Technology In a world dominated by operating systems like Windows. Why Linux is becoming the go-to choice for tech enthusiasts, developers, and businesses alike.

[Practical Response]

Content source

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-dominated-operating-systems-like-windows-why-linux-bhatjire-8uqpf

Introduction
In a world dominated by operating systems like Windows and macOS, Linux stands tall as the unsung hero of the computing realm. While it may not have the same mainstream recognition, Linux has quietly been revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. From its versatility to its security, there are countless reasons why Linux is becoming the go-to choice for tech enthusiasts, developers, and businesses alike.

Role of Linux in the computing realm
Linux, an open-source OS, has gained significant traction in recent years. Despite being less popular than Windows or macOS in terms of market share, it has a strong presence in various sectors of the technology industry. Linux powers many servers, supercomputers, smartphones (Android OS is based on Linux), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and embedded systems.

Unique advantages of Linux
While Windows and macOS dominate the consumer market, Linux offers distinct advantages that make it highly appealing to certain user groups:


Open-source nature: Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows, Linux is open source. This means that its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. The open-source philosophy fosters collaboration and innovation among developers worldwide.
Versatility across devices: Linux extends beyond traditional desktops and laptops to power various devices like servers, smartphones, IoT devices, and embedded systems. It offers different “distributions” tailored for specific purposes or device categories.
Robust security measures: Security is a top priority in today’s digital landscape. Linux has a reputation for robust security measures such as its strong permission system and built-in firewall capabilities. The proactive approach taken by the Linux community in issuing security updates and patches further enhances its security.
Despite its lower popularity, Linux has carved out a niche for itself by offering unique advantages that cater to specific user needs. In the following sections, we will explore these advantages in more detail.

 

[ForgottenSeer 107474]

Valid points posted and although Linux has acquired a substantial market share in the server market, it will never acquire a decent market share in desktops, because

1. Hardware vendors do not release drivers, so hardware compatibility is always a gamble. Luckily there are a few players or communities like Debian, Redhat and Ubuntu who make things work.
   
   
2. The open source world is hopelessly fractured/deviced. The manpower and energy wasted on dozens of media players (just an example, could also be desktops or filemanagers or image viewers) and hundreds of linux-distro's (over 600! imagine having 600 variations of Windows) will keep marketshare minimal in desktop/laptop market

 

[SumTingWong]

Because Microsoft don't test updates before pushing out to public.

Microsoft is not privacy respect

Microsoft shoving ads onto consumers with the new updates.

 

[Brahman]

The open source world is hopelessly fractured/deviced. The manpower and energy wasted on dozens of media players (just an example, could also be desktops or filemanagers or image viewers) and hundreds of linux-distro's (over 600! imagine having 600 variations of Windows) will keep marketshare minimal in desktop/laptop market

If you dig deep in to linux distros, most of them are just forks of a few original distros and the changes just go skin deep and nothing more. So 600 is just a number, the actual ones may be below 6 or 7 out of which RedHat is the most important company which does the most R&D in to Linux. The dozens of media players, file managers you see are just hobby projects which does not even scratch the Linux surface, the real stars are RHEL and opensuse which powers almost all the cloud service you use. The importance of Linux is its scalability, it can reside in your home router and can run the super computers, this is what windows lacks. The one other thing linux has over windows is its source code. If You have the capability you don't need a third party to run/maintain your systems, its so important to mission critical systems where a delay in minutes can bring the sky falling.

 

[Can't Decide]

Because Microsoft don't test updates before pushing out to public.

Microsoft is not privacy respect

Microsoft shoving ads onto consumers with the new updates.

There're more downside.

Microsoft force new user to create Microsoft account the first thing you boot into windows after installing.
Microsoft insert bloatware inside windows and some can't even uninstall. (Not everyone have XBox...)
Microsoft force install new features, some useful features EOL within few years. Moreover, not useful feature still yet to EOL and forcing people to use it.
Microsoft Keep changing people setting without user knowledge.

 

[ForgottenSeer 107474]

If you dig deep in to linux distros, most of them are just forks of a few original distros and the changes just go skin deep and nothing more. So 600 is just a number, the actual ones may be below 6 or 7 out of which RedHat is the most important company which does the most R&D in to Linux. The dozens of media players, file managers you see are just hobby projects which does not even scratch the Linux surface, the real stars are RHEL and opensuse which powers almost all the cloud service you use. The importance of Linux is its scalability, it can reside in your home router and can run the super computers, this is what windows lacks. The one other thing linux has over windows is its source code. If You have the capability you don't need a third party to run/maintain your systems, its so important to mission critical systems where a delay in minutes can bring the sky falling.

In IT, the three layer or three tier structure (data - process - user interface) is common for application software. Operating systems have an additional device access layer where this multi layer system is build-upon. Another good practice for GUI's is to have a standardized layer on top in which localisation (languages and formats) and skinning (the way it looks) is build.

I agree with you that those 600 all used the 'chassis and engine' (data and process layer) of the leading distro's, The distro adoptions are mostly GUI related with some process level changes, but go way further than just skin-deep. But I don't want to discuss whether the adoptions are skin-deep or (much further) GUI-deep. Who needs 600 distro variations? Why waist talent and manpower on relative low (added) value components?

Al this manpower could be used to improve Linux standardization (e,g, using one package manager format in stead of three, snaps, flatpaks or AppImage) or improvement (from X11 to Wayland display server). Android is a good example of a linux based OS which when well directed and coordinated has become a leading OS in its market (MacOS is BSD based, so could be called a cousin of Linux).

Again, not discussing the virtues of Linux, I agree on the points put forward by the OP and you.

 

[Practical Response]

I agree with you that those 600 all used the 'chassis and engine' (data and process layer) of the leading distro's, The distro adoptions are mostly GUI related with some process level changes, but go way further than just skin-deep. But I don't want to discuss whether the adoptions are skin-deep or (much further) GUI-deep. Who needs 600 distro variations? Why waist talent and manpower on relative low (added) value components?

Why have variations you ask.

-Because each variation can be developed simultaneously by different teams faster.

-Scalability can be improved upon independently of each other.

-Reliability, an outage of one will not impact the others, at the core the same functionality exists.

-Security can be improved upon

Functionality of use can be tailored for what ever reasons.

Mainly the difference between most distros is packages, package managers and kernels. These have variations for specific reasons. Take for example the kernel. Different versions of it provide compatibility, security, stability, as well as thoughts towards maintenance. One can be well tuned for workloads, another hardened for security, they can have different drivers if compiled for specific hardware. The different packages/package managers provide flexibility as well.

The main point to so many variations is because Linux is designed to be customizable. It is intended for different uses, and because they can, its free and open-source.

 

[ForgottenSeer 107474]

Why have variations you ask.

-Because each variation can be developed simultaneously by different teams faster. [1]

-Scalability can be improved upon independently of each other.[1]

-Reliability, an outage of one will not impact the others, at the core the same functionality exists.[1]

-Security can be improved upon [4]

Functionality of use can be tailored for what ever reasons.[2]

Mainly the difference between most distros is packages, package managers and kernels. These have variations for specific reasons. Take for example the kernel. Different versions of it provide compatibility, security, stability, as well as thoughts towards maintenance. One can be well tuned for workloads, another hardened for security, they can have different drivers if compiled for specific hardware. The different packages/package managers provide flexibility as well. [3]

The main point to so many variations is because Linux is designed to be customizable. It is intended for different uses, and because they can, its free and open-source. [2]

Oh boy, here we go again. I am not going into a discussion with you. .

[1] Members interested how collaborative software development is made possible through modern version control management can read the GIT explanainer.
You don't need 600 distro's to work simultaneously on same project: For TLDR scroll to the bottom of this explainer: Git - About Version Control

[2] Agree, but that is mainly user interface customization as @Brahman already posted.

[3] Using different kernel versions is made possible with modern version control management

[4] Some variations make sense I agree with you (e.g. security specialization) but 600 is a bit over the top.

 

[Practical Response]

Oh boy, here we go again. I am not going into a discussion with you. .

[1] Members interested how collaborative software development is made possible through modern version control management can read the GIT explanatio.
You don't need 600 distro's to work simultaneously on same project: For TLDR scroll to the bottom of this explainer: Git - About Version Control

[2] Agree, but that is mainly user interface customization as @Brahman already posted.

[3] Using different kernel versions is made possible with modern version control management

Why do you respond in every thread I create if you don't want to have discussion and then act like I'm starting this trouble on the board.

Either have intelligent conversation or stay out of my threads.

 

[SumTingWong]

Microsoft force new user to create Microsoft account the first thing you boot into windows after installing.

I did a test on Windows 11 vm and Microsoft did not force me to create a microsoft account after installing windows.

 

[Practical Response]

The main point to the OP was to share the unique advantages that Linux offers for Enthusiast, Developers and Businesses. To help understand the versatility of Linux and the many ways it can be customized to fit needs.

 

[Can't Decide]

I did a test on Windows 11 vm and Microsoft did not force me to create a microsoft account after installing windows.

That's good infomation, saw some video said they fixed some bypass for creating local account at the start.