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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Linux has suffered from a litany of myths over the years.
- If you’re on the fence, you’ll be glad to know those myths aren’t true.
- Linux is easy, beautiful, and ripe for desktop users.
I’ve been using Linux since the original Jurassic Park movie was released, and it seems every year I have to set some people straight on the truth about the open-source operating system. Since the early days, there have been myths about Linux that spread like a virus and threaten to prevent users of all types from adopting the operating system.
The thing about myths is that they are often not based in reality. I’ve already covered some of the Linux myths (six of them to be exact), and it’s time to take on a few more. This is especially important with Windows 10 support coming to an end. You might have a Windows 10 computer that doesn’t support Windows 11, and the idea of having to purchase new hardware doesn’t exactly sit well with your budget. Because of that, you might be on the fence about Linux.
Also: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux
Let me see if I can tip you over to the greener pastures known as Linux.
1. Linux isn’t a gaming platform
Once upon a time, this was very true. Even though I was able to get the original Diablo working under Linux (back in the early 2000s), it was quite a challenge. Thanks to the likes of Steam, Proton, and other platforms, gaming on Linux has come a very long way. According to GamingOnLinux, the Steam market share for the open-source operating system has been (with just a few exceptions) steadily climbing since 2018, and the trend continues.
Also: The 6 Linux distros I recommend most for gaming in 2025 – including my favorite
According to XDA, Linux usage on Steam has tripled in the last three years. Thanks to Steam, you no longer have to go through the steps of installing Wine and other pieces of complicated software to run your favorite games. I’ve installed Steam on many a Linux PC and found it works perfectly well (and is incredibly simple). Don’t let the myths about gaming on Linux bust you.
2. The Linux desktop is too different
I’ll admit there are some Linux desktop environments that are vastly different from what you’re used to. Just take a look at GNOME, i3, Enlightenment, OpenBox, Xfce, or AfterStep and you’ll see what I mean. Not one of those desktops looks or behaves like what you’re used to. However, there are Linux desktops that look and feel almost identical to what you’re used to. Consider KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, MATE, Pantheon, or Budgie, and you’ll find desktops that look and feel very much like what you’re used to.
Also: While Windows 10 users panic, Ubuntu makes extending support easy – here’s how
There are some desktop distributions created to look specifically like Windows 10 or 11, such as AnduinOS and RefreshOS. If you fear change, but know that change is imminent, you don’t have to worry that Linux is so vastly different that the migration will be even remotely challenging.
3. Linux is too different from Windows
How do you interact with Windows? Most likely, you use a mouse and click on things. Guess what? The same thing holds true for Linux. You can single-click, double-click, and right-click your way through the day with ease. Linux has all of the tools you’ll find in Windows, such as file managers, task managers, clickable icons, desktop menus, panels, system trays, user management tools, an app store, automatic updates, cross-platform support, and so much more. If Windows has it, Linux does as well.
Also: 6 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard
I’ve compared Linux and Windows, and every time I find Linux does the same things, only easier. Here’s another thing to consider: nearly every task you do is handled through a web browser, and Linux has plenty of those. In the end, Linux is an operating system with the goal of making your life easier, more efficient, and more productive. Sound familiar?
4. Linux isn’t stable
First off, I want to get something out of the way because there will be some people who will complain that “Linux is just a kernel.” Let’s set that aside because it can easily confuse new users. Okay? Good. With that said, I’ve used nearly every operating system created (with the exception of OS/2), and I can say, without hesitation or doubt, that Linux is the most stable operating system I’ve ever used. In fact, just last night MacOS on my iMac decided to go haywire, causing me to do a hard reboot. The OS wouldn’t respond, and there was nothing I could do but press and hold the power button until it restarted.
Also: 5 of the easiest, quickest Linux distros to install – and I’ve tried them all
Sure, that can also happen on Linux, but when it does, I can secure shell into my desktop and solve the problem without rebooting. The thing is, that rarely happens. There’s an app on Linux called uptime, and it tells you how long since your machine’s last reboot. I’ve seen reports of Linux machines running for over 2,000 days without needing a reboot. Try doing that with Windows or MacOS and see how far you get. Linux is very, very stable.
5. There are too many choices, which can confuse users
Yes, Linux brings with it a lot of choices. There are a lot of distributions, kernels, desktop environments, browsers, terminal apps, email clients, package managers… the list goes on and on. But other than kernels and desktop environments, all operating systems have a lot of choices.
Also: My 10 favorite Linux distributions of all time, ranked
When I am approached by a new user who feels there are too many options to know where to start, I point them to the major distributions (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora) and tell them to try one of those and stick with the defaults. Those distributions have done a great job of making a lot of choices for the users (which desktop environment, package manager, browser, etc.) to alleviate this concern. Sure, there are a lot of things to choose from, but that doesn’t mean you have to worry that you must make every choice. Linux isn’t an a la carte menu, where you have to piece everything together. Pick a distribution and use it. Simple.
6. Linux is only for servers and developers
Linux powers more services than you can imagine — most of which are on the server level. Amazon, Netflix, Google, Facebook, X, Uber, and so many more depend on Linux. In fact, if it weren’t for Linux, those companies wouldn’t be nearly as successful as they are. Linux is also a very popular operating system for developers of all sorts.
Also: 5 lightweight Linux distributions that will bring your old PC back to life
Case in point, 53.4% of worldwide developers use Linux. Does that mean Linux is only for servers and developers? Absolutely not. Maybe back in the late 90s that would have been true, but today’s Linux is as much about the user as it is the service. If Linux were dedicated to servers and developers, we wouldn’t have so many different user-friendly desktop environments and simplified GUIs.
7. Linux is ugly
This is about as far from the truth as it gets. There are Linux distributions that ship with gorgeous desktops, some of which make MacOS and Windows look like trash. Consider Ubuntu Budgie, elementaryOS, FerenOS, Pop!_OS (with COSMIC desktop), Garuda Linux, KDE Neon, and XeroLinux and you’ll find desktop distributions that are as beautiful as they are user-friendly.
Also: New to Linux? 5 desktop environments I recommend you try first – and why
On top of that, nearly every Linux desktop environment can be themed and highly customized. You can tweak the UI to look old-school or more modern than any desktop available. I’ve had Linux desktops that used transparency in ways no other desktop could dream about. I’ve tweaked Ubuntu Budgie until it was as stunning as any OS I’ve ever used.
Modern Linux is far more beautiful than either MacOS or Windows.