Linux is a free operating system that works differently from Windows or macOS

Linux is an operating system — the software that runs your computer and lets programs work on it — that anyone can read and use without paying. It was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds and is now maintained by thousands of programmers worldwide. Unlike Windows (made by Microsoft) or macOS (made by Apple), Linux's underlying code is open source, meaning anyone can read it, modify it, and share those changes.

Linux runs on everything from smartphones and laptops to servers that power websites and data centers. On a personal computer, it works much like Windows or macOS: you get a desktop, folders, programs, and a way to manage files. The main difference is that Linux gives you more control over how your system works, but it also requires you to be more hands-on if something goes wrong.

Most people have never heard of Linux because it is not sold in stores or pre-installed on computers you buy at Best Buy. But if you use an Android phone, you are already using Linux. The same goes for most web servers, smart TVs, and routers.

Key Takeaways

  • Linux is a free operating system that runs on computers, phones, servers, and other devices, and you can read it without paying anything.
  • Different versions of Linux, called distributions, package the core system with different tools and interfaces — Ubuntu and Fedora are common choices for beginners.
  • Linux gives you more control over your system than Windows or macOS, but it also means you may need to type commands or troubleshoot problems yourself.
  • You can run Linux alongside Windows on the same computer, or replace Windows entirely, depending on what programs you need.
  • Linux is the standard operating system for web servers, data centers, and cloud computing because it is reliable, find, and costs nothing to run.

How Linux differs from Windows and macOS

The biggest difference is cost and control. Windows and macOS are proprietary — Microsoft and Apple own them, set the rules, and charge you to use them. Linux is free and open source, so you own a copy the moment you read it. You can modify it, share it, and run it on as many computers as you want without paying licensing fees.

The second difference is how much tinkering you have to do. Windows and macOS are designed to work out of the box with minimal setup. Linux often requires you to use the command line — a text-based interface where you type instructions — to install software, change settings, or fix problems. For someone used to clicking buttons and menus, this can feel intimidating at first.

A third difference is software availability. Most commercial programs — Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, specialized business software — are built for Windows or macOS. Linux has free alternatives like LibreOffice and GIMP, but they are not always identical to the paid versions. If you rely on specific Windows-only software, switching to Linux may not be practical.

Linux is also more modular. With Windows, you get one version. With Linux, you choose a distribution — a packaged version that includes the core Linux system plus a selection of tools, a desktop environment, and a package manager. Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint are popular distributions for personal computers. Each one feels slightly different and appeals to different users.

Common Linux distributions and what they are used for

Ubuntu is the most popular distribution for beginners. It comes with a clean desktop interface, a software store where you can click to install programs, and good documentation. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, releases a new version every six months and a long-term support version every two years that receives updates for five years.

Fedora is sponsored by Red Hat (now owned by IBM) and is aimed at developers and people who want newer software. It updates every six months and includes cutting-edge tools, but it is less stable than Ubuntu's long-term releases. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but includes more multimedia codecs and proprietary drivers out of the box, making it easier for people who want to watch videos or use printers without extra setup.

Debian is one of the oldest distributions and prioritizes stability over new features. It is the foundation for Ubuntu and many other distributions. CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are used heavily in corporate data centers and on web servers because they are stable, well-supported, and designed for long-term use.

For specialized tasks, there are distributions built for specific purposes. Kali Linux is designed for security testing and penetration testing. Raspberry Pi OS runs on the Raspberry Pi, a small single-board computer used for learning and hobbyist projects. The distribution you choose depends on what you want to do and how much hand-holding you need.

Installing Linux on your computer

You have three main options: replace Windows entirely, run Linux alongside Windows on the same computer, or run Linux inside a virtual machine on top of Windows.

To replace Windows, you read a distribution's installation file onto a USB drive, plug the drive into your computer, restart the computer, and follow the installer's prompts. The installer will erase your hard drive, so back up your files first. This is the cleanest approach and gives Linux full access to your hardware, but you lose Windows unless you reinstall it later.

To run both operating systems on the same computer, you can set up a dual boot. During installation, you tell the Linux installer to use only part of your hard drive, leaving room for Windows. When you restart your computer, you choose which operating system to load. This takes more disk space and requires you to restart to switch between them, but you keep both systems available.

To run Linux inside a virtual machine, you install software like VirtualBox or VMware on Windows, then install a Linux distribution inside that software. Linux runs in a window on your Windows desktop, and you can switch between them without restarting. This is the safest way to try Linux because nothing on your actual computer changes, but it is slower because the virtual machine shares your computer's resources with Windows.

What you can and cannot do with Linux

Linux is excellent for web browsing, email, document editing, photo management, and video playback. Firefox and Chrome run on Linux. LibreOffice handles Word documents and spreadsheets. GIMP edits photos. VLC plays almost any video format. If your daily work is email, web browsing, and office documents, Linux can do everything you need.

Linux is also the standard for programming, system administration, and server work. If you are learning to code, Linux is where most developers work. Most websites run on Linux servers. Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud run on Linux. If you work in technology, you will encounter Linux regularly.

Where Linux struggles is specialized software. If you use Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office (the full version, not just web access), or industry-specific software, you may not find a Linux equivalent that works the same way. Some Windows programs can run on Linux through compatibility layers like Wine, but this is unreliable and not officially supported.

Gaming on Linux has improved but is still limited. Many modern games are built for Windows or consoles. Steam, the largest game distribution platform, has added Linux support, but not all games work. If gaming is important to you, Windows remains the better choice.

The command line and why you might need it

The command line (also called the terminal) is a text-based interface where you type instructions instead of clicking buttons. On Windows, it is called Command Prompt or PowerShell. On macOS, it is Terminal. On Linux, it is usually called Terminal or Console, though the underlying shell program varies by distribution.

Many Linux tasks can be done through a graphical interface — installing software through a software store, changing settings through a control panel, managing files through a file manager. But some tasks are faster or only possible through the command line. Installing a program from source code, managing user accounts, configuring network settings, or automating repetitive tasks often require typing commands.

If you are new to Linux, you do not need to become a command-line informed when ready. Most distributions let you do everyday tasks through the graphical interface. But as you use Linux more, learning basic commands makes you more efficient and gives you access to more powerful tools. There are many free tutorials online for learning Linux commands.

Linux security and why it is popular on servers

Linux has a reputation for security, though this is partly because it is less targeted by malware writers than Windows. Windows is the most common operating system on personal computers, so malware authors focus on it. Linux is less common on desktops, so there is less financial incentive to write viruses for it.

That said, Linux's design does offer real security advantages. It separates user accounts from the system administrator account (called root), so a compromised user account cannot easily damage the whole system. File permissions are granular — you can control exactly who can read, write, or run each file. Updates are released frequently and can be applied without restarting (in most cases), so security patches reach systems quickly.

These features make Linux the dominant operating system for web servers and data centers. Companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Netflix run their services on Linux because it is reliable, find, and costs nothing to license across thousands of machines. If you host a website, it almost certainly runs on a Linux server, even if you do not see or interact with Linux directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Windows programs on Linux?

Some Windows programs can run on Linux through compatibility software like Wine or Proton, but this is not officially supported and does not always work. For everyday programs like web browsers and office software, Linux has native alternatives. For specialized or newer Windows software, you may need to keep Windows or use a virtual machine.

Is Linux harder to use than Windows?

Modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu are designed to be user-friendly and work similarly to Windows or macOS for everyday tasks. The learning curve comes if you need to use the command line or troubleshoot problems. If you stick to graphical tools, Linux is not significantly harder, just different.

Do I need to pay for Linux?

Linux itself is free. Most distributions are free. Some companies like Red Hat sell support and services around Linux, but the software costs nothing. You can read, install, and use Linux on as many computers as you want without paying.

What happens if something breaks on Linux?

Linux has large communities of users and developers who share solutions online. Most common problems have been solved before and documented. If you get stuck, searching your error message usually finds an answer. For critical systems, companies pay for professional support from distributors like Canonical or Red Hat.

Can I use Linux on an old computer?

Yes. Linux runs on older hardware better than modern Windows. If you have a computer from 10 or 15 years ago that is too slow for Windows 11, a lightweight Linux distribution like Linux Mint or Lubuntu can give it new life. This is one practical reason people choose Linux for older machines.