In the previous article, we began exploring the possibility of migrating from Windows 10. Now let’s look at why you should switch from Windows 10 to Linux.
Although Windows 10 is supported until October 2025, licenses are no longer sold. Therefore, if you buy a computer that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, the best option is to switch to a Linux distribution.
Why Switch from Windows 10 to Linux
Staying on an unsupported version of an operating system is not an option, regardless of whether it is Windows, Linux, Mac, or any other. No matter how secure it was, an unsupported OS can’t keep up with new hardware or services and poses security risks.
Of course, if you don’t connect your computer to anything, you could stick with Windows 95 if that makes you happy. But if you use the internet or connect a USB device, it could be a bad idea.
Developing an operating system involves writing millions of lines of code. For now, the people who write them are human, and they make mistakes, have personal problems, dislike their boss, or simply encounter issues that didn’t appear on paper but show up on the computer.
Companies thoroughly test their operating systems before releasing them. However, they have to work with millions of hardware combinations, and it’s impossible to test them all. This leads to numerous issues being fixed over time through updates.
There are three types of updates:
- Enhancements: These increase performance or implement new features. Examples include support for flash drives in Windows XP or the transition from Internet Explorer 11 to Edge in Windows 10.
- Error Fixes: As mentioned, developers sometimes make mistakes. When they discover them (usually through user reports), they release updates to fix them.
- Security Fixes: This isn’t necessarily considered a bug. If someone (like a cybercriminal, cybersecurity researcher, or antivirus vendor) spends 24/7 looking for vulnerabilities, they will find them. Some are more challenging to exploit and might require searching the Dark Web to use them. Operating system developers release patches for each of these vulnerabilities.
Of course, installing the first two types of updates is up to you. But a network is only as strong as its weakest link, and in an interconnected world, your irresponsibility can affect the rest of us.
Linux and Updates
Linux distributions may not be as up-to-date with hardware developments as Windows or Mac. All manufacturers try to make their products compatible with Microsoft’s OS, and Apple makes its own hardware. However, in terms of security, Linux is unbeatable.
Reasons include:
- Free Licenses: The source code is available, and anyone can analyze it.
- Architecture: Linux distributions are built so that permissions are needed to access key parts of the system.
- Official Repositories: Most programs you might need can be downloaded from servers managed by the distribution’s maintainers.
- Frequent Updates: There are two types of Linux distributions. Those that release versions periodically and those that send updates continuously. The former receive updates for periods ranging from a few months to 5 years, while the latter will receive updates as long as the project continues and you don’t uninstall it. In any case, it’s very easy to upgrade from one version to another.
- Legacy Hardware Compatibility: Sometimes, Microsoft and Apple make decisions that render perfectly functional hardware useless. Linux distributions allow these computers to continue working without risk.
In the next article, we’ll see how to plan the transition from Windows 10 to Linux so that our computer runs smoothly as soon as possible.
