Windows is the most popular operating system in the world. Its tremendous popularity (it’s installed in almost 1 billion computers all over the world) has made it the one piece of software that a large portion of the world’s population know with a certain degree of expertise. Unfortunately, this large install base also means that only a few people know about the other choices that can be had out there.
For example, Linux is a very stable, and feature packed software but the mere mention of the ‘L’ word is enough to intimidate a majority of computer users. But Linux is not really a programmer’s software, in fact it is also easy to use. This is just one of the myths that are circulating online and among people who just don’t know better. Here are other Linux myths:
Linux Myth # 1 Linux is only for geeks
Nothing could be farther from the truth. Saying that Linux is only for geeks is like saying the Mac OS is only for art directors. This myth may have been true a few years back when Linux was still in its infancy and was still an immature piece of code. But at present, Linux sports a very intuitive interface. In fact, Windows users won’t even feel lost if they’re given a Linux equipped machine. Linux even has an advantage in that it is fairly stable. It won’t randomly fail on you or get all quirky like Windows does.
Linux Myth # 2: You’re on your own with Linux
One of the most common misconceptions or myths about Linux is that, because it is open source, you are left to your own devices to wrestle with it and make it work on your machine. You won’t have the luxury of relying on tech support in case something doesn’t work or when you’re stumped. This is actually not true because technical support is available for Linux users. The only difference is that, not like Windows (which is a Microsoft product), a user can choose between paid or ‘free’ support. Free here means the huge online community of Linux users who help each other with problems and other technical issues.
Linux Myth # 3: Games are non-existent in a Linux environment
Another myth surrounding Linux is that it’s a straight out ‘work-only’ system. If you’re a person who loves games then Linux will leave you high and dry. This is not totally true. Yes, Linux does suffer from very slim choices in terms of games but the option is there. There are many companies that have ported their games to Linux. And there is also a community of programmers who try to bring various games to Linux that are completely free.
Linux Myth # 4: Linux is picky in terms of hardware
This is a myth that may have been fact years ago. But the Linux of today is a very robust system that it can be installed in practically any kind of hardware configuration. Drivers are now available for a huge number of devices and peripherals. And in the case that there are some devices that do not work properly trust that somewhere out there, there’s a hardcore Linux user who’s trying to solve the problem by creating a driver for the device.
Linux Myth # 5: Linux is hardly used by anyone
Linux may not have the huge install base of Windows at the consumer level but you will be surprised to know that a large part of the World Wide Web exists because of Linux and GNU. Linux is modular and what’s more it is highly secure, which makes it perfect as a web server. At the home front, more and more people are also discovering Linux and how easy it is to use and its high level of security. A growing number of consumers are now making the switch to Linux.