What is Linux?

Linux is a free, fast, secure, and private alternative to Microsoft's Windows operating system. Linux powers most of the internet, the world’s supercomputers, Android phones, and millions of desktops. Best of all — it’s completely free, has no spy- or bloatware, and gives you full control of your computer.

On this page:

A Marvel of Global Collaboration

In 1991, a 21 year old student began writing his own operating system as a hobby. His name was Linus Torvalds. He attended the University of Helsinki, in Finland, while living in an apartment with his mother and sister.


After 5 months, he shared his code on a university server. A friend called it Linux, and the name stuck. Rather than keep Linux for himself, he shared the code and invited people to help him build it.


Arguably, Linux could not have been built without free software tools from the GNU project, based in MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A man named Richard Stallman had started GNU in 1983; eight years earlier.


Both men had started their projects out of frustration. Linus started Linux because the operating system he was using - Minix - would not give him full control of his computer. Richard started GNU because he was blocked from fixing a Xerox printer. Together, their frustrations resulted in an operating system, and community, that is fiercely commited to maintaining freedom and overcoming obstacles.


The Linux kernel plus GNU tools (and later many other programs) made a complete operating system. Richard pushed to call it GNU/Linux, but it is now simply called Linux.


Strictly speaking, "Linux" is only the name of the kernel. On its own it is not very usable. Only when combined with tools from GNU and many other groups does it become a full operating system that can replace Windows.

Perhaps GNU's most powerful contribution was not software, but a legal license that keeps Linux open: the GNU General Public License, or GPL. This is a reverse copyright, also called "copyleft". Whereas copyright is a lock that says "I made this. You may not copy or change it unless I say so,” the GPL flips that lock around, and says "You may use this, study it, and change it — but if you pass it on, you must pass on those same freedoms. You may not take the shared work, improve it, and then lock it up".


The GPL allows the project to grow without being captured by any one owner. It creates a virtuous cycle where contributions from people and companies flow back into a common pool. The result is perhaps the most efficient and sustained collaborative project in human history.


Today, Linux is the engine behind almost everything—phones, servers, cars, and supercomputers; from the internet at large to rovers on mars. It succeeds because it is a global team effort instead of a closed corporate product.

Tux, the Linux penguin

Tux, the Linux mascot

Linux has a mascot: a cheerful penguin named Tux.


A logo competition was held in the 1990s to find a symbol for Linux. A penguin named Tux was entered — and lost.


Linux users adopted him anyway.


Today, Tux is recognized around the world, while the contest winners are remembered mainly by Linux historians.


That’s the beauty of open source: what the community embraces and supports is what survives and thrives.

Why haven't I heard of Linux?

Linux has quietly become one of the most successful pieces of software ever created. On the desktop, it’s also making real strides: modern Linux interfaces are polished, highly customizable, and often more intuitive and enjoyable than Windows or macOS. Yet, to many people, Linux remains obscure or unknown.


Why isn’t it more widely known and used on everyday computers?



Bottom line: Linux stayed under the radar because it evolved organically to meet the needs of a global community, not a corporate roadmap. Free from marketing blitzes, hardware lock-in, and profit-driven haste, it matured into something genuinely better — more secure, more efficient, and remarkably stable. More people discover it every day.

How Distros Are Made

All Linux systems share the same rock-solid heart: the Linux kernel. Think of the kernel as the engine of a car — it’s the core part that makes everything run smoothly and reliably.


On top of this engine, thousands of independent developers create the pieces you actually see and use — things like:



When you take your favorite pieces, combine them and release a complete, ready-to-use Operating System (just like Windows) its called a distribution, or “distro”.


Who creates distros?



Derivative Distributions


Since everything is open source, anyone can use anyone else's software. Most distros are not created from scratch, but are instead based on other, pre-existing distros. Why reinvent the wheel when excellent distros exist, and you only want a few changes?


A distro that is based on another distro, is a derivative of that distro. This is not important if you want to check emails or watch a video. However, if you get deeper into it, its interesting and useful to understand that Mint is based on Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is based on Debian.


What you end up with is not a single operating system - not a cube with a penguin logo - but rather a tree that evolves over time. Every distro has its own name and branding, but they all run on the Linux kernel.


Linux Distribution Family Tree
The Linux Distribution Family Tree — Click to enlarge and explore

This vibrant ecosystem runs on friendly competition and collaboration. Developers are motivated not by profit or strict deadlines, but by the joy of creating software that millions of people will love and use every day. The result is continuous improvement, excellent choices for users, and an extraordinary level of freedom.

Linux as a Windows Alternative

For most people, Linux can be a smooth drop-in replacement for Windows. Once you find the apps you like and set it up, it tends to stay fast, stable, and trouble-free for many years.


At the same time, Linux is more than just an operating system — it’s a philosophy and a global community. It gives you real choice and freedom. You don’t have to dive deep into it… but you can if you want to. Many users start simple and gradually explore more over time.

Top Beginner-Friendly Distros

The following are among the most popular and approachable distros in 2026. You can try any of these with a minimum of fuss, completely free and without risk.

A distro is just your starting point. Linux is extremely modular — you can add, remove, or change almost anything. With enough customization, one distro can be made to look and behave very much like another.

Honourable mentions for specific needs:

  • CachyOS — blazing performance & gaming
  • Debian — ultimate long-term stability

All distros are completely free and quick to download. Try it on a Live USB, without losing your files.

Different Desktops

The desktop environment (DE) is the user interface; the desktop. On Windows, its one immutable thing. On Linux, it's a skin, a look, that can be changed, while leaving the underlying operating system, kernel, and applications the same.


Every distro includes a desktop. Some distros favour one dektop, while others have versions for specific DEs, like a GNOME version or KDE version. Some distros build their own custom DE: Pop!_OS has Cosmic, Mint has Cinnamon. Some distros let you choose from a list of desktops during installation.


If distros are cars, then the desktop is the dashboard, the steering wheel and the pedals. Different brands have their own look and feel, but if you can drive one you can pretty much drive them all.


Here are some of the most popular desktops and what distinguishes them, but there are many more:




What About My Windows Programs and Compatibility?

Important note: Windows programs generally do not run on Linux. Instead, you have the following options:

  1. Browser apps work the same. Anything that you access through a browser, works exactly the same through a Linux browser. (Bank portal, gmail, etc)
  2. Run the Linux version. Some companies (ever more so) that make programs for Windows, also make a version for Linux. (example: Chrome browser)
  3. Run a Linux clone. Some companies do not provide a Linux version of their software. Therefore, the open source community creates a clone of that program - software that looks and functions much the same as the Windows version. (example: instead of Microsoft Office there is Libre Office.)
  4. Run the Windows version through a compatibility layer, or emulator. Yes, sometimes this works. Steam has been a huge success for porting windows (and other platform) games to Linux. However, more often than not, its best to use Linux native programs.

The good news is that 99% of everyday tasks are very well covered —usually with modern, free software that doesn’t require subscriptions.

Common Replacements

Popular apps like Spotify, Steam, Discord, Netflix, Slack, WhatsApp, and many others have excellent native Linux versions.


Other Important Compatibility Points