{"id":723,"date":"2018-04-24T15:36:14","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T19:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rehack.com\/uncategorized\/using-linux-os-on-your-desktop\/"},"modified":"2024-09-20T15:48:16","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T19:48:16","slug":"using-linux-os-on-your-desktop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rehack.com\/tech-explained\/using-linux-os-on-your-desktop\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Linux OS on Your Desktop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n

Consumers are growing tired of their mainstream operating system (OS) options. While the two most popular options remain Windows and Mac OS, there is an alternative: Linux. It’s a great choice for users who want to shift away from traditional computing platforms to the unique framework. And, there are plenty of reasons to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The OS in a Nutshell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Although it’s not nearly as popular or quite as intuitive as Windows or Mac systems, Linux is just as powerful. Early iterations were complex, archaic and meant for the most tech-savvy computer engineers, but today’s versions feature graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and all the functionality needed by users of nearly any level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What You Need to Know About the OS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

If you’re new to the world, or if you’re using Linux for the very first time, there are some notable differences to keep in mind \u2014 especially if you’re making the switch from Windows or Mac OS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

There are multiple Linux distros<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Distros, or distributions, are different versions of Linux. Since they’re all made by separate development teams, each distro has different features and capabilities \u2014 and thousands of different distros<\/a> are currently available for download online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Linux is an <\/strong>open source platform<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

This means anyone can contribute to the ongoing development of the Linux framework \u2014 or simply view the code for personal research. In contrast, the coding used in operating systems like Windows and Mac OS are highly guarded secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Linux is usable from a DVD or USB drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Users don’t even need to install the operating system. Most distros will boot and run solely from a DVD or USB drive. This makes it easy to test out the operating system’s features before replacing your current OS entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Software installations are different<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest differences between current-gen versions of Linux and its mainstream counterparts \u2014 specifically Windows \u2014 is the way new programs and apps are installed. Instead of clicking on a packaged self-installer,\u00a0distros typically utilize a built-in tool known as Package Manager to orchestrate the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Some programs work and some don’t<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Many new users are frustrated by the lack of software options on their new system. Although support for software is growing<\/a> across all Linux distros, many current users rely on alternatives \u2014 many of which are open-source and free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The other nuances of using Linux \u2014 both good and bad \u2014 depend on the individual Linux OS. Many different options are available, including plenty of distros that cost absolutely nothing \u2014 compared to the hundreds of dollars it costs for a brand new version of Windows or Mac OS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Free Linux Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

One of the best parts about it is that most distros are completely free. While there are paid distros available, most \u2014 if not all \u2014 of the functionality is the same. Some of the free Linux operating systems<\/a> are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n