Linux is Not Hard to Learn – Myths Debunked

As a pretty basic Linux user, I’m happy to debunk five common Linux myths:

1. Linux is only for advanced users: This myth suggests that Linux is suitable only for tech-savvy individuals. In reality, Linux distributions come in various user-friendly flavors, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora, which are designed to be accessible to newcomers. While some advanced tasks may require familiarity with the command line, modern Linux desktop environments provide a user-friendly graphical interface similar to other operating systems. The really good thing here is, that there are very good online guides for almost any task you need to be done, and are not familiar with.
2. Linux doesn’t support popular software: In the past, it was true that Linux had limited software support, especially for commercial applications. However, the Linux ecosystem has grown significantly, and many popular applications are now available natively for Linux. Additionally, virtualization and compatibility layers like Wine and Proton have improved the compatibility of Windows software on Linux systems. It’s pure joy to find software that is, sometimes, even better than the commercial Operating Systems versions. Heck, as you probably read this in Chrome or Firefox, they are available for Linux dekstops.
3. Linux is not suitable for gaming: This myth is outdated. Thanks to the efforts of gaming platforms like Steam, support from game developers, and the integration of Proton (a compatibility layer for Windows games), Linux has become a viable gaming platform. Many AAA games are now available for Linux, and the gaming experience has improved considerably. Albeit not being a gamer, I do occasionally enjoy spending a few hours ”shooting’em up”. Personal fav is Alien Arena. (don’t judge)
4. Linux is less secure than other operating systems: Linux’s reputation for being secure is well-founded. It benefits from having a strong security model, regular security updates, and a large community constantly monitoring and fixing vulnerabilities. The open-source nature of Linux allows for quicker identification and patching of security flaws compared to closed-source operating systems. If anything, the nature and file system of most Linux systems, are often more secure.
5. Installing software on Linux is difficult: Linux distributions have made significant progress in simplifying software installation. Package managers like APT (Debian/Ubuntu) and DNF (Fedora) automate the installation process and handle dependencies. And this was true even before Microsoft made their own Software Center. Additionally, modern software centers provide graphical interfaces, making it as straightforward as using an app store in other operating systems. There’s also, usually, more than one alternative.

As I write this, Linux has surpassed 3% of users world wide, and we’re becoming more every day. Linux is a versatile and powerful operating system that has evolved over the years. It is a viable option for both beginners and advanced users, offering a secure and customizable environment for various use cases.