Why I Switched to Linux (and Why You Should Too)

So, here’s the thing — I used to be that person who thought Linux was some scary hacker OS with green text flying across the screen like in movies. But after using Windows for years (and watching it get slower and more annoying with every update), I finally made the jump to Linux.

And honestly? It’s one of the best tech decisions I’ve ever made.

Let me tell you why I switched — and why you might want to, too.

1. Windows Got… Tiring

I loved Windows — until it started acting like it owned my computer.
Constant updates, forced restarts, ads in the Start menu, bloatware I never asked for — it all got old.

I wanted control over my system again — not an OS that keeps reminding me to "upgrade to Windows 11" or randomly downloads stuff I didn’t want.

Linux? It lets me decide when and how I update. No pop-ups, no "please wait while we update for 40 minutes," none of that.

2. It’s Way Faster on Older Machines

When I installed Linux on my old laptop (an Acer Aspire 4736Z with a Pentium CPU and 8GB DDR3 RAM), it was like giving it a second life. Learn more about how I revived this 15 year old laptop here.
Windows 10 used to take ages just to boot, but Linux Mint loaded up in under 15 seconds.

It felt smooth, snappy, and modern — even on a 15-year-old machine.

So yeah, if your PC feels “too old” for Windows 11, Linux will prove it’s not done yet.

3. It’s Completely Free

You know what’s better than cheap? Free.

Linux costs absolutely nothing — no activation keys, no licenses, no “upgrade to Pro” nonsense. You just download, install, and you’re in.

And it’s not some shady thing — Linux is open-source, meaning anyone can look at its code, improve it, and keep it secure.

4. It’s Private and Secure by Default

Windows and macOS track a lot of stuff in the background.
Linux doesn’t. There’s no telemetry, no background data collection, no "diagnostic feedback."

Since Linux doesn’t rely on ads or data collection, your system actually feels like your system again.

Plus, viruses? Practically nonexistent here. You won’t even need a heavy antivirus dragging your performance down.

5. Customization Goes Crazy

Want your desktop to look like macOS? Easy.
Prefer that old-school Windows 7 layout? Sure.
Want it to look like a sci-fi terminal from the future? You can do that too.

Linux lets you customize literally everything — icons, animations, window styles, boot screens — everything.
And the best part? You can actually uninstall what you don’t need instead of it being locked behind the OS.

6. Perfect for Coding and Learning

If you’re into coding, ethical hacking, or server stuff, Linux is the go-to OS.

It supports Python, C++, Node.js, Java, and basically every dev tool you can think of — straight out of the box.
No need to install 5 extra frameworks just to get started.

It’s also where most servers run — so learning Linux means you’re learning how the internet works under the hood.

7. Tons of Choices (a.k.a. Distros)

There’s not just one “Linux.”
You’ve got tons of flavors (called distros) — each made for a different type of user.

• Linux Mint – perfect for beginners

• Ubuntu – clean and popular

• Zorin OS – looks and feels like Windows

• Pop!_OS – great for gaming and productivity

• Kali Linux – for cybersecurity and ethical hacking

 

 And me? I personally use Arch Linux. It’s super customizable, lightweight, and gives me total control over what’s installed — though it’s definitely more advanced, so I wouldn’t recommend it for total beginners.

You can try different ones from a USB stick — no need to install anything.

8. It’s Great for Gaming (Now, Yes!)

People used to say Linux was bad for gaming — not anymore.
Thanks to Steam Proton and Lutris, you can play tons of Windows games on Linux easily.
Big titles like GTA V, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077 actually run surprisingly well now.

Sure, not every single game works perfectly, but the progress has been wild.

Final Thoughts

Switching to Linux isn’t about hating Windows — it’s about getting control back.
No forced updates, no unnecessary apps, no hidden processes eating your RAM.

If you just want your computer to run fast, stay private, and feel like yours again — give Linux a shot.

It’s free, it’s light, and honestly… it just works.