If you’ve ever heard the word “Linux” tossed around by tech enthusiasts or read about it powering websites, phones, or servers, you might have wondered what exactly it is. Is it a type of software? An alternative to Windows? Some underground hacker tool? The truth is both simpler and more fascinating.
First and foremost, it is an operating system built around the Linux kernel. That means it’s the software that sits between you and your computer’s hardware. If you’ve ever used Windows or macOS, you’re already familiar with what an operating system does, even if you don’t think about it much. However, if you open either of those machines you will see a bunch of silicone chips sitting idly on a printed circuit board. Something need to give those chips things to do and the Operating System is happy to do that. The OS however needs to know ‘how’ to do that and that is what the kernels job is. The Linux kernel is the general of the whole operation.
Linux however isn’t just one version of an operating system like Windows 11 or macOS Ventura. It’s more like the foundation — the engine — that powers many different versions, called distributions.
Before we get into distributions, it helps to know a bit of the backstory. Linux, the kernel, was created in 1991 by a Finnish student named Linus Torvalds. He wanted a free and open alternative to the UNIX operating system, which was powerful but expensive and closed off. So he started writing his own version from scratch and made the code freely available to anyone who wanted to use, modify, or improve it. What began as a hobby project quickly gained momentum as developers around the world began contributing. Because of its open-source nature, Linux became something anyone could shape, and it has grown into one of the most important software platforms in the world.
Now, when people say they’re “using Linux,” they’re usually referring to a distribution (“distro” for short). A distribution is a complete package that includes the Linux kernel (the core of the system) along with additional software, tools, and a user interface. Think of Linux like an engine, and distributions are the different cars that use that engine. One car might be built for comfort and ease of use, another for high performance, and another for rugged, technical terrain. Some of the more popular distros include Ubuntu, which is known for being beginner-friendly, Debian, which is known for its stability, and Arch Linux, which is known for being highly customizable and hands-on.
One of the most surprising things about Linux is how often you use it without realizing. If you have an Android phone, you’re already using a version of Linux every day. Most of the servers that run websites run on Linux. It’s also used in routers, smart TVs, cars, and even in the systems aboard the International Space Station. Linux is everywhere, but because it often works behind the scenes, it doesn’t get the attention that more consumer-facing systems do.
Installing Linux on your own computer is easier than ever. There are distributions designed specifically for newcomers that include a full graphical desktop, app stores, and even live demos you can run from a USB stick without installing anything.
Of course, Linux can feel different if you’re coming from Windows or macOS. It doesn’t hide everything from you. In fact, it encourages you to look under the hood and learn what’s going on. That can be intimidating at first, especially when you’re asked to type commands into something called a terminal or shell.
The learning curve is real, but it’s not something you have to face alone. Linux has one of the most active and welcoming communities in the tech world. If you ever get stuck, there are forums, tutorials, and helpful people all over the internet who’ve probably had the same issue and are eager to help you fix it.
Linux is more than just an operating system. It’s a philosophy, a community, and a toolbox that gives you the freedom to shape your computing experience. Whether you’re trying to revive an old laptop, learn more about how computers work, or just want an alternative to the systems you’ve always used, Linux is absolutely worth exploring. You don’t have to be a programmer or a server admin. You just have to be curious.