Linux Mint vs. Microsoft Windows

Linux Mint is a great, stable product when you need an OS and software to "just work". I use it for file servers, docker, scripting, air-gapped backups, email notifications and more. Simple, inexpensive and stable. That's how software should be, and that's what Mint delivers on. The main thing holding Mint and other Linux distros back is the corporate walls that have been built shutting everything out except Microsoft. If companies would start supporting Linux better with their hardware and software we could and would ditch Microsoft in a heartbeat. but, alas, Microsoft has a stranglehold on businesses.

Incentivized

The vast majority of business applications require it. There are some equivalents available on Linux for most applications, for example Gimp as an alternative for Photoshop, or thunderbird for Outlook, but some very specific apps require it to run correctly. Wine is difficult to configure and use, and can create instability. As a result, it is pretty much always recommended.

Incentivized

• terminal
• file management
• OS and software updates

Incentivized

• Great integration with my business accounting software Quickbooks
• Great integration with Microsoft Office 365
• Easy to find files that I haven't used in awhile with search feature
• Simple, easy to find listing of programs available

Incentivized

• some more User Interfaces - like for services

Incentivized

• Forced updates occasionally have bad timing when ignored for too long
• Microsoft Edge Web Browser is a bit clunky
• The 3D desktop still needs some improvement

I would rate the usability very high. Most of the world is familiar with Windows in some way. Most businesses use Windows in some form so even if someone is going from one business to another it can be an easy transition in that sense. Windows is usually compatible with most applications that can be installed to suit many different usage scenarios and needs for businesses.

Incentivized

support remains spotty, researching online articles are a pain

Incentivized

MDT helped deploy OS to users machines via PXE boot.

Incentivized

Pure Debian OS, freshly installed, is missing some Quality Of Life tools that need to be installed to make it usable. Ubuntu has not a great user interface for work purpose, seems more like a toy than an OS. Both Mint and Ubuntu are derived from Debian, so same great package manager, but for work purpose I think Mint is a great OS.

Incentivized

Windows runs literally every piece of software I need to work. Installations are usually quick and uncomplicated, and configuration is usually quite simple, rarely requiring finding config files and editing them manually. I chose Windows only because I had no other choice, given the requirements of my job. Because I am experienced in Linux and am not afraid to dig deep for troubleshooting and configuration, Linux is preferable to me in general. Windows requires frequent updates that also require frequent reboots, and the longer you use it the more bloated it gets. If I were able to convinec my superiors to allow it, I would be running Windows 11 as a VM inside of Linux Mint or Debian.

Incentivized

• It has saved tens of thousands of dollars just for being our air-gapped backup solution. other software would have been very expensive, and harder to manage
• Providing simple, easy to use applications (docker, for example) that can quickly, easily, and inexpensively deployed saves many, many hours and dollars

Incentivized

• Positively effects our easy of use of other programs
• Take it for granted because it is so transparent in use
• Definitely worth the price.

Incentivized