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What is Linux?
Similar to Windows and mac OS, Linux is an operating system. What is an operating system? An operating system is a software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your desktop or laptop. It manages the communication between the software and hardware.
Linux was created in the 1990s by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer. While being a student at University of Helsinki, Torvalds started developing Linux. In 1994, the first version of the Linux kernel was released.
Linux is distributed under an open source license. Open source follows these key tenants:
The freedom to...
- run the program, for any purpose
- study how the program works and change it to make the program do what the user wishes
- redistribute copies
- distribute copies of modified versions
Myths and Stereotypes
It's Insanely Difficult to Use
When starting out on any new sysem, getting used to navgiation and basic controls can be challenging. Do you remember hoping onto a computer for the first time in your early teens when you didn't know what a start button did? Learning how to use Linux for the first time is equivalent to learning Windows from the very beginning.
Linux is the Command Line
Yes, if you are a developer working on a Linux environment, knowing how the command line works is a very useful skill set. But the Linux operating system itself does not live there! You can see this by simply searching up Linux distributions, examples, videos, etc. Anyone who tries Linux for even a minute will know that this is a myth.
Linux Does Not Provide A Lot of Applications
False. There, in fact, are thousands of Linux apps available. Most of the time Linux apps are free and open-source as well, which means users are allowed to download the source code and customize it to their needs.
Only Programmers Use Linux
You're putting yourself in a box. Why should such a powerful and useful tool be limited so one niche? Imagine if people said Adobe Photoshop was only for professional photographers or Microsoft Excel was only for people in accounting. What about the rest of the world?
Linux Doesn't Have Games
Linux gaming has improved A LOT! There is Steam to play HD games along with Wine and PlayOnLinux for Windows games.
Installing Software is Difficult
For most distributions, installing any programs and software you want is as simple as click, click, and done! If you don't know how to install a certain package or application, there's most likely instructions on how to do so online through the software center or via the command line (if you're comfortable with it).
No One Uses Linux
Let's be real. There's a large, supportive, and encouraging community who uses Linux as their main operating system and have been for years. Need help? There will be someone to answer your questions. Ubuntu alone has over 8 million users. Trying Linux has never been easier. You are able to boot systems from a USB, which makes a portable OS, and dual boot it with Windows.
Why You Should Try Linux
High security
Installing and using Linux on your system is the easiest way to avoid viruses and malware. The reason for higher levels of security with Linux is because it's an open source.
High stability
The Linux system is very stable and is not prone to crashes. The OS will run as fast as it did when it was first installed, even after years.
Runs on any hardware
Linux runs on a range of hardware, from supercomputers to watches. You can give new life to your old devices!
FREE and open source
Linux is computer free and users do not need to pay for a thing. The most important aspect of Linux is that its source code is available as it falls under the FOSS category.
Customization
Users have flexibility to customize their systems - desktop icons, panels, widgets, etc. You are able to make your system absolutely yours.
Support
There is a strong community support for Linux online in various forums. Any questions you have regarding the operating system will get answered very quickly due to everyone's passion and interest in Linux.
Linux Distributions
What is a "distribution"? When you search for a copy of Linux, you will find a number of different versions that will suit various types of users. From newer users to more advanced Linux users, there are many "flavors" of Linux to choose from. These versions are called distributions, or "distros" for short.
Some of the more popular distributions include:
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- Febora
- Linux Mint
- Manjaro
- Elementary OS
Each distribution and flavor of Linux will have its own hardware requirements laid out on its installation page. It is advised that if your computer skills are fairly basic, you will want to stick to easier to use distributions such as Linux Mint and Elementary OS. If you have more experience, you could look into Debian or Fedora. There is also the option to build your very own Linux distribution from scratch if you would like the challenge.
Conclusion
Are you a Linux user? I personally am running Zorin OS and love it! What is your favorite Linux distro or is there one you have your eye on?
Happy coding!
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