💬 What is your favorite ability with Linux onboard? Do you have more things to share? Let me know in the comments below.COSMIC Desktop on Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS AlphaYou do not have a choice with Windows. You will have to go with what Microsoft thinks is the best layout and look/feel for your desktop.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Use Advanced Windows Tiling
- 2 2. Use the Desktop Environment of your choice
- 3 3. Customize the look and feel yourself
- 4 5. Built-in Support for Programming Languages
- 5 6. Shell Scripting With Endless Options
- 6 7. Choose your favorite filesystem
- 7 8. Docker and containerization
- 8 9. Use the system while it’s updating
- 9 10. Availability of package managers
1. Use Advanced Windows Tiling
Not just limited to that, I find Linux as a more focused platform for programming.Jokes apart, every operating system has its strong points for which they stand out. And, when it comes to Linux, the list is arguably bigger than its competitors. We are mostly talking about Windows to compare it to here.
Even if you do not have a code editor installed, you can just get started with the built-in terminal and nano/vim terminal-based editors and call it a day:
Linux is your friend for the matter.
Archcraft distribution with Openbox window manager and polybar panel
2. Use the Desktop Environment of your choice
But, your Linux distribution already comes baked in with the latest available Python package (versions can be different, but it’s always pre-installed). And, you can run Python programs with just a command like this:If you like, you can customize the experience to your heart’s extent by configuring things yourself. Not just by using the available options but by diving in to your system configuration files.However, when it comes to Linux, I can choose between different desktop experiences in the form of desktop environments. In other words, you get to pick the UI style or GUI components when installing a Linux distribution.If you are looking for something advanced, you can refer to our i3 customization guide:
To get started with one of the most popular programming languages, Python, for example, you will have to set a few things on Windows.
In addition, the Docker ecosystem on Linux is more useful, and includes images that are less in size (saving storage space).
3. Customize the look and feel yourself
The options available might be able to mimic how Linux does it, but it’s not going to be in the same level.With Windows, if there’s no option to do it, you have no easy way out to change things without breaking the system. Windows is not built with customization in mind.Moreover, unless it is an upgrade, the reboot after a system update does not take any extra time. But, with Windows, even with the slightest update, you might end up seeing an updating screen and must wait for a while before they are applied.If you want the ability to easily add widgets to improve the functionality and look of your desktop, KDE Plasma desktop environment is a good choice. You will find several pre-install widgets, and you can download more from the KDE Store.Of course, it is not advisable for users who are new to Linux, and do not understand the differences of such a file system. So, if you have done your research, you can go along with your favorite, and break away from the NTFS file system.So, I shall be highlighting the things you can do on Linux but on Windows:To give you a head start, when using KDE Plasma as your desktop, you can follow our guide to customize it better:
And, to go all in, you can try Arch Linux combined with i3, sway, or one among the best window managers out there:
With Windows, you are stuck with the NTFS filesystem. It has been around for a longer time, and it is reliable for its use-case. For instance, I liked how things were with Windows 10, but Windows 11 tries to modernize them (which I don’t like). But, I don’t have the option to keep using Windows 10s look with Windows 11.Yes, you might need certain technical expertise to get what you want. But, you can, if you choose to.
Furthermore, I get more options geared towards performance, like LXQt or XFCE desktop, tailored to be lightweight (yet capable) desktop environments.
You can navigate your entire screen (and multiple workspaces) using the keyboard shortcuts. And, once you are accustomed to those shortcuts, there is no going back.
5. Built-in Support for Programming Languages
We also have a list of best KDE Plasma widgets for your reference:By default, Linux distributions handle packages using various package managers.Sure, it is easier than before to get started programming on Windows.
I use Archcraft distro and I have ZSH shell by default. So, it is nice to have.You can even experiment with special tools that try to make the package management interesting.
6. Shell Scripting With Endless Options
Suggested Read 📖However, if you are looking for certain features to manage your files (or have more reliable backups/encryptions), you have other file systems existing like BTRFS, and ZFS.While Windows 11 has tried a step-up to give users a couple of layouts to organize their Windows, it is still nowhere near what Linux can achieve.
You can use GNOME’s tiling extension or Pop!_OS for a starting experience on Linux. In some cases, the windows will be automatically tiled, you get a highlight color border to differentiate between the active and inactive windows.
7. Choose your favorite filesystem
If you are Linux, you get direct access to the bash shell by default on most distributions. Furthermore, you can choose to install another shell like ZSH for different feature-set, and work with it.If I want a Windows-like layout, I can select Cinnamon or KDE Plasma desktop. If I want something unique, I can go with GNOME or the upcoming COSMIC desktop.Implementing automation scripts, and making them work, is a bliss on Linux. You do not have that luxury on Windows.
8. Docker and containerization
It is a no-brainer that the situation with Docker and containerization is similar to you being able to run Python programs out of the box.Whether you are a Windows or macOS user, looking at a Linux user manage their window screens is an absolute delight.The most discussed and loved ability of Linux is to be able to update your system without requiring a restart. As you can see above, I am updating my Arch Linux system while I write this article on my PC, without any interruptions.
9. Use the system while it’s updating
Just like I did with my Archcraft system to tweak a couple of icons on the top bar.While you already get a great freedom to choose your look/feel of the desktop, it does not stop there.Sure, at times, you need to reboot for the newer packages to take charge. However, it is a more seamless experience for the majority of the time without needing to reboot.
10. Availability of package managers
However, with Windows, package management is a dull process by default. You can utilize WinGet on the command line, or third-party solutions like Chocolatey.Maybe with Windows XP, and a couple of versions, we were able to change the entire theme/look of the taskbar. But, Windows user never had total control of their look.Yes, we are all about Linux and open-source. So, if you are thinking that we might be biased, that is a possibility 😉 (just kidding!)Do you want widgets on your desktop screen? Just like you get on Android/iOS?Fret not, if you do not like KDE Plasma, you can resort to options like eww. You need to put a little effort into it to integrate it to the window manager of your choice, but it is a good one.
