What is Linux?
Linux is an open source operating system that offers a wide range of benefits for both users and the environment. Unlike more common operating systems such as Windows or macOS, Linux is completely free and can be customised to individual needs. This means you can choose which components to install and remove, making your system lightweight and optimised.
One of the distinctive features of Linux is its flexibility. It can be used on many different hardware platforms, including desktop computers, laptops, servers and even embedded devices. This versatility allows users to give new life to old computers, thereby reducing the need to buy new devices.
The efficient design of the Linux kernel allows smarter use of the computer’s resources. Compared with other, heavier operating systems that require more memory and processing power, Linux works efficiently even on less powerful hardware.
Another “eco-friendly” feature of Linux is its low energy consumption. Thanks to its light and efficient handling of system resources, computers running Linux tend to consume less energy than those running other operating systems.
All very nice, of course, but you may be wondering whether we are talking about a reliable OS (operating system). Linux is one of the most widely used systems in the world, especially on the server side. Millions of the websites you visit every day are hosted on Linux machines. The famous acronym LAMP, which stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, identifies a software stack based entirely on open source tools.
The next step, if you want to give it a try, is to choose the distribution best suited to your needs. Distribution? What does that mean?
A particular feature of Linux is that you can choose – to simplify greatly – the graphical interface and the applications you like best. As a result, many producers have provided their own version of Linux. As in every operating system, at the base there is always the kernel, which we could call the engine.
On these Linux engines, dozens, indeed hundreds, of bodywork styles are built. It is practically impossible not to find the one that best suits your needs. For example, if you are comfortable with window-based systems you could consider Linux Mint or Windowsfx 11; if you prefer Mac-like commands, CentOS or Deepin OS could be two possible solutions. If your PC is very old, you could consider Arch Linux or Ubuntu.
The great thing about Linux is that you will find all the office productivity programs already included, or available to download for free.
Are you ready to start? Copy one of the names we have mentioned in this article into your favourite search engine and you will easily find the sites from which you can download the distribution you like best. If you are not very confident with computers and don’t want to get your hands dirty, we recommend contacting one of the many Linux technicians or support companies, who will install the latest version of your distro at a much lower cost than replacing your computer, generally for 50–100 euros.
This is an indicative price, so always ask for a quote before going ahead with the work. Alternatively, you could find a friend or relative who knows more about it than you do. Either way, you will find thousands of tutorials online that you can follow to learn more and carry out the installation.
In conclusion: with Linux installed, your PC will have a new lease of life, you will have saved a little money, you will no longer be a victim of planned obsolescence and, above all, you will have helped make the planet more sustainable. Let us know how it went.
