Yesterday we commented that Microsoft is determined that you use Windows 11 even if that means having to change perfectly usable hardware. That is why Those who have not done so should ask themselves the question: Linux or not Linux?
Of course, this is not so critical for a home user, but it is essential for those who use their computer professionally.
Why not continue using Windows 10
Since we are a dissemination blog and not a sect, I have to start by acknowledging the idea that there are specific cases where moving to Linux is not an option. In that case, planning will have to change direction.
Unless you are George RR Martin, the author of Game of Thrones and you use a notebook not connected to anything, continuing to use Windows 10 is not an option.
Doing so exposes you to the following security issues
- Vulnerabilities: Cybercriminals often take advantage of outdated operating systems with documented vulnerabilities that will no longer be fixed.
- Patches: When an operating system is discontinued, researchers lose interest in it and no new security problems are discovered or solutions developed.
- Malware and other types of attacks: Vulnerabilities are exploited to introduce malicious software to take control of systems and steal sensitive data.
- Non-compliance with standards: For security reasons, both cloud services and websites that work with critical data prevent access with obsolete software.
- Risk for others: It is often said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. An insecure system connected to the Internet can be the entry vector for the spread of malware to other computers.
- Dissemination of private data: If you use your computer for work, you may have important data stored on you and your clients. An insecure system exposes them.
- Performance and stability: An operating system that does not receive updates will not be able to run new hardware or will do so very slowly.
Linux or not Linux? That is the question
What will determine whether or not we can make the move to Linux is the use we make of the computer. Linux is perfectly useful for home users and large organizations that can afford developers. to create or adapt the tools they need. However, it can be more problematic in the case of independent professionals who require the use of specific computer hardware or tools.
When not to use Linux
Gimp is an excellent photo retouching program that can improve its performance with scripts developed in the Python programming language. Unlike Photoshop it does not have a repository of plugins ready to meet the needs of photographers and graphic designers. Nor are there thousands of tutorials, video tutorials and books available on the web.
It is true that a user could develop their own plugins in Python, but that usually requires knowledge that takes time to acquire and that a freelance professional does not usually have. This brings us to the first barrier to using Linux, the lack of compatible software.. Although this will probably be resolved over time as most services migrate to the cloud.
The second major restriction comes from the hardware side.. If specific machinery connected to a computer is used and the driver is only available for Windows, there will be no choice but to remain tied to Microsoft.
When to use Linux
Today, Linux is compatible with most existing hardware, with very few configurations in which it does not work.. There are both paid and free office applications that have the highest degree of compatibility with Microsoft formats.
Many programs for professional use, such as the DaVinci Resolve video editor, have a version for Linux, and others that are industry benchmarks, such as the Blender design software or the OBS Studio streaming transmitter, were born with that version.
In the next articles we will describe the steps of planning the transition to Linux.