Why I Switched to Linux (and Why You Should Too)

Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. refers to a bunch of different operating systems. Examples of operating systems are Windows or Mac OS for Apple. I use a Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system called Zorin for my everyday needs. I'm a mom. I work. I like to play games. So, I need it to work for a lot of different things.

When I looked into what Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. and 'non-standard' phones could offer, I noticed a missing piece been listening to Missing Piece by John Michael Howell on repeat . I didn't hear other parents talking about real-world usability. This blog is here to fill that gap and to show that you can switch and still participate in the world around you.

What Finally Made Me Switch

Are you putting off a Windows upgrade because you would have to buy a new computer? Computer prices have skyrocketed in the past couple years, so this has definitely saved me money. For a lot of people, they might be pressured by pop up windows or even forced updates since Windows 10 support ended. That means no more security updates, and every day you have to worry about your computer's security. In this post, I'm proposing an alternative solution that addresses those problems without buying a new computer. Install a Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. -based operating system The core software that manages a computer and lets applications run. This would be Windows or MacOS on computers, Android or iOS for phones, for example. .

First, I'll tell you why I chose it. Believe me, I wasn't happy with Windows before, but I thought I didn't have time to switch. I wasn't sure if it would fail me when I needed to participate in the world or print something. Turns out, it didn't take long at all, and there are annoyances with the printer, but nothing new, nothing I wasn't already dealing with with Windows.

The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back

Microsoft Lost My Files, Again

I had a Microsoft Surface that randomly locked me out with a BitLocker recovery screen. BitLocker is a special security feature built into Windows that "locks" everything on that drive. It just recently was found to be vulnerable to a very easy bypass. In my case, I had a blue screen demanding a 48-digit recovery key, and I didn't have this hack. I don't know what triggered it, but I panicked. I wasn't sure what I had backed up or what I lost. I was so sick of fighting my computer. I was so mad that this happened that I decided I was done with Windows right then and there. I took a USB stick I had with Zorin OS on it, and I installed it.

Frustrations and Friction

For me, there wasn't anything Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. could do that would frustrate me more than Windows. Partly I expected frustration because Windows has always been frustrating. Why wouldn't Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. be? I also expected some frustration since a Surface is a very Microsoft-dependent laptop. It actually wasn't bad at all. Zorin proved to be a much smoother experience, faster, and free. As a programmer who understands tech but is also a parent who faces the same issues you do, I want to share what I learned.

Why I Switched (and Why You Might Too)

The benefits of switching to Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. are many, but here are 4 big ones:

Money: Most Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. distributions, including Zorin OS, are free, saving you money over expensive operating systems. I didn't have to buy a new laptop! I'm able to keep old laptops and use them for different purposes.
Speed: My old computer felt like new after I installed Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. and was faster. Not just the computer itself was faster, but working WITH it, rather than fighting it, made life speedier with this friction removed. Even on a Microsoft Surface, which needs a few extra drivers for the touch screen, the switch was smooth. Two concerns worth noting: camera and touchscreen. The built-in camera didn't work (I just plugged in a cheap USB one when needed instead), and the touchscreen was finicky. But honestly? The speed (and storage) gain was worth it. I think many computers will work fine, but you need to check. With any other computer that's not a Surface, Zorin worked right away for me. But I always test before install.
Control: No ads in the menus or stock apps. No AI features on the horizon. You decide where your files go. Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. is open source Software whose code is publicly available and modifiable. Transparency, collaboration, and often free as in free lunch are important parts of the open source model. , meaning it can be customized. There's likely a version already tailored to your needs, but you can make the one you choose just right for you. Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. is so customizable, you can even change which file explorer tool you use. I picked Zorin for its privacy focus, and slick feel. It also feels similar to a Windows set up, so if you don't want to have to get used to a new layout, I think it's a good choice. You also have control over the updates.
Security: Updates are automatic and regular. You don't have to wait for a 'forced restart' or worry about missing a critical patch. You have control over the updates as well. You can skip updates if you want. I don't do that, but I can decide when my computer restarts and installs. It's very fast and doesn't interrupt my work when the updates are downloaded. In addition, Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. has a different security model that makes it less vulnerable to common malware.

Isn't Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Complicated?

Not Complicated

I'd say no! My experience of Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. is that it's much smoother than dealing with Windows. I don't have to find multi-step updated guides for fixing problems, because I very rarely have any issues at all.

I get it. The idea of switching operating systems sounds intimidating. After extensive use of Zorin and Mint, I can tell you that the majority of people who use a computer will probably never need to touch the 'terminal' (that scary black command box) or memorize any weird codes. If you're only using your browser Lets you visit pages on the internet, examples are Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Brave. for things, like surfing the web, watching videos, or e-mails, you'll be ready to go once you install the browser Lets you visit pages on the internet, examples are Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Brave. you want. If it's not already there.

Try Before You "Buy"

And you don't have to go all-in at once. You can try Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. from a USB stick without installing it. See how it feels. Test your favorite programs. Take your time.

Do What Works For You

This is what "The Crosswalk" is all about: finding a path forward that works for your life, not someone else's idea of what you should do.