1. A Little History, A Big Impact
Back in 1991, a Finnish student named Linus Torvalds shared a small personal project with the world. He called it “just a hobby” — something fun to work on in his spare time. That “hobby” became Linux.
Fast forward to 2025, and that same hobby is quietly running most of the world. It’s in the servers that power your favorite websites. It’s inside your phone if you use Android. It’s on smart TVs, in cars, and even in fridges. And yet, many people have never sat down and used it on their own computer.
So why should you?
2. Linux Is Everywhere (Even Where You Don’t Notice)
If you checked your email today, ordered something online, or watched a movie on a streaming service, there’s a good chance Linux was involved. Big companies trust it to keep their systems fast, secure, and always online.
But it’s not just for companies. Over the years, Linux has become friendly enough for anyone — from students writing essays to photographers editing photos — to use comfortably at home.
3. Why People Fall in Love with Linux
People try Linux for many reasons, but they tend to stay for the same ones:
- It gives you control. You’re the one in charge of your computer, not some distant tech company deciding when to update or what to install.
- It’s stable. Many Linux systems can run for months or even years without needing a reboot.
- It’s private. Linux doesn’t make money by selling your data.
- It’s free. You can download it, install it, and use it forever without paying a cent.
And if you like to tinker? Linux lets you change almost anything — the look, the feel, even the core of the system itself.
4. 2025: A Perfect Year to Switch
This year is a turning point. Windows 10 is reaching the end of its life. Privacy has become a hot topic. Many people are asking themselves, “Do I really want to keep using the same old system just because I’m used to it?”
Meanwhile, Linux has never been easier. There are friendly versions you can try without changing anything on your current computer. Modern apps, beautiful desktops, great hardware support — the rough edges people used to complain about have been smoothed away.
5. Not Just for Geeks Anymore
Once upon a time, using Linux meant spending hours in a black terminal window typing strange commands. Those days are gone for most users.
Now, installing Linux can feel just like setting up a new phone. You click through a setup screen, choose your preferences, and in minutes, you’re ready to go. You can browse the web, watch videos, edit photos, write documents — all without touching a single line of code (unless you want to).
6. The Beginning of Your Linux Journey
If you’ve ever felt like your computer was working for someone else instead of for you, Linux is worth a look. It’s not magic — though it can feel that way sometimes — but it’s built on the simple idea that you should decide how your computer works.
In the next post of this Introduction to Linux series, we’ll explore how to pick your first Linux version — or “distribution” — without feeling overwhelmed. Until then, remember: the penguin is friendly, and it’s been waiting for you. 🐧