： 源 ： linuxidc
If there is no operating system (OS), the computer becomes an empty shell waste. The operating system is the intermediate interface between the user and the hardware. People choose the operating system according to their preferences and work, and some people have to use the operating system provided by their favorite hardware devices (such as macOS pre-installed on Apple computers).
The author's first computer was the Pentium II (Pentium II) purchased in 2008, when it had already installed Windows 98. After that, I used Windows 2000 for a few months. Like most Windows fans, I have used Windows XP and Windows 7 for a long time. Before deciding to switch to Ubuntu completely, my favorite operating system was Windows 10.
As everyone said, freedom is the key reason why users choose Linux distributions rather than proprietary operating systems. However, before Microsoft patched the graphical user interface (GUI) of Windows 7, the Windows experience was not bad for me.
So why is the author so determined to switch to Linux?
Ubuntu desktop
Stability and performance
Windows 10 needs at least 8GB of physical memory to run the operating system properly, but it is best to have 16GB of physical memory when running multiple applications at the same time. On the other hand, the latest version of Ubuntu only needs 4GB of memory (RAM) to run smoothly, and it occupies less storage space than Windows 10.
In my opinion, the latest version of the Windows system architecture is a bit confusing, because most of the components and modules look like Bloatware. The author believes that the main reason is that Microsoft tried to update the existing core components by inserting new modules.
Take Windows XP as an example. Even with only 128MB of memory, it runs faster than Ubuntu. For example, some parts of the operating system are composed of brand new and modern user interface elements (UWP, Universal Windows Platform Applications), while other parts still use the old Windows 7 style user interface elements.
In fact, Ubuntu separates the user interface from the core of the system very well. For less frequently used functions, there are no applications based on graphical user interfaces.
In addition, Ubuntu will not provide all the functions at the time of installation, but allows users to install as required, and users with lower computer configurations can use a lightweight desktop environment. But Windows has not taken care of the needs of low-profile users. Windows' update mechanism gives users a headache, while Linux provides a user-friendly and smooth system update. The new Ubuntu LivePatch can even upgrade the kernel without rebooting.
Minimalism and futuristic design
The latest version of Ubuntu includes my favorite GNOME desktop environment. GNOME embodies minimalist and futuristic design, as well as unified user interface elements. The important thing is that Ubuntu has an extended desktop icon and a Dock-like function.
In addition, there are many extensions that can be installed according to user preferences. GNOME basically provides users with what they really need without overly complicating the desktop. Let's compare the file manager application on Ubuntu and Windows.
Ubuntu File Manager (GNOME)
Windows file browser
Developer friendly environment
Compared with using Windows, getting started using Linux does require some technical knowledge. However, the Canonical team seems to be working hard to improve Ubuntu by offering options such as the Ubuntu software store to meet the needs of general computer users.
The main reason why I switched to Ubuntu is its developer-friendly environment. Ubuntu has useful built-in tools: GNU C/C++ compiler suite, make command line tool, etc. In addition, it can run containerized tools like Docker more efficiently than Windows, because the Linux architecture supports the concept of containerization more than Windows. The Linux ecosystem encourages users to use command-line tools in various situations.
Even a simple menu option in the context menu can greatly inspire developers.
Open a terminal in Ubuntu
safety
Security is the main consideration for all digital platforms. Malicious attacks are troublesome. I have encountered problems caused by the Brontok virus when using Windows XP, which makes the computer open a web page every few minutes.
There are many malicious programs trying to steal personal data, and we have to reconsider the security of the operating system. In terms of the market share of ordinary users, compared with Windows, Linux accounts for a small proportion (about 2%). Therefore, there are not many malicious programs targeted at Linux users, and about 78% of personal computer users are interfered by malicious program creators when using Windows.
Operating system security is not only related to malicious programs, identity authentication, hardware protection, and network security also belong to operating system security. The Ubuntu source code has been released as an open source project. Unlike Windows, the developer community has access to Ubuntu's source code, so the probability of detecting system vulnerabilities is higher.
Nowadays, everything is moving towards the cloud ecosystem. This is an inevitable trend. The operating system has gradually become an "intermediary" between users and hardware. Computer hardware is becoming cheaper and more powerful, and hybrid applications are merging native applications that are closely related to the operating system.
For ordinary users, it really doesn't matter which operating system the computer is running. But as a developer, I really care about this.