Benefits of using Linux for your business
What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system, like Windows and MacOS, that is used by businesses, organisations and individuals engaged in a variety of tasks, ranging from scientific to recreational. Most of the Internet is powered by Linux, as are all of the world's top 500 supercomputers at the time of this writing.
You have probably already used Linux, since it powers many appliances, but perhaps most notably in the form of Android, which is a version of Linux.
Because of its advanced capabilities and large software repositories, Linux is a popular choice among professionals who want to concentrate on their work without the hassle of having to manage their computer too much.
Advantages with particular interest to businesses
In the context of business, Linux provides significant benefits over other operating systems. These are the main advantages of using Linux for businesses:
Low cost
Linux is licensed as free software, meaning it can be used freely by everyone, and as such is not subject to the restrictive licenses that apply to other operating systems. In addition, the vast majority of Linux distributions and software available for them are also free of cost, so you can use this entire ecosystem without worrying about licensing restrictions and fees.
Software repositories
Software in Linux is organised in repositories, places where official and controlled versions of almost every piece of software reside. The Linux community maintains these repositories, and guarantees that the applications you download from them are updated and safe.
This form of organisation saves a lot of time for users of Linux. To find and download an application, you simply search for its name in the repository. You do not have to go looking for it around the Internet, verify that it is the latest version, scan it for viruses, etc. Furthermore, with a single click you can update all software on your computer!
Security and privacy
Being that it powers most of the Internet, perhaps it is expected that Linux would offer advanced security features. Its multi-user architecture helps segment and restrict each user’s operations. This way, a user can’t modify or damage anything beyond their own files. It is also much less vulnerable to viruses and malware compared to other operating systems.
High performance
Linux and its software ecosystem make for a well integrated, stable and fast-performing environment. It runs seamlessly even on dated hardware, which mitigates the need to upgrade, saving costs.
Ease of use and variety
There is a misconception about Linux that it is for advanced users only. This may have been somewhat true years ago, but today Linux is just as easy to use as any other operating system.
It provides a selection of graphical desktop environments, and software which allows you to use the computer as a workstation, media centre, gaming station and so on.
Things to keep in mind before switching
- Make sure your must-have applications have a Linux version.
- Support for very new hardware can lag.
- Do some research regarding the technology literacy level required.
- You can try it before installing, through a live distribution.
Conclusion
Linux is in many ways a superior operating system that helps increase your productivity, while being free. If you’re looking for a stable, reliable and secure platform on which to base the everyday operation of your business, Linux is an excellent choice.
If you want to give it a try before deciding, most distributions of Linux offer what is called a live distribution, a way to run and try the operating system with its full functionality, from either a CD/DVD or USB flash drive, without making any changes to your actual system.
Some of Linux's most popular distributions:
