When discussing operating systems, the question of why Linux should be used will inevitably arise. In a market dominated by one or a few major players, information about the benefits of Linux may not always be readily available. Although the case for why Windows should be used as an operating system is well defined, but here are a few of the many reasons why Linux matters.

Linux Provides Protection
Most viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other malware are written for Windows operating systems, so Linux users face fewer threats in the first place. However, if some sort of malware is contracted, Linux provides knowledgeable users with some basic level of protection. That is, Linux will not write to the hard drive until the user gives permission. So with Linux, malware is potentially less likely to spread on a machine.

Linux Runs Faster
With Windows, take a look at the processes running on a computer. Pick one and Google it and chances are that there will be discussion forums complaining about how process x hogs resources and slows down the computer. Over time, Windows bogs down as users install more software. This is because Windows becomes plagued with junk files that slow down processing speeds. Linux runs faster on fewer resources and doesn’t become slower over time.

Linux can be Improved
One of the big marketing pushes with Windows 7 was that users input were solicited to make a better Windows product. This is nothing new to Linux users. Since Linux is open source, it is possible to speak to actual developers of the software allowing direct access for users to improve Linux. In addition, there are many open source software applications for Linux as well that allow users to improve specific software for use with Linux.

Here are just three of the many reasons Linux should be considered as an alternative to Microsoft Windows.

Anyone who has ever used Windows has experienced difficulties with that operating system. Computer crashes, frozen screens, and slow systems eventually plague all users of Microsoft Windows. Well, Linux can help neutralize some of these problems.

Linux Provides Stability
Although no operating system can claim that it never crashes, many uses of Linux will profess that their systems have been running stable for years. Perhaps this is because the open source nature of Linux allows more computer professionals the opportunity to work on and fix bugs in the system. But Linux is trusted with many web servers that have run for years without issues.

Linux Manages Drivers Better
Sometimes the reason systems crash is because those systems have outdated drivers running hardware installed on the system. Using windows, users often need to scour the website trying to find current drivers. This job is even more difficult when the hardware you are using is older. Conversely, Linux does not need separate drivers like Windows does. This means that Linux users do not need to spend countless hours locating and updating drivers to assure system stability.

Linux Does Not Slow Down Over Time
Another common complaint with Windows is that over time computers slow down. This is because as Windows runs, over time it becomes less efficient, creating junk files that slows down the system. Linux users, however, argue that Linux does not slow down over time. Users of Linux say that their systems are just as fast today as the day Linux was installed.

The truth is that Linux users generally report that Linux systems are faster and more stable than Windows. Open source software that allows constant improvement to the source code is a big part of the reason Linux runs more smoothly. Although Linux at can have problems, users are able to quickly recognize and correct these problems.

Admittedly, Linux isn’t for everyone, but in general, Linux users are satisfied with their operating systems. In addition, many Linux users campaign aggressively to convert non-Linux using friends. Here are some situations when Windows customers may not want to switch to Linux.

Proprietary Software
Sometimes, creators of software overlook releasing versions of that software for the Linux market. In many cases, it is easy to find an open source equivalent to the software you are demanding, but on occasion you will find that there are no good substitutes. Here, you may want to stick with Windows.

Hardware Not Supported
In general, hardware works well with Linux, but on occasion, newer software may not be supported by Linux for months. This is because sometimes hardware companies also overlook releasing drivers for Linux. Although Linux developers, given enough time, create and install drivers, they may not be immediately available for use. So, users who often update software and hardware may decide to opt out of Linux.

These scenarios are rare. As Linux grows in popularity, both hardware and software producers are starting to release versions for Linux. Computer users who have contemplated trying Linux but haven’t yet taken the plunge can now try it without any risk.

Linux Live CD
A Linux Live CD allows Window’s users to try Linux on your existing machine without hurting your Windows operating system. Essentially, users download and burn Linux Live to a CD. Then by using the CD as a boot disk your computer will start up with a Linux operating system. Trying this strategy will allow users to see which programs and hardware work with Linux.

Dual Boot Computer
The other option for Windows users who want to harness the power of Linux is to create a system that will boot in either Windows or Linux. This will allow users to continue to use proprietary software by booting their machine in Linux when they need to use it.