this post was submitted on 10 Mar 2026
29 points (89.2% liked)

Linux

63709 readers
682 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
nooter692@lemmy.ml
AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml
MarcellusDrum@lemmy.ml
cypherpunks@lemmy.ml
cyclohexane@lemmy.ml
d3Xt3r@lemmy.nz
29
what things would i lose or gain if i switched to linux? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 3 days ago by workgood@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml
73 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

im currently using windows 11 on msi gf63 laptop. if i used linux i would use ubuntu,bec it seems like the easiest thing.

i game,i use brave browser,i pirate games and software. i also like that my hoarded pirated binaries of games and software will work even years later on windows without too much effort.

i use an hp printer,and need to be able to use it on linux.

i expect to be able to use the laptop and not think about the os too much,meaning i wont distro hop or try to customize it too much. im fine with the terminal,my goal of using linux is being far from malware.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] talkingpumpkin@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

i use an hp printer,and need to be able to use it on linux.

Then research if your specific model has compatibility issues (AFAIK HP stuff generally works well, but... it's up to you to check before buying)

i expect to be able to use the laptop and not think about the os too much

That will happen, if you are lucky or if you buy hardware that specifically supports linux.

Would you expect macos to run on a dell computer? would you expect windows to run on a mac? linux has much broad compatibility but is no different: if it doesn't work on your PC it's not linux's fault.

my goal of using linux is being far from malware

Just follow basic hygiene and you'll be fine. Most importantly, don't install malware yourself (chrome is available on linux too and, sadly, it's also widely used).

[–] workgood@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

what exactly is basic hygiene on linux? on windows it would be to scan your stuff,make sure its the real site etc

[–] talkingpumpkin@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

on windows it would be to scan your stuff,make sure its the real site etc

It's the same on Linux (*), with two big differences:

  1. you'll install most (all?) of your software from the repos of your distro of choice, so most of the times you don't have to worry
  2. linux is inherently more secure than Windows (and AFAIK there are less viruses targeting it, either because they are harder to write or because it's a smaller target), so you are not as likely to catch viruses.

If you install niche software from app stores (even reputable ones), you'll have to make sure to check it's the real deal (I think both the snap store and flathub had fake cryptowallets?), but if you stick to relatively mainstream software you'll be fine (I mean, it's not like you'll find fake versions of steam or blender on flathub).

That said, the risk is there just as with Windows (or your phone, or anything else): a good operative system helps, but ultimately you are the real line of defense.

(*) well, IDK about scanning... generally speaking, if you feel like you have to scan something before opening it, just don't open it :) (yeah I know it's not possible if - eg - you receive files from customers)