7 Ways Linux Can Lower Your Tech Costs - And Extend The Life Of Your Devices

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Over nan past fewer decades, I've watched galore group walk immense amounts of money keeping their computers moving aliases up to velocity pinch modern technology. I've seen friends return their computers to support specialists to free them of malware (spending much money than they'd prefer) and, lately, been privy to countless users faced pinch buying caller machines to switch those moving Windows 10.

Also: The champion Linux laptops

Every clip I spot aliases perceive of specified things, nan first point that comes to mind is that they could prevention money if they migrated to Linux. If you don't judge me, publication on, because I person a database of reasons why Linux tin prevention you money.

1. Linux costs nothing

The Linux operating strategy costs $0.00. 

Also: Slow net velocity connected Linux? This 30-second hole makes each nan difference

Yes, location are immoderate distributions that connection Pro versions (such arsenic ZorinOS) and see other features (like different desktop layouts), but nan immense mostly of Linux distributions costs thing to download and instal connected arsenic galore machines arsenic you like. I cannot show you really galore Linux distributions I've utilized over nan years and ne'er spent a penny connected nan operating system. If you request to curtail your tech spending, Linux is nan cleanable option.

2. Open-source package costs thing

At nan aforesaid time, open-source software will not costs you a azygous cent. Yes, location are immoderate applications that person an associated cost, but those are mostly proprietary. If you're talking open-source, nan fees are zero. And earlier you deliberation it, you'll find Linux package to capable conscionable astir immoderate request you have. 

Also: You tin effort Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how

I will opportunity this, however: if you do find a Linux app that you request aliases want and it's not free, consider paying for it anyhow because those developers request to put nutrient connected nan array arsenic well. On apical of that, it's a bully measurement to springiness back.

3. Local unreality installations

I salary $10 per period for other abstraction connected Google Drive. I besides person a Nextcloud deployment connected my section LAN, which I could usage to switch Google Drive. One of these days, that's going to happen, particularly arsenic Google continues to thin much and much into artificial intelligence. I'm not totally opposed to AI, but I surely don't want it laying its integer hands connected what I've written. 

Also: My 10 favourite Linux distributions of each time, ranked

For me, nan champion action for this is Nextcloud. Not only is Nextcloud easy to install, but it besides has each nan features you request for a section unreality retention option.

4. Fewer information issues

In nan years since I've been utilizing Linux, I've only had 1 rumor pinch security, and that was connected a server installation I took complaint of that was poorly configured. Other than that, I haven't had a azygous issue. Linux is acold much unafraid than nan operating strategy you're using, truthful you don't person to interest astir paying for anti-malware, antivirus software, aliases third-party firewalls. 

Also: Do you request antivirus connected Linux?

You instal Linux, and you're bully to go, truthful migrate from Windows 10 and bask nan security.

5. Community support

Have you ever had to salary for Windows support? Have you ever had to walk a dime calling personification aliases having a technician distant into your instrumentality to lick a problem? 

Also: 7 things each Linux beginner should cognize earlier downloading their first distro

One of nan bully things astir Linux is that location is simply a immense organization disposable to thief you lick these issues. There are forums, groups, mailing lists, websites, and more... each fresh to thief you pinch immoderate problem ails your operating system.

6. Low attraction

Speaking of support, 1 point you'll beryllium gladsome to perceive is that Linux is simply a very low-maintenance operating system. Once installed, nan chances of having a problem are slim. I've gone years without a azygous rumor connected Linux, and it doesn't return a seasoned personification to acquisition specified reliability. You mightiness person been told astatine immoderate constituent that Linux is hard to usage and maintain, but that's conscionable not true.

7. Reviving older hardware

If you person an aged PC lying astir -- 1 that Windows will nary longer tally connected -- instal Linux connected it to springiness it caller life. You tin instal Linux connected a desktop PC aliases a laptop. There are plentifulness of Linux distributions that tin revive an aging computer, specified arsenic Bodhi Linux. 

Also: Linux has complete 6% of nan desktop market? Yes, you publication that correct - here's how

So galore distributions will activity wonderfully connected those older PCs and laptops, which will prevention you money because you won't person to upgrade to nan latest hardware conscionable to support nan newest type of Windows.

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