Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system (OS), it sits underneath the other software on a computer, receiving requests from programs and relaying those requests to the computer’s hardware. A Linux distribution (often abbreviated as distro) is an operating system (OS) made from a collection of software based on the Linux kernel and often a package management system.
A few acts and feels like MS Windows or macOS, and are relatively easy to use, while others are more complex to use. I mostly use Linux Mint, Puppy, and Mageia, but only as a personal preference. If I had to choose one it is Linux Mint as I find it is a good all-round operating system.
I have two dual boot systems (where I can choose to boot into either Linux or Windows – or Linux or macOS) and one triple boot computer (where I can choose to boot into either one of two Linux distro or Windows). So, why so many computers and operating systems? I use the computers and operating systems for different things but do most of my programming on Linux. Other tasks can be done on any of the operating systems. The advantage of Linux is, when I log onto Linux Mint, I can also view and move across the data from MS Windows, modify it and then move it back without the need to boot into Windows. This is extremely useful if the Windows operating system crashes and I need an aspect of data fast, as I can use Linux to get what I need. Especially useful for data rescue.
Also, Linux is not as hungry on a computer's resources, so Linux operating system and its programs can be installed and run on older lower spec computers and hardware.
Linux comes in many distro types or versions, a few are:
How does Linux differ from other operating systems (OS)? But many Windows programs will run quite happily on a Linux operating system, but you will need Wine (not the fluid type).
Wine is a free Linux tool to run Windows compatible software on a Linux operating system, without the need of MS Windows.
Wine is an open-source Windows compatibility layer that can run Windows programs directly on a Linux desktop. Basically, this open-source project is endeavoring to re-implement enough of Windows from scratch that it can run all those Windows applications without needing Windows.
Linux is like MS Windows and macOS (formerly OS X or iOS). Like other operating systems, Linux has a graphical interface, and the same kinds of software you are accustomed to. There is a vast repository of free software available, an exceedingly small list is:
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Word processors and PDF Editors – LibreOffice, PDF Studio, or OpenOffice
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Code and Text Editors – VS Code, Lyx, Simplenote, Laverna or Texmaker
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Photo, Image, Video and Audio editors – GIMP, Inkscape, Audacity, LMMS, Kdenlive, and OpenShot
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Screen Recording – Kazam, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Flameshot or Ksnip
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Communication, Messaging, and Productivity Tools – Slack or Franz
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Virtualization options – Oracle, VM VirtualBox
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Authenticators - Authy
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Media Converters – Handbrake and SoundConverter
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Internet browsers - Firefox, Midori, Opera, Gnome, Google Chrome, Brave, Vivaldi, Falkon, Konqueror, Pale Moon, Waterfox, Slimjet, and Dissenter
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Email clients – Hiri and Thunderbird
In many cases, software creators make a Linux version of the same program compatible with other operating systems. So, if you can use a computer or other electronic device, you can use Linux.
Nevertheless, Linux also is different from other operating systems in many significant ways. Linux is open-source software. The code used to create Linux is free and available to the public to view, edit, and for users with the appropriate skills to contribute to it.
Linux is also unusual in that, although the core pieces of the Linux operating system are generally common, there are many distributions (types or versions) of Linux, that include distinctive software options. Meaning, that Linux is incredibly customisable, not because applications like word processors and web browsers, can be changed, but Linux users can also choose core components, like which system display graphic or user-interface components used.