by Jacek Korneluk

My first real contact with Linux was about five years ago when I developed an interest in cryptocurrency and emerging technologies.

I heard about Unix and Linux a long time ago as my friends were early developers and users of open software in Poland.

Unfortunately, and for some reason I decided to stick with Windows which was assisting me through my entire private life and business career. I may say from Windows 3.1 to Windows 11 on the current day.

Despite I consider myself to be technically curious and innovative, I did not install any Linux distros on my machines. This all changed in 2019 when I discovered DeFi and Bitcoin. (It was pretty late, you may think, and I 100% agree, especially in terms of Bitcoin!)

Furthermore, conducting a blockchain study at RMIT triggered my deeper IT curiosity. I was feeling more confident, acquired a proper technical perspective, access to a huge network with incredible classmates and RMIT students. During my postgraduate study I also learned about The Linux Foundation, Hyperledger Fabric, and Hyperledger Foundation.

All of facts together led me to install my first Linux Mint mysteriously named Cinnamon on a used, second-hand refurbished laptop.

My intention was to experiment and see, what is Linux about.

It happened, I fell in love from day one, and after that, I installed four more Linux on additional machines – one boot only.

From the day of my first installation, I decided to explore the world of Dapps, Web3, and digital assets using Linux-based software like Mint and Ubuntu.

Consequently, the majority of my university assignments were born on LibreOffice  and LibreOffice Writer! I also chose and proposed a Hyperledger Farbic as a blockchain of choice for my Blockchain Strategy assignment.

To cut to the cheese, I am not shilling – I love Linux!

Let’s be honest, most of us have a love-hate relationship with our computers. We want them to work smoothly, without random crashes, endless updates, or sucking up additional money for new versions of software we have already paid for.

Sounds familiar, especially now? If the answer is Yes, we are on the same page.

If you have been stuck in that loop and got enough, if you reach the proper level of frustration with licensing fees, and endless forced updates – it might be the highest time to check out Linux.

And notice, you do not need to be some coding genius or wear a hoodie while sitting in a dark basement to use it. Linux today is for everyone – especially people like you and me.

Linux is a free, secure, and super versatile operating system (OS) designed to be operated without the need to be a programmer. You click everywhere and move cursor with a mouse. Similar to Windows!

Obviously, there is a choice and alternative to use a mysterious black window named “Terminal” and type some clever-looking commands. But that is completely up-to-you which way you prefer to communicate with your software.

I am using both – for fun and sometimes if necessary. For example, to install something extra I desperately need, in that case I ask AI like Perplexity or ChatGPT to provide me with a prompt for my version of Linux. Then usually copy-paste it, to save my time. So simple!

By doing so, I am staidly building my terminal command prompts understanding and acquiring more and more Linux user flexibility & confidence.

Let’s start with the basics – Linux is an operating system, just like Windows or macOS.

It is open-source, meaning it is built by a global community of developers who genuinely care about making modern and reliable software – without charging you heavily for it. You may think about it as the whole world could contribute to improving your software, united under an umbrella named open source.

And, that is right, Linux is free. You do not have to deal with annoying license keys or pay hips of bucks for the latest version. If you feel like to want to support more, you may consider a donation.

Do you have an old laptop which only collecting dust and is practically useless? Linux can bring it back to life.

By choosing the adequate “distro” of Linux, the software will run smoothly even on older hardware, extending the life of old and non-used, sometimes forgotten devices.

Want a system that does not bombard you with ads, nags, or forced updates? Linux has your back again.

I should mention also some security advantages and that it is basically immune to so-called “viruses”. Yeah, that is true.

So, no more “Your PC is infected!” pop-ups ruining your day.

Finally, Linux is not just for “geeks-only” anymore! Even “norms” and “semi-technically challenged” can comfortably operate it.

It contains modern, polished interfaces like those of Linux Mint and Ubuntu. You can click everywhere with the mouse, open desirable windows, install apps from the app, and run updates directly from the interface.

So, you do not have a need to use the “scary and mysterious” terminal, if it is worrying you and prevent you from trying Linux.

If the idea of switching to Linux feels a bit scary, do not sweat it. Two of the most popular Linux distributions (or “distros”) Linux Mint and Ubuntu are designed to make the transition smooth and painless. Think of them as the Apple and Samsung of the Linux world: different vibes and accents, but both super polished and user-friendly.

Linux Mint is like slipping into your favourite pair of comfy shoes. It looks and feels a lot like Windows, so if you are coming from that world, you will feel right at home.

The start menu? Check. Familiar desktop icons? Yep. It is straightforward and just works.

It is perfect for those who just want things to work out of the box.

Also, the knowledgeable Discord community and Mint Forums are waiting for you to join.

Linux Ubuntu  feels a bit sleeker – more like macOS, but without the premium price tag. It has a modern, clean look that is perfect if you are into minimalism. It is famous for with clean interface and focus on simplicity.

Plus, Ubuntu has a massive support community, so if you ever get stuck, there’s always someone online ready to help.

Once again, I would like to highlight that both distros are beginner-friendly, especially Mint, and usually do not require users to touch the terminal unless they want to.

Here is the deal: you do not need to know anything about coding to use Linux. Gone are the days when Linux meant staring at a terminal (that scary black window with green or white text). Today, with Mint and Ubuntu, everything is point-and-click, just like you are used to.

Do you need a new app? Open the Software Centre (think app store) and search for what you need. Want to customise your desktop? Right-click on your screen. It is all super intuitive, and honestly, you might even find it easier than Windows or macOS.

“But can I still do all my regular stuff?” Yep, absolutely you can! Linux is fully loaded for all your day-to-day tasks.

Do you like to browse the web? Firefox, Brave, Opera, and Chrome are ready to go.

Watching Netflix or YouTube? No problem.

Working with documents and writing up a report? LibreOffice (a free alternative to Microsoft Office) has you covered. After finishing your work, you may save it as .docx or the desired format and transfer it to be opened and used on your windows machine or Mac machine. I am doing it constantly and it is always working.

You can even install Zoom, Spotify, Slack and many more apps with just a few clicks.

Finally, for those who are a bit more adventurous, Linux also has incredible alternatives to professional tools.  If you love Photoshop? Give GIMP a shot. Need an alternative to Illustrator? Check out Inkscape.

If something does not exist on Linux yet, it must be a reason for that. It will come later or never.

In that case, go back to your Windows or Mac machine for that particular app.

To be honest I am using at least two computers running Linux and Windows in parallel as a routine every day. But in a single boot mode – only one system on one machine. I am not a big fun of dual boot solutions but, be aware that such an option exists, and you may choose differently.

Here is the best part: you do not have to ditch your current setup to try Linux. Thanks to something called a Live USB, you can test Linux Mint or Ubuntu without installing it on your computer. It’s like taking a car for a test drive before buying it.

Try your first “A Trick of the Tail” like one of my favourite Genesis long-play saying.

All you need is a USB stick and a free tool like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Mac). Download the Linux Mint or Ubuntu ISO file (it is like the OS’s blueprint), pop it onto the USB, and boot from it. Voilà!

You’re running Linux. No changes to your computer, no risks – just pure exploration. Remember this option, it may be very handy 🙂

Look, I am not here to tell you to dump Windows or macOS overnight. But I am here to tell you that Linux is worth a shot.

It is fast, secure, and free. It gives you the freedom to use your computer your way, without Big Tech constantly telling you what to do. And with Mint or Ubuntu, the transition could not be easier.

So, what do you say? Ready to break free from the same old systems and try something fresh?

Whether you are resurrecting an old laptop, escaping constant updates, or just curious about what is out there, Linux might just surprise you. Go ahead, download a Live USB, play around with Mint or Ubuntu, and see what all the hype is about. I promise, you will not regret it.

Highly likely after using Linux for a while your life will be completely different!

There are also other good alternatives Plasma, Kubuntu, Purism, and Zorin. What not to try one of them on a new or old machine? Having a choice is old fashion luxury! We should certainly prise and take advantage of it!

To finish and not to over-complicate, if you have any other Linux-related questions try to find someone who already using it. Join a forum, or Discord and ask! There is a constantly expanding and growing support community ready to help with tutorials, forums, and videos.

By the way, I am a lucky member of the Perth Linux User Group (PLUG), where I can ask more about the Linux ecosystem. Look for similar to PLUG, join and learn.

Finally notice, that Linux is not just an operating system, but a way to take control of your computing experience.

Oryginally published at:

https://spektrumlab.io/why-linux-mint-ubuntu-are-great-windows-mac-alternatives/