This is easily one of the first questions people ask about Linux. What is it? The short answer is, it’s another operating system (OS) much like Windows and macOS, and though widely used is not as popular to common computer users as other desktop OSs. What separates Linux from other mentioned OSs is that it’s Free and Open-Source Software (FOOS). Thus, it’s free to download and use, as in, at no cost, and free to make changes to the code and share it with others. Linux runs on virtually everything from Internet of Things (IoT) devices, car dashboard consoles, web servers, and computer desktops. It was originally released by Linus Torvalds on September 17, 1991 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux).
I am currently running EndeavourOS Linux as my daily driver and it’s based on Arch Linux. Linux is not for everyone, but after using Macs for 20 years, I can say with confidence that Linux can do pretty much anything.
Linux flavors I recommend for newbies (beginners)
- Linux Mint is Ubuntu based, stable and ready to run right after installation. This is what I mainly used before switching to an Arch based distro.
- Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavors of Linux and is this the one I am most familiar with because it’s the one I Have used the longest.
- Pop!_OS by System 76 is still currently Ubuntu based and is a rising star flavor that ready to use after installation
Honorable mentions
- ZorinOS – Yes, it’s Ubuntu based and I am currently running this is my secondary flavor of Linux and it’s full-featured and beatuiful
- ElementaryOS – Yet another Ubuntu based flaor of Linux and some say this macOS like Linux flavor, it’s exceptionally clean, but was not for me
If you would like to discuss more directly, reach out to me on Telegram @BCGSupportChat or on Twitter @1ChristianGeek
For the sake of keeping, it simple, I’m not going to go into the deeper technical explanation of Linux. However, I will provide some resource links below where you can gain additional information.