What is Linux?

Linux is a free, open-source operating system — the software that runs your computer and everything on it. This guide explains what that means in plain English, and why millions of people use it instead of Windows or macOS.

An operating system, like Windows or macOS

Every computer needs an operating system: the layer between you and the hardware that lets you open apps, browse the web, save files, and connect devices. Windows and macOS are the two you've probably heard of. Linux is the third — and while it's less famous on desktops, it's arguably the most widely used operating system in the world. It runs the majority of web servers, every Android phone, most smart TVs and routers, and all of the world's fastest supercomputers. The same core software can also run on your laptop.

What "open source" and "free" actually mean

Linux is free in two senses. It costs nothing — you can download it, install it on as many machines as you like, and never pay a licence fee. It's also open source, meaning the code that makes it work is public. Anyone can inspect it, improve it, or build their own version. That openness is why there's no single company controlling Linux, no forced advertising baked into the system, and no pressure to upgrade your hardware just because a new version arrived.

So what's a "distro"?

This is the part that confuses newcomers most. "Linux" itself is really just the core engine (called the kernel). On its own it isn't something you'd install. Instead, teams and communities bundle that core together with a desktop, apps, and tools to make a complete, ready-to-use system. Each of those complete packages is called a distribution, or distro for short.

Think of it like coffee. The Linux kernel is the raw coffee bean; a distro is the finished drink someone has prepared for you — a latte, an espresso, a flat white. They share the same bean but taste and feel different. Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora are all distros: same Linux core underneath, different experiences on top. There are hundreds, which sounds overwhelming, but in practice a handful cover almost everyone's needs.

Why do people switch to Linux?

The reasons cluster into a few themes. Reviving old hardware is a big one: lightweight distros run smoothly on machines that crawl under the latest Windows, saving a perfectly good laptop from the bin. Privacy and control matter to others — no built-in telemetry you can't turn off, no ads in the start menu. Speed and stability appeal to people tired of slowdowns and forced reboots. And for developers, Linux is the native home of most modern programming tools.

What's the catch?

Linux isn't magic, and honesty matters more than hype here. A few Windows- or macOS-only apps (certain Adobe products, some professional software) don't run natively, though alternatives or workarounds usually exist. Gaming has improved enormously but a handful of titles with strict anti-cheat still won't run. And while modern distros are genuinely easy, you're learning a new system, so expect a short adjustment period. For most everyday users, none of this is a dealbreaker.

Is Linux right for you?

If you mainly browse the web, write documents, watch videos, handle email, and want a fast, private, free system — especially on ageing hardware — Linux is very likely a good fit. If you depend daily on one specific Windows-only professional application, check whether it runs first. The best way to decide is to try it: most distros can run from a USB stick without touching your existing system.

Frequently asked questions

Is Linux free?

Yes — free to download and use, on as many computers as you like, with no licence fee.

Can Linux replace Windows?

For everyday tasks, yes. The exceptions are a few Windows-only professional apps and some games with unsupported anti-cheat systems.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. Beginner distros like Linux Mint work entirely with a mouse. The command line is there if you want it, but it's optional.