What is Linux? Complete Beginner’s Guide 2025

Quick Answer

Linux is a free, open-source operating system kernel that powers everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Unlike Windows or macOS, is completely free to use, highly customizable, and runs 96.3% of the world’s top web servers.

Table of Contents

• What Exactly is and How Does it Work?
• Why Should You Care About Linux in 2025?
• How is Linux Different from Windows and macOS?
• What Can You Actually Do with Linux?
• Which Linux Distribution Should Beginners Choose?
• How to Try Linux Without Installing It
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Troubleshooting Common Linux Misconceptions

What Exactly is Linux and How Does it Work?

Linux is technically a kernel – the core component that manages your computer’s hardware and system resources. Think of it as the bridge between your applications and your computer’s hardware. However, when people say “Linux,” they usually mean a complete distribution that includes:

• Kernel – The core system
• GNU utilities – Command-line tools and system libraries
• Desktop environment – Graphical user interface (optional)
• Package manager – Software installation system
• Applications – Web browsers, text editors, media players

Check Your System Information

# See your kernel version
uname -a

# Check your distribution
cat /etc/os-release

# View system information
hostnamectl

Key fact: Linux was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and has grown into the world’s largest collaborative software project with over 15,000 contributors worldwide. Learn more about history at the Linux Foundation.

Why Should You Care About Linux in 2025?

Linux dominates the technology landscape in ways most people don’t realize:

Sector	Linux Usage	Examples
Web Servers	96.3%	Google, Facebook, Amazon
Supercomputers	100%	Top 500 fastest computers
Mobile Devices	71%	Android phones and tablets
Cloud Computing	90%	AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
IoT Devices	80%	Smart TVs, routers, cameras

Career Opportunities

• Average Linux Admin Salary: $95,000/year
• Job Growth: 8% annually (faster than average)
• Remote Work: 70% of jobs offer remote options

Cost Savings

# Calculate your Windows license costs
# Windows 11 Pro: $199
# Office 365: $99/year
# Antivirus: $50/year
# Total: $348 first year, $149/year ongoing

# Linux alternative: $0 forever

How is Linux Different from Windows and macOS?

Feature	Linux	Windows	macOS
Cost	Free	$199+	Bundled with hardware
Source Code	Open source	Proprietary	Proprietary
Customization	Complete control	Limited	Very limited
Security	Built-in security	Requires antivirus	Good security
Updates	You control when	Forced updates	You control when
Hardware Support	Runs on anything	Modern hardware	Apple hardware only
Learning Curve	Moderate	Easy	Easy

Terminal vs GUI Philosophy

Linux gives you choice: use the powerful command-line interface OR a user-friendly desktop environment. By the way look how to install gnome48 on Mint 22. Many tasks are faster via terminal:

# Install software (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt install firefox vlc gimp

# Update entire system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

# Find large files
find / -size +100M -type f 2>/dev/null

Pro tip: The Arch Linux Wiki contains the most comprehensive Linux documentation available, regardless of which distribution you use.

What Can You Actually Do with Linux?

1. Daily Computing Tasks

• Web browsing: Firefox, Chrome, Brave
• Office work: LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Google Docs
• Media: VLC, Spotify, Netflix (browser)
• Communication: Discord, Telegram, Slack

2. Professional Development

# Programming languages included by default
python3 --version
gcc --version
git --version

# Install development tools
sudo apt install nodejs npm docker.io

# Create a project
mkdir my-project && cd my-project
git init

3. Server and Cloud Operations

• Web hosting: Apache, Nginx, Node.js
• Database management: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes
• Cloud deployment: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure

4. Creative Work

• Graphics: GIMP, Inkscape, Blender
• Audio: Audacity, Ardour, LMMS
• Video: Kdenlive, OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve

Which Linux Distribution Should Beginners Choose?

Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Options

🥇 Ubuntu (Recommended)

• Why: Largest community, excellent hardware support
• Desktop: GNOME (modern, polished)
• Package manager: APT
• Download: Ubuntu.com

# Try Ubuntu commands
sudo apt update
sudo apt install neofetch
neofetch

🥈 Linux Mint

• Why: Windows-like interface, very stable
• Desktop: Cinnamon (familiar layout)
• Based on: Ubuntu (same software compatibility)
• Download: LinuxMint.com

🥉 Pop!_OS

• Why: Gaming-focused, NVIDIA support
• Desktop: GNOME (customized)
• Company: System76 hardware vendor
• Download: Pop!_OS

Quick Distribution Comparison

# Check which distribution you're running
lsb_release -a

# Or more detailed info
cat /etc/os-release

For more distribution options, visit DistroWatch to see popularity rankings and detailed comparisons.

How to Try Without Installing It

Option 1: Live USB/DVD

1. Download: Get Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com
2. Create bootable media: Use Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform)
3. Boot: Restart computer, select USB from boot menu
4. Try: Click “Try Ubuntu” instead of “Install”

# Commands to try in live session
whoami
pwd
ls -la
df -h
free -h

Option 2: Virtual Machine

VirtualBox (Free):

1. Install VirtualBox
2. Create new VM (2GB+ RAM, 25GB+ storage)
3. Load Ubuntu ISO
4. Install and experiment safely

Option 3: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows 10/11 only:

# Install from PowerShell (Administrator)
wsl --install

# Or choose specific distribution
wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Option 4: Online Linux Terminal

• Try immediately: JSLinux
• Practice commands: OverTheWire
• Interactive tutorials: Linux Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hard to Learn?

Modern Linux is as easy as Windows for basic tasks. The terminal might seem intimidating, but it’s optional for desktop users. Most distributions include user-friendly software centers, automatic updates, and intuitive interfaces.

Will My Hardware Work with Linux?

Most hardware works out-of-the-box. It has excellent driver support for:

• ✅ Intel/AMD processors and graphics
• ✅ Most WiFi adapters and ethernet
• ✅ USB devices and peripherals
• ⚠️ Some NVIDIA graphics (requires proprietary drivers)
• ⚠️ Very new or obscure hardware

# Check hardware compatibility
lspci -v
lsusb
dmesg | grep -i error

Can I Run Windows Software on Linux?

Many options available:

• Wine: Run Windows applications directly
• PlayOnLinux: Simplified Wine interface
• Steam Proton: Windows gaming on Linux
• Virtual Machine: Run Windows inside Linux
• Web apps: Many programs now run in browsers

Is Secure?

Linux is inherently more secure than Windows:

• No viruses targeting desktop Linux (market share too small)
• Built-in permission system prevents system damage
• Open-source code allows security auditing
• Package managers prevent malware installation
• Regular security updates

# Check system security status
sudo ufw status
sudo fail2ban-client status
last -n 10

What About Gaming?

Gaming has improved dramatically:

• Steam: 75%+ of Steam games now work on
• Lutris: Manage all your games from one place
• Native games: Increasing number of native Linux games
• Performance: Often matches or exceeds Windows

For detailed gaming compatibility, check ProtonDB.

How Do I Get Support?

Excellent community support:

• Ask Ubuntu: askubuntu.com
• Reddit: r/linux4noobs, r/Ubuntu
• Forums: Official distribution forums
• IRC/Discord: Real-time chat support
• Documentation: Linux Documentation Project

Troubleshooting Common Linux Misconceptions

“Is Only for Programmers”

Reality: Modern distributions are designed for everyday users. Ubuntu, Mint, and Pop!_OS work just like any other operating system for:

• Web browsing and email
• Office documents and spreadsheets
• Photo editing and music
• Video streaming and social media

“You Need to Use the Terminal All the Time”

Reality: The terminal is optional for desktop users. Modern distribution has:

• Graphical software centers for installing programs
• Point-and-click system settings
• File managers with copy/paste
• Automatic hardware detection

# Terminal is powerful but optional
# GUI equivalents exist for most tasks
ls -la        # File manager
sudo apt install firefox  # Software center
nano file.txt # Text editor

“Doesn’t Support My Hardware”

Reality: often supports hardware better than Windows:

• Older computers run faster
• Most printers work without driver downloads
• USB devices are recognized automatically
• WiFi usually works immediately

# Check hardware support
sudo lshw -short
lscpu
lsblk

“I’ll Lose All My Files”

Reality: You can safely dual-boot or try Linux without affecting Windows:

• Live USB lets you test without installing
• Dual-boot preserves Windows installation
• Virtual machines are completely isolated
• reads Windows files (NTFS) perfectly

“No Software Available”

Reality: has alternatives for almost everything:

Windows/Mac	Linux Alternative	Quality
Microsoft Office	LibreOffice	Excellent
Photoshop	GIMP	Good
Adobe Premiere	Kdenlive	Good
Spotify	Spotify (native)	Identical
Chrome/Firefox	Chrome/Firefox	Identical
Steam	Steam	Identical

Next Steps: Your Linux Journey

Immediate Actions (Today)

1. Try online: Visit JSLinux for instant access
2. Download Ubuntu: Get the ISO from ubuntu.com
3. Join communities: Create accounts on Ask Ubuntu and r/linux4noobs

This Week

1. Create live USB: Use Etcher to make bootable drive
2. Test hardware: Boot from USB and verify all devices work
3. Explore desktop: Try file manager, web browser, settings

This Month

1. Install alongside Windows: Set up dual-boot for safe experimentation
2. Install essential software: Web browser, media player, office suite
3. Learn basic commands: Practice file navigation and system information

Resources for Continued Learning

• Free courses: Linux Foundation Training
• Certification path: CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1
• Practice: OverTheWire Wargames
• Community: r/linuxquestions

Additional Resources

Official Documentation

• Kernel: kernel.org
• GNU Project: gnu.org
• Ubuntu Documentation: help.ubuntu.com

Learning Platforms

• Interactive Tutorial: Linux Journey
• Command Reference: ExplainShell
• Man Pages: linux.die.net

Community Forums

• General Help: LinuxQuestions.org
• Stack Overflow: Linux tag
• Reddit Communities: r/linux, r/Ubuntu, r/linuxmint

Linux isn’t just an operating system – it’s a gateway to understanding how computers really work. Whether you’re looking to save money, increase security so look at category security on this site, learn new skills, or just satisfy your curiosity, it offers a path forward that puts you in complete control of your computing experience.

Welcome to the world of open-source computing!