Linux is a free, open-source operating system that powers everything from Android phones to the world’s most powerful supercomputers — and millions of personal computers worldwide. If you have been hearing about Linux as an alternative to Windows, this guide explains what it actually is, who uses it and whether it might be right for you.
What Is Linux?
Linux is an operating system — the software that manages your computer’s hardware and provides the foundation for all other programs. Like Windows or macOS, it handles files, memory, network connections and running applications.
The key difference from Windows is that Linux is open source. The source code — the underlying instructions — is publicly available for anyone to read, modify and distribute. This means Linux is developed by a global community of programmers rather than a single company, and it is available completely free of charge.
Technically, “Linux” refers to the kernel — the core of the operating system. When most people say “Linux”, they mean a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel, which is usually called a distribution (or “distro”).
What Is a Linux Distribution?
A Linux distribution is a complete, ready-to-use operating system that bundles the Linux kernel with a desktop environment, software tools and package manager. Different distributions make different design choices — some prioritise simplicity for beginners, others target power users or servers.
Popular Linux distributions include:
- Ubuntu — the most widely used desktop Linux, backed by Canonical. Beginner-friendly and well-supported.
- Linux Mint — based on Ubuntu but designed to feel more familiar to Windows users. Widely recommended for switchers.
- Fedora — cutting-edge features, sponsored by Red Hat. Popular with developers.
- Debian — stable and reliable, forms the base for Ubuntu and many other distros.
- Pop!_OS — developed by System76, excellent for creative work and gaming.
- Arch Linux — advanced, highly customisable, not recommended for beginners.
All of these are free to download and use.
Who Uses Linux?
Linux is more widely used than most people realise:
- Servers — the vast majority of web servers, cloud infrastructure (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and supercomputers run Linux
- Android phones — Android is built on the Linux kernel; every Android device is running Linux
- Developers and programmers — Linux is the preferred environment for software development
- Desktop users — a smaller but growing segment, including people who have switched from Windows
- Embedded systems — Linux powers smart TVs, routers, cars and IoT devices
What Can You Do with Linux?
Linux can handle most everyday computing tasks:
- Web browsing (Firefox, Chrome, Brave)
- Email (Thunderbird, Evolution)
- Document editing (LibreOffice — free alternative to Microsoft Office)
- Photo editing (GIMP, Darktable)
- Video playback and streaming
- Programming and software development
- Gaming (via Steam, Proton compatibility layer)
Where Linux falls short compared to Windows:
- Microsoft Office — Word, Excel and Outlook are not natively available (LibreOffice is a substitute, but not identical)
- Adobe Creative Suite — Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro are not available natively
- Many Windows-only games (though Steam’s Proton layer runs a large percentage of Windows games on Linux)
- Specialist business software that is Windows-only
Is Linux Difficult to Use?
Modern desktop Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint are significantly easier to use than they were 10–15 years ago. Installation is straightforward, hardware compatibility has improved enormously, and most software is installed through a graphical app store rather than typing commands.
That said, Linux is different from Windows. Some things work differently, menus are in different places, and you may need to look up how to do things you previously did instinctively on Windows. Most people who make the switch find they are comfortable within a few weeks.
Using the terminal (command line) is optional for most tasks but becomes useful when troubleshooting or doing more advanced configuration.
Is Linux Free?
Yes. The vast majority of Linux distributions are completely free to download, install and use. You can also run Linux alongside Windows on the same machine (dual boot) or try it without installing anything using a live USB.
Some companies like Red Hat and SUSE sell commercial Linux products with paid support contracts, primarily aimed at large businesses. Desktop Linux for personal and small business use is free.
Why Would You Switch to Linux?
Common reasons people choose Linux over Windows:
- Cost — free operating system, no licence fees
- Windows 10 end of life — Linux runs well on older PCs that cannot run Windows 11
- Privacy — Linux does not collect telemetry data the way Windows does
- Performance on older hardware — lightweight distributions breathe new life into ageing machines
- Security — Linux has a strong security track record and a smaller malware target surface
- Customisation — Linux can be configured to look and behave almost any way you want
How to Try Linux Without Installing It
You can run a Linux distribution directly from a USB drive without installing anything on your PC. This is called a live session. Download an ISO file for a distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, write it to a USB drive using a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher, and boot from it. This lets you try Linux with zero risk to your existing Windows installation.
