Now we have lots of people right here on the MUO crew that love and adore Linux prefer it was their firstborn little one. There are various, many causes to like the working system, however even in 2026, there are some unusual myths that make Linux really feel like this legendary being that requires a level in Linuxology to grasp tips on how to use it. I will be the primary to confess that I fell for a lot of of those myths for a lot too lengthy.
However after utilizing Linux on a Chromebook that I transformed right into a House Assistant server, I’ve discovered that it is an extremely competent working system. You need not hack the mainframe to vary your wallpaper, because the memes say, and I am unhappy that it took me this lengthy to understand Linux is definitely unbelievable for many every day duties.
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The state of Linux gaming in 2026: how shut are we to 100% compatibility?
Take notes, Epic Video games.
Fable 1: The command line
No, I need not grasp the command line simply to open an online browser
One of many greatest Linux myths that stored me from making an attempt the OS for the longest time was the oft-repeated “command line” state of affairs. For those who needed to make use of Linux to its full potential, you’d have to grasp the command line to do principally something. This simply is not true, particularly in additional fashionable Linux installations. Utilizing Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, and even Fedora distros, you’ll be able to merely use your pc like a pc. For those who’ve used any fashionable launch of Home windows, utilizing Mint goes to really feel similar to second nature, solely with out the AI bloatware. You will not discover Copilot or Recall on any Linux distro, and which may be purpose sufficient for some people to maneuver over. Plus, with App Shops being on most fashionable Linux installations, you do not have to fret about sustaining random recordsdata that you’ve got downloaded from the web. Obtain it from the Uncover retailer, and let the software program replace apps for you.
Trendy Linux desktops have correct GUIs for shops and {hardware} settings, installers that work usually and equally to Home windows, and extra. I got here to this realization the primary time I had to make use of desktop mode in SteamOS on my Steam Deck when my desktop’s energy provide randomly died on me, and I used to be in a position to get my every day workflow accomplished with none fuss. Cameras, microphones, and every thing in between labored precisely as they did on my Home windows set up on my essential desktop, and I used to be shocked that I by no means needed to open the terminal as soon as.
Fable 2: Gaming is horrible
Quite the opposite, gaming may very well be barely higher on Linux
To be honest, roughly a decade in the past, this will have been extra true. I bear in mind making an attempt to play Minecraft with a buddy who was totally ingrained within the Linux ecosystem, and it was a little bit of a nightmare. They might run into points that I had by no means skilled earlier than, whereas I used to be inserting blocks with the very best of them. However at this time limit, I feel it will be secure to say that Linux has caught as much as Home windows, and in some methods, surpassed it on the gaming entrance. However with gaming-centric distros like SteamOS and Bazzite main the cost, single-player gaming is smoother than ever, with higher body charges, decrease latency, and extra. Seeing because the Steam Deck is common, increasingly more builders are striving to make sure their video games work on Linux. Multiplayer gaming, then again, generally is a bit harder on Linux than on Home windows.
That is primarily as a result of anti-cheat on the kernel degree. Since Linux lets customers tweak their kernel settings nonetheless they’d like, many common multiplayer video games are incompatible with it. Name of Responsibility, Escape from Tarkov, and loads of different titles aren’t playable on any Linux set up, so maintain that in thoughts when you’re primarily a multiplayer gamer. You may test websites like AreWeAntiCheatYet or ProtonDB to confirm whether or not your favourite recreation will work on Linux.
Fable 3: {Hardware} assist is lackluster
Most drivers, at this level, simply work with Linux with none tinkering
Picture by Jayric Maning –no attributions requiredCredit: Jayric Maning / MakeUseOf
Linux has made huge enhancements on this sector over the previous few years. Whereas some issues should still not work as supposed on a Linux system, the overwhelming majority of {hardware} ought to work on almost each distro at this level. You will have a elaborate gaming keyboard that requires Razer or ASUS software program on Home windows to manage the RGB capabilities, however open-source software program like OpenRGB ought to do the job simply as properly on Linux. Seeing as Linux firmware updates usually embody driver updates, your gadgets should still replace with out your particular software program. Not like Home windows, the place you usually should search out drivers on producer web sites, the Linux kernel contains most drivers by default. This implies your {hardware} usually works as quickly as you plug it in. Fortunately, going again to level primary, I need not mess with the command line to get these packages working.
Many packages I exploit on Home windows, like LibreOffice, DaVinci Resolve, Android Studio, VLC, and Jellyfin, have native Linux shoppers that work simply in addition to their Home windows counterparts. Many open-source instruments are developed with Linux in thoughts, so when you’re interested in taking the plunge from Home windows to Linux your self, make sure to test whether or not your favourite apps can be found.
You would be stunned on the variety of occasions I’ve heard this
Picture taken by Yadullah Abidi | No attribution required.
As somebody who’s genuinely very curious and contemplative about switching from a Home windows construct to a full Linux working system, I’ve spent lots of time shopping boards. Very similar to gaming, when you have been to ask me a couple of decade in the past to change to Linux, I would agree that the neighborhood may very well be unhelpful at occasions. There was a little bit of a “git gud” mentality surrounding Linux again within the day, however now? You may hop onto a discussion board like Reddit and get tons of assist turning Linux into your dream OS. Take a look at r/Linux when you’re curious to see for your self, however I am seeing much more assist and lots much less “test the guide”. Test the Arch Wiki or Ubuntu Documentation for much more assist than you’ll have ever imagined, too.
I have been checking this out each every now and then, and whereas I am not posting there myself, the neighborhood surrounding totally different distros appears very welcoming and excited to see new members be part of the Linux crew. It might be a bit earlier than I lastly make the leap myself, as I’ve lots of information to again up, however I do know the place I will flip if I’ve any questions sooner or later.
Linux retains calling my identify increasingly more day-after-day
I have been interested in Linux for fairly a while. It is an intriguing OS that retains getting higher with age. Whereas I’ve lots of time invested in Home windows, the gaming advantages that I’ve seen, alongside the general “bloatless” design, are calling my identify increasingly more. It might lastly be time for me to leap from Home windows to Penguins.
