Why sticking to your operating system is a mistake?
What is an Operating System (aka OS)?
Operating systems are software’s that you interact with to control your computer. I am sure you are reading this article on a web browser. The web browser is not an OS but software that is run on an OS. There are OS’s in both mobile and in personal computers and in a lot more other devices. Its primary objective is to schedule different software tasks efficiently on your computer and to allow you to effortlessly interact with the low-level hardware.
In the 21st century, there are plenty of operating systems available in the market ranging from free to $$$ expensive ones. Windows and IOS (Apple) OS’s are common in every household nowadays. However, there are other OS’s such as Linux that might just be significantly better. Here I will be focusing on OS’s of personal computers and will be sharing my experience trying new ones.
My experience using different operating systems
Being an engineering student, I always had the hunch to try out new OS’s and explore more. For most of my life, I have been a windows user and switched to Mac IOS (Apple) a few years back. I truly found IOS welcoming. It provides its users with a simplistic and smooth user experience. My windows PC has crashed endless times but astonishingly my Mac has never failed me a single day since my purchase. Technically Mac’s provides good security, privacy, customer support, and a host of features unique to Apple devices. However, Mac also has its disadvantages: it cannot support most games that are available on all Windows PCs. Additionally, PCs have a wide range of software for almost any use case. Whereas Macs are limited in the software they offer.
However, finding the best OS involves comparison this article will not delve into a comparison between Windows vs IOS instead we will dive deeper into new Operating systems.
Today, I use neither Windows nor Mac. I belong to a small portion of computer users that use Ubuntu ( Linux OS distribution) as their daily driver. Although I was forced to move to Ubuntu — due to a lack of engineering software’s in other OS’s; now I am finding it difficult to move back to my old OS. Why? Firstly, Ubuntu allows me to personalize my entire OS. Second, it makes my decade-old laptop just as useful as other laptops in the market today! Ubuntu is a fast OS that runs on old hardware. Whereas windows/IOS are slow and clunky. Despite my laptop coming from the past decade, it hasn’t been a bottleneck to any of my work as an engineering student (even while running heavy engineering simulations).
Benefits of using Ubuntu?
Does Linux have any technical advantage over the others? Yes! Apple does provide a secure device from outside attack but Apple still has access to all your data. And Windows 10 requires paid Anti-Malware software to make it safe. In my opinion, Windows is one of the least secure OS due to its large install base. This means that there is going to be more malware aimed at its users. Ubuntu offers free alternatives that provide far better security compared to others. However, security need not always be a feature of the OS.
The features that I enjoy as an engineering student that makes Ubuntu the best are: the massive online community (for support), opensource, packet management system, improved productivity, and finally an Appealing /customizable user interface. Firstly, the presence of a massive support community for Ubuntu has helped me solve any issue that I faced while using it. Secondly, the open-source nature of Ubuntu allows me to do all of what a paid windows user would do but for free, while at the same time helping developers.
Not only does the ability to personalize make it appealing; it also makes the user more productive. How? Ubuntu allows me to define how I want the computer to work based on my needs. I can do most of my tasks with just a few simple commands. Hence, all these features make Ubuntu one of the best OS’s in the market.
Should you give Ubuntu (or Linux) a try?
Whether you use windows or IOS, I strongly suggest you try Ubuntu. As it will allow you to reach new heights in productivity, allow you to speed up your computer, and give you complete control of your computer. As mentioned earlier, everything in Ubuntu is free! No more are you required to pay for services that are available for free. Beware, most paid applications are not available on Ubuntu. This means that if you use any paid software on a daily basis a permanent switch to Ubuntu may or may not be possible.
How to get started?
I started my joinery by watching YouTube tutorials online. There are plenty of resources available online. I will point you to a few that will help you get started.
Before you leave, there are a few points that you have to keep in mind:
- Ask yourself if this is something you are willing to do. Once you get started with the installation it is going to be hard to revert.
- Remember to back up /save all your important files before installation.
- Research the process for your particular computer before diving into installation.
- Ubuntu also has an option that allows you to try the OS before committing fully. This might be a better option for you.
Hope you were convinced on why you should change your operating system. Soon I will be publishing an article that details the difference between different operating systems. And we will dive deeper into other Linux OS’s
Resources:
- The official Ubuntu website is your north-star for the entire process. Make sure you read through the steps before installing. Link: https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-desktop#1-overview
- This YouTubers videos will help you in the journey of exploring Ubuntu and Linux in general:
