My buddy David Gewirtz not too long ago wrote in regards to the query of whether or not you must move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 or a Mac. I’ve one other suggestion: Linux. Particularly Linux Mint 17.3, Rosa, with the Cinnamon desktop.

Linux Mint 17.3 is a good substitute for Home windows 7. In actual fact, it is an excellent desktop working system interval.
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Sure, I am critical. I exploit all of the above desktops — sure I am a Home windows 7 and 10 person in addition to a Linux man — and for individuals I believe Mint 17.3 makes an excellent desktop.
I have been utilizing Mint as my main Linux desktop for years now. Not like some desktops I might title — cough, Windows 8, cough — Linux Mint has by no means had a flop. Yearly that goes by, this working system retains getting higher. The opposite desktops? Not a lot.
Let’s take a better look.at Home windows 7 vs. Linux Mint 17.3
UI Variations
There’s actually not a lot. Whereas it is even simpler for a Windows XP user to move to Mint than a Home windows 7 person, any Home windows person will not have any bother choosing up Linux Mint with Cinnamon. There is a Begin Menu and settings are straightforward to search out.
I regard Cinnamon 2.8 as the final word Window, Icon, Menu, Pointer (WIMP) interface. Is it preferrred for tablets or smartphones? No. Is it good for long-time PC customers? Sure.
Cinnamon does add some good options. For instance, should you mouse over the Window listing, you may now see a thumbnail for every utility. It additionally has improved efficiency, system tray standing indicators, and music and energy applets.
What I like finest about Cinnamon is that it does not get in the best way. There is no studying curve. You could have by no means used Linux in your life however you possibly can simply sit down and begin opening directories, operating purposes, and modify your PC’s settings.
One small function I like quite a bit, since I all the time run a number of workspaces, is that the workspace switcher applet now reveals a visible illustration of what is operating in every workspace.
Do not like Cinnamon? Not like any model of Home windows, Linux Mint comes with many different desktops. These embody KDE, MATE and Xfce. Discover one you want and luxuriate in,
Utility Choice
It is true that Linux does not have as many utility alternative as Home windows does. However, what number of purposes do you actually need in 2016? I do most of my work lately on the cloud with software-as-a-service (SaaS) purposes. These apps work simply as nicely on Chrome, my favourite Internet browser, on Mint as they do on another desktop.
That mentioned, there are various wonderful Linux desktop applications. For instance, as a substitute of Microsoft Workplace I exploit LibreOffice 5. I do not use it as a result of it is free, though most Linux desktop purposes will not value you a cent, however as a result of it is a superb workplace suite in its personal proper.
I additionally use Evolution as a substitute of Outlook for e-mail and GIMP as a substitute of Photoshop for my primary graphic enhancing wants. The underside line is which can be many nice Linux applications that you should use instead of Home windows appliations.
Are there some Home windows applications that you could’t reside with out? Properly, you do not have to reside with out them.
There are two methods to run Home windows applications on Linux. One is to make use of CodeWeaver‘s CrossOver Linux. This program lets you run many standard Home windows purposes on Linux. Supported Windows applications embody Microsoft Workplace (from Workplace 97 to Workplace 2010), Quicken, and a few variations of Adobe Photoshop.
The appliance you completely should have will not work with CrossOver? Then run it on a digital machine (VM) program reminiscent of Oracle’s VirtualBox.
I exploit each strategies they usually work nicely.
Cell Ecosystem Compatibility
I do not care what some individuals say, Windows Phone is dead to me. And, just about everybody else.
Mint, nonetheless, is a pure desktop play. Sure, Android is Linux, nevertheless it runs in parallel with the desktop Linux distribution. Which will change as Android creeps towards the desktop, however we’re not there but.
Ubuntu, which is Mint’s basis Linux distribution, mum or dad firm Canonical is working laborious on making its identical code base work on PCs, smartphones, and tablets. So, ultimately, you could be operating Mint on smartphones. I am not holding my breath.
If you need one working system household on all of your gadgets, do not waste your time — for now — on both Linux or Home windows. Simply go forward and purchase an iPhone and a Mac and be performed with it.
Reliability
This isn’t even a dialog.
Whereas Home windows 7 is way extra steady than another model of Home windows, I have never had Linux Mint ever — ever — cease working.
If you need a desktop that may take a licking and preserve ticking, you need Linux, not Home windows or Mac OS X.
Safety
Actually? Do you even need to ask?
Each awful day a brand new piece of Home windows malware reveals up. Home windows is safer than it as soon as was, nevertheless it’s nonetheless straightforward to bust.
Linux, then again, regardless of the rubbish you examine Linux viruses and such, is nearly by no means sucessfully attacked.
Oh, sure, Linux has been damaged into a number of instances. However, in nearly each case, the assault depends on a person with super-user priviledges working hand in glove with an attacker to interrupt in. If a system administrator installs malware who’s actually accountable for the cracked laptop? The operasting system or the incompetent system supervisor? I do know which one I might be kicking out of my workplace.
Improve Price
Home windows 10 is often free now — even should you do not really need it. Micrsoft continues to search out new and fascinating methods to shove it down your throat such aa making Windows 10 a recommended update.
Mint, although, was free when it started, it is free now, and can all the time be free. Should you determine a specific model of Mint is the cat’s meow, you possibly can preserve utilizing it till the bits fall off the laborious drive due to rust.
Switching Prices
Home windows 10 can run on most newer Home windows 7 methods with none fuss. However, I can run Mint on Home windows XP methods. Give me 512MBs of RAM, and I am in enterprise with Mint.
Thoughts you, I might a lot fairly have 2GBs, however you actually can run Mint on just about any {hardware} hiding out in your workplace’s again room.
The true value shall be in traning and purposes. As I discussed earlier, nonetheless, Mint does not have a lot of a studying curve. As for purposes, nearly all Linux applications are free. If, as many workplaces do now, you realy on SaaS apps for producivity you will not see one skinny dime extra in software program migration prices.
Listing Integration
What’s that you just say? You utilize Energetic Listing (AD) for system administration and supporting it’s a should? No drawback.
You simply set up BeyondTrust‘s PowerBroker, previously Likewise, and in a couple of minutes your Mint machines shall be in your AD forest. Subsequent query?
The Backside Line
Linux Mint is a superb Home windows 7 substitute. I’ve used it for years now and I’ve discovered it to be the perfect desktop on the market.
Is it higher than Home windows 10? I believe so. It is actually extra steady and safe.
Must you transfer to it? I like to recommend you attempt it for your self. Like all desktop Linux distributions, it is easy to attempt to it is free. Simply download a copy of Mint, 64-bit Cinnamon can be my decide, and install it. Should you’re installing Mint on a system with UEFI Secure Boot, you will have to leap by means of a number of hoops. I say “might” as a result of neither I nor J.A. Watson have had any bother with it.
When you’re performed, I believe you may quickly discover that Mint is a good substitute for Home windows 7.
Take pleasure in!
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