What Is Linux and How to Get Started?
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Odds are you've heard of Linux but aren't sure what it is or how it works. Here's everything you need to know about Linux, including how to try it for the first time.
What is Linux?
Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released in September of 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Because Linux is free and Open Source, this means that anyone can develop a custom build of Linux to suit their needs. Developers can also distribute their versions as freeware or even shareware. These builds are known as distributions or distros.
Why Use Linux?
Most people use Linux to have an operating system that they control that is more secure and less bloated than Windows. Many Linux users hate Windows and everything associated with it.
Many Linux users are forced to use Windows because not all apps and games are available for Linux. Before installing Linux to replace Windows, you want to be sure the apps and games you want, or need, are supported.
Some people will argue they use it because it's free, although most of us get Windows free with our computers. One great use for Linux is when you have a computer where your Windows license is no longer valid. Rather than buy Windows, you can install Linux as a free alternative. Replacing Windows with Linux is also a popular choice to make use of an old computer. You could also use Linux to format a computer with a password, and you can't boot into Windows.
How to Start Using Linux?
Starting with Windows 10 and 11, you can now install Linux in Windows. If you're new to Linux, we don't recommend you start there but continue reading below for our recommendations on using Linux for the first time.
Most Linux distros allow you to install Linux or use a "Live distro," which means you can boot the entire operating system from a thumb drive without risking any damage to your current operating system. If it's your first time using Linux, be sure to try out a live distribution to see if you like it. This way, you can still use Windows (if you want) yet boot into Linux anytime. If you decide to replace Windows with Linux, a live distro allows you to "kick the tires" and find a distro to suit your needs.
Start by checking out The 12 Best Linux Distributions for Windows Users.
Once you see a distro you like, download the ISO. Next, burn the ISO to your thumb drive, CD, or DVD, using a free, portable app like Rufus or Ventoy.
Why Isn't Everyone Using Linux?
You might be surprised how much you use Linux every day and didn't know it. The Android operating system is built on the Linux kernel, meaning half of the people reading this have used a version of Linux. Other places you might use Linux daily include your home theatre, boot recovery, automobile touch screens, smart devices, home automation, smart televisions, embedded devices (routers, TV, cable boxes, etc.), and more. If you watch NASA and SpaceX, they use Linux in multiple places, including the International Space Station, Dragon 2 Crew Capsule, Falcon 9 rockets, and even Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space.
Many people can argue that Linux is a superior operating system to Windows, and they have a point. There are three primary reasons we believe Linux isn't more popular on desktops or laptops.
First, most of us are used to Windows, for good or bad. Most people aren't geeks, and using a familiar operating system is easier than learning a new one. The geekier of us sometimes forget how hard a computer can be to the everyday, casual user. Sometimes finding simple settings is difficult enough, so replacing Windows seems insurmountable.
Second, as mentioned previously, Windows's popularity has given us millions of apps and games. Many apps for Windows are not available in Linux, although that continues to change and improve.
The third is the one thing that should be the strongest point of Linux - the community. Most distros are supported by the community, which can, and should be, a good thing. But, many Linux users aren't as helpful as they should be or think they are. We often see a Linux user on our website and social media recommending that someone solve their very simple Windows issue by installing Linux. It's a stupid response and does nothing to steer someone to Linux.
Conclusion
I like Linux. I always have. But, it's not replacing Windows anytime soon. The biggest reason to try Linux is also the one thing that scares people away. Because it's free and open-source, there are hundreds, if not thousands of Linux distributions to try, and often there are numerous sub-distros for some.
Ready to get started? Check out The 12 Best Linux Distributions for Windows Users.
Need help deciding? At the time of this article, Zorin OS is an excellent choice for new users.
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What is Linux?
Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released in September of 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Because Linux is free and Open Source, this means that anyone can develop a custom build of Linux to suit their needs. Developers can also distribute their versions as freeware or even shareware. These builds are known as distributions or distros.
Zorin OS Running on a Desktop
Why Use Linux?
Most people use Linux to have an operating system that they control that is more secure and less bloated than Windows. Many Linux users hate Windows and everything associated with it.
Many Linux users are forced to use Windows because not all apps and games are available for Linux. Before installing Linux to replace Windows, you want to be sure the apps and games you want, or need, are supported.
Some people will argue they use it because it's free, although most of us get Windows free with our computers. One great use for Linux is when you have a computer where your Windows license is no longer valid. Rather than buy Windows, you can install Linux as a free alternative. Replacing Windows with Linux is also a popular choice to make use of an old computer. You could also use Linux to format a computer with a password, and you can't boot into Windows.
How to Start Using Linux?
Starting with Windows 10 and 11, you can now install Linux in Windows. If you're new to Linux, we don't recommend you start there but continue reading below for our recommendations on using Linux for the first time.
Most Linux distros allow you to install Linux or use a "Live distro," which means you can boot the entire operating system from a thumb drive without risking any damage to your current operating system. If it's your first time using Linux, be sure to try out a live distribution to see if you like it. This way, you can still use Windows (if you want) yet boot into Linux anytime. If you decide to replace Windows with Linux, a live distro allows you to "kick the tires" and find a distro to suit your needs.
Start by checking out The 12 Best Linux Distributions for Windows Users.
Once you see a distro you like, download the ISO. Next, burn the ISO to your thumb drive, CD, or DVD, using a free, portable app like Rufus or Ventoy.
Why Isn't Everyone Using Linux?
You might be surprised how much you use Linux every day and didn't know it. The Android operating system is built on the Linux kernel, meaning half of the people reading this have used a version of Linux. Other places you might use Linux daily include your home theatre, boot recovery, automobile touch screens, smart devices, home automation, smart televisions, embedded devices (routers, TV, cable boxes, etc.), and more. If you watch NASA and SpaceX, they use Linux in multiple places, including the International Space Station, Dragon 2 Crew Capsule, Falcon 9 rockets, and even Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space.
Many people can argue that Linux is a superior operating system to Windows, and they have a point. There are three primary reasons we believe Linux isn't more popular on desktops or laptops.
First, most of us are used to Windows, for good or bad. Most people aren't geeks, and using a familiar operating system is easier than learning a new one. The geekier of us sometimes forget how hard a computer can be to the everyday, casual user. Sometimes finding simple settings is difficult enough, so replacing Windows seems insurmountable.
Second, as mentioned previously, Windows's popularity has given us millions of apps and games. Many apps for Windows are not available in Linux, although that continues to change and improve.
The third is the one thing that should be the strongest point of Linux - the community. Most distros are supported by the community, which can, and should be, a good thing. But, many Linux users aren't as helpful as they should be or think they are. We often see a Linux user on our website and social media recommending that someone solve their very simple Windows issue by installing Linux. It's a stupid response and does nothing to steer someone to Linux.
Conclusion
I like Linux. I always have. But, it's not replacing Windows anytime soon. The biggest reason to try Linux is also the one thing that scares people away. Because it's free and open-source, there are hundreds, if not thousands of Linux distributions to try, and often there are numerous sub-distros for some.
Ready to get started? Check out The 12 Best Linux Distributions for Windows Users.
Need help deciding? At the time of this article, Zorin OS is an excellent choice for new users.
comments powered by Disqus
