5 reasons to use Linux desktop instead of WSL

In this article, TipsMake will discuss why to use Linux desktop instead of WSL.

1. It is still possible to use Windows and Linux on the same machine

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With a full Linux desktop, you don't have to give up your Windows programs. Linux has supported various ways to run Windows alongside Linux since the beginning.

The classic option is dual boot, which uses the bootloader to choose between the two systems at boot time. You can also run a Windows or Linux desktop in a virtual machine, depending on which system you use less often. If you want to run Windows programs, but are still determined to use Linux, you can use Wine or Proton.

You have many options when you want to run Windows and Linux applications. You can keep Windows for the games and other programs you need, while using Linux to learn more about computers, programming, system administration, or the operating system in general. It's a great division of labor.

2. Use Linux that supports free and open source software

The biggest reason to use Linux on the desktop is its support for free and open source software. Even if Microsoft is supporting Linux and contributing to open source software, Windows itself is still proprietary.

Regularly using and contributing whatever you can to open source projects, including money and code, as well as day-to-day use, will help ensure the long-term viability of the code. open source. That's one reason you should consider contributing directly to your favorite Linux distributions and open source software projects.

3. Bug reporting helps improve Linux desktop

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There seems to be more and more interest in the Linux desktop in the tech world, especially among PC enthusiasts. More and more gamers are interested in Valve's Steam Deck and coverage from major YouTubers like Linus Tech Tips.

Despite getting more attention, the Linux desktop is somewhat 'raw' than Windows setups, with some setup work required, as well as running some hardware like graphics cards and WiFi adapters.

This might deter some users, but the only way to fix them is to find them, and if you really want the Linux desktop to succeed, you have to put up with these errors for the time being. If you have a problem, you should file a report instead of just silently switching back to Windows.

Developers cannot fix problems without their knowledge. Finding bugs and fixing them will make Linux better for everyone in the long run.

4. Get a chance to learn more about Linux

While WSL can be good to learn about the command line, if you want to learn about Linux, you'll need to run a full Linux distribution that includes the kernel, possibly the desktop, as well as a suite of applications.

If you want a solid career in IT, understanding Linux system administration is essential. This means you have to know how to start the system, fix it when it goes down, and start and stop server processes. All of these require hands-on experience.

Although WSL 2 runs on a real Linux kernel, if you want all this experience, you'll need to boot to a real Linux system.

5. More Linux users means better hardware support

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The development of Linux desktop has encountered a problem. There isn't much support from hardware developers, so the average user doesn't use the Linux desktop, which in turn means fewer developers support it. This makes sites like the Linux Hardware Database important for many Linux users to check for compatibility before installing.

With growing interest in Linux gaming, this could change. If there is more support for gaming hardware, especially graphics cards, this could make the Linux desktop a formidable competitor to Windows, which has long dominated PC gaming.

While WSL is a good product, there are situations where it would be better to run a full Linux distribution on the desktop.

Kareem Winters

Update 15 March 2022