Why everyone can try Linux | Linux China

Introduction: If you are curious about Linux, the open source community can make it easy for you to get started with Linux.　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　

Number of characters: 3280, reading time: 5 minutes

Author: Seth Kenlon

Translator: sthwhl

Today, people have more reasons to love Linux. Here, I'll share 21 different reasons to use Linux. Let's discuss why everyone should give Linux a try.

Linux seems to be a mystery to the uninitiated. Whenever people talk about Linux, they think it's used by computer administrators or sysadmins, but they're also talking about using Linux on laptops and mobile phones. The tech site lists the top ten Linux commands you need to know 🔗 opensource.com 🔗 opensource.com , but there are also plenty of people talking about how exciting the Linux desktop (more than one) is 🔗 opensource.com .

So, what is Linux all about?

Linux's support for availability is one of its many important features. If you are curious about Linux, the open source community can make it easy for you to get started with Linux.

Try the Linux app first

Whether it's switching from Windows to Linux, jumping between Windows and Mac, or switching from Mac to Linux, it's difficult to change one's computer operating system habits. Although this matter is rarely discussed, the current computer is a more personalized thing. Everyone is used to their current computer usage habits, and they are often reluctant to make too many changes. For me, even switching back and forth between my work computer and my personal computer (both running the same operating system) requires me to adjust my mental and muscular habits simply because the two computers are trained for different activity scenarios. optimization. Although I've been called a "computer-savvy guy" by people around me (and I thought so too). But if I had to replace my usual operating system, I would feel like my productivity and comfort would plummet within a week or two. But this is still superficial. Although I know how to use other operating systems, I need time to form new intuitions and habits. I need to remember the location of some obscure configuration options in the new system. How to use the new features.

For this reason, I often tell people who are new to Linux that the first step in learning Linux is to use its applications. In fact, there aren't many dedicated applications on Linux, mainly because most applications for Linux are open source and therefore keen to be portable across all platforms. There are many applications on Linux that you can try on your current non-Linux platform. Make it a goal to replace your default application, either out of habit or convenience, with an open-source equivalent.

apply replacement

The purpose of this exercise is to make a soft transition to Linux with the application software you will eventually run. Once you get used to a new set of applications, there's not much to get used to on a Linux system other than system settings and file management.

If you're not sure which apps you use most often, just take a look at your recently used apps list (if you don't have a recent list of apps on your system, what are you waiting for, just switch to a Linux system). Once you've identified the apps you must use, take a look at our app alternatives 🔗 opensource.com page for many popular open source apps that are considered equivalent to popular proprietary apps.

Get Linux

Not all open source software can be ported to other platforms and benefit from running on Linux. If you want to eventually switch to Linux, you have to make the transition. Fortunately, installing Linux is as easy as downloading it, almost like another open source program.

Usually, Linux installation images provide two modes, live mode and install mode, which means that you can boot from the Linux media and run in live mode without installing the system to the computer. It's a great way to learn about the operating system, but since it's only a temporary experience, no data is preserved after boot. However, some distributions, like Porteus Linux 🔗 porteus.org, are specifically designed to run on USB so that your personal data is kept. I have a Porteus USB stick on my keychain, so I have a bootable Linux system wherever I am.

Porteus Live Linux distribution

"The Best" Linux

Once you decide to start installing a Linux system, you will find that there are many Linux distributions that are free. If you've only had one or two options for the OS version you've been using before (for example, Home or Business), then you'll be confused by how many distributions there are for the Linux OS. However, the reality is not so complicated. Linux is Linux, and it doesn't make much difference between the different "genres" of downloads and installations. Big name system vendors like Fedora 🔗 getfedora.org , Debian 🔗 debian.org , Linux Mint 🔗 linuxmint.com and Elementary 🔗 elementary.io all offer the same experience, with slightly different emphasis.

◈ Fedora is known for its fast iteration of software updates

◈ Linux Mint can easily install missing drivers

◈ Debian is popular for providing long-term support, so updates are relatively slow, but reliability is high

◈ Elementary provides a beautiful desktop experience and several customized special applications

All in all, the best "Linux system" is the one that suits you best. And the best Linux for you is the one that, after you try it, finds that all your computer functions still work as expected.

Get the driver

Most drivers are already bundled in the Linux kernel (or as kernel modules), especially when using computer parts and peripherals that are one to two years old. For devices that have been on the market for some time, Linux programmers have the opportunity to develop drivers or integrate the company's drivers into the system. I've been amazed more than once by simply connecting a Wacom graphics tablet, game controller, printer or scanner to my Linux computer, no need to download and install drivers, almost no configuration, and it's ready to go.

Proprietary operating systems have two strategies for handling device drivers. Either restrict the devices users can use in the OS, or pay companies to write drivers and ship them with the devices. The first method is kind of uncomfortablely restrictive, but most people are (sadly) used to the idea that certain devices only work on certain platforms. The latter approach, considered a luxury, is, in practice, too dependent on the programmer. Thrift stores have a lot of computer peripherals that, while in good condition, are basically scrapped. Because the device manufacturer no longer maintains the drivers that this device needs to run on modern systems.

For Linux, drivers are either developed by the manufacturer of the device, or by Linux programmers. This may result in a delay in the integration of some drivers into the operating system (for example, a new device may not run on a Linux system until six months after release), but it has the distinct advantage of Long-term support.

If you find that there is a driver that has not yet entered the distribution, you can wait a few months and try again, it may be that the driver has been integrated into the system image, or you can look in a different distribution to see if there is any the driver you want.

Pay for Linux

All options and compatibility concerns can be avoided by purchasing a PC with Linux pre-installed or a Linux-certified PC. Some vendors offer computers with Linux preinstalled, such as all System76 🔗 system76.com and some Lenovo 🔗 lenovo.com models. Additionally, all Lenovo models are certified for Linux compatibility 🔗 forums.lenovo.com .

This is by far the easiest way to try Linux.

Towards Linux

It's a challenge to go through every application installed on your computer and find potential corresponding open source alternatives. Pick an app that you use frequently but not every day, and switch to an open source app the next time you use it. Take the time to learn a new app until you can make it your new default, or until you decide you need to try a new option.

The more open source products you use, the more ready you are to enter the exciting world of Linux. Finally, you'll use the Linux desktop and your favorite open source applications.

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Author: Seth Kenlon Topic: lujun9972 Translator: sthwhl Proofreading: wxy

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