The Benefits of Linux Operating Systems

Linux stands out as a significantly safer alternative to mainstream operating systems like Windows for everyday online use, primarily due to its inherent design that prioritizes security and privacy in an era of rampant malware, telemetry scandals, and forced features.

Unlike Windows, which has faced criticism for built-in data collection (e.g., extensive telemetry and controversial tools like Recall), forced updates that can introduce vulnerabilities, built-in ads, and a history of being the primary target for widespread viruses and ransomware due to its massive market share, Linux distributions are open-source, allowing global scrutiny of code to quickly identify and patch flaws without relying on “security through obscurity.” Linux enforces a strict principle of least privilege—regular users run with limited permissions by default, requiring explicit sudo or root elevation for system changes, which drastically reduces the impact of malicious software even if downloaded accidentally, while features like sandboxed apps (via Flatpak or Snap), immutable filesystems in distros like Fedora Silverblue, and optional hardening tools (SELinux, AppArmor) add layers of protection absent or less granular in Windows.

Malware targeting Linux exists but remains far rarer and less effective against desktop users because of smaller attack surface, no default auto-execution of downloads, and community-driven rapid fixes—making Linux ideal for privacy-focused browsing, banking, or work online, where avoiding corporate surveillance and minimizing infection risks provides peace of mind without constant antivirus overhead.

Open Source: The Free OS

Open source software, in its modern form, traces its roots to the early days of computing in the 1950s and 1960s, when academics and researchers routinely shared source code collaboratively as public-domain or freely distributed software, with early examples like the A-2 system released by UNIVAC in 1953 including its source code. This collaborative ethos shifted in the 1970s as companies began treating software as proprietary intellectual property, unbundling it from hardware sales (notably IBM in 1969) and restricting access to source code.

The pivotal pushback came in 1983, when Richard Stallman, frustrated by closed systems and incidents like being unable to fix proprietary printer drivers at MIT, launched the GNU Project to create a completely free (as in freedom) Unix-like operating system, founding the Free Software Foundation in 1985 to champion users’ rights to run, study, modify, and share software. The term “open source” itself emerged later in 1998, when advocates including Eric Raymond and Bruce Perens coined it after Netscape released its browser code, to emphasize practical benefits and collaborative development over the philosophical focus of “free software,” helping mainstream adoption through projects like Linux (started by Linus Torvalds in 1991).

Linux OS: Privacy, Power, No Ads

In February 2026, Ubuntu stands as the most popular Linux distribution overall, commanding the largest share of desktop users, developer adoption (around 27.8%), and web server deployments (13.7% of Linux sites), thanks to its massive community support, beginner-friendly interface, vast software repositories, long-term support (LTS) releases like 24.04, and widespread use in cloud, education, and enterprise environments—making it the go-to choice for millions switching from Windows amid its end-of-support phase.

Visit Ubuntu Site

Close contenders include Linux Mint for its polished, Windows-like experience and stability, Pop!_OS surging in popularity among gamers and creators with its innovative COSMIC desktop and excellent hardware support, Zorin OS attracting Windows migrants with familiar layouts and high download surges, Fedora for cutting-edge features and strong corporate backing, and MX Linux or Manjaro for lightweight performance and rolling releases; while DistroWatch page hits reflect interest rather than actual usage, Ubuntu’s dominance in real-world metrics, combined with the rise of user-friendly derivatives based on it or Debian, cements its position as the undisputed leader in the Linux ecosystem today.

Linux offers compelling advantages over Windows in 2026, particularly for users prioritizing privacy, performance, customization, and freedom from corporate overreach. Unlike Windows, which has increasingly incorporated ads in the Start menu, telemetry collection, forced updates, and attempts to push Microsoft services, Linux distributions remain ad-free, open-source, and fully transparent, with no mandatory data tracking or hidden processes spying on user activity—making it inherently more private and secure against widespread malware targeting Windows ecosystems. Linux excels in resource efficiency, running smoothly on older hardware without the bloat that plagues Windows, often resulting in lower CPU/RAM usage, quieter fans, and extended device lifespan, while modern distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, or Zorin OS provide polished, user-friendly interfaces that rival or surpass Windows in everyday tasks, gaming (via Proton/Steam Deck advancements), and productivity. Users gain unparalleled control through customizable desktop environments, atomic/immutable updates for easy rollbacks, and the ability to tweak or remove any component, fostering true ownership rather than treating the OS as a locked-down product—benefits that make switching to Linux feel liberating for those frustrated with Windows’ direction.

Where Do I Get It At?

Research it silly! “back in my day we had to…”

WARNING: You are about to go back into time. Depending on your age, if you are born after 1995 you might get a big scared at this site, but I promise, it does not bite. This. Site. Has. Been. Around. Forever.

DistroWatch.com is a long-running, independent website (launched in 2001 and maintained by Ladislav Bodnar) dedicated to tracking, reviewing, and providing news about Linux distributions, BSD variants, and other free/open-source operating systems, serving as a central hub for enthusiasts, developers, and newcomers exploring the diverse Linux ecosystem.

It looks like Linux Mint is kicking butt with good reviews lately. Click around, do some research, find the right OS for your needs. Ive used them all. Remember, depends on your use, But my favorites are Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian and Suse, but im old school.

The Linux operating system experience heavily depends on you—your technical knowledge, preferences, patience, and willingness to configure or troubleshoot—far more than proprietary OSes like Windows or macOS, because Linux distributions range from highly automated and beginner-friendly to minimalist setups that require hands-on involvement for optimal performance.

For example, user-friendly distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS depend minimally on user input: they provide polished graphical installers, automatic hardware detection, pre-configured desktop environments (e.g., GNOME or Cinnamon), easy app stores, and out-of-the-box support for most everyday tasks, making them ideal for newcomers who want a “just works” experience similar to Windows. In contrast, advanced or DIY-oriented distributions like Arch Linux or Gentoo depend almost entirely on the user:

Arch starts with a bare-bones base system installed via command-line, leaving users to manually select and configure the bootloader (e.g., GRUB), kernel parameters, desktop environment (or window manager like i3), drivers, and package selections through the Arch User Repository (AUR), rewarding experienced users with extreme customization and bleeding-edge software but demanding significant time and expertise.

Similarly, Slackware emphasizes transparency and manual control, avoiding heavy automation so users learn the system’s inner workings, while immutable distros like Fedora Silverblue or Vanilla OS depend on users embracing containerized apps (via Flatpak/Toolbox) and atomic updates for stability. Ultimately, Linux empowers users to shape the OS to their exact needs—whether prioritizing simplicity, security, performance on old hardware, or total control—making the final satisfaction and functionality directly proportional to the user’s engagement and skill level.

Linux Distro watch features comprehensive pages for hundreds of distributions with details on features, screenshots, download links, package versions, and user-submitted reviews/ratings, alongside sections for recent release announcements, headlines, weekly roundups, upcoming releases, and tools to compare packages across distros or search by origin/base. Its famous Page Hit Ranking (updated daily, counting one hit per IP address) offers a “light-hearted” measure of visitor interest rather than true usage or market share—often highlighting niche or newly released distros at the top due to curiosity spikes—while separate visitor ratings rank projects like Artix, Arch, BigLinux, and Void highly based on user votes (e.g., averages around 9+ out of 10). In February 2026, the site continues to thrive with fresh content on kernel updates, security advisories, and community projects, making it an invaluable, go-to resource for discovering and staying informed about the ever-evolving world of Linux—though its rankings should not be mistaken for definitive popularity metrics.

IBM Buys Red Hat in 2018

IBM Buys Red Hat: The $34 Billion AI Power Move

IBM buys Red Hat. IBM announced its intent to acquire Red Hat on October 28, 2018, in a deal valued at approximately $34 billion. The acquisition was completed and closed on July 9, 2019, when IBM bought out all Red Hat shares for $190 per share in cash.

Red Hat now operates as a subsidiary of IBM, focusing on open hybrid cloud technologies, while maintaining much of its independent structure and open-source ethos. This has been one of IBM’s most significant moves to strengthen its position in the hybrid cloud market, and recent analyses (as of 2024–2025) indicate the acquisition has been highly successful, with Red Hat’s growth helping IBM recover the investment value through revenues and market cap gains.Sources confirming this include official announcements from IBM and Red Hat, Wikipedia, CNBC, and ongoing business reports. No reversal or change in ownership has occurred since 2019.