I just started using Linux as a desktop, and I am confused on why the shortcuts are difference, and how to make them the same.

In Windows to switch between tabs I hold Ctrl and press the number, and to go back a window I can click on Backspace.

Can I make linux behave in the exact same way.

They're different for the same reason they use 'edit > preferences' instead of 'tools > options' for the preferences dialog; because Linux comes from a different background of users with a different idea of how things are supposed to work. You might try taking the time to get used to them. They mostly feel strange just because you aren't familiar with them, not because they're any better or worse.

But if you really want to change things, just install the keyconfig extension, then you can change just about any keyboard shortcut you want. Don't forget that there may also be global shortcuts that conflict though, such as switching between virtual desktops.

Personally though, I could never stand that stupid backspace action, and always disable it the first chance I get. I've had to many times where I was typing posts like this and accidentally lost everything because I wasn't focused on the text area when I tried to correct something. Things like this that could result in data loss should always require at least a two-key action to reduce the chance of tripping it accidentally.

thats weird backspace for me on windows + Linux goes back a page

i have always used CTRL + PageUp/Down for all tab changing.

Thanks for the tip on that extension. Its not just a matter of getting used to it over time, I switch between windows and linux constantly and having to modify my behavior on the same apps during the day is just a pain.

and @David the H.

This would be something I would do too. The accidental loss of info on a form input because of backspace is an annoyance I use "form history control" and "Lazarus" to deal with that. Not sure if they are supported on the latest Firefox versions+platforms. This protects me from most form time-outs, wrong backspace events, and unexpected Firefox crashes during form input. I prefer to have these but do consider security trade off of capturing and saving form data.

racequest, you know that this thread is 11 years old?
i'm sure the forum faq has something to say about necrobumping... sometimes it's ok, but it serves NO purpose here - it would rather create more confusion for someone stumbling over this while researching a similar problem.

this is the second time you "necrobumped" a windows/browser related thread (at least on my watch).

please don't develop a habit.