This short explanation will help you get up to speed if you don’t understand the Linux desktop operating systems or are new to them.
Linux. What is Linux? It was once a niche operating system used by people who wanted to display their computer skills and feel more creative and l33t differently from the rest. The convention accepted Linux. This platform was accepted and adopted by enterprises, which value reliability, flexibility, and security.
The question is still open for those who have only ever used Windows or Mac. What is Linux?
That is the question I’d like to answer. It won’t be comprehensive (for that, you’ll need to read a book), but it will focus on those who have never had any exposure to the operating systems.
I won’t go so far as answering the question “What is an Operating System?” I am pretty sure that most people have this one down, so we will focus only on one operating system.Linux.
Let me now dive into the article.
What makes it so unique?
Open source is the first step to understanding why Linux is unique. Open-source software is software that the source code of the software is freely available to the public. You can use the source code to modify the software and distribute it in any other way you like, provided you credit the original creator.
Open source is more than just software in modern times. These days, almost anything can be “open-sourced.” The most important thing is that all original plans, designs, schematics, and other information are made available to the public. The public must have access to the original designs, plans, schematics, etc. Also, check this article http://pczippo.com/blog/tech/top-10-must-have-desk-accessories-to-at-home/.
Your next question is already being asked. But, if anyone has access to the source code, how can companies sell their software? It will surprise you to learn that the majority of open-source software is free. Adopting open-source software can allow you to have your entire software library for free. The majority of open-source software is high-quality. You can also find free software, such as:
LibreOffice – a full-blown office suite
The GIMP – an image editing tool similar to Photoshop
Evolution – a groupware tool similar to Microsoft Outlook
Audacity – a powerful audio recording software
OpenShot – a user-friendly video editing tool
Firefox – a widely-used web browser
This list could go on. This is just the beginning. Add to that a lot of music and video players and more browsers and email client options, plus almost every productivity tool that you can think of, you’ll have a platform that will perform all of your existing operating systems.
But why bother? What would I do if it does not do the same thing as my current operating system? This is the core of the problem. Linux has three ideals that are unmatched by any other platform.
- Reliability
- Flexibility
- Security
Let’s discuss these ideals right now.
Reliability
Linux’s reliability is one of its most significant selling points for enterprise businesses. A Linux server can be deployed in a data center, and it can be counted upon 24/7/365. This reliability extends to enterprise servers as well as the desktop. Linux will not automatically begin an upgrade process, which can take hours and prevent you from working.
It will also not slow down after months or years of use. In the 20 years that I have been using Linux as my sole operating system, I can recall when it caused me severe problems and required me to reinstall the operating system. It is that reliable.
Flexibility
Linux’s flexibility has been a significant draw for me. If I don’t like how something looks or behaves, I can change it, not by recoding the software but by finding another piece of software that does the same thing that meets my needs. For example, let’s say I don’t like how the Ubuntu Linux desktop looks and behaves.
You can use a completely different desktop or a different distribution. More information on this later. Or, I wouldn’t say I like how a piece of software works. Software developers often make it simple (via a configuration file) for users to modify the behavior of their software to a greater extent than with proprietary software.
Security
Linux is more secure than any other computer platform. You might be shocked to find that there is no anti-malware or antivirus software on a Linux desktop. Why is this? It is not necessary. It isn’t nearly as vulnerable to viruses and other threats as the Windows platform. This is due to the platform’s fundamental security. In all my years of Linux use, I have never encountered a rootkit on a server. It happened once. Linux is the answer.
Distributions
Many users get confused at this point. Linux is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. But where can I find it? It all depends on the distribution you choose. It’s true. There is more than one official Linux operating system. There are many options. There are:
What is a distribution, you ask? A Linux distribution is an adaptation of the Linux operating system. It bundles together software that can be used to meet different needs. The desktop environment is often the main focus of a distribution, which can be found in many.
Desktop environments
The desktop environment refers to the beautiful windows and menus you interact with the installed software. There are many desktop environments available for Linux. Each one offers a different look, feel and feature set. These are some of the most well-known desktop environments:
Another list goes on. Linux desktops are known for being lightweight and can run on older hardware well. Or make new hardware work faster than you could imagine. Some Linux desktops have a lot of features that make them easy to be productive.
Software is a keyword
The Apple Store is well-known. Linux was the first to offer this feature. Synaptic, a graphical interface for the apt-package manager, was launched in 2001. With this tool, you could search through thousands of software titles and then install them in a matter of seconds. Ubuntu developed this idea and released the Ubuntu Software Center in 2009.
GNOME Software has replaced it. Nearly all distributions make use of this tool. To find the right software for you, you need to look in your desktop menu to locate the software center tool for your distribution. Please search for the software you are looking for, then install it.
There are two ways to install software on Linux, and they both involve installing it.
- A GUI front end
- Command-line
Although it is easy to install software using the command line, many users prefer the GUI interface. Why? It’s easy to install software with this tool. Open the Software Center, or whatever it’s called on your distribution. Search for the software that you wish to install and click the install button. It’s that simple.
The Linux operating system is so simple that you can use it all your life and not touch the command lines. This is a great thing! this was impossible years ago. The command line was a requirement when I started Linux. It wasn’t easy, especially for a novice user. The command line is no longer required, but one can use it out of choice instead of necessity.
Linux: Where can you find it?
First, you should know that installing Linux on your own is possible. You can also install Linux if MS Office has been installed. You can purchase a pre-installed Linux computer if you feel this is too expensive.
Important to remember that many Linux distributions come in a “live” version. These live distributions are quickly burned to a disc, inserted into your computer, and booted. Linux can be installed on your computer, and you can test it out without any modifications. You can then install Linux if it suits you. If not, you can reboot your computer and remove the disk.
It’s an easy decision
There are many reasons you may want to use Linux. It’s easy to make the right decision once you have an understanding of Linux and the reasons why so many people use it.
Windows 11 Inspired by GNOME and KDE Plasma?
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Operating System images look a lot like our beloved KDE Plasma or GNOME. We are not sure how similar they are.
A saying I recall is that “Good artists copy.” Great artists steal. Although I don’t know much about the Windows 11 design team, it seems that Linux desktops inspired them. The look and feel of Windows OS have not changed much over the years, from Windows XP through Windows 7 to Windows 10. Until now.
Windows OS typically has a 5 to 7-year life expectancy with new releases. The customization options that Windows offers you have remained constant over the years. The desktop experience, including the Start Menu position, width, and color, has remained constant.
