6 reasons why Linux is better for newbies than Windows

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The notion that Linux-based operating systems are only suitable for tough programmers was born a long time ago and still flourishes. However, times are changing, and so are operating systems. In this article I will try to prove to you that today it is Linux that is the most friendly system for novice users.

It just so happened that the vast majority of newcomers usually choose Windows as their first operating system. Unfortunately, Apple products are not available to everyone, and free Linux systems seem so harsh to many that they don't even look in their direction.

But now we have witnessed interesting processes that can greatly change the established ideas. Apple computers have become even more expensive in light of the recent economic upheavals. Microsoft has embarked on a global update, resulting in Windows 10, which is a tangled maze of debris from old systems and new ideas. In the meantime, Linux has gotten rid of past shortcomings, improved the user interface and acquired a solid suite of software.

Let's compare some aspects of using Windows 10 and the popular free Linux Mint distro.

Settings

After the release of Windows 10, only the lazy did not write about the confusion of the settings of this operating system. Most of the necessary options are concentrated in the new control panel, others have remained in the old one, and some have not been found at all. Yes, in subsequent updates, Microsoft continued to refine the settings system, but you still can't call it easy and understandable.

In Linux Mint, all settings are concentrated in one place - in a special utility called System Settings. Here you can change literally any parameter of the system without having to wade through a series of additional utilities, dialog boxes and drop-down menus.

Installing programs

The operating system itself is only an environment for the execution of software. Therefore, each new user must first of all install the programs he needs. In Windows, for this you have to look for developer sites, then look for a download link, then deal with the intricacies of installing each utility. Yes, there is now a Windows Store to make this process easier. But its content is so meager that not all users use its services, preferring to install programs the old fashioned way.

Linux Mint, like most other free distributions, has a built-in directory of available software. You just need to type the name of the required program in the search bar and click on just one button - "Install". It couldn't be easier.

Interface

The epochal story of how Microsoft first removed the Start button, then returned the Start button back, will continue to haunt the minds of outraged Windows users for a long time. This is really of great importance for them, since such changes in the interface can only be made by the developers of the system. It's good that users have at least the ability to change the color of the panels and put their wallpaper on the desktop.

Things are quite different on Linux. Here you are your own boss and you can customize your work environment just the way you like. The location and appearance of panels, buttons, applets, menus, tooltips are completely under your control. And if it seems to you that the installed environment does not suit you, then you can change it to another in no time. Linux Mint users can, if desired, transform the operating system interface in such a way that it resembles Windows or Mac OS. Or they may not change anything, since by default everything here is beautiful and thought out to the smallest detail.

Security and privacy

About the situation with viruses have already been written before me. In this section, I would like to draw your attention to the problem of tracking Windows users. Such a problem really exists, and it worries you, judging by the popularity of the articles devoted to it. Yes, Windows 10 continually collects user information and sends it to Microsoft. It is rather difficult to wean her from this lesson, and this will require computer knowledge, especially since with each update new loopholes appear for the leakage of the collected information.

This problem is completely absent on Linux-based operating systems. That is, you can install yourself almost any popular distribution kit and forget forever that someone can spy on you and eavesdrop on you. If privacy issues matter to you, and it is a pity to spend time and effort fighting spyware in Windows, then the choice is obvious.

No imposed software

Almost all novice users love games. They love free or hacked games even more. If this passion is not combined with at least minimal computer literacy, then very quickly their operating system is packed to capacity with garbage software, which is installed along with toys and some free programs. All these additional panels in browsers, fake antiviruses, Internet accelerators and other stuff very quickly render Windows completely unusable.

Linux users are not familiar with this phenomenon at all. To install programs and games, there is, as I wrote above, a special software store, in which all programs are tested. In addition, you can use Steam to install games, the security of which is beyond doubt.

Updates

Updating Windows and installed software is another problem that users face. System updates are often very cumbersome, take a long time to install, and require a reboot. This is so annoying that many people simply turn off the automatic update system, although this should never be done. As for the centralized update system for installed programs, it is simply absent in Windows. The developer has taken care to integrate the "update" into his program - well, if you are too lazy, then you will continue to use the old version.

Installing updates in Linux Mint is easy and fun. Once a day, a special utility will itself check for new packages for the operating system and all programs you have installed. If found, you will see a small icon in the system tray. You just need to click on it, and then in the window that appears, click on the "Install updates" button to bring your software up to date. No reboots, no waiting, no problems.

As you can see for yourself, the modern look of free operating systems based on Linux, in any case, the most popular distributions, has nothing to do with the myths that are often frightened by novice users. They are simple, convenient, beautiful and so friendly that even those users who have a minimal level of computer literacy can handle them. In addition, Linux offers the highest level of reliability and security, which is especially important for beginners.

Personally, I have experimented many times with installing Linux Mint on computers for novice users and have consistently heard only positive feedback. What do you think about this?