How I Discovered My Passion for Linux
By: Daniel Munteanu
Tags: Windows, Linux, Graphics, Internet, Linux Mint

The mascot of Linux is the Tux penguin ( Photo source: pixabay.com)

Introduction to Linux

Just like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux is an operating system.

Linux has many different versions to suit any type of user. These versions are called distributions, or, in short form “distros”.

Popular Linux distributions include:

• Linux Mint;

• Manjaro;

• Debian;

• Ubuntu;

• Fedora;

• OpenSUSE

There are so-called “Lightweight distributions”. These have been designed for old hardware, or maximum possible speed in newer hardware.

Linux is free.

The Tux Penguin is the mascot of Linux (see the upper image).

​My first attempts at Linux

I first read about Linux in a computer magazine.

Because a Linux distro can be run from a USB stick I tested some of them but was not yet determined to use them.

​Participation in a Linux Workshop

My rescue came through a post on Facebook; it was an invitation to a free Linux workshop.

I was so impatient that I arrived at that workshop earlier than the announced time and was surprised to be the only participant.

The gentleman who ran the workshop asked me if I heard about Linux and what I know about it. He completed what I already knew.

Then he showed me how to install the Linux distro named Linux Mint. I then practiced the installation. It was very simple.

​My computer with Linux Mint and what can I do with it

After a while, I installed Linux mint on my home computer.

Linux mint has a huge repository with free software. The software can be installed very simply with a single click.

Linux mint offers applications in the following main categories:

• graphics;

• internet;

• office;

• programming;

• sound and video;

• and more others.

​My grandson’s personal computer

My grandson is four years old and has his computer. A second-hand one with few resources.

He is very happy watching cartoons on his computer.

​True stories

I picked up the following stories from Linux users.

A student in university bought a laptop with a Linux flavor installed on it. After a while, her father who was an IT engineer proposed to buy and install a Windows operating system, but she refused because she was happy with Linux. (her father told me this)

Someone installed Linux on a blogger’s laptop who was so pleased that he did not want to give up. (the one who installed it told me this)

Myths about Linux

There are many myths about Linux that scare people.

First myth: Linux is difficult to use

Linux is not different than the other operating systems. It takes a little time to learn it, however, it is very intuitive. Linux looks similar to Windows.

As an example, I can tell that when somebody who did not work on a computer with Linux could do his tasks directly on my computer even though he hasn’t used Linux before.

Second myth: you need to know commands to use Linux

I’ve heard this myth many times; people are very scared of it.

The reality is that Linux has a powerful command-line interface which I rarely use, simple with Copy and Paste.

I use the command line especially to test the internet connection with a ping command.

Third myth: Linux does not have enough applications

As I have written above, the Linux repository contains a huge number of applications that can be used for many tasks.

I should point that for Linux exists portable applications (like in Windows) which can be run without installation.

Moreover, there are applications called multiplatform that have versions for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS. Because I have a choice, I prefer to use those applications that also exist in the portable version for Windows.

Fourth myth: Linux is not suitable for games

Games are not my interest area and can tell only that I read that there are games for Linux, too.

​ About viruses

There are fewer applications that can transmit viruses in Linux.

​ Instead of closing

It is worth considering the use of Linux. This could be a challenge.

I would advise you to install Linux only after running it from a USB stick you are convinced that it is what you need.

Testing different flavors of Linux can be a funny activity even at 60+ years old.

Photo source: pixabay.com