Even if you are using a Windows PC (or a Mac) and have no intention of changing or switching to a Linux system, it is still useful to know how valuable it can be to have a Linux system available, on a spare PC or as a system emergency to be ready on a USB stick. Thanks to Linux systems it is possible to do things that simply cannot be done with Windows and can provide a convenient interface to solve problems or to go back to using an old PC.
To summarize, we see here 10 most useful ways of using Linux, even if we use Windows on our computer
READ ALSO: The 5 operating systems used by hackers and security technicians
1) Solve problems on the PC
The beauty of any Linux distribution is that it can be used as a live CD, i.e. without installation, started from a DVD disc or USB stick and loaded when the computer starts.
We saw how to create a Linux bootable USB stick live in another article.
As examples of use we have seen how to save all data from a Windows PC that no longer starts using a distro such as Puppy Linux, the smallest distro there is.
2) Work on hard drives that appear to be broken or recover deleted data
Using the Linux Parted MAgic distribution, choosing the version for USB or CD, it is also possible to recover data from a hard disk with problems or recover deleted files, as well as partition the PC disk and make it usable again.
3) Log in to a Windows PC without an administrator password
Some Linux distros allow them to be used to bypass the Windows administrator password and access a computer without any problems.
For example, you can use Ophcrack to find access passwords on Windows PC even as an administrator
4) Install Linux on an old PC to be able to use it as fast again
Some Linux distributions are famous for being complete and very light systems, which go fast even on very old PCs on which Windows struggles.
We saw the list of the best light distros for old PCs in another article, therefore mentioning Lubuntu, CrunchBang, Elementary OS Luna, Peppermint and Zorin OS, the ideal system to replace XP.
5) Having a computer dedicated to graphics and music programs ArtistX (abandoned) is a system designed for artists who deal with music and graphics, based on Ubuntu, which includes all the best 2D and 3D graphics programs, video production and audio manipulation.
6) Having a Server at home for file backup, video streaming, Torrent downloads or other
An old PC equipped with a large enough hard disk can function as a personal storage server to make backups of files, which can also be kept on 24 hours a day with little energy consumption.
The distros that can be used are called Nas4Free, FreeNAS and Amahi (although the configuration may require a bit of experience).
The Owncloud system allows instead to have a kind of personal and homemade Dropbox.
7) Use hacker tools
Some Linux distributions, such as Kali Linux (formerly Backtrack), include many tools to test security and find vulnerabilities in computer networks.
They can therefore be used to learn, for example, to violate a wifi network protected with WPA and be a complete test environment to protect yourself from the tricks used by hackers.
Kali Linux can also be used on a USB flash drive in a Live CD version.
8) Use a computer without leaving a trace
Tails is a Linux distribution configured so as not to leave any trace of use on the computer, able to cover the identity of those who are browsing the internet, to camouflage the IP address and not to store any files.
Tails is one of the safe, anonymous Linux systems for using the computer without trace
9) Have a child use the computer safely and for learning
Some Linux distros have been designed to allow children to use the computer safely, learning.
For example, Edubuntu is an education distribution that can be used by teachers and students, even very young ones.
DoudouLinux instead provides a study and fun environment for children from 2 to 12 years old.
We talked, in another article, about the best Linux systems for making a fun, educational and safe PC for children.
10) Start with Linux
If you are curious about whether Linux can be better than Windows, the best way is to try it on your PC.
As already seen in the previous points, it is not necessary to install it in place of Windows because every distro can work in Live mode.
To start, in another article we saw the Linux versions that are simpler to learn and easier to use
READ ALSO: The 10 most used Linux Distros in the world
