Philip Goguen
Unless you are a power user, there is a good chance you have never used an operating system that isn’t Windows or macOS. These two are the most popular PC operating systems, and each one has its set of attributes that gives it the edge over the others, but why does the name “Ubuntu” keep showing up in conversations about operating systems? What are its selling points, and is it better than the world’s most popular desktop OS? We reckon so, in some aspects at least, and these six points show why.
1. It is perfect for programmers
Most, if not all, major programming languages are supported on Linux. Coupled with the fact that Windows’ command line has nothing on the Linux terminal, Ubuntu is the OS of choice for most programmers. It has also been shown to be superior in running WordPress websites as it doesn’t have a resource-intensive graphical user interface (GUI). Learn how to install WordPress on Ubuntu 20.04 and speed up your sites with this guide from SpinupWP.
2. It is open source
Unlike Windows, Ubuntu is an open-source project, meaning you can access, explore, and manipulate the code on which the operating system is based. This makes it more flexible and easier to navigate as information about it is easier to find on the internet.
3. It is more secure
At a time when we wake up to the news of a major data breach every other week, it would be unwise to not prioritize your data security and privacy. Ubuntu has the upper hand on this front in that anyone can go through its source code and detect and patch up a potential security flaw. For people who run their websites on it, the OS also offers more flexibility for firewall creation.
4. Easier installation
For windows to work the way it should on your computer, you need to install drivers and ensure they are up to date. That is not the case with Ubuntu. The Linux-based OS doesn’t need additional software bits, like drivers, to work once installed.
What is a common message when updating Windows? ‘Your computer will update… please prepare for a restart.’ A notification is always convenient, but restarting can be a big inconvenience. Ubuntu understood that aspect clearly and introduced updates without the need for a restart. This might not sound like an important feature until you are forced to restart your computer in the middle of an important conference call or business presentation.
To make it worse, the Windows update process renders your computer unusable for up to 45 minutes of updating. It takes longer if you have a slower internet connection. Ubuntu updates in the background, and apart from a standard update notification, you wouldn’t even know it is happening. If you have to run service web pages, which require constant reading, then this is a feature you must consider when you are choosing an OS.
5. Easier customization
Customizing the Windows operating system isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have any IT background. Worse yet, it is not something you can achieve through trial and error, as a small mistake can get you ruining your system’s integrity. For Ubuntu, tweaking your machine so it matches your aesthetic and functional standards is only a Google search away.
6. User interface consistency
The Windows 8 operating system was considered by many to be Microsoft’s worst-ever desktop OS release. All this was because the user interface was a messy mix of contemporary and new-school. The inconsistency was continued in Windows 10, and picky Windows buffs have had no option but to live through the confusion. Ubuntu offers a unified settings menu, and programs follow the design principle of unity, which is all about consistency and coherence
7. Resource friendly
What happens if you try running an older version of Windows, such as Windows Vista or Windows 7? You often get errors when installing certain programs stating that they cannot run on your current OS. Vista and Windows 7 were also recently declared obsolete.
However, Ubuntu allows you to run programs regardless of the version. Linux targeted small businesses and homeowners who cannot afford extravagant upgrades seen in windows and delivered just what they needed the most.
That’s not all; the hardware also counts. Windows cannot operate in the old school computer hardware, but Ubuntu can. Therefore, you don’t need to invest in a new workstation computer if the current one is working fine; installing Ubuntu OS is all you need to do.
Ubuntu also allows you to partition the disk space and install another operating system, Windows or Mac depending on your choice. This amazing feature is not available on Windows, while Mac just added it in its recent updates. You get to determine how much space you allocate each OS on your computer.
8. Supports window tiling
Most people categorize this as customization options; however, window tiling is a long-standing feature. Both Ubuntu and Windows allow you to customize your desktop and play around with different workstations tabs on your monitor, but only Ubuntu facilitates window tiling. Windows has tried to come up with a similar feature but doesn’t match the specs in Ubuntu.
9. Better command-line
This might sound technical, but if you speak to any web developer, they will tell you how important a command line is in receiving, processing, and executing data. It determines the performance of your computer. Windows and Mac OS both have a command line, but Ubuntu’s Bash is the best of them. If you are a developer, Bash will simplify your development process.
10. It is free
Are you tired of getting a message saying ‘your Windows subscription has expired’? Well, Ubuntu is free. This makes it the best choice OS for small business and home computers that often fall out of the budget. Renewing a Windows subscription is expensive, and opting for the free Ubuntu option will cut you unnecessary
Endnote
These are some of the facets where we think Windows has nothing on Ubuntu. Windows has its strengths, too, so what you find superior on the whole might be a matter of individual conscience.
