Linux isn’t just for developers and command line geeks.

i’m not a developer. That said, I was studying C++ in his 90’s, and that’s really about it.I did very well in class, but soon realized I didn’t want to become a developerAnd as we all know, if you don’t use it, you lose out. It didn’t take long for my brain to throw away everything I had learned about C++.

And I was perfectly fine with that.

It also didn’t take me long to realize that I couldn’t stand the Windows operating system.

This happened before I studied C++. So my approach to open source operating systems has been very user oriented.

In fact, when I owned that Pentium 75 computer, I had Linux installed on top of Windows.

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Then I realized that I had no choice but to learn how to use Linux. And guess what…

Not being a developer didn’t deter me in the least. I’m not saying it helped, but it certainly didn’t stop me from learning a new operating system. And that was at a time when Linux was a real challenge.

These days? Not really. Linux is just as easy to use as MacOS or Windows. Also, as far as reliability and security are concerned, Linux is on par with MacOS and beats Windows.

But what about the idea that you have to be a developer or know the command line like the back of your hand to use Linux? Is there any truth to that?

In a nutshell, no.

Please let me explain.

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You don’t need to write Bash scripts or know how to compile software.

Once upon a time it wasn’t. I remember the old days when I always had to write Bash scripts to get things done.

One of the first things I had to do was put together a Bash script to keep my modem connected to my ISP. It was very challenging. Also, installing new software almost inevitably required compiling.

Admittedly, even then the installation from source was mostly a combination of commands . /configuration, settings, makeWhen installBut it wasn’t as universal as you might think. For example, when installing a new kernel, the process was rather difficult.

Not today. Modern Linux distributions don’t require you to write Bash scripts or install software from source. Of course you can, but it’s not required. And then compile the software? I haven’t had to bother with it for years.

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So who is Linux really for?

The truth of the matter is that Linux is for everyone. You may not have experienced open source operating systems before, but this represents a big change. It’s safe to say that most people don’t like (or accept) change.

But even Linux isn’t as big of a change as one might expect. Basically, it works like every other desktop operating system on the market. Use your mouse to click on the menu to open the software. Web browsers, office suites, email clients, media players, and other software are used just like any other operating system. You can drag and drop, manage users, create new folders, and generally use your computer as before.

The biggest difference for end users is the interface. It also happens to be based on a traditional, straightforward concept. It has a lot of familiar features like start menu, application launcher, drag and drop, file manager, system tray, notifications and more.

These are not concepts or features for developers or command-line experts, but ideas that are fundamental to all operating systems. And as long as you stick to one of the major Linux distributions ( Ubuntu, Linux mint, Zorin OSetc.), it doesn’t hurt to speed things up a bit.

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After all, I did it in a time when Linux was actually (and really) challenging.

Sure, developers use Linux, but so do all other types of people. From designers to family, loved ones, and just about anyone who wants to use an operating system. Window misfortune.

By all accounts, Linux is much easier than you believe. The power of Linux certainly benefits developers and command-line savvy people, but that’s not the primary target audience. Linux is for everyone. If you’ve been wondering for a while, this is what you need so you can easily move to the open source way of doing things.