Linux is an excellent operating system and there is a strong probability that we have come across certain myths and misconceptions about it. In this article, we will break down the top 10 myths and misconceptions about the GNU/Linux operating system.
Myths about the GNU/Linux Operating System
Let’s talk about the 10 myths and misconception about the GNU/Linux operating system.
Myth 1: GNU/Linux Is Secure than MS Windows
We know that there are various flaws in MS Windows, and we think that GNU/Linux is a flawless operating system. Only a user can maintain the security of any operating system; it may be GNU/Linux or Windows. Out of many open-source operating systems, Linux is one of them and it has many flaws and loopholes. Black hat hackers can easily breach our Linux operating system.
Myth 2: GNU/Linux Works with the Help of CLI or Terminal
Many users think that GNU/Linux is a Command Line Interface-based operating system that has only black screen with green/white letters. Most users believe that using the Command Line Interface/terminal is required for all GNU/Linux activities. While the terminal is essential to perform the system administration tasks, it is not the only means to interact with a Linux system.
Myth 3: GNU/Linux Is a Malware and Virus Free OS
Linux does not provide a malware protection. It simply has less malware and viruses since Linux does not have a huge desktop market share and because there are so many Linux distros. Furthermore, it is recommended to use an antivirus software on the Linux operating system.
Myth 4: GNU/Linux Is Hard for Beginners
This is true that GNU/Linux has been seen as a difficult operating system to use mainly for beginners since GNU/Linux requires a high knowledge of command line interface. But nowadays, there are various GNU/Linux distros that are beginner friendly. Recent Linux OS (ex: Ubuntu, Fedora) provides GUI for the users to interact with system like Windows.
Myth 5: No Video Games Are Available on GNU/Linux
Windows has the finest support for video games in terms of updates. Many users know that game support on Linux is not comparable with Windows, though there are many game collections because of Steam. Nowadays, developers have created specific gaming distros for gamers. Some popular gaming distros are Ubuntu, Garuda Linux, Steam OS, and many more.
Myth 6: GNU/Linux Don’t Support Important Applications
It is often assumed that GNU/Linux usually misses important applications for everyday use. The community has created various applications that are a great alternative to those that are given by Windows.
Myth 7: GNU/Linux Is Only for Programming Users
The perception that Linux is a hard operating system to understand and operate has led to the misunderstanding that it is only suitable for programmers. While it is true that Linux systems are mostly built on CLI, Linux is now utilized by almost everyone such as gamers, graphic designers, developers, and many more.
Myth 8: GNU/Linux Is Going to Die Very Soon
Many users doubt Linux’s long-term viability as an open-source technology and they claim that it will divide into various useless distros like UNIX did. On the other hand, GNU/Linux is produced under the GNU GPL open-source license which means that anybody can make changes to the Linux code. Furthermore, many big IT companies such as IBM, HP, Sun, and many more still use GNU/Linux as their primary operating system.
Myth 9: GNU/Linux Does Not Have MS Word Support
MS Word is a very important application that is required in any operating system. MS Word also lets us write, edit, and save the written data. There are several MS Word alternatives available for Linux such as the LibreOffice suite.
Myth 10: GNU/Linux Is Divided
Nowadays, GNU/Linux ecosystem has grown more divided, so most users think this difference might create confusion and problems. These differences among distributions should not be a problem because they all share the same kernel.
Conclusion
We explained the top 10 myths and misconceptions about the GNU/Linux system. These myths presented the GNU/Linux operating system in a bad way. By understanding this article, we can know about the myths that most users think about the GNU/Linux operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GNU/Linux really more secure than MS Windows?
While GNU/Linux is known for its security features, it still requires active user maintenance to ensure security. Like any operating system, it is not flawless and can be vulnerable to breaches by hackers.
Does GNU/Linux solely rely on Command Line Interface (CLI)?
Although the Command Line Interface (CLI) is essential for system administration tasks on GNU/Linux, it is not the only way to interact with the operating system. Graphical user interfaces are also available for user-friendly navigation.
Is GNU/Linux completely immune to malware and viruses?
GNU/Linux is not entirely immune to malware and viruses, but its lower market share and diverse distributions contribute to fewer instances compared to popular operating systems. It is still advisable to use antivirus software for added protection.
Is GNU/Linux difficult for beginners to use?
GNU/Linux has a reputation for being challenging for beginners due to its reliance on the command line interface. However, modern GNU/Linux distributions offer user-friendly interfaces and tools that make it more accessible for newcomers.
Can black hat hackers easily breach GNU/Linux systems?
While GNU/Linux is not invulnerable, it is not easy for black hat hackers to breach these systems. Active security measures, regular updates, and best practices can significantly enhance the security of GNU/Linux systems.
Are there specific antivirus software recommended for GNU/Linux?
There are antivirus software options available for GNU/Linux that can provide additional security against malware and viruses. Popular choices include ClamAV, Sophos, and AVG for GNU/Linux users to safeguard their systems.
What are some common misconceptions about GNU/Linux?
Common misconceptions about GNU/Linux include being too complex for beginners, solely CLI-based, and completely free of malware. Understanding the reality behind these myths can help users make informed decisions about using GNU/Linux.
How does GNU/Linux handle software installation compared to other operating systems?
GNU/Linux utilizes package managers for software installation, which streamlines the process and ensures dependencies are met. This approach differs from traditional installation methods on other operating systems, providing users with more control and efficiency.