Linux is a computer and server operating system (OS) and one of the “Big Three” used by companies worldwide alongside Windows and macOS. It sets itself apart from its big-money competitors in distinct ways, which could make it your business’s preferred OS.
Why Linux may be the most beneficial OS available
Here are five reasons why Linux could be the OS that provides the most benefits for your operations and bottom line.
Greater control over your technology choices
Unlike macOS and Windows, Linux is not owned and operated by a massive multinational corporation (MNC). Instead, it is open-source software, meaning it is free to everyone. Linux is driven by an independent community supported by individual users and companies that create products for the OS and keep it updated as technology develops.
What this means for your business is that by utilizing Linux on your PCs and servers, you have a greater say over what you use your OS for. Your IT team can customize Linux in whatever way you need without fear of breaking terms of use, and you don’t have to worry about the licensing MNC altering the product in ways that don’t benefit your business.
Increased cost savings
One of the most compelling reasons why businesses like yours choose Linux is its cost. Unlike proprietary operating systems like Windows or macOS, Linux is free. You won’t have to purchase expensive licenses for each workstation or pay ongoing subscription fees. This can save you a ton over time.
Additionally, Linux has no hidden costs, meaning there are no upgrade fees and no user-based charges. To get the most out of Linux, you may need to purchase some software products like distributions (or “distros”) such as Red Hat or SUSE, but their pricing is far more competitive. However, depending on your needs, you may be able to get by with free distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
More options and more flexibility
You might think that moving away from Microsoft or Apple means that you lose access to their vital software programs, but the opposite is true. There are Linux-compatible versions of the market’s most popular business software that you can pick and choose from. The open-source nature of Linux also means that there is a wide range of business applications that are comparable to Microsoft and Apple apps but are more affordable and flexible.
Some popular Linux-compatible software solutions include:
- Office suites: LibreOffice provides open-source functionality comparable to Microsoft Office, and web-based Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 work through your browser regardless of OS.
- Cloud platforms: Most cloud-based services are platform-agnostic, meaning you can use popular cloud tools of your choice on the OS you prefer.
- Business management: GnuCash and HomeBank provide alternatives to proprietary accounting software.
- Collaboration tools: Slack, Zoom, and Trello are fully supported on Linux.
Reduced hardware requirements
Linux is lightweight compared to the other mainstream operating systems and doesn’t have a lot of the bloated features that demand excess computing resources. Linux can help your business run efficiently on older or less powerful hardware.
Moreover, with less intense hardware requirements, you won’t have to upgrade as often, and maintenance will be cheaper. You can even repurpose machines or purchase secondhand hardware to save even more money, as Linux doesn’t need the latest technology to perform optimally.
Better cybersecurity with an open-source OS
The fact that Linux isn’t as widespread or tightly controlled as its big-tech counterparts makes it more secure in several ways.
- Linux is open source, so it has a large community of developers constantly reviewing and improving its security features.
- It uses a permission-based file structure, meaning every user and application has restricted access to system files.
- It lacks excessive features that can cause crashes and downtime.
- Cybercriminals are more focused on cracking more popular operating systems since there are more targets of higher value that operate them.
Discover how Linux can improve your business
If you want to make the switch to Linux to optimize your business operations, reach out to Liberty Center One, and our team will show you how. We’re business IT network specialists focused on data protection and high-availability environments, and we can customize a Linux transition plan centered around your business goals.