Ditching Windows? How to decide between Linux and MacOS - in 7 simple steps

Andrii Yalanskyi/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Follow ZDNET: Add america arsenic a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• The prime betwixt Linux and MacOS isn't hard.
• If you tin reply these questions, you'll cognize which to choose.
• Both are outstanding choices and volition service you well.

I usage some Linux and MacOS. The erstwhile is utilized for mundane tasks, and the second for video editing and mobile usage (please, someone, make a Linux laptop that is arsenic reliable and akin to a MacBook). 

Also: New to Linux? 5 desktop environments I urge you effort archetypal - and why

Unfortunately, not everyone tin usage both, and with Windows 10 enactment ending soon, you mightiness find yourself choosing betwixt Linux and MacOS.

Let maine assistance you with that choice.

1. Do you privation an ecosystem oregon a unchangeable OS?

One of the biggest differences betwixt MacOS and each different operating systems is that it is much of an ecosystem than an isolated OS. What Linux offers is singular stability. There are immoderate Linux distributions (such arsenic Debian) that are considered the astir unchangeable operating systems connected the planet. 

Also: This caller Linux desktop is astir a dormant ringer for OS X

But Linux doesn't bask a akin ecosystem to that of MacOS. So, if you privation to easy link your machines (without having to configure anything) oregon if you privation casual integration with a unreality service, MacOS is close for you. If, connected the different hand, you privation a rock-solid OS that won't fto you down, Linux is what you want.

2. Is freedom of prime important?

MacOS is beauteous overmuch locked down. What you get connected your MacBook oregon your iMac is precisely what Apple wants. MacOS besides forces you into the Apple way, and if you privation to task distant from that, bully luck. 

Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Linux is each astir choice, and there's zero vendor lock-down to woody with. If you privation a institution to archer you however to usage your computer, usage MacOS. If you privation to beryllium the 1 who makes those decisions, usage Linux.

3. Is determination a proprietary app you beryllium on?

Although Linux makes it imaginable (and adjacent easy) to usage non-Linux apps, determination are immoderate proprietary applications (such arsenic Photoshop) that simply cannot tally connected Linux. If there's a peculiar app you beryllium on, it's important that you archetypal find retired if there's a Linux larboard available. If not, chances are bully there's a MacOS version. 

If you cognize determination are proprietary apps you indispensable usage that are not disposable connected Linux, the prime is obvious. If those proprietary apps tin beryllium installed with Wine, Steam, oregon the new Winboat, you tin take betwixt them. If not, MacOS is the mode to go.

4. Are you connected a budget?

This 1 should beryllium obvious. Apple hardware tin beryllium beauteous pricey, particularly compared to off-the-shelf hardware that tin tally Linux. If you are connected a budget, Linux is the close choice. If wealth is not an issue, Apple sells immoderate of the champion hardware connected the market. 

Also: Should you ever wage for Linux? 5 times I would - and why

Linux is simply a escaped operating strategy and tin tally connected conscionable astir immoderate benignant of hardware (even made by Apple). Linux is the astir budget-friendly operating strategy available.

5. Do you similar a institution for tech enactment oregon community-driven help?

Apple Care is disposable for anyone who purchases a MacBook oregon iMac for astir $20/month. That enactment volition spell a agelong mode to assistance you done immoderate contented you mightiness have. 

Linux, connected the different hand, depends connected community-driven support, which is free. If you don't caput searching forums, mailing lists, and adjacent societal media groups for help, Linux is your OS. If you similar to person a institution backing your support, spell with MacOS.

6. Do you privation to prime your hardware?

Have you ever tried to upgrade a MacBook oregon iMac? It's not easy. If you person circumstantial hardware needs oregon similar to take circumstantial GPUs, RAM, oregon motherboards, Linux is your lone choice. 

Also: You tin effort Linux without ditching Windows archetypal - here's how

You cannot physique a Mac from the crushed up, but you tin with Linux. If you privation to easy upgrade your machine, spell with Linux. If you don't attraction astir selecting circumstantial hardware oregon an casual way to upgrade, spell with MacOS.

7. Have an iPhone?

Simple. If you usage an iPhone, your champion prime is MacOS. That doesn't mean you can't link an iPhone to Linux (thank you, KDE Connect), but you don't get astir the integration you bask betwixt MacOS and iOS. If you usage Android, spell with Linux. If iOS is your mobile OS of choice, instrumentality with MacOS.