Linux operating systems are often misunderstood. Those who use them are looked at with disdain and confusion by the majority of computer users. Yet many lack experience with free operating systems. Here are the benefits, and disadvantages, of using Linux.
Pros
Most Linux based operating systems are free, which is a much cheaper alternative to paying hundreds of dollars for other operating systems. Ubuntu, for example, is free to download online and install. You can also choose to be sent Ubuntu install disks for a small shipping and processing fee.
Linux has many comparable office programs to Windows, including Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. They are all Openoffice programs, which come standard on most Linux releases. Although they don’t have quite as much functinality as Windows programs, they work perfectly well for most office needs. However, there can be some problems saving Linux files in a Windows format. This isn’t an issue with new releases, but earlier ones only offer saving files in outdated Windows formats. Openoffice does allow users to save in RTF, which is compatible with most office programs.
Linux operating systems support several web browsers, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. I have personally used both on Ubuntu 10.04, and have yet to encounter a major or minor problem that wasn’t easily fixable. Internet functions, including downloading files, streaming videos, and loading webpages are easily handled. However, I have found that some browser games have difficulty loading.
Linux operating systems are used by much fewer people than Windows or other operating systems. For this reason hackers have less reason to attack Linux computers. Although there is a small chance of losing vital information or downloading a virus, I have used various Linux operating systems for years and have yet to encounter a problem. There are a myriad of security programs that can be downloaded freely via a Linux online store. They include virus scans, attack detectors, and various network security tools.
Cons
Linux operating systems can be unpolished and glitchy. My preferred internet browser, Google Chrome, crashed randomly for several months. I was able to fix it by using some simple programming I found after a brief internet search. Most glitches can be remedied by scouring Linux message boards. Newer versions of Linux are much less unpolished, and I suggest using the newest version available. (Or a version new enough for automatic updates and customer support)
Linux does require some programming knowledge for fixing problems and installing some programs. This can be intimidating for some users. The most this entails is copying and pasting text into a command prompt, which is fairly straightforward. There are many experts who can walk you through the programming process on message boards, and the information is usually easy to find. This also holds true for manually installing some programs.
Most mainstream computer games aren’t supported by Linux operating systems. However, many browser based games do work perfectly well, although they are usually much less complex. Linux does support DOS emulators, allowing users to play popular games such as The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall and the original Oregon Trail.
Some commonly used material, such as codecs for playing DVDs and WMA music files, require copyright infringement to use. Since Linux is free, they don’t have the same amount of copyrights as larger, pay to use operating systems such as Microsoft Windows.
The user interface for Linux operating systems aren’t as complex or innovative as in others. It consists of a simple background with icons that are easily accessed with a simple left mouse click. Changing the computer settings is straightforward and intuitive.
Linux users can have a hard time addressing computer issues. This usually involves scouring messageboards and typing problems into Google, rather than calling a customer support representative. Although the legwork can be more time consuming, Linux does have an active community that is knowledgable and willing to help fix any problems that arise. There are some problems, especially those associated with new Linux releases, that can take months for the community to document and find solutions for.
Overall, Linux operating systems are no-frills. They do not have the advanced functionality of pay-to-use operating systems. They work fine for office work and web browsing. Playing some computer games, watching DVDs, and listening to certain music files can only done if the user is willing to break the law. Frankly, this can be a deal-breaker for many computer users. But their cheap price combined with great usability can make them a perfect fit for many as well. It really comes down to priorities.
