Just like Windows (95, Me,Vista,XP, 10, 11)OS and macOS (Mountain Lion, Yosemite, El Capita) there is a 3rd option. Linux! It’s free and available to anyone and is highly compatible with most if not all types of hardware. Like all things in life, there are caveats and ability to customize to your discretion. Do not be intimidated by the flavors that exist, such as Ubuntu, Mint, Arch and many many more! As an example there is steamOS used on the Steam Deck. This a a divergent version of another open source OS, that is compatible in using for mobile gaming. My verbiage is limited and very very broad and brief. The history of it all stems from one singularity, the kernel or the “brains” of the computer. All variants of operating systems stem from Unix. This is particularly due to use cases of specificity task, or goal of the program to accomplish.
Explain Like I'm Five
Simplifying Complexity, One Answer at a Time!
Rules
- Be respectful and inclusive.
- No harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
- Engage in constructive discussions.
- Share relevant content.
- Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
- Use appropriate language and tone.
- Report violations.
- Foster a continuous learning environment.
You can think of Linux as the underlying engine that runs your computer just like Windows 10/11 or MacOS.
Thankfully just like a car you don't need to fully understand the intricacies in order a Linux desktop🤗
Just adding to this, Linux is pretty ubiquitous these days, with it being found running billboards, menus, information screens, and many machines and appliances.
Though these versions are stripped down and no what you are used to from a desktop. They just have the kernel and a few services for the task at hand.
Communist Windows.
computer go brrr
It’s kinda similar to Unix.
I scrolled the comments and every single one is incorrect.
Linux is not an operating system. It is a kernel, which is an important component of an operating system. Operating systems that use the Linux kernel are often referred to as "Linux" for simplicity and brevity, though. It should be understood that when someone says "Linux" they typically are meaning "an operatjng system that uses the Linux kernel".
Linux is a vibe. Like a cosmic string vibrating in twelve dimensions all at once.