[Opinion] I can't live without Linux!

English Original: Why I can't live without Linux

This article is written for those who want to try Linux, but if you're already a Linux user, there are still some facts you should know and be proud of.

Hate long articles? Jump directly to the last section "Summary of all content."

Why Can't I Live Without Linux?

I have my own reasons for sticking with this belief. Every few days or months, when I restart my machine, the Linux boot process fascinates me, and you might be surprised that most operating systems aren't like this.

Imagine Some Scenarios:

- Your machine crashes frequently.

- It's unbearably slow.

- Files and folders are automatically created/deleted without your permission.

- The machine shuts down for no reason.

What's going on? There's only one truth! You've been infected by a virus! And on Linux, such situations almost never happen, or you could say "never." :)

Why/So What?

Now imagine, at this very moment, thousands of people are writing and checking code for Linux, so Linux is constantly growing stronger, and almost any developer in the world can see what the "code says," and even point out if there are any defects.

On March 14, 1994, Linux 1.0.0 was released, and it had only 176,250 lines of code back then.

By 2013, when Linux 3.10 was released, it already had 15,803,499 lines of code.

Another thing is the way Linux is designed. Unlike some other operating systems, on Linux, almost all complex tasks require root permissions. For example, on Windows, you enter certain system folders and delete something (why would you do that? Well, it might be what a virus does — they really do that. Also, I've seen some people do this to free up memory). Although nothing happens at the time, the next time you start up... (I don't dare describe it further). On Linux, whenever you try to do something to the system, it will prompt you for the root password. But what if I am the root user and I mess up the system, what then? That's the worst-case scenario, but there will still be many people guiding you on how to fix it.

How would you feel if a group of kind strangers ran over to help you when you fell on the street? Love and support are priceless, and you'll feel it!

Stability

Linux machines can run endlessly. A simple "uptime" command tells you how long the machine has been running. You never need to shut down, as devices are basically hot-pluggable. Of course, other operating systems can also report uptime, but as mentioned earlier, Linux machines rarely crash, blue-screen, or freeze :D unless you intentionally try to break them.

As an old saying goes, "Linux is tough, unless, it's dealing with kids!"

To keep your machine safe from viruses and trojans, you have to do a lot of work. A study showed that (without any protection), after connecting to the network, the average time for Windows to be hacked is 40 minutes, while on Linux - you're like the boss, doing nothing, meaning you don't need to install anything outside the operating system (and hackers can't get in either).

Enhanced Security

iptables. This command-line tool is excellent for setting up firewalls. Similarly, there are many other innovative tools, such as port knocking, chroot jails (Translator's note: chroot is an operation on Unix systems that changes the real disk root directory for the current program and its subprocesses. After changing the root directory, programs cannot access or name normal path files. Such a root directory is called a "chroot jail" or "chroot prison" — from Wikipedia).

SELinux

If SELinux is set up and enforced, even if you give a file full access permissions, others still cannot access it.

The source code of other operating systems can only be seen by those who develop the operating system, whereas for Linux, everyone can access the source code, meaning the possibility of errors occurring is small. Even if some errors do occur, they can be fixed promptly. If you suffer a security attack, the company that develops the operating system may take a week or even a month to release a patch, which means your system remains vulnerable during that time. However, Linux has countless user contributions and active participation, which is not just good, but the best.

What if, hypothetically, the operating system company doesn't fix the bug? What happens afterward? Congratulations, you'll have to live with the bug. However, under Linux, many people fix bugs, or if you're a good programmer, maybe you should fix it yourself and contribute it to the open-source community. Giving roses leaves fragrance in your hand!

When there's such a great, free, and open-source operating system (Linux), why would you spend money on another one? When you decide to embrace open-source, there will be many learning opportunities. If you're a good programmer, you should take the open-source code, build it, design it in your own way, and use it according to your ideas.

Developers around the world have used their precious time and brilliant minds to bring you this unmatched operating system — it's Linux.

No Crapware

(Translator's note: Crapware is a derogatory slang term) — the operating system is open-source, but what about other tools? Yes, there are numerous tools that are also open-source and available for users. In contrast, on other operating systems, most software may require you to subscribe, upgrade, or purchase. Worse still, after a few days of use, you may discover that it's just a 30-day trial version. In this regard, Linux will never make you experience such frustration.

Linux also comes pre-installed with applications, so you can start using it with just a few simple steps.

On Linux, most drivers are built into the kernel, so you don't have to search everywhere for drivers when using some hardware components.

If you're just a regular desktop user and don't have much to do via the command line (CLI), Linux offers various desktop environments for you to choose from, such as Gnome, KDE, yes, you can call it the "next-generation desktop environment."

Have you ever experienced your operating system slowing down after running for a while, and the only solution is to reinstall it? Well, try Linux, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. It runs fast and responsive for years, allowing you to focus on your work instead of dealing with a sluggish operating system.

No Backdoors

How can you ensure there are no backdoors when you don't understand the source code of an operating system? If the manufacturer leaves a secret backdoor, when you connect to the network, it exposes your privacy. On Linux, everything is open, so no backdoors can hide within the operating system.

Here's another interesting point: Most Windows users may find it frustrating that they need to restart their machines when upgrading some software or the operating system. Linux doesn't require such restarts. Linux is a stable system that can run perfectly for years without needing a reboot.

Revive Old Machines

Linux can run flawlessly on very old hardware. Unlike other operating systems, you don't need to upgrade your hardware to use it.

Summary of All Content..

There's free stuff available, so why use illegal (pirated) versions?

- Revive old machines

- Fast booting

- Always updated

- No crapware

- No backdoors

- No viruses

- Stability

- Compatibility

- Enhanced security

- Runs fast and responsive

- Linux doesn't need defragmentation

- Choosing Linux does indeed impact the environment. (Google it)

- Limitless freedom - Forums, mailing lists, IRC channels

- Workspace features - Next-generation desktop

- No major troubles

- Report bugs and get them fixed

- You won't feel alone

- I contribute, I'm happy, giving roses leaves fragrance in your hand

- Other operating systems belong to companies; Microsoft owns Windows, Apple owns Mac-OS. Linux? We own it!

In short, it's not just about reading this article; you must try it yourself and taste the feeling — freedom is priceless.

For me, linuxing is meditation. How about you? :)

If you agree with my views, cheers! It's time to "pour" this fine wine of Linux into your cup and slowly "taste" it.

If you disagree with my views, cheers again. You can prove me wrong in various ways.

Google "linuxing urban dictionary" (Translator's note: Urban Dictionary is a platform where netizens publish explanations of special words or phrases. Many entries here can't be found in regular dictionaries, and even if they exist in normal dictionaries, new insightful explanations are provided here. Netizens can also vote on each entry).

Thank you for reading. Come on, smile :D Cheers!

Translated by: flsf, Proofread by: Caroline, Mr Xiaoyan'er