Development of Linux as the main operating system

The OS, while still technically demanding, has left behind its highly terminal-dependent usage. The HUD is now easy to understand and the UX is completely different, being visually driven and very user-friendly

The first time I heard about Linux, it was like exploring an unknown territory full of unknown organisms. Being a Microsoft Windows fanatic from the beginning, I was quite reluctant to use this OS line, as it seemed more technically demanding and a bit clunky with a scattered HUD and UX.

This happened around 2008–2009 and is now history.

So when I heard the hype about Linux recently, it got me thinking, although I remained quite cynical given my previous experiences. I’m not saying the OS hasn’t changed, but Windows has too.

In fact, Windows has become very well-known for its simplified UX. Linux, on the other hand, has not been as widely used or discussed, remaining behind the curtain. But after the decision to lift that curtain, I was not surprised—I was shocked. It was a completely new version of Linux that I could not have imagined myself witnessing.

Don’t get me wrong, the operating system is still technically demanding and can seem a bit intimidating to a complete novice.

However, for any computer enthusiast, HUD is now easy to understand and the user interface (UX) is completely different – ​​visualization-based and very user-friendly, provided the user knows what and where he wants to use it.

Accessibility has become more refined with dedicated creative software that I would have had to pay a lot of money for to use Windows. More importantly, the operating system now supports virtually every type of video game. For someone who prefers PC gaming above all else, that meant the world.

Take Mint Linux for example. The operating system comes with Gimp, a 3D software with Blender, as well as Inkscape for vector graphics. The operating system includes browser options like Opera GX, Brave, and Chrome for smooth browsing, and LibreOffice provides everything you would expect from Windows Office 360, and maybe even more. These are features that are very exclusive to Linux and are very expensive for Windows, being third-party applications. Once known as a rigid operating system for programming, Linux now makes it easy to use software like Steam for video games.

At this point, Linux has basically become a serious competitor to Windows. So let’s take a look at why and buckle up, because this is going to be technical.

Early versions of Linux were used primarily by tech enthusiasts attracted by its open-source nature and potential for customization. However, inherent time constraints hindered its widespread adoption. The lack of a unified desktop environment, limited hardware support, and a perceived lack of user friendliness presented significant barriers to entry for the average user.

The turning point came with the emergence of the GNU/Linux ecosystem. This development led to the integration of the GNU tools, a collection of free software tools, into the Linux kernel. This provided a solid foundation for a fully functional operating system, addressing the shortcomings of earlier versions.

Then, the introduction of graphical environments such as GNOME and KDE in the late 1990s revolutionized the user experience. These graphical interfaces offered a user-friendly alternative to the command line interface, appealing to a wider audience beyond the technical elite.

And that is the first distinctive feature of the new and improved Linux. Its open nature allows users to freely modify, adapt, and redistribute code, which fosters a vibrant community of developers and innovation. This leads to a wider range of software and tools, often tailored to specific needs.

Second, strong security is a key advantage. Linux design emphasizes security through kernel architecture and community security updates, resulting in fewer vulnerabilities and malware threats.

Third, the command-line interface provides a powerful way to interact with the system, enabling automation, scripting, and advanced system management. This gives users greater control and efficiency.

Meanwhile, on the desktop front, Linux continued to evolve, with distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora gaining popularity among individual users. These distributions simplified the installation process, offered a more user-friendly interface, and provided access to a wide range of applications to suit a variety of needs.

Another factor contributing to the adoption of Linux on desktop computers was the growth of the free software movement, which emphasized the ethical implications of software ownership and promoted the use of open-source alternatives to proprietary software.

Linux has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, largely due to the growing demand for alternative operating systems. This growth can be attributed to concerns about privacy, security, and perceived bloatware present in proprietary operating systems such as Windows.

Linux, with its emphasis on user freedom, security, and wide range of open-source applications, has become an attractive alternative, especially for users looking for a more transparent and configurable computing environment.

The growing adoption of cloud computing has also played a significant role in Linux’s growth. Cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure all rely heavily on Linux for their infrastructure, further expanding its reach and cementing its position as a leading operating system in the modern technology landscape.

While Linux has undoubtedly made significant progress toward widespread adoption, it still faces challenges. One major obstacle is the lack of a unified platform. The fragmentation of Linux distributions, each with its own unique set of features and packages, can be daunting for new users. Addressing this issue while preserving the diversity of the Linux ecosystem remains a critical task for the future.

Another challenge is the limited hardware support for some Linux distributions. Although progress has been made in this area, some hardware components, especially proprietary drivers, can still pose compatibility issues. Efforts to increase hardware compatibility and reduce driver dependency are key to further expanding Linux’s reach.

Linux’s journey from a humble hobbyist project to a major player in the operating system market is a testament to its adaptability, community-driven development, and user-centric approach.

As technology advances, Linux is becoming increasingly popular, solidifying its position as a powerful, reliable, and secure platform for both individuals and businesses. It is challenging the dominance of traditional operating systems and ushering in a new era of open and collaborative computing.