Let's talk about operating systems:
An operating system is just like the name says an piece of sofware that makes your computer, laptop or smartphone work. The great news is that you're not bounded to a operating system like Windows.
An alternative is to use an open source operating system like Linux to replace W7 or even older versions of Windows. And just like open source software the open source operating systems are free to use ( but feel free to contribute ).
Linux is an operating systems that comes in many different distros ( flavours ) but the basics stays a little bit the same. For example I use Linux Mint on a old laptop, a popular distro with a graphic user interface that looks a bit like Windows 7. But there is also Deepin a relativly new distro that looks more like a Mac OS ( but then without the expensive apps ). I've installed Deepin on my desktop a couple of days ago, it's worth mentioning because the graphic user interface ( GUI ) looks good but I'm not sure how this OS will evolve. For example the website Deepin.org is most of the time unreachable and that doesn't feel good 😶. I would suggest to search " Linux beginner " and there will be a nice overview of distros like: this one, another new open source OS is Chromnium which is a minimal Linux distro with only the Chrome browser. So really a lot to choose from and to much to write in this blog.
So to keep this post clear and readable I'll start with the pro en cons of Linux and after that a bit of Q and A.
Pros of Linux:
- It's free !! , still a contribution is appreciated.
- It is light weight and even supports the old hardware and gives this hardware great performance. For example The laptop I use, used to run on Windows XP and has a dual core 32 bit CPU and is over 10 years old ( ancient almost prehistoric in tech world ). but with Linux Mint it works great ( upgrading RAM is recommended ).
- Open source means that the source code is open , so many people can contribute to the project. Also the license agreement is far less complicated and not violating your privacy like many closed source OS ( operating systems ) do. For example you're not pushed to make an Apple or MS account to install the OS.
- It is stable. No kidding if NASA choose Linux for a space station over MS than it sure will be good enough for your home computer.
- Security, not only are there hardly any virusses written for Linux the structure is made that whenever you change or install software Linux ask your password.
- Adding software is easy just by using program management embedded is the OS ( just like Apple or Android ). And it's all free to use.
- For just about every windows software there is an Linux alternative.
- The GUI ( Graphic User Interface ) stays mostly the same on open source, so no need to search for functions after update.
- Updates are all done in a central place, so no more different pop ups after starting your device.
- With programs like Wine it's possible to run a lot of Windows software, or you could use a virtual machine.
Cons of Linux:
- Because Windows is used by a lot of people not all your programs will be available for Linux, and some alternatives might work different or not as good.
- Shouldn't be a problem but if you forget your password you have a problem , no " send me a mail " because Linux doesn't have your e-mail or password stored on their computers.
- The GUI isn't as flashy as other OS. Personally I don't think it's a bad thing, in my opinion I prefer a software that can do everything I want with a old looking GUI than a software that restricts me with a modern and sleek GUI ( yep I'm talking about Apple ).
- Because it's new you have to get used to it.
Note is that Linux comes in many different distros ( just like Samsung uses a different shell for their Android ) so the GUI differs between distros.
Some Q and A:
Q: Is it hard to use ?
A: No, just like every OS it might take some time to get used to, but some programs have a steaper learning curve ( like GIMP ).
Q: how about using Windows software on Linux ?
A: in many case you can use Windows software with Wine or an Virtual Machine.
Q: What software is available for artists ?
A: There is GIMP for image manipulation, Inkscape for vectordrawings and Krita is aimed on digital drawing.
Q: What other software ?
A: Just like any other computer there is office , video , audio and much more software.
Q: free software means crappy software ?
A: NO, many free and open source alternative perform better than the commercial competitors.
Q: Do I have to use the command line often ?
A: No, I use Linux for more than a year and didn't need to use it.
Q: If it's so great why haven't I heard from Linux before ?
A: there is no marketing that have to sell a product, license or subscription.
Q: if you still have a question ?
A: post it in the comment section and I'll see how I can help.
That's all for now. I hope I've inspired you to at least give Linux a chance.
Thanks for reading and untill next time.
Next time: Hardware
Greetings Andres
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