A new year is upon us.
For many, this is a time of change and reflection.
This isn’t just a matter of adjusting what we do, but what we use.
Linux doesn’t cost money to download and install.
Not only that, it doesn’t require a new machine.
Most of thesoftware for Linux is also free, removing an entire category of purchases from your life.
Be Less Wasteful
Why buy when it’s possible for you to reuse?
That’s the Linux spirit.
Extending the life of your hardware reduces how quickly computer components end up in a landfill.
Not having to buy as many machines keeps you from wasting money as well.
As they say: waste not, want not.
Become More Resourceful
Learning how to reuse computers can make you more resourceful overall.
Do you really need to spend thousands on electronics that are designed to be replaced every other year?
Create your own smart TV or game console using a Raspberry Pi or a similar chip.
Do you need a subscription service to stream music?
No,create your own Linux media centerand stream it yourself.
Never Stop Learning
Installing Linux isn’t nearly as difficult as it used to be.
But it still requires stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something new.
Share What You Have
Commercial operating systems condition us to view software as a product.
Someone else makes it, and we give them money to use what they’ve produced.
In many cases, it’s illegal to share the software we’ve downloaded with others.
Linux takes a different approach.
It’s built on the principle of software freedom.
Code, like language, isn’t to be restricted.
Programs, written in code, are free for anyone to use and share as they wish.
you’re able to share any app you download.
So go ahead and give someone else thatUSB stick you used to install Ubuntu.
When software is free and open source, you’re empowered to make those fixes yourself.
Doing so takes time and effort.
It may not always go as planned.
But that makes the experience no less rewarding.
You don’t have to be a programmer.
you might write guides, produce art, or organize events to help and attract Linux users in person.
Give Back
When you switch to Linux, the vast majority of what you use is free.
It’s easy to take that for granted.
That’s why it’s great to donate money to support certain apps, interfaces, and organizations.
Do you use Elementary OS?
AppCenter makes this easy.
Allow this practice of giving back to become part of who you are.
Be Different
You may also encounter people who want to follow in your footsteps.
They may think what you’ve done to your machine is the coolest thing ever.
All of these things are possible whenever you make a decision that makes you stand out.
Sometimes being different isn’t a choice; it’s just something you have to deal with.
How Has Linux Impacted Your Life?
Using Linux isn’t like other operating systems.
It can change how you view software.
Exposure to free and open source ideals has even lead people to think differently about other aspects of life.
