Can Linux Replace Windows? A Real‑World Deepin Experience

Can Linux Be Used?

Many people still picture Linux as a dark command‑line only system, but the author shows that modern Linux distributions offer a full graphical desktop suitable for development and daily tasks.

Linux Has a Graphical Interface

File Manager

The author uses the Chinese‑made Deepin OS, which provides a polished desktop environment.

Supports Everyday Development

Popular IDEs and editors run smoothly on Linux:

Java: Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans, Android Studio

Python: PyCharm, WingIDE

C++: KDevelop, Code::Blocks

PHP: PhpStorm

Frontend: Sublime Text, VS Code, WebStorm

Social Communication Works

QQ, WeChat, and even ICQ can be installed via the Deepin Store.

Can Linux Replace Windows?

The author lists daily tools used on Linux, including:

IDE: IntelliJ IDEA

Databases: DBeaver, Navicat, PL/SQL

Communication: TIM, WeChat

Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, 360

Office: WPS, Microsoft Office Web

Music: NetEase Cloud Music

Input method: Sogou

Media players: Deepin player, VLC

Editor: Sublime Text

Remote control: TeamViewer, Sunflower, VNC, Remmina

Download tools: Thunder, Aria2

Cloud storage: Nutstore, Baidu Cloud

Markdown editors: Typora, Zettlr

Terminal: Deepin’s built‑in terminal

Mind map: XMind ZEN

FTP: FileZilla

PDF: FuXi Reader

Virtual machines: VirtualBox, VMware

Games: Steam, Minecraft

Android apps: xDroid

In two years of use, the author never needed to revert to Windows, and virtual machines are available as a fallback.

Running Android Apps on Linux

xDroid enables Android applications to run natively on Linux with good performance and low resource usage, something the author claims Windows cannot match.

Screenshot of the application running.

What Are Linux’s Advantages?

Switching operating systems is costly, so the author lists why Linux is attractive.

Elegance

Installing software via package managers (apt, yum) is straightforward, without the need to choose installation paths, run antivirus software, clean junk files, or deal with intrusive pop‑ups and forced updates.

Efficiency

The command line provides fast, expressive control for file operations, system monitoring, and scripting, reducing reliance on the mouse.

Reduced Repetitive Work

Custom scripts automate monitoring, reminders, and other small tasks, freeing the author to focus on creative work.

Startup Speed & Memory Usage

Both system boot and application launch (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA) feel slightly faster than on Windows.

Freedom

Linux’s open nature allows easy customization of the desktop environment, fonts, file managers, terminals, and even the entire look to mimic macOS, something not possible on Windows.

Linux Can Be Beautiful Too

Deepin’s promotional video showcases its aesthetic appeal: https://www.bilibili.com/video/av50732978