Linux is technically the kernel—the core software that manages a computer’s hardware and resources. In everyday use, “Linux” usually means a complete operating system built around that kernel, packaged as a distribution, or “distro.” You can try one alongside Windows, inside a virtual machine, or by installing it directly on a computer; the right method depends on whether you want to change the computer’s setup and how isolated you want Linux to be.
What is Linux?
The Linux kernel is the central layer of software between a computer’s hardware and the programs that use it. It manages resources and provides operating-system functions. By itself, the kernel is not the complete desktop or server environment most people mean when they say they use Linux.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A usable system combines the kernel with other components, such as a filesystem, utilities, libraries, applications, and tools for installing and maintaining software. Debian describes Linux as the kernel of a Unix-like operating system and explains how a distribution assembles the broader system. Linux is often combined with GNU software; some projects and advocates call this combination GNU/Linux, while “Linux” is common shorthand. Debian’s definitions and overview explains the terminology.
Recommended Free Tools
What is a Linux distribution?
A Linux distribution, often shortened to “distro,” packages the Linux kernel with a chosen collection of system software and a way to install, update, and maintain it. Debian and Ubuntu are examples. There is no single universal Linux installer: you choose a distribution, then follow its instructions.
#1 Best Overall
Distributions can differ in their package formats and managers, default software, installation tools, maintenance routines, documentation, release schedules, hardware support, and support arrangements. That means an instruction or command that applies to one distribution may not apply to another. Ubuntu, for example, uses APT for package management; users should consult their own distribution’s documentation for its update process.
What is Linux used for?
Linux is used across a broad range of computing environments, but that breadth does not mean every distribution is suitable for every task. The Linux kernel documentation describes systems ranging from pocket-sized music players and desktop PCs to supercomputers, as well as embedded products that incorporate Linux. Debian describes its distribution as a full-featured Unix-compatible system.
As author Jonathan Corbet puts it in the kernel development documentation: “Since its humble beginning in 1991, this kernel has evolved into a best-of-breed operating system component which runs on pocket-sized digital music players, desktop PCs, the largest supercomputers in existence, and all types of systems in between.” The Linux kernel documentation also says the kernel began in 1991. It lists more than 8 million lines of code and well over 1,000 contributors to each release, but gives no measurement or publication year for those figures.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How can you try Linux?
You can run Linux without replacing the operating system already on your computer, or install it directly on the hardware. These options differ in how much they affect the host computer and what setup they require.
Rank #3
| Method | How it works | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) | Runs Linux distributions and tools within a Windows environment. | It is specific to Windows and is useful for running Linux tools alongside Windows. Microsoft documents wsl --install, which installs Ubuntu by default; other available distributions can be selected. |
| Virtual machine | Runs a Linux system as a guest inside a local computer or cloud environment using virtualization software. | The guest is separate from the host, but setup requires virtualization software and assigned memory and disk space. |
| Bare-metal installation | Runs Linux directly on the computer’s hardware. | It can involve rebooting to switch systems, checking device compatibility, and making disk or partition choices. An installation may erase a disk or set up a partition for dual boot. |
These are general trade-offs; your computer and goals determine which route is appropriate. Microsoft’s Linux installation guide describes WSL and a general bare-metal flow. It was last updated on 2024-01-22, so check the current instructions for your chosen distribution and device.
How to download and install Linux directly on a computer
For a bare-metal installation, you generally download an image for a selected distribution, use it to create bootable USB media, and start the computer from that drive. The exact screens, system requirements, supported hardware, and disk options vary by distribution and device.
- Choose a distribution. Consider what you want to do, your comfort with system configuration, supported hardware, release model, documentation, community help, and whether you need commercial support. Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, and openSUSE are examples, not a ranking.
- Check the distribution’s current installation instructions. Confirm that your computer is supported and review its system requirements and disk options before downloading anything.
- Download the distribution’s ISO image. Use the official instructions for the distribution you chose to identify the correct image and verify any installation guidance.
- Create bootable USB media. Microsoft’s outlined procedure typically uses a USB drive with at least 16 GB; that is a typical figure for its guide, not a requirement guaranteed for every distribution.
- Boot the computer from the USB drive. Follow your computer’s instructions for choosing a boot device, then use the distribution’s installer.
- Review disk and partition choices carefully. An installer may offer to erase a disk or use a partition for a dual-boot setup. Understand which drive and partition an option affects before continuing.
- Complete setup and create an account. Follow the installer’s prompts, then consult the distribution’s documentation to learn its package manager and update procedure.
For Debian-specific documentation, see the Debian Documentation index. Installation steps should come from the current documentation for the distribution you actually selected.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhich Linux distribution should you choose?
There is no single best choice for everyone, and the examples here are not ranked. Compare distributions against the requirements of your task and computer rather than assuming that all Linux systems share the same installer, software, or support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Intended use: Look for a distribution whose software and documentation fit what you want to do.
- Configuration comfort: Consider how much setup and ongoing system administration you are prepared to handle.
- Hardware support: Check compatibility with your computer and devices using the distribution’s current documentation.
- Release model and maintenance: Confirm how the distribution delivers updates and what maintenance process it expects.
- Help and support: Review available documentation and community resources; determine whether you need a commercial support arrangement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
