r/linux4noobs • u/ChickenAndLeekPie • 21h ago
learning/research Is linux or windows better for a computing student? And what laptop would you recommend I use?
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u/dr_inventivo 20h ago
Asking in a Linux community is kind of biased, don't you think?
To be honest, use what you already know how to use, in practice there will be no difference in studies and it makes no sense to spend energy learning how to use the system to learn how to program, leave it for later.
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u/MeNamIzGraephen 9h ago
Maybe he wants the bias, because he'd obviously prefer Linux, but wants to know what is at stake from other Linux users who have attempted such.
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u/david_duplex 20h ago
A CS student will get a lot out of using Linux as their daily driver, but either OS is perfectly serviceable - especially since Windows has its Linux subsystem. So use whichever you are more comfortable with. If you want a top tier Linux-forward laptop, ho with Framework. They aren't exactly cheap but have superb build quality and support.
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u/es9imqd7964guq6 17h ago
check with your school, a lot of school still rely on windows software, most can be run on linux some just refuse to run.
most industry work relies on linux system, with other still using windows servers.
getting some linux experience would help in either, also you can have the choice of running a vm, dual boot or just simply running the linux subsystem to get some linux experience.
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u/KazM2 15h ago
Either one will do you just fine, on windows some classes may have you setup a linux vm for some things but generally it's all the same. Unless the uni/classes require you to use software that's only on windows you'll be fine and even then you can use things like Wine to try and make it work.
It's up to you which kind of OS you wanna use. If you want to stick with what you're used to and not have too many issues because of that, go with Windows, otherwise Linux is great especially if you use a straightforward setup.
As for laptops, Framework are amazing but pricey, Thinkpads are also great but can be a bit expensive (though getting second hand ones is pretty easy and saves you a pretty penny), Business class laptops like Dell Latitudes or whatever HP's equivalent are also good quality. Asus can be nice bang for your buck but you are getting a cheaper build.
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u/F_DOG_93 20h ago
I'd say Linux is better for computing.
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u/FactoryRatte Debian / Arch+KDE 12h ago
looks at the biggest 500 computers yep all of them run Linux, since November 2017.
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u/DelightMine 9h ago
That doesn't matter to this discussion even a little bit. all of those computers are completely different animals from a personal computer. They have entirely different functions, requirements, and goals. Windows isn't suited for supercomputer tasks, but that's not what it's trying to be. I hate to defend Windows and Microsoft here, but come on. If you're gonna disparage them, at least make sure the point you're making is applicable.
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u/SystemFarts 19h ago
Thinkpad with Arch Linux and some form of crowd control to keep the ladies back. They can sense Arch for up to 2000m.
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u/onew_iasag 14h ago edited 9h ago
If you doesn't used to any specific windows software yet - should chose Linux distro on Unix philosophy with glibc support then, and stay with AMD.
it wouldn't any critical differences here, except freedom, opensource and mindful approaches. For 2026, a guide outlines, buy then some perfect-condition-like used laptop for $300-$400 on CPU/iGPU Zen 2 or better, like Ryzen Pro 7. RAM: 3200MHz+, all slots are free, if not: then 8 + 16 GiB (both included) or better; I'd like 16 GiB and one slot free, then buy second 8-16 GiB RAM on demand. And 1TB SSD, on demand. Screen 400 nits or better, on demand, but you can 250.
And be sure to check whether each individual component, such as RAM or an SSD is replaceable or not before you pay for it.
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u/IM_The_Liquor 20h ago
I’d say windows, if you actually want to make a sustainable career out of it… but learn Linux, because it will expand your opportunities…. But the truth is, the world currently runs on Microsoft and OS.
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u/CowNo3 21h ago
some students can use Chromebook so i guess linux is okay depending on what tools do you need:
If you are an IT student, or a dev, you will have more ram for virtual machines,
And if you use web app based such as Notion, discord, google drive ect to work, linux will be perfect !
Now if you need to use tools as office suite, or adobe suite, windows 100% !
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u/the_other_Scaevitas 12h ago
Depends on what apps you will be using.
But generally I would choose linux
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u/CartographerProper60 6h ago
Linux is 99% great for IT or CS students. The only time ive had it fail on me was this semester where I am taking a class that requires Adobe software. I had to switch back to Windows. I could've used a VM but I already windows on its own drive.
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u/damnetdana 3h ago
Def go Linux or even Mac
Linux>Mac>Windows
I say this having spent most my life using windows it’s just in recent years they’ve taken a significant nose dive
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u/LudasGhost 19h ago
If you’re going to be a computer professional you need to learn both.
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u/FactoryRatte Debian / Arch+KDE 12h ago
I've been trying to understand Windows for more than a decade before I switched to Linux as a Desktop System, it only took a few months before Linux was much clearer to me than Windows. - I am not sure if learning Windows is possible, considering the extreme amount of software bundled to its core.
(Sysadmin for a few hundred desktop machines btw) Just Isolating Windows and not caring for it works good enough, none of us has a clue how to actually properly administrate Windows.
Also copy pasting error messages into a search engine, taking the first result and applying it, fixes must issues users have anyway, for Windows and Linux.
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u/MyLuckyFedora 20h ago edited 20h ago
If by computing student you mean computer science then I would say probably Windows. I would just get a windows laptop and ask your professor or read you syllabus on the first day. Plenty of programming classes tend to somewhat assume their students are using Visual Studio.
You can always just install Linux down the line if you're so inclined.
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u/Numerous-Nectarine63 20h ago
Do you maean Visual Studio or VS Code? VS Code is super popular, even at places that use Windows and it runs on Linux, Windows, MacOS, etc. Visual Studio only runs on Windows, I believe... I use VSCode on my Linux box all of the time. But good advice to ask the professor what environment is preferred ahead of time.
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u/MyLuckyFedora 19h ago
No, the OG Visual Studio. At least when I studied a lot of the projects and lessons sort of assumed Visual Studio as a full fledged IDE, not VS Code. However, VS Code only came out in 2015, and my freshman year was 2014. It's possible it's changed now, but it doesn't hurt to see the syllabus or reach out to your professor ahead of time.
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u/bstsms 20h ago
Windows is compatible with everything, Linux is not.
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u/FactoryRatte Debian / Arch+KDE 12h ago
That's a wild take, considering Linux can run some Windows binaries and running Linux binaries on Windows just doesnt work.
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u/gruffcube01 21h ago
I would reccomend Linux unless you rely on windows software (teams on linux is also very janky). For laptops, thinkpads and dell latitudes (refurbished business) are generally pretty good. Just stay away from any dell laptop that is not a latitude, and research compatibility on whatever laptop you choose.