几乎每台可供购买的 PC 或笔记本电脑都安装了Windows 10。除了Mac 之外(Macs)，您不会认为台式计算机市场上针对不同操作系统有太多选择，但事实并非如此。
基于 Linux 的操作系统(Linux-based operating systems)（如Ubuntu ）是某些PC上(PCs—as)Windows 10的绝佳替代品——只要您了解这些限制。Ubuntu并不是唯一的Windows挑战者，但它是最好的之一。为了帮助您在Ubuntu和Windows 10之间做出选择，让我们来看看这两个平台的优缺点。
功能性、个性化和易用性(Functionality, Personalization and Ease of Use)
Windows仍然是台式机和笔记本电脑的市场领导者，其熟悉的界面已经发展了数十年。从引导式安装到熟悉的用户界面（包括“开始”菜单），即使是初学者也应该在(Start)Windows计算机上找到自己的方式。
在很多方面，对于Ubuntu 初学者来说(Ubuntu beginners)也是如此。设置过程使一切变得简单，尽管它确实比Windows 10(Windows 10)安装程序涉及更多的步骤。安装Ubuntu(Ubuntu)后，操作系统会使用熟悉的方法，使用侧边栏和“开始”(Start)菜单样式的抽屉来启动和查看您的应用程序和文件。
但是，Windows为日常使用提供的惊喜较少。功能更好，有更多的硬件支持（我们将在下面进一步解释）和更干净、更简单的界面。
然而，Ubuntu 的优势在于个性化和定制化。不(Don)喜欢界面？您可以切换到任意数量的替代桌面管理器，这要归功于完全改变Ubuntu界面的官方 Ubuntu“风味”（或版本） 。(official Ubuntu “flavors” (or versions))其中一些，如xfce，使用更符合Windows或Mac的界面。
Windows个性化受到更多限制，但您可以使用主题、背景和颜色更改界面的某些部分。但是，您无法更改基本内容 -开始(Start)菜单将继续存在。即使是微软(Microsoft)也无法摆脱它！
软件可用性(Software Availability)
Windows系统的最大优势之一是软件可用性。从Adobe Photoshop(Adobe Photoshop)到Microsoft Office ，所有最大的软件都专注于Windows和Mac计算机。不幸的是，对Linux(Linux)的类似支持通常缺乏或不存在。
虽然您可以在 Linux 上运行 Windows 应用程序(run Windows apps on Linux)，但这并不适用于所有应用程序。有些应用程序根本无法运行，而另一些应用程序则有缺陷且无法使用。不幸的是，对于Linux用户来说，最好的方法是寻找Windows应用程序的替代品。
这些是许多开源替代品(open source alternatives)，在社区支持下创建并专注于跨平台功能（或者在某些情况下仅适用于 Linux）。如果您乐于将Microsoft Office 换成 LibreOffice(trade Microsoft Office for LibreOffice)（在可用性和功能上有所取舍），那么Ubuntu是一个不错的选择。
但是，如果您离不开自己喜欢的应用程序或游戏，那么您就离不开Windows。Microsoft继续为软件提供最佳支持，而这还没有考虑到硬件支持。
硬件支持(Hardware Support)
Linux对硬件的支持比以往任何时候都好，这在一定程度上要归功于Ubuntu在桌面市场上的成功（以及来自企业支持者的资金）。然而，这并不是说Linux硬件支持是完美的，因为它在某些领域仍然落后于Windows。
Linux对某些硬件（例如显卡和无线芯片组）的支持充其量只是零散的，尤其是对于较新的硬件版本。在其他领域，例如CPU支持，支持更好，因为这通常来自Linux内核，开发得到最好的资金和支持。
Ubuntu 确实提供了一个“认证硬件”程序(“certified hardware” program)，列出了具有最佳支持的预构建 PC。如果您正在努力寻找运行Linux的硬件，您可以检查它的兼容性。
不幸的是，一些硬件制造商让Linux(Linux)开发人员更难为Linux创建必要的驱动程序，或者不提供自己的驱动程序。其他制造商则更加支持，为社区提供支持和开发时间。
但是，如果您只想运行开源软件，您将限制访问质量较低的硬件驱动程序。Ubuntu 确实允许您安装专有驱动程序，但这仍然是一种选择加入，而不是选择退出的解决方案。
为了获得最好的（也是最通用的）硬件支持，尤其是对于较新的硬件，只有一个选择：Windows 10。几乎所有 PC 硬件的设计都考虑到了Windows，并为操作系统构建了软件和驱动程序。
您可能需要查找并安装驱动程序以运行硬件，但在许多情况下，Windows会为您查找并安装它们。
安全和隐私(Security and Privacy)
Windows在安全性方面一直名声不佳，恶意软件和病毒猖獗。Windows 10中的情况有所改善，这要归功于内置的恶意软件扫描(built-in malware scanning)和可以保护您的系统的默认防火墙。
然而，病毒和恶意软件对于Windows用户来说仍然是一个问题。不幸的是，Windows的市场份额使其成为黑客的明显目标，每周都会发现大量漏洞和安全漏洞。Ubuntu肯定更好，提供更安全的系统和更少（发现）的漏洞或恶意软件。
如果您担心，您甚至可以安装 Linux 防病毒软件(install a Linux antivirus)来扫描您的 PC 中的恶意软件。虽然Linux病毒很少见，但它们确实存在，并且至少，Linux防病毒软件可以找到可能在您的网络上传播到其他硬件的病毒。
隐私也是Ubuntu提供比Windows更多保护的领域。Windows 10 遥测服务会向(Windows 10 telemetry service)Microsoft发送大量有关您的 PC 和用户信息的详细信息，包括可以指导广告的信息。虽然您可以关闭其中一些信息，但您不能完全停止它。
Ubuntu确实记录了一些关于您的系统的信息，但这主要是选择加入，能够在安装期间更改设置（您也可以稍后更改）。它记录的数据不如Windows广泛，如果你关闭它，所有数据记录都会完全停止，这使得Ubuntu在Windows上获得了巨大的隐私权。
客户支持(Customer Support)
如果您正在尝试解决Ubuntu或Windows安装的问题，或者您只是在寻找额外的支持，那么您可以选择。然而，这种支持可能代价高昂。
对于Windows家庭用户，您可以使用 Microsoft 的 AI 支持工具获得直接支持，而个人（真实）支持需要您花钱。您还可以通过我们的在线支持指南或您当地的第三方支持团队和技术人员在 Microsoft 的支持论坛中找到支持。
Ubuntu用户还有一个庞大的支持社区可以依赖，其中包括论坛和Wiki，可以指导您回答支持问题。对于企业，Canonical（Ubuntu的支持者）通过(Ubuntu)Ubuntu Advantage计划提供支持和额外的安全性，每年的费用在 150 美元到 750 美元之间。
这使订阅者可以访问电话和电子邮件以解决问题和问题。如果您想从Microsoft获得类似的支持，您可以通过Microsoft 专业支持(Microsoft Professional Support)按问题付费或为统一支持(Unified Support)付费，这对于大中型组织来说可能要花费数万美元（或更多）。
Ubuntu 与 Windows 10：不同的战斗(Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Fighting Different Battles)
浏览一下，您可能会认为它是Ubuntu(Ubuntu)与Windows 10之战中的明确赢家，但事实并非如此。尽管Windows对不同的硬件和可用软件的最佳范围有更多的支持，但它在安全性和隐私方面存在很大问题，即使最近进行了改进。
最终，Windows和Ubuntu正在打不同的战斗。Ubuntu是一个出色、安全、免费且对初学者友好的Linux发行版，但如果您正在寻找易于熟悉和即插即用的系统，那么Windows是最好的——即使有很多理由放弃 Windows(plenty of reasons to ditch Windows)（包括费用）。
如果您无法在它们之间进行选择，则可以随时选择两者。您可以双启动 Ubuntu 和 Windows(dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows)，或使用Windows 子系统 for Linux(Windows Subsystem for Linux)在Windows本身上运行Ubuntu 。您还可以在 VirtualBox 中安装 Ubuntu ，将(install Ubuntu in VirtualBox)Linux作为虚拟机运行在Windows之上。
Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Which OS is Better for You?
Almost every PC or laptop availablе for purchase cоmes with a Wіndows 10 installation. Excluding Macs, yоu woυldn’t think that there’s much choіce in the desktop cоmputer markеt for different operating ѕystems, but that isn’t the case.
Linux-based operating systems, like Ubuntu, are great replacements for Windows 10 on certain PCs—as long as you’re aware of the limitations. Ubuntu isn’t the only Windows challenger out there, but it is one of the best. To help you decide between Ubuntu vs Windows 10, let’s run through the pros and cons of both platforms.
Functionality, Personalization and Ease of Use
Windows is still the market leader for desktop and laptop computing, with a familiar interface that has evolved over decades. From the walk-you-through-it installation to the familiarity of the user interface (including the Start menu), even beginners should find their way on a Windows computer.
In many ways, the same is true for Ubuntu beginners. The setup process makes everything simple, although it does involve a few more steps than the Windows 10 installer. Once Ubuntu is installed, the OS uses a familiar approach, with a sidebar and a Start menu-style drawer to launch and view your apps and files.
However, Windows offers fewer surprises for everyday use. Functionality is better, with more hardware support (as we’ll explain further below) and a cleaner, simpler interface.
Ubuntu’s strengths, however, lies in personalization and customization. Don’t like the interface? You can switch to any number of alternative desktop managers, thanks to official Ubuntu “flavors” (or versions) that change the Ubuntu interface entirely. Some of these, like xfce, use an interface that’s more in keeping with Windows or Mac.
Windows personalization is more limited, but you can change some parts of the interface with themes, backgrounds, and colors. You can’t, however, change the basics—the Start menu is here to stay. Even Microsoft couldn’t get rid of that!
Software Availability
One of the biggest strengths of a Windows system is software availability. All the biggest software, from Adobe Photoshop to Microsoft Office, are focused on Windows and Mac computers. Similar support for Linux, unfortunately, is often lacking or non existent.
While you can run Windows apps on Linux, this doesn’t work for every application. Some apps won’t run at all, while others are buggy and unusable. Unfortunately, the best approach for Linux users is to find replacements for Windows apps.
These are a number of open source alternatives, created with community support and focused on cross-platform functionality (or are Linux-only, in some cases). If you’re happy to trade Microsoft Office for LibreOffice (with some of the usability and functionality trade-offs), then Ubuntu is a great option.
However, if you can’t do without your favorite apps or games, you can’t stray far from Windows. Microsoft continues to offer the best support for software, and that’s before you take hardware support into account.
Hardware Support
Linux support for hardware is better than it has ever been, thanks (in part) to the success that Ubuntu has had in the desktop market (as well as the funding from corporate backers). However, that’s not to say that Linux hardware support is perfect, as it continues to lag behind Windows in some areas.
Linux support for certain hardware, such as graphics cards and wireless chipsets, is patchy at best, especially for newer hardware releases. In other areas, such as CPU support, the support is better, as this often flows from the Linux kernel where development is the best funded and supported.
Ubuntu does offer a “certified hardware” program that lists pre-built PCs with the best support. If you’re struggling to find hardware that runs Linux, you can check it for compatibility.
Unfortunately, some hardware manufacturers make it harder for Linux developers to create the necessary drivers for Linux or don’t provide their own. Other manufacturers are more supportive, offering support and development time to the community.
However, if you only want to run open source software, you’re limiting access to lower quality hardware drivers. Ubuntu does allow you to install proprietary drivers, but this remains an opt-in, rather than opt-out solution.
For the best (and most universal) hardware support, especially for newer hardware, there’s only one option: Windows 10. Almost all PC hardware is designed with Windows in mind, with software and drivers built for the OS.
You may need to find and install the drivers to run the hardware, but in many cases, Windows will find and install them for you.
Security and Privacy
Windows has always had a poor reputation for security, with malware and viruses running rampant. The situation has improved in Windows 10, thanks to built-in malware scanning and a on-by-default firewall that will protect your system.
Viruses and malware remain an issue for Windows users, however. Unfortunately, Windows’ market share makes it an obvious target for hackers, with plenty of exploits and security holes discovered weekly. Ubuntu is certainly better, offering a more secure system and far fewer (found) exploits or malware.
If you’re worried, you can even install a Linux antivirus to scan your PC for malware. While Linux viruses are rare, they do exist and, at the very least, a Linux antivirus can find viruses that could spread on your network to other hardware.
Privacy, too, is an area where Ubuntu offers far more protection than Windows. The Windows 10 telemetry service sends a lot of detailed information about your PC and user information to Microsoft, including information that could guide advertisements. While you can switch some of this information off, you can’t stop it entirely.
Ubuntu does record some information about your system, but this is mostly opt-in, with the ability to change the setting during installation (you can also change it later). The data it records is less extensive than Windows and, if you switch it off, all data recording stops entirely, making it a big privacy win for Ubuntu over Windows.
Customer Support
If you’re trying to solve problems with your Ubuntu or Windows installation, or if you’re just looking for additional support, you do have options. However, this support can prove costly.
For Windows home users, you can receive direct support using Microsoft’s AI support tool, with personal (real) support costing you money. You may also be able to find support in Microsoft’s support forums, through online support guides like ours, or from third-party support teams and technicians in your local area.
Ubuntu users also have a huge support community to rely on, with forums and a Wiki that will guide you to answers to support issues. For businesses, Canonical (Ubuntu’s backer) offers support and extra security with the Ubuntu Advantage program, costing between $150 and $750 a year.
This gives subscribers access to phone and email support for problems and issues. If you want similar support from Microsoft, you can pay per-issue with Microsoft Professional Support or pay for Unified Support, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars (or more) for mid to large organizations.
Ubuntu vs Windows 10: Fighting Different Battles
Skimming through, you might think it’s a clear cut winner in the battle between Ubuntu vs Windows 10, but that isn’t quite the case. While Windows has far more support for different hardware, and the best range of available software, it falls hard on security and privacy, even with recent improvements.
Ultimately, Windows and Ubuntu are fighting different battles. Ubuntu is a great, secure, free, and beginner-friendly Linux distribution, but if you’re looking for easy familiarity and a plug-in-and-go system, Windows is best—even if there are plenty of reasons to ditch Windows (including the cost).
If you can’t choose between them, you can always pick both. You can dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows or use Windows Subsystem for Linux to run Ubuntu on Windows itself. You could also install Ubuntu in VirtualBox, running Linux as a virtual machine on top of Windows.
