You can toggle every setting in the world and install two dozen different applications, but there’s no way around the fact that the majority of computers out there come with one of three different operating systems, all made by the big tech companies. You may choose Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS for higher-end or professional settings, or Google’s Chrome OS (or Googlebook OS) for the lower priced and education market.
But there is a way out for those who dare to try it: Linux.
Operating systems are increasingly filled with more features, some of which some people might reasonably consider “bloat.” For example, Windows 11’s Copilot AI features are so ingrained in its design that it’s nearly impossible to remove. Likewise, macOS can’t seem to go more than a year or two of updates without upsetting people over some hefty visual design decision. Both also tend to ignore older or low-end devices, which means many computers that work perfectly fine don’t get security updates, making them vulnerable to malware and other security issues. And don’t even get us started on the privacy problems of Google’s operating system, which requires a Google account and heavily leans into keeping you locked into Google’s services.
When people talk about Linux, they’re usually referring to one of hundreds of different operating systems, called “distributions” or “distros,” built upon the Linux kernel. Unlike Windows or macOS, there’s no commercial gain in pushing users to update their laptops or desktops, so various distros exist that scale to a variety of hardware, no matter how old or low-powered it might be. This is also why Linux has been adapted to run on everything from phones (e.g. the Android operating system, which is based on Linux) to video game handhelds (like the Steam Deck).
Linux has a reputation for being hard to use, and it can be. But many distributions have prioritized usability, making this a somewhat dated impression.
Some software companies have chosen not to prioritize support for Linux. Thus, software you may need, most notably Adobe and Microsoft software, is not available on Linux. But there are alternatives, like GIMP for Photoshop or LibreOffice for Microsoft Office, which can often do the job. Every major web browser works just fine on Linux though, which is all many of us need. And if all else fails, some software can be run through a "compatibility layer,” like Wine, that can run some Windows software on Linux.
On newer computers, Linux is a great option to opt out of the major platforms, but on older hardware, it’s often a lifesaver. Linux distros can run on older computers and continue to receive security updates. This is a great way to extend the life of an old computer running Windows 10, which Microsoft abandoned last year, despite plenty of those computers working just fine.
On newer computers, Linux is a great option to opt out of the major platforms, but on older hardware, it’s often a lifesaver.
Compared to our other options for opting out this year, changing your operating system is a significantly larger task. But you don’t have to fully commit to something new without giving it a try first. Many Linux distros can be run off a USB stick or low cost computers, like a Raspberry Pi, which means you can test the waters in the shallow end of the pool before diving in. Or with a smidge of technical know-how, you can create a partition on your computer and leave Windows installed for a little while as you test things out. This way, if you do need to use something like Photoshop, you can always return to Windows when required.
Choosing which Linux distro to run is more challenging than actually installing it. There are hundreds of options out there, with entire websites dedicated to helping you pick the right one. We’ll admit the whole thing seems decidedly nerdy, but it doesn’t have to be. Nerdiness is a spectrum, and you can choose an option that best aligns with your needs.
Here are just a few of the most popular distros to get you started:
- Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Pop!_OS are often the go-to recommendations for new users coming from Windows. Ubuntu used to be the standard recommendation for new users, but now there are now more choices for Linux beginners.
- CachyOS is a popular Windows replacement that can also run games reasonably well. Bazzite is a distro that’s specifically designed for gaming if that’s all you use your computer for.
- Arch Linux and Fedora are two of the long-running standards, and there are many other distros out there based on them.
- While most versions of Linux are more privacy-protecting than their big tech counterparts, some are more privacy-hardcore than others. For example, Tails is a special version of Linux designed to provide as much anonymity as possible. Likewise, Qubes prioritizes operating system defensive security above all else, and Kali is designed for security researchers.
- Asahi Linux is currently the main option for modern Macs that use Apple’s proprietary M-series of chips that have been the standard since 2020, but Asahi is still a bit clunky to use. If you’re on older Mac hardware (or have other hardware and just like the look of macOS) elementary OS looks most like macOS.
As we said, there are hundreds of options, but the above should be plenty to start your journey. That number might be overwhelming, but it’s also a sign of just how absurd it is that we’ve all succumbed to the idea that we only have a few operating systems to choose from.
Did you take a step to opt out of one of the major operating systems? Here’s a merit badge to share on social media! Tell your friends what you’ve accomplished and help them opt out too.
