everyone can contribute, users get a good product because several pairs of eyes can look at the code and fix bugs, etc. Programmers can understand how the code is structured, learn from it and develop new things. That’s why Linux is available for free, because everyone gets something out of it and not just one person or one company benefits from it.

There is also a community that draws attention to problems and is happy to provide help and exchange ideas, as well as working together on projects. If an installation doesn’t work or a particular program is not working, there is always an answer here, even outside of normal support working hours. Communities and user groups also organize Linux info days, lectures, workshops and help with questions and concerns on site – all free of charge.

#2: Security - Don’t be afraid of viruses and Trojans!

The Linux operating system generally has the reputation of being very secure. Although this depends on its tasks and the software configuration used, it is still true.

As a desktop system, Linux has a strict division of access rights, which is not the case with other desktop systems. This means that worms and viruses cannot take hold and infect the entire system, but only that of the user running it. Linux makes it possible to install the system in a wide variety of test scenarios at no extra cost and to examine it extensively there.

And as already described, Linux is open source – anyone can study, examine and adapt the source code. More people study the code than that of proprietary programs, so that security gaps can be identified and rectified more quickly.

Updates under Linux are available much faster than under Windows and rarely require a reboot. In addition, updates not only include patches for the operating system, but also for the programs installed from the repository. Two birds with one stone.

#3: More choice of distributions - something for everyone.

We already reported at the beginning of the year that there is a huge selection of Linux distributions. There are distributions that offer a really wide range of functions, or just the standard functions, as well as well-known and popular distributions, exotics, etc. There is a suitable Linux operating system for every need and every idea, and even old computers can be revitalized with Linux.

However, you need to do a bit of soul-searching and find out what functions you need and what is important to you. If you don’t want to transfer your entire machine straight away, you can also test the live systems of some distributions to see whether you like them and whether you can cope with them. We have listed a selection of popular systems here.

#4: Configure and customize as you like.

You can certainly take a system as it is and work with it. For starters, this is quite sufficient and makes sense if you are new to Linux. In fact, you can customize your system much more than you are used to with Windows or Apple, e.g. different wallets and icons are just the tip of the iceberg.

But the start menu, the docks and the desktop can also be changed, as can the file manager. There is a lot to discover here. So if you want to turn your normal PC or laptop into a “MYPC” or “MYLAPTOP” and have a really individual box, you will be very happy with Linux. Installing and uninstalling programs is also no problem under Linux and is child’s play with just one click from the Discover Software Center.

#5: Suitable for older machines and still up-to-date.

Of course you can run an old Windows system on an old computer and play old games, for example - as long as the device is not connected to the Internet, everything is fine. This is because there is no longer any support for old systems. The situation is different with a Linux distribution. There are many systems that are also suitable for old computers and continue to be supplied with updates. The distributions do not take up so much space, so that even old devices can cope well with them. So if you don’t want to throw your laptop or PC on the scrap heap just yet because it still works well as a gaming PC for the kids, you can recycle a bit here.