Hey, what’s up?
Today, I wanted to share why I’m choosing to stick with Linux.
I’ve been using Linux for around a week now. More specifically, the Linux Mint Debian Edition. In my last post, I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to stay on Linux or switch back to Windows, so I wanted to make an update.
If you’re thinking about switching to Linux or if you’re an experienced user looking for a fresh perspective, then this post could be for you.
Let’s go right in!
1- WINDOWS ISN’T YOUR FRIEND. LINUX IS.
I’ve been a long time user of Windows before. And what I mean by Windows isn’t your friend is that yes, it is convenient to use, everything is super easy and everybody is using.
Right now, I don’t like the direction that Windows is taking. Soon, I think to have a proper experience on Windows, you’ll need either a monthly subscription or an ad blocker for the whole system because I think they’re going to add more and more ads in the future.
Windows is also already known for spying, monitoring and collecting data from its users that they sell to other people. I think it’s only going to get worse as Microsoft is moving more and more into the cloud.
For me, privacy isn’t a big dealbreaker, but it’s just that I’m spending so much time on the computer. If I can avoid being monitored, I will do as much as possible. I do my work and I do my entertainment. I’m a computer tech guy.
- I want to be in control of my computer.
- I don’t want to rent or pay a subscription to use my computer.
- I don’t want ads.
- I don’t want to be monitored.
Linux doesn’t do any of these things. Yes, Linux can a little more difficult to use especially with the terminal and finding compatible softwares but ultimately, I feel like I can actually trust the operating system to do what I want, and I actually own the softwares.
2- LINUX IMPROVED A LOT
I used Linux many times before, and it’s been years since the last time that I’ve used Linux. But it improved a lot over the years.
A few years ago, I remember when I tried, and I was using Linux. I had to learn and use the terminal much more, and because of that I would always break a bunch of things. But now, maybe it is the nature of my work that changed, I don’t know. I feel like the command line is much less needed than before.
If you play video games like me, there’s this thing called Steam Proton that support more and more video games. Back then, when I was using Linux, it did not exist, but now there it is.
With Proton, it is because easier and easier to play video games on Linux, which was not available before. We had to rely entirely on Wine. Proton might not support all the games right now, but I think this is very cool. I’m going to support that.
Also, most distros come with a lot of tools out of the box. If you need a software, most distro include a software manager where you can install the pieces of software of your choice.
From my experience, the only time when you really need to use the command line is mostly when you’re trying to install or update softwares that come from the web/git, install a driver, or you simply genuinely want to use it. But if software managers can include as many softwares as possible, then this fixes pretty much everything.
You might experience different scenarios depending on the distribution that you choose.
3- FREELANCER / CREATOR
For me, it’s easy to make the switch because I’m an online entrepreneur, and I am self-employed. I am independent and not bound to a companies or coworkers.
That means that in my case, I can simply choose the tools and the pieces of software that I want. The only thing that I actually need is to get the job done.
For example, I know that Adobe softwares can be important if you’re working in a team or company because everybody has to follow the same workflow, use the same tools or whatever.
But in my case, it does not apply. I can choose my own softwares and my own tools without any external restrictions.
4- PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS & FREEDOM
I love the philosophy that Linux promotes, which is all about freedom, transparency and privacy.
Most of the things on Linux are free and open source. But you see, it’s free not only in terms of cost but in the sense of freedom. For me, freedom is the main reason I became an entrepreneur in the first place.
A good thing about FOSS is that everything is made by the community for the community. So everything is created with the end user in mind and not necessarily for profits. That’s a big plus because when money is involved, you usually find some sort of manipulations. When something is profit-driven, the sake of the users can often be found down the toilet.
Free and open source softwares give me peace of mind.
5- COST EFFECTIVE
As an online entrepreneur, I have to be careful about my expenses and the money that I spend. Using free and open source softwares can be a cost-effective solution if you’re trying to save money or avoid monthly subscriptions.
Also, it’s not only free of cost, but you also actually own the softwares. It won’t disappear tomorrow, even if you stop using it or fail to make a payment. To be honest, I think that’s amazing.
That being said, I haven’t done it yet because I’m still quite new, and I first wanted to try Linux, but I would recommend donating and/or contributing to free and open source projects that you’re using to support the developers and the community. They have their own challenges.
In my case, I can afford to pay for softwares so that’s something that is definitely on my to-do list. But you see, I’m going to do it not because I need to, but because I’M FREE to do it.
That makes a whole difference.
6- WEB APPS
Depending on your needs, I think that most people only truly need web browsers on their computer.
Today, it is becoming easier and easier to do everything that you need using simply a web browser and using actual softwares are more and more optional. Obviously, Linux also has web browser
For example, if you need to create designs, instead of downloading softwares on your computer, you use web apps. So, instead of using Gimp, Photoshop or something like that, then you can use Photopea, Kittl, or Microsoft Designer which you can use with a web browser.
So ultimately, you can probably find web apps for everything that you need to do.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, if you’re thinking about switching to Linux, I would recommend that you find a distro that has everything that you need out-of-the-box if possible so that you don’t need to install things manually such as drivers and ultimately avoiding the command line if possible.
I think the most difficult thing about switching to Linux is finding and learning the alternatives to the softwares that you’re used to. Once you have that figured out. Then you’re good. You simply switch your workflow that you have on Windows to Linux.
For me, It’s only in the beginning where I had to install all the softwares and drivers that I needed that was a bit painful. Once you’re up and running, you’re good. I’ve been running Linux for more than a week now, and I’m perfectly fine. Pretty much similar to what I was doing on Windows.
The only thing is that I might need to use the terminal for a few things once in a while, but in my case, I can deal with that.
So that’s pretty much it, I hope this post was helpful to you. If it was, you could consider following me on social media and if you have any thoughts or comments, you can leave them below because your thoughts could help future readers.
I hope this helps, peace!
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