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What is Linux?: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Operating System

Samuel Cork

Updated: Sep 13, 2024

Linux, similar to Windows, is an operating system designed for use on various devices, including computers. While Linux may not enjoy the same level of popularity as Windows, it remains a widely utilized system across a broad spectrum of devices.


The majority of personal devices are equipped with operating systems. If you are currently viewing this content on your computer, it is probable that Windows serves as your operating system. For those reading on a mobile device, it is likely to be either an iPhone operating on iOS or an Android device. Android devices are powered by the Linux operating system. It is noteworthy that a considerable number of backend devices also operate on Linux.


Furthermore, Linux itself is not its own operating systems, instead there are a variety of different Linux distributions. Linux Mint and Ubuntu are two of the most well know and popular Linux types. However, there are many more for different needs.


What Makes Linux Different?

Every operating system has their difference. Windows is a widely known and used operating system for personal home computers, even for work computers and servers. MacOS is ran on Apple's computers and home only to their computers. Linux is opensource, completely free to use. Anybody can download Linux for free and install it on their computer.


Unlike Windows or MacOS, Linux is not owned by any major corporation. Linux is kept up to date by its own community. This approach allows Linux to run efficiently, meaning it can run even on older computers. It is often times seen as faster and more efficient.




Why Does Everyone Use Windows?

Windows is the most popular operating system, one of the major systems to be released for personal computers. Because of this popularity, many programs and applications were made only for windows, meaning Linux can not run them as well. It is the same as how a DVD player can not play a VHS tape, or how PlayStation can not run Xbox games.

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