Seven Reasons why to use GNU / Linux as a desktop computer system
By Armando Caussade, http://armandocaussade.org/
Version 1.  November 30, 2019.  Reprinted from the PRLUG newsletter, November 2019.

Copyright © 2019 Armando Caussade.  Some rights reserved.
Creative Commons License BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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I have been using the GNU / Linux operating system (henceforth "Linux") as my primary desktop platform for a few years now, in both 64-bit and 32-bit modes since at least the year 2015. Linux systems now account for 95% of all my PC usage, and since making the switch I find that desktop computing has become more fulfilling and enjoyable. There are numerous reasons for this, and I thought it would be a good idea to share my views on this topic.

1. Low cost

Since most Linux varieties ("distributions" as they are called) are provided under open licenses, I can legally download a full Linux operating system from the web, for free; and on top of that, I may also install hundreds of application packages, all legal, open and free. Of course, I sometimes donate to projects that I deem worthy, and will even pay for commercial software if necessary, but in general most software that I use is available for free.

2. Open source

Most Linux packages--both system and application packages--are inherently not only free, but open, a concept that is sometimes conveyed by the expression "libre" as used in Spanish and French. Open software means software that is available as source code and is open for anyone to see, modify and even recompile into a customized binary. Naturally, I like that I can see for myself the source code and inner workings from programs that are running on my computer.

3. Freedom

I can freely install my Linux distribution of choice on whatever number of computers, any number of times. Most Linux distributions will not require you to enter a license code, to activate or to otherwise register. I may also install and use different kernel versions, and if I wished I could even go ahead and modify the Linux kernel--and recompile--in order to run a customized kernel, something that a commercial system would not probably allow.

4. Lightweight

To give an example, among a number of Linux installations I currently use, there is a Linux Mint 19.2 Cinnamon system running on top of an old 32-bit desktop computer from 2005. And it is amazing to see how well this setup runs on a 14-year old box! Linux may potentially be a very lightweight system, as it is usually free from the binary bloating of commercial systems, where a lot of unneeded components are prepackaged as part of the base system.

5. Customization

I enjoy not only the level of customization that I can put into my graphical user environment, but also that I can easily modify the Linux base system by removing or adding specific packages according to my needs. What is more, I can even burn the modifications to a stable ISO image that can later be used to install new customized systems. For example, since I do lots of file management I went ahead to create my own custom Linux base that caters to such needs.

6. Security

Since Linux vulnerabilities are sparse, and the ones that have surfaced have mostly been patched, few Linux systems require that a commercial malware scanner be installed. I have found the system to be inherently safe, but this does not exempt the the user from being alert at all times and using common sense when dealing with security risks. Linux systems are respectful of privacy, and will rarely collect or broadcast any information without your consent.

7. Reliability

I just love how stable Linux systems are. Not that a Linux desktop will never freeze, but when it happens it rarely brings down the entire system, and usually what is needed is just a refresh of the offending application or maybe the graphical user environment. And I particularly like the fact that updates are generally unobtrusive--in comparison with commercial systems--and rarely require a reboot unless a critical component has been upgraded.

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