Linux VS Windows

[seoincorporation]

I have been a Linux user for the past 16 years and i just move to windows because i need to use some software for my Job.

I am a bit paranoid about windows and trojans, i don't like how windows deal with the users, it makes me feel like i'm idiot each time the system ask me if i really want to do that.

So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?

[d.kevin29]

Been using Windows ever since my first PC without any issue. Of course, I've had to go through a few lessons and learn the hard way, but that was way before Bitcoin's existence.

I tried different Linux distros & I just can't get used to them. Being used to Windows makes an OS switch pretty hard and there's also the advantage of having about any software you need supported for your Windows PC.

The problems appeared when I wanted to start mining. There were a few cgminer versions available as Windows binaries and later they vanished away. My Windows Defender automatically removed the binary files every time.. annoying as hell. Tried moving to Linux to mine using GPU but gave up shortly after..

I believe if you've been experimenting with Windows a lot and know what to avoid and what not to, Windows is fine too. Linux is safer and as far as I know is very hard to be infected. For now... I'll be sticking to windows. Although I keep contemplating about moving to Linux again...

[UserU]

Having been a Windows user from the very beginning, my answer's gonna be bias; I'd prefer Windows anytime.

One can shun it for being the most infection-prone OS due to popularity but we get to enjoy those awesome apps? Support is strong and there are over 100 ways to tweak Windows to our liking. Sure, Linux does have its own exclusive apps too, but in terms of development, it's still miles behind.

While I have a MBA, Windows will always be number one in my books.

[mocacinno]

I'm a sysadmin, most of my servers run SLES nowadays. At home, i usually go for bsd, unless i have to start compiling drivers myself (in which case i usually switch to debian). It's not because compiling drivers is impossible, but because once you start compiling drivers, you'll have to manually check for new versions once in a while, and recompile if a new version has been found.

This being said: my employer forces me to use a windows PC for work purposes... So most of my time, my desktop system is windows... I hate it. It's completely bolted down, centrally managed. I can't even install any application without sending the binary to the laptop admin so he can update his filter with the hash of the binary (otherwise the system's filter won't even let me start the application). The security "features" really stop me from doing what i want to do all the time, and even if there's a setting i can change i have to go trough sooooo many configuration screens just to edit something smal.

I'm not even talking about how slow this windows system is, the updates take for ages, rebooting is slow,.... If i update my servers, i just register a new repo with newer binaries, enter "zypper up" and 3 minutes later i have all the new packages. If i reboot, it takes just a few moments from hitting enter on the terminal and being able to ping my server again.

If i had the choice, i'd probably never touch a system with a windows os ever again... But that's just my personal opinion

[Negotiation]

We all use Windows to run PCs through various software we provide Windows and some useful apps. Windows is a choice for all of us but Linux Windows is a lot safer and more expensive That's why if we want to use Linux, we should run thoughtfully.

[Naida_BR]

I am using Windows because this is what I was taught to use.
In my opinion, Linux is much better but in every company the software that they use is compatible with windows so you are kinda forced to use windows even if you don't want to.

[Mallyx]

I have been a Linux user for the past 16 years and i just move to windows because i need to use some software for my Job.

I am a bit paranoid about windows and trojans, i don't like how windows deal with the users, it makes me feel like i'm idiot each time the system ask me if i really want to do that.

So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?

I own a similar paranoia when I'm using Windows.
Obliviously Windows is the malicious favorite target, and also the most vulnerable for users that never learnt to protect it.

Most of the famous Linux distro offer a very good experience to the end users, even for not techy peoples. My only issue with Linux is the hardware management, and software compatibility.

That's why I'm using Linux as my main OS, for all kind of things, then Windows only for gaming.
As a paranoid user of Windows, both OS are each on a different computer. Xubuntu on laptop, Windows on desktop.

In my head Windows always been itself a virus 

[seoincorporation]

I'm a sysadmin, most of my servers run SLES nowadays. At home, i usually go for bsd, unless i have to start compiling drivers myself (in which case i usually switch to debian). It's not because compiling drivers is impossible, but because once you start compiling drivers, you'll have to manually check for new versions once in a while, and recompile if a new version has been found.

This being said: my employer forces me to use a windows PC for work purposes... So most of my time, my desktop system is windows... I hate it. It's completely bolted down, centrally managed. I can't even install any application without sending the binary to the laptop admin so he can update his filter with the hash of the binary (otherwise the system's filter won't even let me start the application). The security "features" really stop me from doing what i want to do all the time, and even if there's a setting i can change i have to go trough sooooo many configuration screens just to edit something smal.

I'm not even talking about how slow this windows system is, the updates take for ages, rebooting is slow,.... If i update my servers, i just register a new repo with newer binaries, enter "zypper up" and 3 minutes later i have all the new packages. If i reboot, it takes just a few moments from hitting enter on the terminal and being able to ping my server again.

If i had the choice, i'd probably never touch a system with a windows os ever again... But that's just my personal opinion

I know, to compile those drivers could be a pain in the ass, and ones it's done, then you realize you will have to compile them if you want to upgrade the kernel. #Epic

...

I own a similar paranoia when I'm using Windows.
Obliviously Windows is the malicious favorite target, and also the most vulnerable for users that never learnt to protect it.

Most of the famous Linux distro offer a very good experience to the end users, even for not techy peoples. My only issue with Linux is the hardware management, and software compatibility.

That's why I'm using Linux as my main OS, for all kind of things, then Windows only for gaming.
As a paranoid user of Windows, both OS are each on a different computer. Xubuntu on laptop, Windows on desktop.

In my head Windows always been itself a virus 

I was thinking to get another laptop to manage windows and all thing relevant o bitcoin there, and as you say, the windows for games or design jobs.

[BADecker]

Windows was built from the ground up, around the idea of invading privacy for marketing purposes. Most Linux isn't in this direction except a little.

Windows has a very good basic operating process for everybody. But there are some things (like ToolTips, or InfoTips) that can't be turned off. There should be toggles for everything.

Linux doesn't have as good of a basic operation process. If you are not a programmer, you might find Linux OS difficult. Linux is getting better by copying the basic Windows ideas, but in doing so, they don't incorporate enough toggles to turn on or off some of the features.

For the average small user, Linux is becoming sufficient, and probably far more private. Windows is still a much faster start up from computer off.

One of the worst things about Windows is that Microsoft is using it to run your life... at least the life of your computer... by continual, forced upgrades over the Internet.

[seoincorporation]

...

For the average small user, Linux is becoming sufficient, and probably far more private. Windows is still a much faster start up from computer off.

One of the worst things about Windows is that Microsoft is using it to run your life... at least the life of your computer... by continual, forced upgrades over the Internet.

Maybe Windows is faster on the start up, but with an SSD difference isn't big at all, we are talking about a couple of seconds.

True, that update thing is annoying, and the long wait to turn off the computer is a crazy waste of time. I remember the old times when trojans and some viruses get injected by updates and is crazy to see how windows give zero fucks and force all the updates without asking.

[Artemis3]

I have been a Linux user for the past 16 years and i just move to windows because i need to use some software for my Job.

I am a bit paranoid about windows and trojans, i don't like how windows deal with the users, it makes me feel like i'm idiot each time the system ask me if i really want to do that.

So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?

Well 16 years is a good run. I wonder if you:

Tried running your specific job software under wine, or under a virtualbox using the smallest possible windows install?

If you limit the windows usage to just that software, it probably helps a bit down. Be very careful what you add to that windows, for example the recent article about Avast selling user browser's history etc.

Like any virtual machine, at the very least any possible damage could be contained to it (when there is no additional exploit to the VM). Ideally no windows would be best but you already know that.

If your job software does not need internet, that also helps. Configure things in a way that windows never connects outside.

Alternative is to use a separate physical computer for windows, and in that case it should also be restricted to the bare minimum.

[PSYTECH]

So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?

I would always go with Linux over Windows. I have even dual booted both of them in my daily driver laptop but tend to spend most of the time on the Linux than Windows OS.

But, if it's seen around by someone who is not much into tech stuff and programming as a specific could land up thinking windows being more powerfull than Linux, but it is not to be clear.

[Mallyx]

...

I own a similar paranoia when I'm using Windows.
Obliviously Windows is the malicious favorite target, and also the most vulnerable for users that never learnt to protect it.

Most of the famous Linux distro offer a very good experience to the end users, even for not techy peoples. My only issue with Linux is the hardware management, and software compatibility.

That's why I'm using Linux as my main OS, for all kind of things, then Windows only for gaming.
As a paranoid user of Windows, both OS are each on a different computer. Xubuntu on laptop, Windows on desktop.

In my head Windows always been itself a virus 

I was thinking to get another laptop to manage windows and all thing relevant o bitcoin there, and as you say, the windows for games or design jobs.

If it's not a blocking situation, it might be the best solution for you.
I just feel really uncomfortable by connecting or owning any sensitive data on Windows. So splitting was the best way I found.

[PSYTECH]

...

I own a similar paranoia when I'm using Windows.
Obliviously Windows is the malicious favorite target, and also the most vulnerable for users that never learnt to protect it.

Most of the famous Linux distro offer a very good experience to the end users, even for not techy peoples. My only issue with Linux is the hardware management, and software compatibility.

That's why I'm using Linux as my main OS, for all kind of things, then Windows only for gaming.
As a paranoid user of Windows, both OS are each on a different computer. Xubuntu on laptop, Windows on desktop.

In my head Windows always been itself a virus 

I was thinking to get another laptop to manage windows and all thing relevant o bitcoin there, and as you say, the windows for games or design jobs.

If it's not a blocking situation, it might be the best solution for you.
I just feel really uncomfortable by connecting or owning any sensitive data on Windows. So splitting was the best way I found.

Go with dual boot dudes, why buy new hardware just to use different OS when same could be done by dual booting right ?

[Artemis3]

Having been a Windows user from the very beginning, my answer's gonna be bias; I'd prefer Windows anytime.

One can shun it for being the most infection-prone OS due to popularity but we get to enjoy those awesome apps? Support is strong and there are over 100 ways to tweak Windows to our liking. Sure, Linux does have its own exclusive apps too, but in terms of development, it's still miles behind.

While I have a MBA, Windows will always be number one in my books.

Its not due to popularity, its due to mis-design and conflicting interests within Microsoft. You would need to study their history to understand it. For every way you could "tweak windows", there is an infinite number of ways to tweak Linux. With the source code, anything is possible. Without it, you are always limited.

Yes Windows is miles behind in development, simple reason is that its just a company, with people, departments, planning and goals coming and going. A group develops one thing (like the kernel) another develops the UI, then 10 years later the people in charge of those is completely different and even those in charge are assigned to something different and or additional. Its not unlike a government, in a way. Of course i know you meant the opposite, but you are seriously wrong, you just don't know any better. Linux is community maintained, its literally comparing Bitcoin to the Hong Kong Dollar (a fiat from private banks).

You think the UI changes and later reversing changes was why? Classic UI, 9x UI, "Fisher Price" (XP) ui, blackish (7 ui), metro modern, later undone, later reintroduces in 10 with a twist? Microsoft literally alienated their own user base with each change. It took Microsoft until windows 10 to finally discover the concept of virtual desktops, introduced in the Amiga in the 80ies. Linux different UIs had them since the 90ies. Examples like that are all over the place, but i would write a book here if you get me started.

You Prefer Windows anytime? Since the very beginning? I doubt you ever used Windows 1.0, 2.0 or even 3.0. Incidentally i have a Microsoft Windows 3.0 box here, its blue and white. I used PCs before windows, and i clearly remember people preferring msdos apps and games. Windows was "interesting", but bloated and in the way, and buggy, so buggy. Often there was some killer app they would launch Windows for, but as soon as they were finished, they would close it. That is from the days Windows was just another "msdos" program to run and close afterwards like the rest.

Many Windows releases were seen as a step backwards, they added some "features" (often unwanted), new bugs, and much higher requirements. Sounds familiar? This hasn't changed since the 90ies. Of course you are biased since you probably didn't use computers before Windows and couldn't know better. You didn't know computers didn't suck, or that things crashing or getting infected or slow down into a crawl wasn't normal. Ever heard of the 3 Rs of Microsoft? Retry, Reboot, Reinstall...

Did you know IBM and Microsoft planned a great OS only to be ruined later by Microsoft while stabbing a knife in the back to their partner? Its descendant is what you use today and its nothing like the original, which was meant to be portable, robust and secure but Microsoft had a different agenda.

The current Windows is just a vehicle for the current Microsoft attempt at the data mining business. Shadowing Google, they wanted to get in the same business since their older model has clear signs of obsolescence. They did try smartphones and other "google things", but failed miserably. Microsoft was always about purchasing something from others and selling it as their own. but alas Gates and Ballmer are gone, not unlike Job and Woz from Apple (with similar results). Microsoft 10 is literally bait for people to give them their data, it was "given free to existing windows users" for a reason. Of course there is a plethora of third party software that does the very same, starting from Google Chrome. Microsoft just wanted IN, but acted too late as usual, and for example lost the smartphone segment which eclipsed their model entirely.

Running windows today after learning these things, is tantamount of masochism. Its like installing a sign in front of your house "Steal me please" (or similar "hurt me because i like it" phrase).

"The pay to get certified" thing exists in Linux as well, the likes of Red Hat will happily take your money so you can have some paper to flash employers with so that is irrelevant.

Of course i don't really just mean Linux, there are plenty of Free and Open Source projects that fit perfectly well, i just mention Linux to remain in topic with the OP, but OSes like the BSDs are perfectly valid alternatives. And you could say the same about Windows, all the proprietary junk out there, even Apple's, or Android (Both may use a free and open source kernel, but its surrounded by blobs. I wouldn't be surprised Microsoft joins them, as some rumors say).

[Bouvier11]

Unfortunately Linux is not safe due to viruses. In Windows you can get many antivirus and malware software, in Linux you can not do anything ( one or two antivirus soft, which is outdated due to small users group ). Plus in Windows you have a lot of various software, also developed ones. In Linux you can get outdated software, possible with developed virus from repo.

[albon]

I have been a Linux user for the past 16 years and i just move to windows because i need to use some software for my Job.

I am a bit paranoid about windows and trojans, i don't like how windows deal with the users, it makes me feel like i'm idiot each time the system ask me if i really want to do that.

So, let's talk about this, what OS you use, and why it's better for you?

I use Windows as it is a system that is used by the vast majority of computer users around the world. Also, you can install and remove programs easily on Windows. Unlike Linux, it is somewhat complicated, where you find it difficult to install many programs on it. I advise you to download the programs you need for your job from its main sites and you should learn the security tips from the sites and YouTube and download good antivirus program after that.

[ololajulo]

Linux has less than 1% users around the world, though the users runs to millions they are still insignificant figure among windows and Mac users in the world. It might be difficult for other users to relate with your challenges and I think the adoption of the OS was due to how the OS relate with new users and they got familiar with it. I found it hard to believe you never started with windows.

[Artemis3]

Unfortunately Linux is not safe due to viruses. In Windows you can get many antivirus and malware software, in Linux you can not do anything ( one or two antivirus soft, which is outdated due to small users group ). Plus in Windows you have a lot of various software, also developed ones. In Linux you can get outdated software, possible with developed virus from repo.

Oh really? Nobody notices if a repo gets a malware? They are not cryptographically signed and automatically checked at install? Obviously your world of "go hunt software at random dubious web pages" rather than a simple apt install program from a CURATED official repository is so much better. And its not like there are distros like Arch with tons of packages or the more recent distroless ways to distribute binaries...

To begin with, how can a virus even enter a Linux system? The user has to bring it it and execute it. In windows, all you need is visit the wrong page, and sometimes just plugging the computer to internet is enough. Permissions in windows are a bad joke, and most programs are intended to use with administrator privileges. And even if that's not available (something the vast majority of users skip, they all run as admin) its not terribly difficult for malware to escalate privileges by exploiting even more bugs.

Vectors for malware infection in windows are vast and wide, while in Linux its very hard to get them in. Then, if a Linux user foolishly executes a malware, it finds itself trapped to whatever the user has permission to, which very often involves not having writing permission to system files unlike windows. So the poor malware is trapped, and if that user logs out and another logs in, the malware remains inactive.

The reason Linux antivirus exist, is not to clean Linux, is to stop them from spreading into the windows computers. A common use in a company is to have a Linux computer intercept all mail and purge the never ending flood of malware in attached emails. That's one reason something like ClamAV exists in the first place. Linux malware is rare because it can't spread much, and the system is properly designed in the first place.

[mocacinno]

Linux has less than 1% users around the world, though the users runs to millions they are still insignificant figure among windows and Mac users in the world. It might be difficult for other users to relate with your challenges and I think the adoption of the OS was due to how the OS relate with new users and they got familiar with it. I found it hard to believe you never started with windows.

Statscounter puts the % of linux desktop users at 1,85%
https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide

For developers, it's 25,3%
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems#Desktop_and_laptop_computers

For webservers, it's 34.2% (vs windows @ 28.9%). This stat astounded me, who in their right minds would run windows on a webserver?
https://w3techs.com/technologies/comparison/os-linux,os-windows

For webservers, if you look at all *nix systems, the rate goes up to 71,1%
https://w3techs.com/technologies/overview/operating_system

Linux isn't a marginal OS that's being run by allmost nobody, it has wide support (even commercial) and it's being used by many professionals. That being said: it's true a lot of home users are misinformed.
I know an IT crisis manager, he's been in the business for over 30 years. When  I talked to him about linux, he said: "I'll never let anybody in my office run linux, it's just a black screen where you have to enter commands, so it cannot be used in the workplace". He was quite supprised when i booted my laptop and saw what linux can actually do.

As for the last part of your question: the first pc i bought was an ibm machine with an Intel 80286 processor, two 3,5" diskette trays (no harddisk). It was a 16 bit machine. I had a couple versions of DOS laying around on physical diskettes, i had to make copies since those things had bad sectors quite often (at least, if you bought the cheaper brands). Let me know if a machine with those specs ran windows

The first time i saw windows, you had to boot dos, then start windows from DOS... It was that simple

Unfortunately Linux is not safe due to viruses. In Windows you can get many antivirus and malware software, in Linux you can not do anything ( one or two antivirus soft, which is outdated due to small users group ). Plus in Windows you have a lot of various software, also developed ones. In Linux you can get outdated software, possible with developed virus from repo.

I agree with Artemis3 completely, but wanted to expand a little bit... In my company, we're doing exactly what Artemis3 was saying: we have ClamAV on one of my servers, and it scans every document that's being uploaded because these documents get opened on windows machines, so we want to be as sure as humanly possible we're not storing infected files that can later be opened on windows machines.
The guy in charge didn't want to rely on an open source virus-scanner anymore, so i had to look into the commercial alternatives.. There are loads...

https://www.ubuntupit.com/best-linux-antivirus-top-10-reviewed-compared/

• Sophos
• Comodo
• ClamAV
• F-PROT
• Chkrootkit
• Rootkit Hunter
• ClamTK
• BitDefender
• ESET NOD32 Antivirus 4
• Avast Core Security
• ...