Tackling Some Common Myths about Linux

I have never been such a big fan of an operating system to try to get others to use it. I like how GNU/Linux remains a relative niche OS for those tinkerers and techies. Nevertheless, with more and more people looking into tiny PCs (aka single-board computers) and experimenting with the many Linux distributions out there, it seems like a good idea to clarify some things about this matter. After all, the mystique that dominates this area is no longer justified since it's become relatively mainstream as a subject. So, let's look at certain things that remain mysterious and oftentimes conflated with other stuff in the wilderness that is the Linux world.

1. Linux is an operating system

Well, it's not and never was. Linux is a bunch of programs packaged together in what is known as a kernel. Every operating system has one. However, the kernel itself is not the operating system. When Linus Torvalds came up with this idea for his project (the first Linux), he did it as a way to make certain programs that were proprietary before freely available to other computer enthusiasts. Yet, it was only when some of these people thought of using this kernel as part of the GNU operating system, a free version of the Unix OS. Since then, GNU comes with Linux as its kernel and it's referred to as GNU/Linux. For those who don't like the term GNU (which stands for GNU is Not Unix, by the way), you can refer to those operating systems as Linux-based OSes.

2. Linux is free, as in you don’t have to pay for it

Although most Linux distributions are free and open-source, the more professional versions of some of them come at a license fee. These are the Linuxes that are geared towards companies, which often require some tech support. So, if you want to have Linux in your organization and don't want to troubleshoot the problems that will inevitably surface in at least one of its computers, you may want to budget something for the license of such a Linux. For the rest of us, it is cost-free. Still, if you plan to use certain proprietary software on a Linux machine, this may come at a cost.

3. Linux is for techies and for people who are knowledgeable in computers

When I started using a Linux-based OS as my main operating system, I was green like the Windows XP wallpaper. I also had a strong aversion toward the command line interface (CLI) as I preferred the graphical one (GUI). Still, I managed to learn it and use it enough to do most of my daily tasks there. So, if I could do it, so can you. Naturally, the high customization potential of Linux attracts many computer-savvy individuals who feel like a kid at a theme park. Many of these people know Linux on a more intimate level and tend to use the CLI for the most part. Still, that's a matter of choice and doesn't mean you have to be like them. Some people never use the CLI, and if you look at their Linux-powered computer, you may have a hard time figuring out what OS they are using.

4. Linux is not so aesthetically pleasing

Well, Linux itself has no aesthetics whatsoever, since it's a bunch of programs. However, it often comes with a desktop environment, like Cinnamon, Xfce, Gnome, etc., that's quite easy on the eyes. Certain distributions, like Zorin, walk the extra mile to make the whole user experience as smooth and as comfortable as possible. So, the idea that Linux is for those minimalists who can't appreciate a nice user interface, like that on most Mac systems, is outdated and inaccurate. Regardless of what operating system you are used to, you are bound to find the Linux-based equivalent and be surprised at its functionality too.

5. Most programs from other OSes don’t work on Linux

Unless you use some strange custom-made software that only works on your operating system and nowhere else, chances are that your software has its Linux double. It may not be the same program exactly, but something very similar is bound to exist. As a bonus, that software is bound to be free or under a Freemium license. Before my Linux days, I was addicted to a certain mind-mapping program. That was quite a niche one and didn't have a Linux equivalent at the time. However, for the past few years, there is EdrawMind (formerly known as MindMaster or something), which is as good, if not better, than the Windows one to which I was accustomed. Also, some emulators can help make certain Windows software able to run on a Linux-powered machine. They may not run perfectly, but their core functionality is bound to remain. Lately, I discovered that there is a similar emulator for Android apps too.

6. Documents created on Linux aren’t compatible outside that ecosystem
This statement is also inaccurate since most files generated by software on a Linux-powered machine can be in a format that is recognizable on other machines. Most websites run on Linux-based servers, yet people can view them on their non-Linux devices. Most office suites that run on Linux have the option of saving the documents in the MS Office format. As for MP3s, video files, and images, these are all universal formats for the most part and unless you are an expert, you probably can't tell if that file was created on a Linux machine or not. Additionally, there are free file conversion programs that can transform a file in a format that your computer doesn't recognize into another one that it does.

7. Linux takes a lot of effort and know-how to install

Unless you plan to use Arch Linux or some other esoteric distribution, you are bound to be pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to obtain and install Linux on a computer. Even for tiny PCs, which are a bit fussy because of their limited resources. Also, you don't have to scrap your existing OS to try a Linux one, since most of the Linux distributions have a live CD / USB drive option that allows you to play around with the new distribution on your computer, ensure that everything works fine, and then install it if you wish. Most of the time, you can do all that without even typing a single command on the command line.

They say that it's only time that can tell if something you enjoy is indeed worthwhile and not some fad. In my eyes, Linux has passed the test of time since I've been using this or the other Linux-based OS for over a decade now. The funny thing is that now I'm even more enamored with it and more comfortable with the many options this world offers. Perhaps in a few years, you'll be able to say the same...