5 features that can make a Windows user switch to Linux

I have been a Windows user all my life but there are certain features in Linux that makes me have some second thoughts. I am smitten by it's security, reliability, freedom of choices and many other features. I am hereby presenting you 5 features of Linux, which can make a Windows user think, ''Is it time for a change?''

1) Cost

Linux is free. You don't need to spend a single cent for getting it. Even all the software's that comes with it are free. That's completely different from Windows. You need to pay for Windows Vista, you need to pay for Office 2007, you need to pay for Nero and the list goes on and on. If money is a concern for you, Linux is the one and only way to go. Since everything is free, you don't have the nagging Windows Genuine Advantage Validation tool and also you don't have to store and keep in mind the 25 character products keys for different applications.

2) Security and Reliability

Linux is more secure and reliable than Windows. You don't get BSOD's in Linux! Most of the top websites use Linux based systems as it is not uncommon for Linux to run for years without needing a single reboot! Viruses are very few, almost negligible as compared to Windows. Linux is highly resistant to crashing, freezing and is an extremely stable and robust operating system.

3) Updating Software

Windows features Microsoft Update which updates only the Microsoft software's that are installed in your system. It doesn't update, say for instance Adobe Photoshop CS3 or Winamp. You need to manually update each and every software which are not made by Microsoft. But Linux automatically updates each and every software that is installed in your system. It saves a lot of time and effort.

4) Freedom of Choice

When you install Windows Vista, you also get all the default applications installed with it. Suppose you don't need Microsoft Paint or Windows Media Player because it doesn't come with the codecs installed, you cannot install Vista without them. There are many such applications like this which you may not use in your lifetime, but you have to install them. But in Linux, you can pick and install the applications which suits you most. You also have the chance to pick up the Linux distribution which matches with your personality! You can change and try something new everyday as it's FREE. No bloatware!

5) Support

The quality of support for Linux from the Internet is highly praiseworthy. High quality support is available from newsgroups, forums, irc's etc. People say it is as good if not better than the support that comes with proprietary software's. The best and the brightest of the Linux users are there to assist you if you run into any problems and in most cases, the solutions they provide are effective and they provide it with enthusiasm. They welcome you as a part of their family. They don't do it for money but for their love for Linux.




I would also like to add that you don't have to defragment in Linux. It can read an incredibly large number of file systems. You can modify any application according to your needs and preferences as you have the source code with you. Linux can run from a CD. The Linux kernel comes with a huge number of hardware drivers, so most of the common hardware works out of the box. Linux doesn't have a registry like Windows which is complex and hard to manage, but it stores configuration files in text files which are easy to backup/manage and transfer. Linux works faster on the same piece of hardware as compared to Windows. Linux has a much faster rate of development than Windows.


I can really go on and on, but I am letting it rest at this point. So what do you think are the features of Linux that can make a Windows user switch to it, if I have missed any.