Again after I first began utilizing Linux in 1997, the open-source working system was primarily utilized by pc science college students, hackers, and programmers who wished an alternative choice to the Home windows working system. It was critical and geared towards critical work. Quick ahead to now and Linux is used for all the pieces. Why? Merely put, it is extra versatile than Home windows. 

Additionally: An important purpose try to be utilizing Linux at residence

Linux could be bent and twisted into absolutely anything. However Linux is just not solely extra versatile, dependable, and safe than the competitors, however it’s additionally much more enjoyable. I’ve spent many a day (and weekend) tweaking the Linux desktop just because I may.

A few of the desktops I’ve configured have been so wonderful that mates wished to know the way they might obtain the identical look, solely to be dissatisfied that their working system of alternative wasn’t able to pulling off such a feat.

Additionally: The perfect Linux distros for novices

To that finish, I wished to share a number of the actually cool issues that you are able to do with the Linux desktop which you can’t do with different working programs. My objective is to not solely persuade you that Linux is a extremely unbelievable working system however hopefully to persuade you to offer it a strive.

And thus, with out additional ado, let’s get to these cool issues.

1. Change it

Linux is about alternative. Some may say, “However there’s an excessive amount of alternative!” The factor is, many desktop distributions make the laborious selections for you — which kernel, which bash shell, which startup service, which community supervisor. Some distributions deliberately restrict these selections to maintain customers from being inundated with choices. However even these distributions could be modified.

Additionally: These two Linux desktops are the only picks for brand new customers

For instance, if you happen to decide to go together with Ubuntu Linux and you do not like GNOME, you possibly can set up KDE Plasma, Xfce, Pantheon, Budgie, Enlightenment, or any variety of Linux desktop environments. And that is a part of the great thing about Linux…if you happen to do not prefer it, change it.

In a matter of minutes, you possibly can change your desktop setting to at least one that resembles Home windows, MacOS, or one thing utterly completely different.

2. Revive previous {hardware}

Bear in mind when Home windows 11 was launched, and lots of people quickly found that the pc they purchased three years prior would not assist the most recent model of the working system? That is not the case with Linux. Actually, there are variations of Linux (equivalent to Lubuntu and Linux Lite) which can be particularly created to run on older {hardware} (though they’ll additionally run on newer machines as nicely).

Additionally: How I revived three historic computer systems with ChromeOS Flex

You might need a machine mendacity round in a closet that is 5 years previous, and also you assumed it was headed for the recycler. Seize a light-weight model of Linux, set up it on that ageing machine, and watch it run like an absolute champ.

3. By no means fear about lock-in

One of many issues I’ve with working programs like Home windows and MacOS is vendor lock-in. With MacOS, you do issues the Apple means. With Home windows 11, you do issues the Home windows means. With Linux, you do issues your means. 

In different phrases, if there’s one thing about the way in which the desktop features that you do not like, you possibly can tweak it to suit your wants and workflow completely. And almost each Linux distribution permits for such customization. I do not learn about you, however I’d a lot quite work in a means that completely fits my wants quite than in a means that aligns with a 3rd social gathering’s thought of what’s environment friendly. Most frequently, I discover their thought of effectivity is nowhere close to mine.

4. Improve with out reboots

What number of instances have you ever gone to improve both Home windows or MacOS, solely to seek out out the improve really occurs throughout a reboot? For me, I may use that point really being productive. That is but another excuse why I discover Linux is superior to the competitors. 

Additionally: How I put Linux on a Microsoft Floor Go an hour

With Linux, I can do a full improve, all of the whereas persevering with to work on the desktop. Actually, with most Linux distributions, the one time you need to reboot after an improve is that if the kernel is upgraded. In any other case, you simply carry on utilizing the OS whereas the improve runs within the background.

5. Run Home windows software program

That is proper, for many who should run Home windows software program on Linux, there is a means, and it is referred to as WINE. Wine is an installable piece of software program that means that you can set up Home windows software program and run it on Linux. Wine is just not usually put in by default, however it’s present in most distributions’ default repositories in order that it may be put in from throughout the varied app shops out there on Linux.

Talking of which…

6. Set up tons of software program… at no cost!

You might need heard many individuals say there is not any software program out there for Linux. They’re mistaken. With Linux, you may discover 1000’s upon 1000’s of free software program that may be put in from the GUI app retailer. And because of the likes of Snap and Flatpak, you possibly can even set up proprietary apps, equivalent to Zoom and Spotify, on Linux with ease. 

I understand that MacOS and Home windows each have a big collection of software program to put in from, however you will not discover almost the collection of free software program (and with out adverts) out there for set up. Additionally, managing put in software program is a lot simpler with Linux (both from the command line or the GUI). Even higher, you possibly can add third-party repositories to your package deal supervisor to put in much more software program. In different phrases, Linux provides significantly extra flexibility with regard to software program set up.

7. Wow your mates

As I discussed earlier, with Linux, you possibly can create a desktop setting that’s certain to wow your mates. Again in my early days, I used to spend hours tweaking the AfterStep and Enlightenment window managers to the purpose the place they appeared as in the event that they have been from the long run. I used transparency and window results that have been unparalleled on Home windows, and everybody who noticed my desktops wished them. 

Additionally: The best way to join Android to the Linux desktop with KDE Join

Though few Linux desktops are as versatile as these, there are nonetheless desktops (equivalent to Xfce, Enlightenment, and KDE Plasma) that may be configured to seem like technological artistic endeavors. Not solely is that this a good way to make everybody round you jealous…it is a whole lot of enjoyable.

8. Take pleasure in unparalleled reliability

Within the years that I have been utilizing Linux, I’ve hardly ever skilled any critical points. Though I did one time wind up having a server hacked and a rootkit put in, that was an anomaly for me. Outdoors of that, the overwhelming majority of the problems I’ve encountered have been fixable inside minutes. And since Linux offers you all of the troubleshooting instruments you could clear up these issues, resolving a problem is usually a log file learn away.

Additionally: SparkyLinux is a no-frills Linux distribution anybody can use

Linux simply works. It truly is that easy. However extra importantly, it really works and works and works. So, if you happen to’re in search of a solution to put the enjoyable, flexibility, ease of use, and reliability again into computing, do your self a favor and provides Linux a strive.