What is Linux?
What is Linux?
I aimed to get insights from someone with more experience. After a year in computer science, many suggest using Linux. When asked about the advantages of Linux versus Windows, they rarely respond. What I’m seeking is information on whether I can run both operating systems together and what the main differences or benefits are for developers. I also want to retain Windows for gaming, so sharing personal experiences—positive or negative—is really appreciated.
In my opinion and experience, the only reason(s) one should use Windows is if: 1. They are required by their job or school to have Windows on their device 2. The majority of the games they play use kernel-level DRM and/or anticheat, rendering the game completely unplayable even with Proton 3. They absolutely rely on the full (not online) Microsoft Office suite, Adobe CC, etc, and cannot live with either cloud versions or alternatives (such as Libreoffice or Openoffice) So you might as well try it out. No harm in doing so, and you can always just run it from a USB.
I don't suggest using Linux on your desktop or setting up dual-boot. You can run both Windows and Linux together, but many issues may arise. Besides that, I’d advise trying Ubuntu Linux inside a virtual machine to test it out. Linux offers much more customization options and is a strong server choice. It’s generally very stable, works well with a wide variety of hardware, and often delivers better performance on demanding tasks like scientific simulations—most of which are heavily multi-threaded. I’ve used Linux since the 90s in various roles: SBCs, routers, servers, desktops, laptops, etc. I still prefer Windows for my desktop and laptop but rely on Linux in a VM or via SSH on servers and routers.
Linux runs on Unix foundations and is mainly CLI-oriented, though graphical interfaces exist. As an open source project, it offers many versions ranging from minimal like Alpine to more feature-rich options such as Mint, Pop!!, and enterprise editions like CentOS, RedHat, or Fedora. Programmers favor Linux due to its extensive command line capabilities. Historically, Windows command lines were poor, but improvements like PowerShell and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) have made cross-platform development easier. You can seamlessly switch between systems, open files in one environment using tools from another. In my view, modern Windows provides the most versatile setup for development.
You can run multiple operating systems side by side. For C# development I interpret you mean C# with .NET, which isn't as widespread on Linux compared to languages like C, C++, Python or Rust. With .NET you'll rely on Mono, though its behavior might differ from Windows versions. For C and C++ projects you'll need to grasp Makefiles. Tools like Visual Studio on Windows handle this automatically; on Linux you'll have to build them yourself. Most software is available as open source, but if not, it may be replaced by alternatives. If you aim for both Windows and Linux, study cross-platform SDKs and consider Qt. For web dev or databases, the differences are minimal. When using programs such as 3DS MAX or Photoshop, you'll need to find suitable replacements. You can tailor Linux to suit your preferences—some prefer GNOME for simplicity, others KDE Plasma for customization, or a basic file manager like Windows versions. Ultimately, Linux offers maximum flexibility; stick with it only if you enjoy that freedom. Try out several distros, experiment, and decide based on what feels right. https://manjaro.org/download/ https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop https://pop.system76.com/ https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major
In contrast to Linux’s advantages, I share some frustrations. My main complaint is that it rarely launches smoothly out of the box on a system I’d actually prefer. A desktop with a GPU? Forget it—here you get a generic black screen. Rare wireless options? You’re not getting a fair deal. High DPI screens? They’re just too small for your needs. Nerds, these tiny icons are a pain. A laptop with Nvidia Optimus? You’ll have to handle it yourself. Despite its shortcomings, Windows has always run perfectly across all the machines I’ve mentioned. That’s more useful than what Linux offers. Plus, using WSL and a VM lets me accomplish tasks on Windows that I can’t easily do on Linux.
Linux and Windows each offer unique advantages based on your needs. For students in computer science, Linux shines: its compilation tools are far more intuitive, the terminal feels highly customizable, and package managers simplify installing software with just a command—keeping everything current effortlessly. Many developers rely on Linux for personal projects, which drives a wealth of open-source tools tailored to this platform. These utilities are often adapted for Windows only as an afterthought. If you can modify the source code on Linux, it becomes incredibly valuable for learning how operating systems function.
The response hinges significantly on the type of development tasks you're handling. For mobile and web/cloud projects, Linux offers a consistent environment across development and production. I previously worked with Ubuntu 8.04 and found it convenient for debugging. But those days are behind. Unless your setup involves Windows Server, your local machine will always differ from the production setup. In cloud and mobile scenarios, you're typically using an OS distinct from what you deploy. If you don’t require iOS or Office 365 applications, Ubuntu Linux stands out as an excellent choice for developers. Popular cloud services like Docker, Kubernetes, and Ansible run smoothly on Ubuntu. Android Studio also performs well, with a functional emulator. This strong native support is what Sauron highlighted, making Linux—especially Ubuntu—a top pick for developers. *I’m sorry if this matches your workflow.* F ** For iOS or Office 365 needs, macOS remains the preferred option.
You can install both operating systems at the same time—either on distinct partitions or across separate disks if you have multiple drives. I’ve spent a lot of time with Gentoo now. The key aspect is that most of the software gets built from source, which simplifies customization and tuning. Running Gentoo has also deepened my grasp of how software functions and how system parts communicate. Gentoo isn’t for everyone, but it offers a unique learning path that other distros can’t match. While I focus on Gentoo, I appreciate the broader idea that compilers and development tools often work as part of the system rather than as add-ons. This perspective helps developers value multi-platform solutions and understand why some systems feel more integrated. I also suggest exploring FreeBSD—it’s designed with purpose, whereas Linux tends to evolve over time. These differences in approach can broaden your view of technology and software design.