Whether you're just getting started with Linux or have been using it for a while, it's likely that you've stumbled upon some half-truths and misconceptions about it. Some of these myths may ultimately discourage you from using the operating system and getting the most out of it.
In this guide, we will debunk some myths and half-truths about GNU/Linux operating systems.
1. GNU/Linux is hard to use
Linux has long been perceived as an intimidating operating system, especially for beginners. And rightly so, given the high level of skill required to work on the command line, which was the standard way to start an operating system.
However, over the years, the open source community has stepped up efforts to improve the user experience and accommodate even the average computer user or student.
Nowadays, most modern Linux distributions provide a GUI (graphical user interface) in the form of graphical features such as windows, menus, icons, panels, and widgets to improve user interaction and experience.
A distribution like Zorin is very similar to Windows, while others like Ubuntu, Fedora, Elementary, and Linux Mint are recommended for beginners moving to Linux. They provide a simple and intuitive user interface to help users navigate the system.
The GUI versions of these distributions provide an exemplary user experience and allow users to perform day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, word processing, video editing, gaming, and software development in much the same way as on Windows or Mac.
2. GNU/Linux safe
Windows vulnerabilities have always suggested that other alternatives, such as GNU/Linux, are bug-free and reliable. The fact is that Windows is not the only vulnerable operating system, and the security of any operating system largely depends on how the user starts and maintains it.
Linux is not without its flaws and loopholes. For example, not applying security patches all the time and making sure all applications are up to date is one way hackers get into a Linux system. Other vulnerabilities include weak passwords and social engineering attacks that can compromise system security.
As the saying goes, "only the computer with which nothing can be done is safe."
3. GNU/Linux only works via command line interface
The mention of Linux is expected to make most users think of a black screen with green text. This is why most users assume that all GNU/Linux tasks require the use of the Command Line Interface (CLI). While the CLI or terminal is critical to performing system administration tasks, it is not the only way to use a Linux system.
As discussed in the first point, modern Linux distributions are much easier to use as they offer a graphical interface that allows users to interact with various components of the system. Graphical distributions come with a desktop environment that can be customized to suit the user's satisfaction and preferences.
4. GNU/Linux for Power Users or Programmers
The idea that Linux is a difficult OS to learn and use has led to the misconception that Linux is only best for "power users" - people with IT skills who want to learn more.
It's hard to defend this myth, since the first Linux-based OSes featured a huge amount of CLI usage with minimal or no interface. But over the years, Linux has built a reputation for a simpler and more user-friendly user interface, enough to inspire even the most novice users.
Nowadays, almost everyone can use Linux: gamers, graphic designers, developers, artists, scientists, researchers, and ordinary desktop users.
5. GNU/Linux limits
Since Linux is often associated with difficulties, most users find this distribution to be restrictive and therefore you can only use it a little. It's just the opposite, as Linux allows you to customize the OS to suit your requirements or preferences.
All you need to remember is that Linux is an open source OS and anyone can technically change its code to suit their preferences.
6. GNU/Linux is only for servers
Linux distributions are great for running on a server, with most distributions providing server versions with their own operating systems. This emphasis has led many to believe that Linux is only for server operating systems. This couldn't be further from the truth.
The point is that most distributions have evolved to include both server and desktop versions, with the latter providing a desktop environment or graphical interface that provides the necessary tools such as web browsers, media players, viewers. photos, editing software, desktop publishing software and many applications. other applications for everyday use.
In fact, some distributions such as Zorin, Elementary, Linux Lite, and Linux Mint are only available in desktop versions.
7. GNU/Linux lacks core applications
It is believed that GNU/Linux always lacks the necessary applications for everyday use. However, as mentioned earlier, most distributions have gone to great lengths to provide a graphical interface and essential applications for desktop enthusiasts and newbies.
The open source community has developed many applications that are perfect alternatives to the ones that Windows provides. For example, the LibreOffice package is an ideal replacement for the Microsoft Office package.
In addition, popular applications such as TeamViewer, Skype, Oracle VirtualBox, VLC media player, Google Chrome browser and Telegram can now run on Linux. You can also run Windows applications on Linux using the Wine compatibility layer.
8. GNU/Linux Doesn't Support Text Processing
Word processing is an important feature of any OS because it allows you to create files. Word processing applications also allow you to copy, edit, and save written information, with the most popular version of the application being Microsoft's word processor.
There are quite a few word processing applications for Linux, including the LibreOffice suite, the equivalent of the Microsoft Office suite. Other useful applications include Apache OpenOffice Writer, WPS Writer, and AbiWord.
9. GNU/Linux doesn't support games
Windows ranks first for excellent game support with compatibility and updates. And while Linux is no match for Windows in terms of game support.
It offers a decent amount of games thanks to Steam, a gaming platform that offers over 2,500 adventure, racing, and sports-themed Linux games. The developers have also developed special gaming distributions to effectively enhance the Linux gaming experience.
These gaming Linux distributions include Drauger OS, Sparky Linux, Garuda Linux, Game Drift Linux, and ChimeraOS.
10. The Linux ecosystem is highly fragmented
Once you start learning about GNU/Linux, you will realize how diverse this operating system is compared to others. This diversity has led the operating system to create a new world of different kernel versions, distributions, and configurations. With such diversity, most users would agree that the ecosystem has become highly fragmented, leading to indifference to the resulting distributions and configurations.
However, the differences between the various distributions should be of great importance, since they all share a common base kernel. In addition, over the past few years, there has been an increase in the deployment of applications using containers that run in isolation from the underlying host. Thus, no matter what distribution you use, the application will work just fine.
2579600cookie-check10 myths about the GNU/Linuxno operating system
Similar
Publication author
Comments: 0Publications: 73Registration: 22-11-2021
Обзоры,Программы,Рабочее окружение,GNU,GNU/Linux,linux
#myths #GNULinux #operating #system
