Recently, in our Linux Vs Windows article, we saw why you would choose one or the other operating system for your computer. But what if the term Linux itself is unfamiliar to you? If you’ve ever wondered what Linux is and why so many tech enthusiasts swear by it, you’re in the right place.
Simply put, Linux is an operating system—just like Windows and MacOS. It’s the software that manages your computer’s hardware while letting you interact with it. From the moment you power on your computer, the operating system is what makes everything work.
If you are wondering what makes it different from Windows and MacOS, the answer is simply its open-source nature. This means that its code is available to the public and that anyone can access it, modify it and distribute it. Unlike Windows which is a commercial product owned by Microsoft, Linux is a community-driven project.
The creation of Linux started in 1991 with Linus Torvalds, a computer science student from Finland who wanted a better operating system for his computer. He wasn’t satisfied with the existing options so he created his own.
How does Linux work?
Based on the Unix operating system, Linux is built on the idea of a kernel, which is the part of your operating system that manages your computer’s resources like the CPU, Memory and other devices.
To put it plainly, the kernel makes sure all the programs and devices on your computer work together. And then shells and user interfaces allow you to interact with the system through a graphics user interface (GUI) or a command line Interface (CLI).
One of the differentiating aspects of the Linux operating system is the Variety of distributions (distros) available to users. A distro is basically a version of Linux made for different users and their unique needs. For example:
Ubuntu. Great for beginners because of its user-friendliness. It comes with a GUI which makes it a familiar look to Windows users.
Fedora. This one is known for its cutting-edge features and focus on developers.
Debian. This is a reliable distro used as a foundation for many other distros including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, PopOs…
Arch Linux. For advanced users who want complete control over their system
Zorin OS. Designed to look and feel like windows, making it easier for new users to transition.
Each distro comes with its own set of unique features, software and target audience. Some are lightweight and perfect for older machines while others are designed for advanced users who enjoy tweaking every aspect of their system. For example, a beginner Linux user will find better success using Linux Mint while a penetration Tester will find better ease using Kali Linux.
Why do people use Linux OS?
There are a number of reasons why someone would like to use Linux OS, Windows OS, or MacOS. Every operating system has its perks that attract its users, for Linux;
It’s free; Unlike Windows and MacOS which require licenses, Linux is completely free. You can download it, install it and use it without paying any fees.
Customization; For many Linux users, the freedom to customize their system in whatever way they like is a great advantage. You can change how your desktop looks and behaves, tweak system settings and even modify the Kernel if you are feeling very adventurous. Of course, these take some technical know-how but then again there are lots of tutorials on how to play around with your device. Just be willing and prepared to brick it completely and have a backup ready at all times.
Performance; Linux can run on older machines and still perform well, greatly because of the lightweight distros specifically designed to utilize aging machines.
Learning and growth; Many users decide to use Linux for knowledge of how operating systems work. It is also a great way into programming and system administration.
Security and Privacy; Linux is well known for being more secure than Windows OS in terms of data and privacy. Unlike Windows, which is more vulnerable to malware and viruses, Linux has a more secure design thanks to its permission-based system. By default, Linux restricts user access, preventing unauthorized applications from making system-wide changes—this significantly reduces the risk of malware infections.
Additionally, Linux is open-source, meaning its code is constantly reviewed by developers worldwide. Security vulnerabilities are quickly spotted and patched, making Linux a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users. This is why many servers, cybersecurity experts, and ethical hackers prefer Linux for penetration testing, data security, and secure enterprise environments.
Popular security-focused Linux distros include:
- Kali Linux – A favourite for penetration testers and cybersecurity professionals.
- Parrot OS – A privacy-focused Linux distribution with built-in security tools.
- Tails OS – A lightweight, anonymous-focused distro designed to leave no digital footprint.
While no system is completely immune to threats, Linux gives users greater control over security settings, making it one of the safest operating systems available today.
Some people try Linux just for the thrill of learning something new—because why not? That’s how I got started
Is Linux hard to use?
The answer to this will always narrow down to the users’ particular use case and the distro they choose to use. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are designed to be user-friendly and great for beginners. They come with graphical interfaces that make them easy to navigate and self-teach, much like Windows OS.
However, some distros like Arch Linux or Gentoo require more technical knowledge and familiarity with the command line/terminal.
Besides, some new users go for specialized distros because of the cool features when they are not specialists at all. A great example of this is the number of users that download Kali Linux because of the allure of Hacking, only to realize they cannot utilize the tools and thus find difficulty using the Linux system.
If you have never used a command-line interface before, it is easy to find most Linux distros intimidating. But with practice, you easily find that it is not as scary as it sounds once you get the basics and also have an idea of what you want to do with the system. Plus, there are countless tutorials online and communities and forums to help you get started, and unstuck in case you mess up.
Now, many ask what they can do with Linux. Most everything other operating systems do. Again, Linux is an operating system, it can do operating system stuff with the right tools. Browse the web, run office applications (Libre Office), play games (via platforms like Steam), code and develop software, set up servers, run virtual machines…
In fact, Linux is everywhere. You might be surprised to learn that you’ve probably used Linux without even realizing it.
Servers. Most web servers run on Linux, which means if you are online on the internet, you have used Linux at one point.
Smartphones. Android is based on the Linux kernel.
Supercomputers, embedded systems like smart TVs, routers, and cloud services too are usually powered by Linux.
How to get started with Linux.
So, if you are curious and wish to try out Linux, getting started isn’t that complicated. It’s pretty straight forward actually.
- Choose a distro. Ubuntu or Linux Mint are great choices for beginners.
- Download the ISO file from the distro’s official site.
- Create a bootable drive using tools like Rufus or etcher.
- Install Linux on your computer or just run it alongside your existing OS
- Explore and learn, after all another reason why people use Linux is to feed their inner adventurous nature.
For a detailed how-to on installing Linux, check out our How to install Linux the first time article.
