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Looking to escape the harmful ecosystems of Microsoft and Apple? Or maybe you have an interest in technology and are looking for something new to try out? Got a slow, old laptop lying around and you don't know what to do with it? Don't want to pay for a stupid Windows licence? Consider Linux* It's great. I use it every single day and my only regret is that I had ever used Windows in the first place. Before I begin I'd like to just clarify what I mean by "Linux distribution" - Linux is not just one centralised operating system in the way that Windows or MacOS is. It's an extremely wide range of different projects that all use the Linux kernel. The kernel is the core of any operating system. It's the bridge between hardware and software. Distributions, or distros, are like different versions. The main difference between them is the software that they come with. Some are minimalist, making it easier for you to choose what you do and don't want on your system, and some are jampacked with all different programs and features. Some distros are extremely beginner friendly, and some are very advanced. Some are created with specific uses in mind, such as server administration or casual desktop use. There's a lot of debate over which distros are best, but in the end it REALLY doesn't matter a whole lot and it depends on what YOU want out of your system. The best beginner distribution in my opinion is Linux Mint, especially if you're used to Windows.

It's Free

Linux is free in both senses of the word. It costs nothing and you have full control over your entire system. And when I say full control, I mean FULL control. On Linux, you can uninstall your bootloader (the program that boots your OS) if you really want to. In Windows you can't even uninstall Microsoft Edge (at least not very easily). Yeah it might sound a little scary, like you might accidentally mess up and accidentally break your entire system with one command, and I'm gonna be honest with you. That does happen to people. That's why you should always read the manual. It can be easily avoided and has never happened to me personally, but that's the level of control you have. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, don't worry. You don't have use the terminal at all on Linux Mint if you don't want to (though I would recommend getting yourself comfortable with it)

Privacy and Security

On Linux you do not have to worry about your own operating system collecting data on you and sending it back to an evil corporation like Microsoft or Apple. You also (probably) do not have to worry about malware, as Linux is very resistant for a number of reasons. Most malware is written for Windows, and Linux handles user permissions in a very secure way. By default, your user account will not have root(admin) privileges and you would need to type in a root password to gain temporary access, best done through the sudo command, which allows you elevated privileges for a single action at a time. On Windows, an account with administrator privileges simply needs to click a "Yes" button when faced with a prompt that requires such privileges. It should be clear which of the two is more secure. Frequent updates and open source software also allow vulnerabilities to be spotted and fixed easily and package repositories maintained by your distro mean you don't have to go clicking through shady sites with fake download buttons for the program you need

The Learning Experience

Linux can be near identical to Windows or Mac in appearance, and you can certainly use a Linux system in (almost) the same manner as what you're used to, OR it can be radically different in every way. If you decide to come to Linux with the latter approach i.e. using the terminal, you will gain a clearer understanding of how your computer actually works. You'll start to see how programs work and how they all interact with (and sometimes depend on) eachother within the system. You will understand how file directories are organised and structured. It will open your eyes to what an operating system is actually capable of. It may sound daunting and it can be overwhelming at first, but it's a great journey. And like I said, you can ignore all that if that's not your thing. You can remain totally ignorant of all the inner workings, pretending that your Linux Mint is just a funny looking version of Windows.

Give Old Computers New Life

Windows has this problem of getting more and more shitty and bloated with each update, and over time, hardware can have some trouble keeping up with the increased demand for resources. You may think that your parts are degrading, when really, it's Windows that's the problem. A lightweight Linux distribution can make a seemingly useless computer run like new.

Customisation

You can make your OS truly yours. Every program has an alternative and this is most apparent when it comes to visuals. You don't like your desktop environment because it looks too much like Windows? Switch to GNOME for a more Mac-like feel. Or one of the other million desktop environments, which all have their own extensive customisation options. You like a more retro looking desktop? You're in luck! You want it to look exactly like Windows XP? Simple! You don't like the sluggishness of a desktop environment at all? Switch to a tiling window manager to improve your workflow. You are not bound by a single aesthetic the way you are with Windows and Mac OS. Customisation does not end at icons and wallpapers. Visit /r/unixporn and you'll see what I mean.

Misconceptions About Linux

"It's a waste of time"
Linux is something you have to put time into learning if you want to truly reap its benefits, like anything else. For many, including me, it's a hobby. Is it truly a waste of time if you're having fun? Not to mention the fact that if you do take the time to learn how to use Linux, you can really maximise efficency in ways that Windows and Mac won't allow. Short term, it might seem like a headache, but in the long run you could save a lot of time

"It's too hard"
You don't need to know how to program to use Linux. You don't even need to use the terminal if you don't want to. Installing Linux these days is a breeze and plenty of distributions have entirely graphical installers. If you do decide to use the terminal, like I said previously, it can be a great learning experience. It's really not that hard to use the terminal even though it looks a little scary at first. You don't need to know ANYTHING about programming and you don't have to be an elite haxor to use the terminal, but you sure will look like one. And that's cool.

"It doesn't have the software I want"
One of the more valid points you might have against Linux. It is generally true that every piece of software has a free and open source alternative if it is not already available on Linux, or that every piece of Windows software can be run through a compatiability layer like WINE, but it is simply not true in EVERY instance, though this is rare and becoming rarer. WINE also works with games, and Steam has their own compatiability layer called Proton which utilises WINE, though is heavily modified and specifically tailored for gaming

"It's for virgins and nerds"
Linux. Is. For. Chads.