Experimenting with Linux

Over the years, I’ve switched operating systems many times; the big one being from Windows to macOS, but there have been many periods of time when I’ve chosen Linux as my OS of choice.

However, the term Linux can get somewhat confusing, does it refer to the underlying kernel or a specific distribution and its desktop experience? It doesn’t help that some Linux fans can become very passionate when talking about their favourite distribution and why it’s the only one you should even remotely consider.

To try and untangle this mess, I’m joined by Nick from The Linux Experiment to clarify exactly what the different parts of a Linux-based operating system are, why some people may be scared to give it a try, as well as looking at the hardware requirements, software availability, as well as taking a look at the future of Linux on ARM, and what Valve’s Steam Deck has done for gaming on Linux in general.

What’s been your experience with Linux? Do you daily drive a particular distribution that you love, or does the thought of moving away from Windows or macOS send shivers down your spine? We’d love to hear from you, so please send a note over to podcast@crossedwires.net, leave a comment on the post, or join the discussion over on our Discord server

If you liked this episode or any of our content, we’d greatly appreciate any little bit of support you can throw our way over at our Ko-Fi page.

Promotion

Since we’re talking about Linux, and as we mentioned in the episode our website is running on a Ubuntu server which we’re in the process of moving to our new partner, Linode – now part of Akamai.

If you want great pricing with fantastic customer support for all your Linux-based cloud computing needs, you can get $100 of free credit when you sign up here.

Episode Links

• The Linux Experiment – YouTube / PeerTube / Website
• Nick on Mastodon
• The Linux Foundation
• Distributions
  • Fedora
  • Ubuntu
  • Linux Mint
  • Pop!_os
  • Tiny Core Linux
  • Puppy Linux
  • Asahi LInux
• Desktop Environments
  • GNOME
  • KDE
  • Cinnamon
• Software
  • GIMP
  • Audacity
  • KDEN Live
  • LIbreOffice
  • 1Password for LInux
  • BitWarden
  • Unofficial OneDrive Client for Linux
• Videos
  • FRANCE BANS MS Office 365, Google Docs in schools: Linux & Open Source newsv – The LInux Experiment (YouTube)
  • How to use APPLE and iCloud Apps and Services on LINUX – The Linux Experiment (YouTube)
  • What the HECK is Hannah Montana Linux? (Yes, It’s Real) – Krazy Ken’s Tech Misadventures (YouTube)

Chapter Times

1. 00:00:04: Introductions
2. 00:06:56: What is Linux?
3. 00:11:36: Desktop Environments
4. 00:15:31: Why Switch from Windows or macOS?
5. 00:21:21: But will it run….
6. 00:26:47: Hardware Requirements & Non Supported OSes
7. 00:30:23: What Scares People About Linux?
8. 00:43:17: Software Options
9. 00:50:14: Linux on ARM
10. 00:56:25: Gaming on Linux
11. 01:04:58: Desert Island Distro
12. 01:10:13: Wrapping Up

Credits

Intro and outro theme: Ace of Clubs by RoccoW