The Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Which OS is Better ?

The Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Which OS is Better ?.

Virtually every PC or laptop available for purchase comes with Windows 10. With the exception of the Mac. You might not think that there is a wide variety of different operating systems in the desktop market, but this is not the case.

Linux-based operating systems like Ubuntu are a great replacement for Windows 10 on some PCs if you’re aware of the limitations. Ubuntu isn’t the only contender for Windows, but it is one of the best. To help you choose between Ubuntu and Windows 10, let’s look at the pros and cons of both platforms.

Functionality, Personalization and Ease of Use

Windows continues to lead the desktop and laptop market with a familiar interface that has evolved over decades. From simple installation to familiarity with the user interface (including the Start menu), even beginners must find their way to a Windows computer.

Much the same is true for those new to Ubuntu. The installation process simplifies everything, although it involves a few more steps than the Windows 10 installer. Once Ubuntu is installed, the OS uses the familiar approach with a sidebar and Start menu-style drawer to launch and view your applications and files.

However, Windows offers fewer surprises for everyday use. The functionality is better, with more hardware support (as we’ll explain below) and a cleaner, simpler interface.

However, Ubuntu’s strengths lie in personalization and customization. Don’t like the interface? You can switch to any number of alternative desktop managers thanks to the official “flavors” (or versions) of Ubuntu, which completely overhaul the Ubuntu interface. Some of them, like xfce, use an interface that is more in line with Windows or Mac.

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Windows personalization is more limited, but you can change some parts of the interface with themes, backgrounds, and colors. However, you cannot change the basic settings – the Start menu will remain here. Even Microsoft couldn’t get rid of it!

Software Availability

One of the greatest strengths of the Windows system is the availability of software. All major programs, from Adobe Photoshop to Microsoft Office, target Windows and Mac computers. Unfortunately, this support for Linux is often lacking or absent.

While you can run Windows applications on Linux, this does not work for all applications. Some applications won’t launch at all, others are buggy and unusable. Unfortunately, the best way for Linux users is to find replacements for Windows apps.

These are a number of open source, community-supported alternatives focused on cross-platform functionality (or in some cases only Linux). If you’re ready to swap out Microsoft Office for LibreOffice (with some compromises in usability and functionality), then Ubuntu is a great option.

However, if you can’t do without your favorite apps or games, then you can’t get far from Windows. Microsoft continues to offer the best support for software, even before you even consider hardware support.

Hardware Support

Linux hardware support is better than ever, thanks (in part) to Ubuntu’s success in the desktop market (as well as funding from corporate sponsors). However, Linux hardware support cannot be said to be perfect, as it continues to lag behind Windows in some areas.

Linux support for certain hardware, such as video cards and wireless chipsets, is patchy at best, especially for new hardware releases. In other areas, such as CPU support, support is better as it often comes from the Linux kernel, where development is best funded and supported.

Ubuntu does offer a “Certified Hardware” program that lists pre-built PCs with the best support. If you find it difficult to find hardware that runs Linux, you can check it for compatibility.

Unfortunately, some hardware manufacturers make it harder for Linux developers to create the necessary Linux drivers or don’t provide their own. Other vendors are more supportive, offering support and development time to the community.

However, if you only want to run open source software, you restrict access to lower quality hardware drivers. Ubuntu allows proprietary drivers to be installed, but that remains a decision, not a opt-out.

For the best (and most versatile) hardware support, especially for new hardware, there is only one option: Windows 10. Almost all PC hardware is designed with Windows in mind, with software and drivers built for that OS.

You may need to find and install drivers for the hardware to work, but in many cases Windows will find and install them for you.

Security and Privacy

Windows has always had a bad reputation for security as malware and viruses were rampant. In Windows 10, things have improved with built-in malware scanning and a default firewall to keep your system safe.

However, viruses and malware remain a problem for Windows users. Unfortunately, Windows’ market share makes it an obvious target for hackers, as many vulnerabilities and security holes are discovered weekly. Ubuntu is definitely better, offering a more secure system and far fewer (detected) exploits or malware.

If you’re worried, you can even install an antivirus for Linux to scan your PC for malware. Although Linux viruses are rare, they do exist, and at least Linux antivirus can detect viruses that can spread to other hardware on your network.

Privacy is also an area where Ubuntu offers much more protection than Windows. The Windows 10 Telemetry Service sends a lot of detailed information about your PC and user information to Microsoft, including information that can serve as a guideline for advertisements. While you can turn off some of this information, you cannot turn it off completely.

Ubuntu records some information about your system, but this is mostly voluntary, with the option to change the setting during installation (you can also change it later). The data being written is less extensive than Windows, and if you turn it off, all data writing stops completely, making it a big privacy advantage for Ubuntu over Windows.

Customer Support

Whether you’re trying to troubleshoot problems with your Ubuntu or Windows installation, or are just looking for additional support, you have options. However, this support can be costly.

For Windows home users, you can get direct support with Microsoft’s AI support tool, and personal (real) support will cost you money. You can also find support in Microsoft support forums, online support guides such as ours, or third-party support groups and technicians in your area.

Ubuntu users also have a huge support community to rely on. With forums and Wiki to help you find answers to support questions. For businesses, Canonical (sponsored by Ubuntu) offers support and added security through the Ubuntu Advantage program. At prices ranging from $ 150 to $ 750 per year.

This gives subscribers access to phone and email support to resolve issues and issues. If you need similar support from Microsoft, you can pay for each issue with Microsoft Professional Support, or pay for unified support. Which can cost tens of thousands of dollars (or more) for midsize to large organizations.

Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Fighting Different Battles

As you browse it, you might think that this is the clear winner in the battle between Ubuntu and Windows 10, but this is not entirely true. While Windows has much more hardware support and a better set of software available, it has severely compromised security and privacy, even with the latest improvements.

Ultimately, Windows and Ubuntu are fighting different battles. Ubuntu is a great, secure, free, and beginner-friendly Linux distribution, but if you’re looking for a simple to learn and plug-in-and-go system, Windows is best, even if there are many reasons to leave Windows (including cost).

If you can’t choose between the two, you can always choose both. You can dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, or use the Windows Subsystem for Linux to run Ubuntu on Windows itself. You can also install Ubuntu in VirtualBox by running Linux as a virtual machine on top of Windows.

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