Linux

ABOUT LINUX

Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. It is widely used in various platforms, including cloud computing, embedded devices, mainframe computers, mobile devices, personal computers, servers, and supercomputers.

Key Characteristics

Open-source: Linux is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.
Community-driven: The Linux kernel is maintained by a large community of developers and contributors.
Monolithic kernel: Linux uses a monolithic kernel architecture.
Available in multiple languages: Linux is translated into many languages, making it accessible to a global user base.
Runs on various platforms: Linux can be installed on a wide range of hardware architectures, including Alpha, ARC, ARM, C-Sky, Hexagon, LoongArch, m68k, Microblaze, MIPS, Nios II, OpenRISC, PA-RISC, PowerPC, RISC-V, s390, SuperH, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa.

Major Entities Using Linux

Linux is the dominant operating system for the world's most critical technological infrastructure.

Corporations & Tech Giants

Google: Uses Linux for its global data centers, cloud services, and internally via Goobuntu (an Ubuntu-based OS) for employee desktops.
Amazon: Relies on Linux for Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's largest cloud platform, and its core retail infrastructure.
Microsoft: While a Windows creator, 61.8% of its Azure VMs run Linux. It uses Linux for cloud services, the Surface Hub, and the WSL.
IBM: A major Linux supporter and contributor, using it extensively in its enterprise systems and hardware; owner of Red Hat.
Meta (Facebook): Powers its massive social media and data processing infrastructure with Linux.
Netflix: Runs its entire global streaming platform on Linux servers in the cloud.
Tesla: Uses Linux for its in-car infotainment, Autopilot, and backend systems.
Samsung: Employs Linux for its mobile devices (Tizen), TVs, and enterprise systems.
Oracle: Uses and develops Oracle Linux for its own cloud infrastructure (Oracle Cloud) and engineered systems (like Exadata), and offers it as a product for enterprise customers.

Government & Defense

NASA: Uses Linux on the International Space Station (ISS), Perseverance rover, Ingenuity helicopter, and its Pleiades supercomputer.
US Department of Defense (DoD): Uses a Linux-based Lightweight Portable Security (LPS) OS for secure, portable access to networks.
French Gendarmerie: Migrated over 72,000 PCs to GendBuntu, an Ubuntu-based system.
Germany (Schleswig-Holstein): The state is migrating 30,000 government computers from Windows and Microsoft Office to Linux and LibreOffice by 2026. This move, driven by the goal of digital sovereignty and to save an estimated €15 million annually, is seen as a successor to Munich's earlier LiMux project, which was partially rolled back.
CERN: Runs its Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) on AlmaLinux and RHEL.

Financial & Stock Exchanges

London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chi-X: All run their high-speed trading platforms on Linux for reliability and low latency.

Other Key Organizations

Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation): Hosts its servers on Ubuntu.
DreamWorks Animation: Uses over 3,000 Linux servers for rendering and animation.
Virgin America: Powered its in-flight entertainment system (RED) with Linux.
The European Parliament: While not yet using a unified "EU-Linux," there is a strong and growing political movement within the EU, including a formal petition to the European Parliament, advocating for the development and adoption of a sovereign, Linux-based operating system for all EU public administrations to ensure digital sovereignty and data security.

NOTE: This list might not be exhaustive, as the search results only provide a snapshot of information from various sources. Additionally, the use of Linux by these entities might have changed since the search results were compiled in 2026.

LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS

What is a Linux distribution also known as distro?

A Linux distribution (distro) is a customized version of the Linux operating system, compiled from various open-source components and designed to meet specific user needs and preferences. With hundreds of distributions available, there’s a Linux distro for every type of user, from beginners to experts.

What is the best Linux distribution?

There is no answer, the best Linux distro is the one that:

Works with your hardware.
You feel comfortable with.
Covers your needs.

Take the time to try different distros to find the one that is the best for you!

Our selection

Below is a selection of modern and easy to use Linux distributions. Reviews and tutorials can be seen on Youtube.

Linux Mint is designed for newcomers and beginners, offering a simple, stable, and easy-to-use experience. It works well right after installation, with a familiar interface and helpful tools, making it the best choice for those trying Linux for the first time. Our Guide here.

CachyOS is built for intermediate users who want better performance, especially for gaming and content creation. Based on Arch Linux, it’s faster and more up-to-date but requires some technical knowledge to handle updates and troubleshooting. Our Guide here

Fedora Workstation is also aimed at intermediate users, offering a reliable, modern system with strong support for developers and new technologies. It strikes a balance between stability and fresh software, making it a great next step after mastering the basics.

Pop! OS is best suited for intermediate users, even though it’s often recommended to beginners. Developed by System76, it includes useful features like automatic NVIDIA driver support and a streamlined desktop, but it uses custom tools and a unique setup that can make troubleshooting harder for new users. It’s a powerful system for those who already understand Linux basics.

Other interesting Linux distributions

LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS COMPARISON

This section has its own page, here.

HOW TO TRY LINUX

Are you curious about Linux and want to give it a try? Here are 5 ways to experience Linux without committing to a full installation:

LiveCD/LiveUSB: Boot from a Linux LiveCD or LiveUSB and run Linux directly from the CD or USB drive. This way, you can try Linux without modifying your current operating system.
Virtual Machine: Install a virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine running Linux. This allows you to run Linux alongside your current operating system.
Dual Boot: Install Linux alongside your current operating system and dual-boot between the two. This way, you can try Linux without replacing your current operating system.
Old Laptop: Take an old laptop and install Linux on it. This is a great way to try Linux without worrying about affecting your main computer.
DistroSea: Try Linux in your browser using DistroSea, a website that allows you to run Linux distributions in your browser without installing them.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Start with a beginner-friendly distribution like Linux Mint.
Take an old laptop or use a virtual machine to minimize the risk of data loss or system corruption.
Be prepared to learn new commands and interfaces, as Linux can be different from what you’re used to.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or search online for solutions to any issues you encounter.

Trying Linux is a great way to experience the operating system and see if it’s right for you.

🛈 TRY LINUX!

The Live mode is good way to try a Linux distribution on a machine without make any change to it. It is highly recommended to try a Linux distribution ^[1] ^[2] in its Live mode before you install on your hard drive, to check if it works with your hardware (GPU, Webcam, Audio, Internet, Wi-Fi, Etc.)

SWITCHING TO LINUX

This section has its own page, here.

LINUX FILE SYSTEM

The Linux file system is a fundamental component of the operating system, providing a flexible and scalable way to organize and manage files and directories. Understanding the different file system types, their features, and limitations is essential for effective system administration and configuration. By choosing the right file system for your use case, you can ensure optimal performance, reliability, and data integrity.

The Linux file system is a hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories on a storage device. It is designed to be flexible, scalable, and efficient. Here are some key aspects:

File System Types

ext2/3/4: The most widely used file systems, known for their stability and backward compatibility.
XFS: Optimized for large files and high-performance environments, commonly used in media servers and databases.
Btrfs: A modern file system with advanced features like snapshotting, deduplication, and online defragmentation.
ZFS: A file system and volume manager developed by Sun Microsystems, known for its robust data management capabilities.

File System Structure

Root Directory (/): The topmost directory, containing all other directories and files.
Mount Points: Directories where file systems are mounted, allowing access to external storage devices or network shares.
Directories: Hierarchical organization of files, with each directory containing subdirectories and files.
Files: Individual data storage units, including regular files, directories, and special files (e.g., devices, sockets).

Key Concepts

Permissions: Controls access to files and directories, defined by user IDs, group IDs, and permissions bits.
Inodes: Data structures containing metadata about files, such as ownership, permissions, and location.
Block Devices: Storage devices, like hard drives or SSDs, divided into blocks for efficient data storage.
Mounting: The process of attaching a file system to a mount point, making its contents accessible.

Practical Tips

Format a partition: Use mkfs (e.g., mkfs.ext4) to create a file system on a partition.
Mount a file system: Use mount (e.g., mount /dev/sda1 /mnt) to attach a file system to a mount point.
Unmount a file system: Use umount (e.g., umount /mnt) to safely detach a file system before removing a storage device.
Check disk usage: Use df (e.g., df -h) to display disk space usage and available free space.

Comparison Table

File System

Use Case

Advantages

Limitations

ext4

General-purpose

Stable, backward compatible, fast

Limited scalability, no snapshots

XFS

High-performance

Optimized for large files, high throughput

Complex configuration, limited support

Btrfs

Advanced use cases

Snapshots, deduplication, online defragmentation

Still evolving, limited support

ZFS

Enterprise environments

Robust data management, snapshots, compression

Complex configuration, proprietary

More info can be read on phoenixnap.com on their article: Linux File System: Types, Features, Limitations.

DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT (DE)

A desktop environment (DE) in Linux is a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an intuitive and interactive way to interact with the operating system. Here's an overview of what you might expect from a typical desktop environment:

Components:

Window Manager: This component handles window management, such as creating, resizing, moving, and closing windows.
Desktop Background: The background image or color that appears when no other windows are open.
Taskbar (or Panel): A bar at the bottom of the screen where you can find icons for frequently used applications, notifications, and system tray icons.
Start Menu (or Application Launcher): A menu that provides access to installed applications, settings, and features.
Desktop Icons: Small images or text labels representing files, folders, or devices on your computer.

Features:

Icon-based interface: Most DEs use a visual representation of icons for menus, windows, and other UI elements.
Drag-and-drop functionality: You can easily move files between windows and directories by dragging them with the mouse.
Context-sensitive menu options: Right-clicking on an item often provides context-specific options for that particular item.
Notification system: The DE may display notifications for events, such as new emails or updates available.

Popular Desktop Environments:

GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment): A modern and feature-rich DE with a focus on user-friendly design and seamless integration with the Linux operating system.
KDE Plasma: A highly customizable DE that offers advanced features, such as window management options and extensive configuration capabilities.
Xfce: A lightweight and efficient DE suitable for older hardware or those who prefer a more minimalist interface.
Cinnamon: A desktop environment based on the GNOME infrastructure but offering a unique look and feel with traditional-style menus, applets, and effects. Cinnamon is particularly popular among users looking for a modern take on classic desktop experiences.
Pop!_OS Cosmic (formerly Pop OS): A highly customized DE developed by System76 specifically for their own hardware offerings. It provides an intuitive interface that's easy to use while still offering advanced features, such as multi-monitor support and GPU acceleration.

Some common interactions:

Clicking on an icon to launch an application.
Right-clicking (or secondary clicking) to access context menus.
Dragging files between windows, folders, or devices.
Using the start menu to search for and launch applications.

PACKAGE MANAGER

A package manager in Linux is a set of software or tools that allows the user to manage packages effectively. The user can install, upgrade, remove, and configure packages using the supported package manager on the Linux operating system.

POPULAR PACKAGE MANAGERS

APT (ADVANCED PACKAGE TOOL): APT is one of the most popular Linux package managers, as it comes with Debian-based distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, etc.
DPKG (DEBAIN-BASED PACKAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM): The package manager uses the .deb extension. Unlike APT, it cannot automatically install packages and their dependencies.
DNF (DANDIFIED YUM): Successor of YUM. DNF utilizes the RPM package as its underlying package management. Used by Fedora.
RPM (RED HAT PACKAGE MANAGER): Used by Red Hat-based Linux operating systems, CentOS, Fedora.
PACMAN: Pacman is the package manager for Arch-based Linux operating systems, such as Arch, Manjaro, Garuda. It uses the .tar.xz file format.
ZYPPER: Zypper is the package manager for openSUSE. It is a CLI tool that handles packages in the openSUSE Linux distro. It uses a .rpm package file format, similar to YUM and DNF.

PACKAGES

A package is at the core of the Linux operating system. Technically, it is an archive file containing an executable binary file, a related configuration file, and information about the dependencies required to run it properly.

DEPENDENCIES

Linux operating system is complex. It consists of multiple software that depend on each other. For any software to work, it would require some other software or package.

REPOSITORIES

Repositories or repos are virtual online places that list all the packages. These repos are accessible through the internet and help the Linux user to gain access to the packages required during software installation.

PACKAGE MANAGEMENT BENEFITS

INSTALL PACKAGES: Automate package installation without any intervention.
REMOVE OLD PACKAGES: Get rid of old packages that you don't need.
RINSTALL PACKAGES: Reinstall packages to fix broken configurations without manual work.
UPDATE PACKAGES: Update packages automatically to receive new features and bug fixes.
AVOID DEPENDENCY HELL: Manage package dependency confidendly.

HOW PACKAGE MANAGER WORKS

Linux OS⟶Package Manager⟶Repository⟷Package Metadata ⟷Packages⟵Package Dependencies

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE FUNCTIONS OF PACKAGE MANAGERS

Ensure that the packages are authentic. Also, ensure the integrity of the package is maintained by doing proper checksum and digital certificate authentication.
Automate package combining for ease of use.
Make sure to install any dependencies to avoid “dependency hell.”
Manage packages, including downloading, searching, and installing new or existing software.

Learn more and source: Geekflare

GAMING ON LINUX

Linux has evolved a lot over the past few years, it is now easier to play video games on a modern Linux operating system using certain tools. Linux is a viable gaming platform!

Gaming on Linux is significantly improved and viable for most titles, largely driven by Valve's Proton compatibility layer and the Steam Deck ecosystem, though kernel-level anti-cheat in competitive multiplayer games remains a primary barrier. While native Linux support exists for many indie and older AAA titles, the vast majority of Windows games now run out-of-the-box via Proton, which translates DirectX calls to Vulkan with often equal or better performance than on Windows due to lower overhead.

Compatibility Layers and Graphics

Linux gaming relies on compatibility layers rather than emulation to translate Windows-specific APIs into Linux-native equivalents. The core technology, Proton (a Valve-maintained fork of b Wine), handles this by converting DirectX 9/10/11 calls to Vulkan via DXVK, and DirectX 12 calls via vkd3d-proton. This allows games to run without modification, effectively bypassing the lack of native DirectX support on Linux, which only natively supports OpenGL and Vulkan.

DirectX to Vulkan Translation: Tools like DXVK and vkd3d-proton act as translators, allowing Windows games to run on Linux graphics drivers.
Driver Support: AMD drivers are now open-source and integrated into the kernel, offering excellent out-of-the-box performance, while NVIDIA proprietary drivers remain functional but may require manual configuration and can see eventually performance losses compared to Windows.
Fragmentation Solutions: Steam Runtime and Steam Linux namespaces containerize dependencies, ensuring games run consistently across different Linux distributions without user intervention.

Essential Tools and Ecosystem

The Linux gaming ecosystem is supported by a suite of specialized tools that simplify installation, management, and optimization for both native and Windows games. Steam is the central hub, automatically using Proton for non-native games, while ProtonDB serves as the primary community resource for checking game compatibility and sharing specific tweaks.

Tool

Primary Function

Best For

Proton | Doc

Compatibility layer (Wine fork)

Running Windows games via Steam

Lutris

Game manager with runners

Non-Steam games (GOG, Epic, etc.)

Heroic Games Launcher

Game store client

Epic Games Store and GOG titles

Gamescope

Micro Wayland compositor

Isolating games and managing HDR/refresh rates

Wine

Windows compatibility layer

Running non-game Windows applications

Bottles

Wine environment manager

Running non-Steam games & Windows apps in isolated containers

Limitations and Caveats and Their Future Potential Resolution

Despite the improvements, the platform is not yet a perfect 1:1 replacement for Windows for all users. Kernel-level anti-cheat solutions (e.g., Easy Anti-Cheat, BattleEye, Denuvo) in many popular multiplayer titles (like Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty) currently do not work on Linux, rendering these games unplayable. Additionally, VR support is functional but less mature, and HDR support depends heavily on the desktop environment and compositor (e.g., Hyprland, bKDE Plasma, Gamescope).

Anti-Cheat Barrier: Games relying on kernel-level anti-cheat are effectively incompatible until developers or the community implement specific fixes.
Hardware Specifics: NVIDIA users may need to configure kernel arguments and driver versions to fully utilize features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) on Wayland.
Tweaking Requirement: While "plug-and-play" is common, some games may still require manual configuration or the use of tools like ProtonUp-Qt to select specific Proton versions.

While current limitations like kernel-level anti-cheat and NVIDIA driver performance are significant, the trajectory of Linux gaming suggests most are temporary hurdles with clear paths to resolution. The Steam Deck's success has fundamentally shifted developer incentives, with games like Rocket League actively implementing Linux-compatible Easy Anti-Cheat, proving that publisher support is achievable. The long-term solution for anti-cheat is widely seen as a move towards server-side validation and AI-driven detection, which would eliminate the need for problematic kernel-level drivers and make the entire issue obsolete. Similarly, graphics compatibility is continuously improving through open-source projects like Mesa and VKD3D-Proton, which are rapidly closing the gap with Windows drivers. Valve's ongoing investment in Proton and SteamOS ensures that performance and compatibility will only get better, making Linux a robust and future-proof gaming platform.

HARDWARE

These companies offer hardware, desktops and laptops compatible or optimized for Linux.

Beelink
Framework
NovaCustom
Slimbook
Star Labs
System76 | Pop!_OS (Ubuntu Based)
TUXEDO Computers | TUXEDO OS (Ubuntu Based)

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

These Youtube channels talk about Linux.