RE: PROBLEMS WITH WINDOWS? TRY LINUX!
Linux distros do not need to have their files defragmented
Linux filesystems do get fragmented, but there isn't a tool to defragment them. To defragment an FS in Linux, you copy all its files to a new FS: then all the file blocks are perfectly in order on disk.
I have never heard of a Linux user getting a virus – Linux is basically immune to any Windows based virus and an actual Linux based virus is so rare as to be virtually non-existent.
There are some viruses for Linux, but there not your main concern. To make Linux (or any OS) secure, you have to apply some common sense:
- keep your system up to date
- only become root (Administrator) when absolutely necessary
- use strong passwords
- don't allow root to login remotely
- use keys instead of passwords to login remotely
- only run daemons (services) when you absolutely have to
- run your services with the least amount of privileges possible
- set up SElinux or AppArmor, but those are very advanced topics mostly aimed at servers
Just one great example is Microsoft Office. A lot of people feel they couldn’t do without it but how many of them know that Linux has it’s own great equivalents such as the fantastic Libre Office, WPS Office(very similar to Microsoft Office), the great cloud based Only Office, the QT based Calligra, and others.
When you're used to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice is downright painful to use. I don't care that it's free and open, I'd rather pay a reasonable price for MS Office on Linux.
I get and appreciate your enthusiasm for Linux, but I'm afraid it might create some false expectations. ;)
That said, anyone should give Linux a try with a live CD/USB.
Linux has a more efficient filing system than windows and tries to store blocks of data on the same place on the hard drive/ssd when possible so there is much less fragmenting. Yes, some fragmenting will occur but it generally is something most users need never worry about. In some cases writing/deleting very large files(i.e. full hd movies etc.) could possibly cause a need for defragmenting to keep the distro running efficiently. https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-defrag-in-linux
It is possible for viruses to be developed for Linux, and in fact a very miniscule number do exist, however they are so rare that Linux users really should not be concerned about them as long as they stick to the official repositories of their distro, install regular security updates, and download/install 3rd party software with great care and discretion. After all, it is possible to have a plane crash into your home, but such an event is so rare that I don't spend any time worrying about it. Linux is generally immune to the vast number of Windows viruses although such viruses can be transmitted to Windows machines - in Linux they are just a useless piece of code.
I just used Libre Office as an example - there are other alternatives such as Only Office that is closer in function to Microsoft Office and in fact some people like better than Libre Office. https://www.onlyoffice.com/
I think that if people are having problems/complaints about using Windows, they should definitely give Linux a try. With the hundreds of distros available there is a very good chance that they will find something that suits them well. However, someone trying Linux should have at least a minimal level of technical competence and be willing to take the time to learn new things.