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5 reasons you should ditch Windows for Linux today
ZD Net ^ | 14 October 2025 | Jack Wallen

Posted on 10/14/2025 10:46:58 AM PDT by ShadowAce

ZDNET's key takeaways


I can still remember when I decided to install Linux on my very first computer (a Pentium 75). I'd been using Windows 95 and found myself more frustrated than not. I was experiencing constant blue screens of death, couldn't make the OS behave how I wanted, the software was expensive, and I hated the way it looked.

So, I installed Linux over Windows, and the rest is history. I've been using Linux as my operating system of choice since then, and I haven't regretted it one bit.

Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how

If you're starting to get frustrated with Windows, I think I have five reasons that might help you decide.

This might be something you've not really considered during a time when everything seems to require an account. Microsoft is taking this one step further with Windows, as it has announced that it's removing the last remaining workaround for creating a local account during setup. What that means is, when you first set up Windows 11 Home, you must use a Microsoft account. On Windows 11 Pro, it's still the default, but you can easily bypass it with a workaround. 

To be clear, you can switch to a local account after setup is complete. You don't have to keep using a Microsoft account to sign in every time you want to log into Windows. Microsoft's own post specifies it's only removing known methods for creating a local account during the setup process (the OOBE phase), not after the OS is running.

Also: Microsoft just blocked a popular way to set up a local account in Windows 11 - here's what still works

To me, that's still a privacy red flag. It's interesting that this is happening around the same time support ends for Windows 10 (an OS that allows local accounts from the start). Why does this bother me? Encouraging you to log into a Microsoft account means the company can create a profile of you so it can push targeted ads to the OS and pester you to use more (paid) Microsoft services. 

For anyone who values privacy, this is not a positive step forward. Linux, on the other hand, will always allow for local account creation, so you don't have to worry about your information being saved on a third-party server.

Today's the day. October 14 -- the moment support ended for Windows 10. It happens with every operating system, but when it does, you'd like to think the next iteration will be an improvement over what you've been using. The biggest issue with the upgrade is that many computers running Windows 10 do not support Windows 11. That means, if you want to keep using a supported OS (never use an unsupported one), you'll have to purchase a new computer. 

Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro

Or, you can install Linux over Windows 10 (after backing up your data) and experience superior performance, even on that aging machine. Even better, you can go with a Long Term Support distribution and know that in four or five years (when support ends), you can simply upgrade to the next LTS and keep going. It's a rare occasion that a Linux distribution's system requirements change from one iteration to another. Even when those requirements do change, it's incremental. Even so, if you find out your distribution of choice can no longer run on that older PC, you can always switch to a lightweight distribution, and you're good to go.

3. Better performance

I've tested Windows and Linux side by side for years and have yet to experience a situation where Windows outperforms Linux. The only area I've not done such comparisons is gaming (because I'm only a casual gamer). Beyond that, Linux blows Windows away every time. I could take a Windows 10 machine, install Linux on it, and that computer would still be able to outperform a brand-new Windows 11 PC. Every time I have to deal with Windows, I feel as if I've gone from a Ferrari to a Yugo with square wheels. It's painful. 

Also: 10 Linux features you should be using to get the best performance and functionality

On top of that, the Linux desktop is just way more efficient than its Windows "equivalent." If you want a well-performing computer (without having to max out system resources -- or your budget), trust me when I tell you that Linux is the way to go.

4. Superior flexibility

Linux is flexible. Windows is not. I could end this point here, but I'll continue. On those rare occasions that I have to use Windows, I always wish I could change just about everything to better match my needs. I want equal parts efficiency and aesthetics. I want the OS to bend to my will, not threaten to break my sanity. With Linux, I can change just about everything. If I want a real-time kernel, I can switch. If I want a different desktop environment, change. If I want more control from my keyboard, Linux has my back. 

Also: The 5 most customizable Linux desktop environments - when you want it your way

There isn't a single aspect of Linux that you cannot customize, tweak, change, alter, or switch. Linux is, without a doubt, the most flexible OS on the market (and there is no comparison). When I'm using Linux, if I think of a better way to do something, you can bet that I can make it happen. With Windows? No way.

In the nearly 30 years that I've been using Linux, I've only had maybe two instances where security was an issue. The first time was when I had to take over as administrator on a Linux server. Because the person had Ubuntu Server configured very poorly, someone was able to get in and plant a rootkit on the machine. The second instance was when I'd left desktop sharing on in an open network, and someone somehow managed to connect to the machine. In the first instance, I had to completely reinstall the OS. The second instance only required that I shut off desktop sharing. To put it bluntly, Windows cannot hold a candle to Linux security. 

Also: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 8 Linux distros for free

With Windows, you have to be very careful and always have some form of antivirus installed (otherwise, it's a crapshoot). Linux does not require antivirus software and probably never will. Of course, that doesn't mean you should ignore the security aspect of Linux. Do use the firewall, do not install software from unknown sources, and don't willy-nilly click on URLs. Even with the most secure OS on the market, you need to take security seriously.



TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: endoflife; linux; microsoft; windows; windows10; windows11; windowspinglist
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To: JZelle

It would probably run, but I am not familiar with that hardware.


21 posted on 10/14/2025 11:47:48 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux - The Ultimate Windows Service Pack )
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To: ShadowAce
Well, since this is false, I wonder what else is.

Microsoft folded and gave a one year extension to anyone who asked. I do suspect it gives them a way to spy on Win10 machines in a way that is automatic on Win11 machines; it would have been more useful if he'd done the work to look into this, rather than doing what he did with this statement.

22 posted on 10/14/2025 11:59:47 AM PDT by PAR35
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To: ShadowAce

Its always about the applications. The accountant in our house will not give up her quicken and quilting apps. I use linux on my cloud server. Certain admin tasks are difficult and I have lots of unix experience.


23 posted on 10/14/2025 12:22:15 PM PDT by ScottHammett
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To: Ikeon

Whats the learning curve once its installed?

******************************************

Me: The Firefox is that little picture there.
Her: OK
Me: Your recipes are this picture then the picture that says “Recipes”.
Her: OK


24 posted on 10/14/2025 12:25:14 PM PDT by dagunk
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To: JZelle

“How about Linux on an outdated iMac (2012)?”

From what I understand there are no problems with Linux on Apple. And Linux usually likes older machines. I just installed current Linux Mint on a 2004 Dell alongside Win XP. Runs like a champ! Drives everything including the old floppy drive and telephone modem.


25 posted on 10/14/2025 12:30:25 PM PDT by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: dagunk

Lol, well done... I never thought to describe the GUI with words... I’m going to have to regroup now and approach it different. :)


26 posted on 10/14/2025 12:33:37 PM PDT by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: ShadowAce

Where do you get Linux and how do you install it?


27 posted on 10/14/2025 12:41:28 PM PDT by SkyDancer ( ~ Am Yisrael Chai ~)
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To: Ikeon

I ran across this website. It is a pretty good starter reference for Linux Mint.

Easy Linux Tips Project
https://easylinuxtipsproject.blogspot.com/


28 posted on 10/14/2025 12:42:21 PM PDT by TomGuy
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To: ShadowAce

Will probably do this at home but for the the office desktop at work, hmmm.


29 posted on 10/14/2025 12:42:46 PM PDT by decal (They won't stop, so they'll have to be stopped)
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To: ansel12

I did the same thing on my 3 computers.
But the way I operate, I have very small chance of virus infection anyways. I shutdown updates for every 3 months by using a software utility. Less time wasted in slow updates that way.


30 posted on 10/14/2025 12:52:37 PM PDT by Bobbyvotes (Work is worship! .... Bhagavad Geeta. )
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To: ShadowAce

Only thing I hate about Windows is frequent and slow updates. Other than that no problems. I have written a lot of my own software to manage my investments using dBase and I am not sure it will be problem in moving to Linux.
The slow update issue I control by disabling updates for 3 months. Never had issues with hacking in 30 years using Windows.


31 posted on 10/14/2025 1:02:35 PM PDT by Bobbyvotes (Work is worship! .... Bhagavad Geetanout aa. T )
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To: ShadowAce

I will be converting four Windows PCs to Linux very soon.

The greedy SOBs running Microsoft Windows can bite me!


32 posted on 10/14/2025 1:12:24 PM PDT by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: ShadowAce

Running Linuxmint on my Gateway that was “too old” years ago for updates on Windows https://linuxmint.com/

Have a dual set-up of Windows and Linuxmint on my laptop. This means you basically have them side by side and you choose which one to run in startup.

Running my other old GW Windows 7 offline.


33 posted on 10/14/2025 1:17:49 PM PDT by Southern Magnolia
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To: Bobbyvotes

My W10 laptops are only for playing music but I noticed a lot of updates for them today.

For my actual computers I use W11.


34 posted on 10/14/2025 1:28:26 PM PDT by ansel12 ((NATO warrior under Reagan, and RA under Nixon, bemoaning the pro-Russians from Vietnam to Ukraine.))
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To: ShadowAce

I only use windows to play a few online games and use Linux for everything else , duel boot hard drives


35 posted on 10/14/2025 1:42:05 PM PDT by butlerweave (Fateh)
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To: ShadowAce

Windows is like alcoholism. Most folks can’t get motivated to give it up until they’ve hit rock bottom. Until then, trying to talk them into changing is mostly a waste of breath.


36 posted on 10/14/2025 1:42:30 PM PDT by Paal Gulli
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To: ShadowAce
Make a clean brake Corky...

...or bite the pillow for Microsoft!

37 posted on 10/14/2025 1:45:31 PM PDT by Theophilus (covfefe)
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To: ShadowAce

I’ve been using Linux for a long time now and I wouldn’t go back to Windows.

Maybe we could start a Help Thread for people who just aren’t sure where to start.


38 posted on 10/14/2025 1:49:51 PM PDT by CaptainPhilFan (God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, Rom 1:28)
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To: ShadowAce

Which version of Linux?

It has many flavors. Most people will want one most like Windows.


39 posted on 10/14/2025 1:50:16 PM PDT by Dr. Franklin ("A republic, if you can keep it." )
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To: so_real

GnuCash - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GnuCash - https://www.gnucash.org/


40 posted on 10/14/2025 1:55:42 PM PDT by Pollard
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