This post is yet another in a series of mine that strives to show the advantages of running Linux over Windows for most home/office users.

Realizing that this in no way will cause masses to defect to Linux, my intentions here again are to show that there is a definite advantage in running Linux over Windows especially these days.

Advantages

One advantage is the lack of Virus and Spyware/Malware that can do harm to a Linux based system. There are none to date that I know of where with Windows….well, let’s just say that you better not let your subscriptions to Norton, McAfee, Spyware Doctor, etc. run out. Let’s not forget a good firewall for Windows either. The hackers love to break in to Windows just as much as they do writing bugs for it.

Examples - Linux

See, on a Linux based system you have a user folder or commonly called your “Home” folder, from which you operate from. All your operating is done from this folder primarily. What you add in the way of music, pictures, documents and so forth is done to folders inside your Home folder.

If or when you need to update or install anything that requires the installation to be done outside of this folder, an Administrative Password is required. Whether it be done via your browser or the venerable Synaptic Package Manager.

It’s in this manner that your system is protected because for any installations to take affect, you must provide the Administrator Password for it to be allowed. Thus allowing you to take another look at whatever it is that’s trying to get access to your system.

Examples - Windows

Windows is so flawed in this respect that if you open an email that’s infected, you’re infected. If you click on a poisoned link on a web page, you’re infected. If you want to view a video on a web page and it asks you to download a file so you can experience the “full effect” of the video….you just might be getting infected.

Windows will allow these types of infections to go right to the Root of the system too. The system registry. Here, they’re pure hell to get rid of, let alone detect. All of this is done without your permission! And all in spite of the 3rd party software maker’s best attempts at keeping a Windows user protected.

Granted, a lot of folks aren’t too keen on learning a new operating system. Especially one that’s been tagged as a Geek’s Dream. However, I beg to differ here as I am no Geek. I am a simple home/office user who took the time to learn the system and how to make it work to my advantage.

Linux isn’t all that difficult to learn to use. You learned to use Windows didn’t you? Well, if you can do that, you can learn to use Linux. Or even a Mac if you prefer.

Summation

The point of this post is not to lecture but more to point out advantages of using a Linux operating system over Windows.

My real point would be this though: Why, after all these years has Microsoft not done anything to prevent the ease with which a virus, spyware or malware can access their systems without the so-called protection of 3rd party companies? All they’d need to do is to follow what Linux (And Mac) have done for a long, long time. Why?