Ubuntu Tips n Tricks

Posted: 03 Jul 2010 09:20 AM PDT

Every now and then, I receive emails from people who are asking me to explain the benefits or advantages of using Linux. I just answered them with a link or two to articles that could give a good explanation regarding the subject matter. But since I realized that it would be better if my response were based on my own experience, I finally decided to write a simple list that I could use to answer those who want to know the benefits of using Linux.

* Price
You may already know that you can use Linux free of charge, but since this is one of the most important advantages of using Linux, allow me to explain or should I say convince you further. Using a free operating system means not having to spend for even a dime whenever you do a major upgrade or install a new version of your OS. In addition, most major Linux distributions are pre-loaded with essential applications that are also free such as office suite, graphics editor, DVD-ripper, and more, so that means you can keep your savings intact. You can also fire up your software or package manager anytime and get more free applications that you want. I've been using Linux for several years now, and not having to worry about paying for software is priceless.

* Security
If you are a frustrated Windows user because devastating viruses, worms, spyware, and other kinds of malware plagues your computer, then Linux may solve your problem. In more than 4 years of using Linux, my computer was never infected with malicious software. And that's without even using Linux anti-virus software or any of those security applications that can only slow down your PC. However, this doesn't mean that Linux is immune from malware. It's just that Linux and other Unix-like operating systems are well protected and are designed to be secure.

* Stability
Some people have criticized Linux for its lack of stability, and I would have to agree with them several years back. There was a time when upgrading was a pain and drivers for my video cards and other hardware devices didn't always work as expected. But at present, Linux is getting better and better and stability is almost not an issue anymore.

* Ease-of-use
Linux is really easy to use. You may say that I'm kidding but I'm not. You don't have to be a techie or a programmer to use Linux. In fact, my wife has learned to use and love Linux. After she became familiar with the desktop and the way the files are organized, she told me that it is as easy as using Windows.

* Efficiency
If your PC can't cope up with the latest version of Windows such as Vista or Windows 7, then you should try the latest version of Fedora, or Ubuntu, or any distro that you like. That is because Linux is efficient and will run faster on old hardware when compared to Windows. I have already installed several Linux distributions on my ancient laptop and I'm always impressed on how Linux handled its aging hardware.

There are still a lot of advantages of using Linux that I failed to mention, but I would like to leave them for you to discover. For me, Linux is more than just a software because there are lessons in life that I've learned from using it.

So how do you start using Linux? Perhaps this will help: How to Use Linux in 5 Simple Steps.