Why do you use Linux (Reddit questionnaire)?
Why Do People Use Linux? (Reddit Questionnaire Highlights)
This page is based on a Reddit questionnaire with selected, interesting responses and common themes summarized for easy reading.
Most Common Reasons People Use Linux
- Privacy: Less telemetry, fewer ads, fewer forced accounts.
- Control: The system adapts to the user — not the other way around.
- Performance: Often faster, especially on older hardware.
- No licensing headaches: Clone VMs freely without activation drama.
- Gaming is viable now: Steam + Proton changed a lot for everyday users.
- Career growth: Many professionals got their start by exploring Linux early.
Linux as a Career Catalyst
Started with Linux in the 1990s, volunteered for Linux projects in enterprise environments, and eventually built a full career around Linux infrastructure and DevOps.
“I use Linux because it's part of my profession... but more because it's part of my life.”
Frustration With Windows (Performance, Ads, Forced Changes)
Many responses described Windows feeling “heavier,” more intrusive, and less customizable over time — especially on older hardware.
Upgraded from Windows 7 → Windows 10, found it slow even on decent hardware, tried Linux Mint, and stayed with Linux long-term. Also noted older PCs often remain usable longer with Linux.
“Windows got annoying. Linux is faster and MUCH less annoying, I have more control.”
Privacy & Control
A common theme was wanting an operating system that doesn’t push ads, force sign-ins, or collect behavior data by default.
- No licensing worries when cloning systems or VMs.
- Less “spyware-like” behavior and fewer intrusive features.
- Lots of powerful tools are free and open.
Described Linux as more flexible, less corporate-driven, and more respectful of user choices.
Gaming on Linux (Now Actually Works)
A number of users said gaming used to keep them on Windows, but that changed in recent years.
Mentioned that gaming and creative workflows used to require Windows, but modern Linux tools and gaming support made switching realistic — and worth it.
- Security
- Control (Linux does what the user wants)
- Some games can perform better on Linux in specific scenarios
Sometimes the Reason Is Simple
“I just think its neat.”
FAQ – Why Do People Switch to Linux?
Is Linux really more private than Windows?
Many Linux distributions do not include ads, forced accounts, or extensive telemetry by default. (Policies differ by distro, but Linux generally offers more privacy-focused options.)
Is Linux good for gaming?
Yes — thanks to Steam + Proton, a large number of games are playable on Linux today. Competitive anti-cheat titles can still be hit-or-miss.
Can Linux run on older computers?
Often, yes. Many users switch because Linux runs smoothly on systems that struggle with newer Windows versions.