Linux vs Windows, Which One Is Better and Why? Easy to Understand.

Linux vs Windows, Which One Is Better and Why? Easy to Understand.

Have you ever wondered why some people use something called “Linux” instead of the typical Windows? In my case, it’s because I completely distrust the security of Windows and its programs. There’s no privacy in Windows and you never know if they are spying on you or going to. For me, Windows is one of the most insecure operating systems—and I used it for 15 years.

Well, many get into Linux just to use the terminal and feel like a hacker or very smart, but in reality, it doesn’t matter why you use Windows or Linux. I’ll tell you which is better based on my experience using Windows for 15 years and Linux for 5 years, besides being a professional in operating systems and having some knowledge in cybersecurity.

I’ll tell you how I got into Linux. It was out of pure curiosity. I’m not going to deny that Windows has the best games—if we’re talking about gaming. And I consider myself a gamer, and I’ll die a gamer. But that’s not the point. The point is that I entered the Linux world by chance, kind of playing around.

I realized how good Linux is—the lightness, the security, the PRIVACY, plus discovering a lot of free open-source software. I don’t know, there are many reasons why I now use Linux.

Windows is still my favorite for gaming, BUT only that. It has nothing that Linux could envy—except for the games.

But Windows has a lot to envy about Linux, like the fact that Linux has no ads in its software manager, and doesn’t try to spy on you every time you open a web page to know what you like and show you ads based on your history—but that’s another topic.

And honestly, there are so many things that Windows should envy about Linux: privacy, security, speed, etc., etc., and more etc.

BUT I won’t lie, at first it was complicated to understand Linux. Everything was hard, BUT it took me a week or less to learn how it works and how to do everything. It’s really not that difficult.

1. What are Windows and Linux?

Windows is an operating system. It’s the program that makes your computer start up, so to speak, and it’s the most used OS for being easy to use and one of the first to be visually appealing.

Linux, on the other hand, is like a rebellious cousin. It wasn’t made by just one company; it was created by a community and maintained by people all over the world. It’s free, open, and can be modified.

It’s like comparing Coca-Cola (Windows) to natural juice you can make yourself and change the flavor (Linux). It’s a practical example but it makes sense.

2. Price: Which one costs more?

Windows costs money. You don’t notice it because it usually comes installed on your computer, BUT what happens when you format it? You lose the license. You have to buy a new license, or you can use it without a license but with some LIMITS.

Linux is FREE. You download and install it a thousand times if your hard drive allows it. You can copy it, give it away, etc., and nobody charges you. And if you don’t like one version, try another—no payment at all.

3. Speed and performance

Easy to answer: Windows gets slower over time. The more programs, the more apps… it slows down over time—and we all know it.

Linux, unlike Windows, stays fast—even on old, low-spec computers.

4. Viruses and security

This is the STRONG point, where LINUX wins without even starting the fight.
Windows is like a city without law, no police, where there’s theft, chaos, and nobody does anything. Even their antivirus programs are a disaster. It’s no surprise that sometimes the antivirus has viruses. Don’t laugh—it’s true.

That’s why Windows has antivirus, antispyware, anti-whatever—you name it. It gets everything. A bit more and it would catch a cold.

Linux, on the other hand, is much more secure, private. It’s not invincible, BUT it’s rare to run into a virus. Plus, the community always patches and fixes issues like viruses—so it’s really hard to come across one.

5. Installing programs

In Windows, you have to open many websites or search where to download a .exe, then install it and hope that .exe doesn’t have a virus—because it depends where you downloaded it from. Although Windows also has a store, to be honest, I’ve never used it—and many people haven’t either. They prefer to Google the program. Also, I think that store has free and paid programs, so I don’t like seeing paid stuff I can get for free.

In Linux, you have a software manager. You search for your program or an alternative, install it, and done. Fast and free.

And if you don’t find the program in the software manager, you can use the terminal to download and install with commands—if you’re an intermediate user.

6. Drivers and compatibility

Windows usually detects almost everything, but sometimes you have to download drivers from sketchy sites.

Linux… depends. Well, sometimes it recognizes everything automatically, like in Linux Mint or Ubuntu. BUT if you have very new, very powerful hardware, you might have to search a bit.

The good thing is that Linux has communities that help you solve your problems. Try finding Windows communities… they’ll just say “Google it.”

7. Gaming

In this, Windows is the winner. I won’t argue with anyone. Despite Linux being lightweight and able to run some games, it’s no match for Windows when it comes to gaming—since most games are made for Windows. Of course it’s going to win here.

But Linux is improving in this area. For example, with Steam + Proton, you could run games like GTA V, The Witcher, and others.

8. Updates

Another weak point for Windows. Has it ever happened that you’re in a hurry, you need to leave or are shutting down your PC, and Windows starts updating right then?

Linux updates when you want. It doesn’t force you, doesn’t ask to restart. Best of all: the updates are small.

9. Privacy

Let’s say Windows is like your other self. It’s a clone of you that knows everything you do on your computer—even if they say no. It’s obvious they do. They know how many hours you spend on your PC, when you sleep, your whole history, etc., etc…

Linux doesn’t send data to anyone. It doesn’t track you. If you don’t like something—you delete it and that’s it.

10. Support and community

Windows has official support (if you pay) or you search for solutions in forums.

Linux has forums, groups, channels—and people who really reply with honest answers.

Very active, friendly community. You’ll always find someone who already had your problem and someone else who helped them fix it.

So… which one should I choose?

It depends. If you use specific programs like AutoCAD, advanced Excel, or AAA games—Windows.

But if you want speed, security, privacy, freedom, and to learn something new—LINUX.

And you don’t have to erase everything. You can first test it on a virtual machine or an old computer and see if you get used to it.