10+ Things I Love About Linux

Linux is not just an operating system but more about a mindset of being open and reliable to all. I am one of the fans in the Linux fan club who wants to share my awesome experience of using Linux for years with all the HackerNoon readers.

Below I have answered some of the questions that I came across in HackerNoon’s Linux Writing Prompt:

1. Why do you prefer to use Linux over macOS or Windows?

I prefer to use Linux over macOS or Windows because it’s highly reliable and secure. I like the fact that I don’t have to care about installing anti-virus software to protect my computer from viruses or malware.

Furthermore, Linux is backed by a massive community of developers and programmers, which means if I get stuck with anything, I can get it resolved far more easily than on macOS or Windows.

Also, owing to the fact that is open-source, if there are security flaws in the OS, it is likely to be fixed sooner than any other OS such as Windows or macOS.

2. Which is the best Linux distro that you have used?

Linux has gained so much popularity over the years that I think there’s a Linux distro for each kind of use case with capabilities ranging from advanced computing to specially tailored needs for day-to-day tasks for users, professionals, programmers, developers, and multinational organizations. So the choice is tough and depends on the requirements.

However, the best Linux distro for me would be Ubuntu. It is the oldest yet most popular Linux distro to date. It’s super easy to use and reliable and makes the shift from Windows or macOS very smooth for anyone starting to use Linux, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Also, it has a large support base from developers all across the globe, which makes it a wonderful distro to try at least once.

3. What is the best thing that you love about Linux?

I guess the best thing about Linux would be that it’s absolutely free of cost, and no one has to ever feel like stealing or like a thief and using a pirated version, which is mostly the case with Windows.

Moreover, being a developer, the best thing you can enjoy is the robust package manager of Linux, which makes installing any software easy peasy. And, of course, you don’t have to reboot the system to make the software work, as in the case of Windows. Also, the system updates are fast and painless than facing the blue screen error in Windows.

4. What is your favorite customization for your Linux Desktop?

I like the level of freedom and control Linux gives to a user by giving endless possibilities of customizations that no other OS supports to date. I mostly love to play and experiment with the terminal to make it more productive and efficient. My favorite one is using ohmyzsh with the basic Linux terminal.

Here’s a collection of some awesome Linux customizations available.

5. What would be your word of advice for beginners in Linux?

A word of advice for beginners at Linux from me would be to start with using Ubuntu if you are not sure about what Linux distro might be the best for your use, as it helps in a smooth transition from Windows or macOS to the Linux ecosystem.

Also, you don’t need to learn and remember a bunch of Linux commands to start with; knowing the few most commonly used will be good enough to start, and you can keep learning about advanced commands along the way. And remember - the Linux community is always there to support you. You can connect with thousands of people who have struggled with the same things while getting started with Linux on StackOverflow and Reddit. So, there’s nothing to fear.

Here are some tips to make your journey easier.

6. What are some of the myths about Linux that you would like to bust for our readers?

I have already pointed out a few of the common myths in my answers. For instance, you need to know a lot of commands to use Linux, or Linux is difficult to use for beginners.

Another common myth, especially among developers, is the thought that Linux is good for servers but not for day-to-day use. The fact is that even the most experienced software developers and programmers prefer to use Linux for their daily tasks, so there’s no question that it isn’t good for programming or software development activities.

7. What are some of the tools and plugins that you recommend using with Linux for a fantastic experience?

There are lots of tools and plugins available for Linux for almost every use case. I would recommend the following - VSCode (Code Editor), Thunderbird (Email Client), Dolphin (File Manager), DigiKam (Image Editor), VLC Media Player (Video Player), LibreOffice (Office Suite), and Shutter (Screen Shot Tool).

You can find a list of Linux tools and applications here.

8. What are some disadvantages of Linux from your experience?

As with everything else, Linux also has some disadvantages to it. For instance, if you are a gamer, you might be disappointed a little to know that not many gaming developers are interested in Linux, and hence, very few games support Linux.

Also, being open source is also one of the downsides of Linux, because there’s no technical support, all you can do is reach out to people on Reddit, or StackOverflow and wait to find the right answer online in case anything goes wrong.

9. What excites you about the future of Linux? What are your expectations for Linux in the upcoming years?

The future of Linux is definitely bright, and it is surely on the rise in terms of popularity with new distros coming up packed with awesome features. Linux has already established itself as the heart of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Obviously, some truly great technologies will emerge during the next 30 years. Linux will very certainly be at the core of these new innovations. But, if I had to pick one area that Linux should emphasize in the next years, it would have to be the desktop.

10. Will you still use Linux if macOS or Windows were more privacy-oriented and even a bit open-source?

Absolutely, Linux is still growing and evolving after completing 30 years since its birth, but the core ideas behind it remain the same, which opens the doors to new horizons. And who would like to miss out on it when it looks so promising as the technology of the future?

That was all from my side. I really enjoyed answering these questions, and I guess so would any Linux fan.