So, what exactly is Linux?

Strictly speaking, Linux is a kernel.

The kernel is the core part of an operating system. It sits between the computer’s hardware and the applications running on it, managing things such as memory, processors, storage devices and networking.

What most of us casually call “Linux” is actually a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel.

These complete packages are known as Linux distributions, or more commonly, distros.

What is a Linux distribution?

Unlike Windows, there isn’t just one version of Linux produced by a single company.

There are hundreds of different Linux distributions, each combining the Linux kernel with applications, system utilities, software repositories and often a graphical desktop environment.

There are distributions designed for desktops, servers, security testing, multimedia production, education, embedded systems and many other purposes.

That’s one of Linux’s greatest strengths — and occasionally one of its most confusing features for somebody encountering it for the first time.

Linux doesn’t have to mean a command line

Mention Linux and some people immediately imagine a black screen covered in mysterious commands.

The command line is certainly an extremely powerful part of Linux, particularly for server administration, but modern desktop Linux can provide a graphical environment just like Windows or macOS.

You can browse files, connect to Wi-Fi, install applications, browse the web and manage settings using normal graphical tools.

What can I actually do with Linux?

Linux is probably already running more of your life than you realise

You don’t need to have a Linux laptop to be a Linux user.

Linux is widely used behind the scenes throughout modern technology.

• web servers
• cloud computing platforms
• virtual machines
• containers
• NAS storage devices
• routers and firewalls
• smart televisions
• embedded devices
• development platforms
• supercomputers

Android also uses the Linux kernel, meaning billions of smartphones and tablets have Linux sitting underneath them.

Linux on servers

This is where Linux really comes into its own.

Linux is enormously popular as a server operating system because it is stable, flexible, efficient and can be administered remotely without requiring a graphical desktop.

A Linux server might host:

• a website
• a database
• a file-sharing platform
• a backup system
• a VPN
• containers
• monitoring software
• business applications
• cloud services

Many Linux servers run for months or even years with little drama — which, from an infrastructure point of view, is exactly what you want.

Linux and the cloud

Linux is also a fundamental part of modern cloud computing.

Platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud can run large numbers of Linux virtual machines alongside Windows systems.

Technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes have made Linux even more important because containers are heavily associated with Linux-based infrastructure.

So although Linux began life long before anyone started talking about “the cloud”, it has become one of the technologies that makes modern cloud computing possible.

Can Linux breathe new life into an old computer?

Absolutely.

This remains one of my favourite uses for desktop Linux.

A computer that feels painfully slow running a modern version of Windows may still be perfectly usable with a lightweight Linux distribution.

If the machine is mainly required for web browsing, email, documents and other basic tasks, installing Linux can potentially extend its useful life considerably.

Of course, Linux cannot perform miracles. An ancient mechanical hard drive and 2GB of RAM are still an ancient mechanical hard drive and 2GB of RAM. But Linux often has significantly lower hardware requirements than a modern Windows installation.

Do I have to install it to try it?

No.

Many Linux distributions can run directly from a USB memory stick using something commonly known as a Live USB.

This allows you to boot the computer into Linux without immediately installing anything onto the internal drive.

What about applications?

This is one of the biggest questions for anybody considering moving from Windows to Linux.

Many popular applications have native Linux versions, while alternatives exist for many others.

However, not every Windows application runs natively on Linux.

For example, the traditional desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook are designed primarily for Windows and macOS rather than Linux.

Microsoft 365 web applications can be used through a browser, and LibreOffice provides an excellent native office suite, but organisations that depend heavily on specialist Windows applications should check compatibility before moving.

Is Linux more secure than Windows?

This question normally produces some fairly enthusiastic arguments on the internet.

The sensible answer is: it depends.

Linux has a strong security model and benefits from features such as software repositories, user permissions and rapid security updates.

But Linux is not magically immune to malware, vulnerabilities or bad configuration.

A poorly maintained Linux server exposed directly to the internet can be compromised just as a poorly maintained Windows server can.

What are the advantages of Linux?

And the disadvantages?

Linux isn’t automatically the right answer for every computer or every user.

• Some specialist Windows or macOS applications are unavailable.
• Certain games may not work correctly.
• Hardware support can occasionally be problematic.
• Some tasks require more technical knowledge.
• The enormous choice of distributions can be confusing for newcomers.
• Business environments may depend on software that requires Windows.

For somebody whose entire working day depends on Windows-only applications, replacing Windows with Linux simply for the sake of using Linux probably doesn’t make much sense.

Use the right tool for the job.

Which Linux distribution should I try?

If you’re completely new to Linux and simply want to experiment with it on a normal desktop or laptop, I would start with either Linux Mint or Ubuntu.

Both have large communities, good hardware support and plenty of documentation available when you inevitably ask the internet:

Which, to be fair, is not an experience exclusive to Linux.

Should I replace Windows with Linux?

Maybe — but you don’t have to.

Linux isn’t about proving that one operating system is universally better than another.

Windows is an excellent choice for many desktop and business environments. Linux is an excellent choice for many servers, development environments, appliances and desktops.

They can also happily coexist.

You can run Linux inside a virtual machine, use Windows Subsystem for Linux, boot Linux from a USB drive or have completely separate Windows and Linux computers.

The important thing is understanding what each platform is good at and choosing appropriately.