This was how computers were before companies like Apple and Microsoft locked them down.
But you needed to be a committed and technical user to make use of Linux back then.
Today millions of people find Linux to be an easy-to-use and powerful alternative to Windows.
It’s different, but different doesn’t mean bad.
Undecided between Linux vs Windows?
Distribution
There’s one current version of Windows, which comes in several different editions.
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The differences between these editions largely deal with added features for use in enterprise or educational environments.
Each of these editions cost a varying amount of money.
There is no one set version of Linux.
Various Linux distributions supported on Flatpak.org.
Instead, there are many different versions known as Linux “distributions” (distros for short).
As for the cost of the Linux operating system?
Virtually all Linux distros are free to use, with some enterprise options requiring a support contract.
What Is a Linux Distribution?
Linux isn’t a full-blown operating system.
The name actually refers only to the kernel, a relatively invisible part of how your operating system functions.
A distribution is a way of packaging all this software together to provide you with a functioning computer.
Source Code
Windows is a proprietary operating system.
If you attempt to get access or redistribute this code without permission, you could face legal trouble.
Linux is a free and open source operating system.
Desktop Interfaces
Until Windows 8, the Windows interface hadn’t experienced much innovation in a long time.
On Linux, the interface is not part of the core system.
it’s possible for you to switch up your interface without mucking about with reinstallations.
There are giants like GNOME and KDE, which come with a full suite of integrated apps.
Then there are any number of lesser-known varieties that all focus on different aspects.
Here’s a rundown of thebest desktop environments for Linux.
Not only are there more interfaces to pick from, but you have greater freedom to customize them.
When you want to remove programs, you have to mess with the Control Panel.
With most Linux systems, you won’t have to hunt down executables.
Instead, you’ll have something called a package manager.
Traditional package managers provide granular control for browsing, installing, and removing program packages.
Newer options are more akin to mobile app stores.
Things get more complicated when the app you want isn’t in the package manager.
Fortunately that situation is starting to change thanks tonewer universal package formats.
Which Has More Apps?
Popular commercial software tends to target Windows.
There are no C: or D: drives.
Instead, there is one single file tree and your drives are mounted into that tree.
Your “home” and “desktop” directories are both part of that single file tree.
Technically, you’ll need to learn a whole new filesystem and its architecture.
Doing so isn’t very hard, but the difference is still there.
Filesystem
Windows uses the NTFS filesystem.
In contrast, Linux supports many different options.
If you’re installing Linux on your laptop, chances are you will use EXT4.
Registry
The Windows registry is a master database of all the tweaks on your setup.
It holds tool information, user passwords, rig information, and the like.
If information is not stored as a file, it’s probablystored in the Windows registry.
Linux doesn’t have a single monolithic registry.
Generally, applications store their parameters on a program-by-program basis in hidden folders within a user’s home directory.
This means companies prioritize Windows over Linux.
Sometimes they don’t provide Linux drivers that interface with their devices.
Other times they may provide drivers but leave out some of the features.
This means it’s crucial that you be more cautious when buying various peripherals or smart gadgets.
That’s not to say the drivers situation is more challenging on Linux.
On Linux, most drivers come as part of the kernel.
When you plug in a printer, there’s a good chance it will simply work.
You won’t need to use an installation CD or download a driver off the web.
It’s only when drivers don’t come included that trouble arises.
What About Graphics Cards?
This is the driver-related issue that comes up the most.
The Windows version is known as Windows PowerShell, aimed mainly at developers.
This isn’t the primary way you’re expected to interact with a Windows PC.
That’s not the case with Linux.
If you like typing commands, you’re free to do away with the graphical interface entirely.
This is the way most sysadmins manage servers (most of which run Linux).
Linux is well-known as a friendly environment for developers.
The terminal is a big part of this.
So is the open source nature of the operating system.
But it’s also simpler to set up development environments on Linux.
Whether you’re a sysadmin or a web developer, you’re often working with Linux-powered machines.
Plus there are so many tools to pick from.
You have your choice of full-blown IDEs and text editors.
You have virtual machines.
And here’s an area where the ability to swap out your desktop environment really comes in handy.
With a tiling window manager, coders can get in the zone without fussing around with windows.
And much of what you need is waiting in the repositories.
throw in a single command in your terminal to download and install a program and be on your way.
Is Switching to Linux Difficult?
That question depends on how comfortable you are with computers.
You canstart your switch to Linuxright here.
