Ditching Windows? How To Decide Between Linux And Macos - In 7 Simple Steps

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ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• The prime betwixt Linux and MacOS isn't hard.
• If you tin reply these questions, you'll cognize which to choose.
• Both are outstanding choices and will service you well.

I usage some Linux and MacOS. The erstwhile is utilized for mundane tasks, and nan second for video editing and mobile usage (please, someone, create a Linux laptop that is arsenic reliable and akin to a MacBook). 

Also: New to Linux? 5 desktop environments I urge you effort first - and why

Unfortunately, not everyone tin usage both, and pinch Windows 10 support ending soon, you mightiness find yourself choosing betwixt Linux and MacOS.

Let maine thief you pinch that choice.

1. Do you want an ecosystem aliases a unchangeable OS?

One of nan biggest differences betwixt MacOS and each different operating systems is that it is much of an ecosystem than an isolated OS. What Linux offers is singular stability. There are immoderate Linux distributions (such arsenic Debian) that are considered nan astir unchangeable operating systems connected nan planet. 

Also: This caller Linux desktop is almost a dormant ringer for OS X

But Linux doesn't bask a akin ecosystem to that of MacOS. So, if you want to easy link your machines (without having to configure anything) aliases if you want easy integration pinch a unreality service, MacOS is correct for you. If, connected nan different hand, you want a rock-solid OS that won't fto you down, Linux is what you want.

2. Is freedom of prime important?

MacOS is beautiful overmuch locked down. What you get connected your MacBook aliases your iMac is precisely what Apple wants. MacOS besides forces you into nan Apple way, and if you want to task distant from that, bully luck. 

Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Linux is each astir choice, and there's zero vendor lock-down to woody with. If you want a institution to show you really to usage your computer, usage MacOS. If you want to beryllium nan 1 who makes those decisions, usage Linux.

3. Is location a proprietary app you dangle on?

Although Linux makes it imaginable (and moreover easy) to usage non-Linux apps, location are immoderate proprietary applications (such arsenic Photoshop) that simply cannot tally connected Linux. If there's a peculiar app you dangle on, it's important that you first find retired if there's a Linux larboard available. If not, chances are bully there's a MacOS version. 

If you cognize location are proprietary apps you must usage that are not disposable connected Linux, nan prime is obvious. If those proprietary apps tin beryllium installed pinch Wine, Steam, aliases nan new Winboat, you tin take betwixt them. If not, MacOS is nan measurement to go.

4. Are you connected a budget?

This 1 should beryllium obvious. Apple hardware tin beryllium beautiful pricey, particularly compared to off-the-shelf hardware that tin tally Linux. If you are connected a budget, Linux is nan correct choice. If money is not an issue, Apple sells immoderate of nan champion hardware connected nan market. 

Also: Should you ever salary for Linux? 5 times I would - and why

Linux is simply a free operating strategy and tin tally connected conscionable astir immoderate benignant of hardware (even made by Apple). Linux is nan astir budget-friendly operating strategy available.

5. Do you for illustration a institution for tech support aliases community-driven help?

Apple Care is disposable for anyone who purchases a MacBook aliases iMac for astir $20/month. That support will spell a agelong measurement to thief you done immoderate rumor you mightiness have. 

Linux, connected nan different hand, depends connected community-driven support, which is free. If you don't mind searching forums, mailing lists, and moreover societal media groups for help, Linux is your OS. If you for illustration to person a institution backing your support, spell pinch MacOS.

6. Do you want to prime your hardware?

Have you ever tried to upgrade a MacBook aliases iMac? It's not easy. If you person circumstantial hardware needs aliases for illustration to take circumstantial GPUs, RAM, aliases motherboards, Linux is your only choice. 

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

You cannot build a Mac from nan crushed up, but you tin pinch Linux. If you want to easy upgrade your machine, spell pinch Linux. If you don't attraction astir selecting circumstantial hardware aliases an easy way to upgrade, spell pinch MacOS.

7. Have an iPhone?

Simple. If you usage an iPhone, your champion prime is MacOS. That doesn't mean you can't link an iPhone to Linux (thank you, KDE Connect), but you don't get astir nan integration you bask betwixt MacOS and iOS. If you usage Android, spell pinch Linux. If iOS is your mobile OS of choice, instrumentality pinch MacOS.