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What Linux Is and Why People Use It

Linux is a free operating system that runs computers, servers, and other devices. An operating system is the software that lets your computer work—it's what starts when you turn on your machine and manages everything your computer does. Windows and macOS are operating systems you may already know about. Linux works similarly but is different in important ways.

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Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a student in Finland. Unlike Windows or macOS, which are owned by companies, Linux is open-source. This means anyone can see how it works, change it, and share those changes with others. Thousands of programmers around the world have contributed to making Linux better over the past 30 years.

People use Linux for many reasons. It costs nothing to obtain and use. It runs well on older computers that might struggle with newer versions of Windows. Many businesses use Linux to power websites and store data because it's reliable and secure. Schools teach Linux because it helps students understand how computers actually work. Some people prefer Linux because they like having control over their software and knowing exactly what it does.

Linux comes in different versions called distributions or "distros." Popular ones include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Linux Mint, and CentOS. Each distro is slightly different but all use the same Linux core. Some distros are designed to be beginner-friendly, while others are aimed at advanced users. This means there's likely a version of Linux that fits what you want to do.

Practical takeaway: Linux is a free operating system used by millions of people worldwide. It works on many types of devices and comes in versions for beginners through advanced users. Understanding what Linux is helps you decide if learning about it matches your interests.

Different Linux Distributions for Beginners

When you're new to Linux, choosing the right distribution matters. Each distro has different strengths, and some are specifically designed to welcome people who have never used Linux before. The right choice depends on what you want to do and what kind of computer you have.

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Ubuntu is one of the most popular distributions for beginners. It was first released in 2004 and is based on a distro called Debian. Ubuntu comes with a graphical interface that looks familiar if you've used Windows or Mac before. It includes common software like a web browser, email program, and office tools already installed. Ubuntu releases a new version every six months and a long-term support version every two years. The long-term support versions receive updates for five years, which gives you stability if you're still learning.

Linux Mint is another excellent choice for beginners. It's based on Ubuntu but includes additional software and a slightly different look. Many people find Linux Mint's interface even easier to navigate than Ubuntu's. Linux Mint focuses on making the system feel polished and complete right out of the box. It also makes it simple to play music and watch videos, which some other distros require more setup to do.

Fedora is maintained by Red Hat, a large company in the Linux world. Fedora gets new versions twice a year and focuses on including the latest software developments. If you want to learn about current Linux technology, Fedora is a good choice. It's more cutting-edge than Ubuntu or Mint, so it updates more frequently.

Elementary OS is designed with a focus on beauty and simplicity. It has a clean interface and comes with fewer programs installed than Ubuntu or Mint, so it's less overwhelming for brand new users. Elementary OS emphasizes teaching you the basics without too many options.

Practical takeaway: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Elementary OS are all beginner-friendly distributions with different strengths. Beginners often start with Ubuntu or Linux Mint because they balance ease of use with features. Consider what you want to do with Linux when choosing which distro to explore.

How to Obtain and Install Linux

Getting Linux itself costs nothing, but you do need to put it on a computer. You can either install Linux on a computer that currently has Windows or macOS, or you can try Linux without changing your current system. Understanding your options helps you pick the approach that works for you.

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The most common way to obtain Linux is to get it from the official website of the distribution you choose. For example, if you want Ubuntu, you visit ubuntu.com. If you want Linux Mint, you visit linuxmint.com. These sites let you transfer the operating system to a USB drive or DVD. A USB drive is faster and more convenient than a DVD. You'll need a USB drive with at least 4 gigabytes of space. The transfer process involves downloading a file and using free software to put it on the USB drive.

Once you have Linux on a USB drive, you have several options. You can install it alongside your current operating system, which means your computer will let you choose between Linux and Windows (or macOS) each time you start up. This is called dual-booting. You can also completely replace your current operating system with Linux, though most beginners don't do this right away. A third option is to use what's called a "live session," where you run Linux directly from the USB drive without installing anything. This lets you try Linux without making any changes to your computer.

The installation process varies slightly between distributions, but most modern ones use a graphical installer that walks you through each step. You typically start your computer from the USB drive, choose your language and location, decide where to install Linux on your hard drive, and create a user account. The whole process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your computer's speed.

An important note: before installing Linux, back up any files you want to keep from your current computer. While modern installers are safe, mistakes can happen. Having a backup protects your important data.

Practical takeaway: You can obtain Linux for free from the official websites of different distributions. You can try Linux on a USB drive without installing it, install it alongside your current system, or replace your current system entirely. Beginners often start by trying Linux from a USB drive to see if they like it before making changes to their computer.

Basic Linux Concepts and How to Navigate the System

Linux works differently from Windows or macOS in some important ways. Learning basic concepts helps you understand what's happening when you use Linux and makes it less confusing when things work differently than you expect.

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The filesystem is how Linux organizes files and folders. Instead of having separate drives like C:, D:, and E: in Windows, Linux has one main structure that starts with a folder called the root directory, represented by a forward slash (/). All files and folders branch out from there. Your personal files live in your home directory, typically located at /home/yourusername. Understanding this structure helps you find files and understand where things are located.

Linux uses permissions to control who can read, write, and run files. Every file and folder has three sets of permissions: one for the owner, one for a group of users, and one for everyone else. This is different from Windows and makes Linux very secure. Permissions are represented by letters like r (read), w (write), and x (execute). When you create a file, you automatically own it, and you can change who has permission to use it.

The terminal or command line is a text-based way to control Linux. While you can do almost everything through a graphical interface like you do in Windows, many experienced Linux users prefer the terminal because it's faster for certain tasks. As a beginner, you'll likely use the graphical interface most of the time, but learning a few basic commands is useful. Common commands include ls (to list files), cd (to change directories), cp (to copy files), and rm (to remove files). The terminal can seem intimidating at first, but it follows logical patterns once you learn the basics.

Linux uses packages to organize software. A package is a bundle that contains a program and everything needed to run it. Most distributions have a software center or app store where you can browse packages and install programs with a few clicks. This is similar to app stores on phones. You can also use the terminal to install packages, which is often faster once you learn how.

Practical takeaway: Linux organizes files in a single hierarchical structure, uses permissions to control access, lets you control the system through a graphical interface or a text-based terminal, and manages programs through packages. Understanding these concepts makes Linux feel less foreign and helps you troubleshoot problems when they arise.

Comparing Linux to Windows and