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Unconsciously, I have been using Linux daily for the sixth year now. One word to summarize: “comfortable.”
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Unconsciously, I have been using Linux daily for six years now. To sum it up in one word: “comfortable.”
Linux, perhaps in many readers’ impressions, is “hard to use” and “high threshold,” with various “discouragements.” To use it, most people at best settle for running it in a virtual machine or dual booting alongside Windows. Using it as the sole system on a computer might be considered a challenge.
However, for me, Linux is indispensable in my daily life. Both of my classic ThinkPad laptops only have Arch Linux installed as their Linux distribution. Thanks to the highly optimized development team and rich software resources, working and entertaining on distributions like Arch Linux offers an experience fully comparable to the “two giants,” Windows and macOS, and I enjoy it every day.
In fact, there is a threshold to using Linux as a daily operating system, but it is far not as high as one might imagine. Once you understand the essence of this threshold and use the right methods and skills to “navigate,” you will find that crossing this threshold is surprisingly easy.
Next, I will share my experience and insights on daily Linux use, aiming to help everyone easily overcome the threshold and “fall in love with Linux again.”
How I Started Using Linux Daily
I started touching Linux in high school. Initially, just like many beginners, Linux coexisted with Windows and was used mainly as the system for programming and development. The main battlefield was still Windows.
Until 2018. At that time, I was a junior in university. Carrying a 15.6-inch laptop everywhere was inconvenient, so I wanted to get a lightweight laptop. I am a fan of the classic ThinkPad, always amazed by the professional-looking indicator lights under the ThinkPad screen at my middle school classmates’ houses. So I decisively bought a ThinkPad X200.
However, the ThinkPad X200 was already a laptop from nearly 10 years ago; its specs lagged behind the times:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 2.4 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB DDR3
- Graphics: Intel GM45 integrated graphics
- Storage: 128 GB SSD (upgraded by myself)
This configuration was more than enough for Windows 7, but Microsoft no longer supported it; running Windows 10 was tough, 4GB RAM was barely enough. I even tried running macOS: it could boot but lacked drivers and was unusable.
At that time, I remembered that a classmate in the club’s group was using a Linux distribution called Deepin. So why not try it? I decisively downloaded and installed Deepin, then installed WPS and other common software, officially starting my single-system Linux daily usage. This X200 became my learning partner, accompanying me through my final undergraduate year. I wrote my thesis entirely on it, and in my spare time, wrote programs, used Docker, watched videos… I was delighted.
Unconsciously, Linux had become part of my life, and Deepin gave new life to this decade-plus-old laptop, still sharp and fighting. Of course, I didn’t stop there. After graduation, I tried Linux Mint, Manjaro, and Arch Linux one after another, ultimately choosing Arch Linux as my home.
The Arch installation process was initially challenging, but it didn’t defeat my passion for technology, and I enjoyed the feeling of controlling the entire installation process. With Arch, the X200’s performance improved noticeably, running smoothly and continuing to accompany me.
Concerns About Daily Linux Use
After briefly sharing my daily Linux experience, I think some of you may have gained a fresh perspective on Linux. However, as one of the “three giants” of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), Linux’s weight is not as high, but the technical demands are somewhat greater, which may cause worries about daily use. Let me clarify a few points.
Is the threshold high?
When talking about Linux, some might ask, does it require strong computer knowledge to master? Do you have to memorize a bunch of commands like when learning DOS back in the day? Is it harder to use than Windows? And so on.
Actually, no. Many current Linux distributions are aimed at personal users. They come with desktop environments (Desktop Environment), which simply put, is a graphical interface you enter immediately after installation. They provide a set of graphical applications, including file management, multimedia, web browsing, system settings, etc., all as complete as what you use on Windows and macOS.
The distribution shown is Zorin OS, featuring an out-of-the-box desktop experience. (Image source: Zorin OS official website)
As for distributions like DOS that require you to input commands in a black terminal, these are generally aimed at enterprise and professional users. Examples include CentOS, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu Server as server OSes, and Arch Linux, Alpine Linux as hardcore distributions for enthusiasts. Beginners usually don’t need to touch these distributions, so no need to worry.
If you only use graphical interfaces, essential apps like file managers don’t require tutorials because their interfaces are straightforward, greatly lowering the usage threshold.
If you want to delve deeper, as an OS supported by developer communities, Linux and its distributions provide thorough technical support and are backed by many enthusiasts willing to contribute documentation and tutorials for free, such as:
- If you’re a beginner, many tutorial sites are available, like the one I highly recommend Runoob, which offers a clear and simple Linux beginner’s guide. Though aimed at server administration, it suits beginners to understand Linux commands.
- The famous Linux guru Bird also launched “Bird’s Linux Home Cooking: Basic Learning” to help you master Linux from shallow to deep levels.
- Don’t know how to use Linux commands or software? Just search on Bing or other search engines; you’ll find plenty of tutorials written by tech experts.
Also, I personally think many high-tech, difficult Windows features make it not simpler than Linux—for example, PowerShell, DISM (system image and component management tool), and many system management tools in the system32 folder. If you’ve ever explored the Windows directory and registry, you might have been amazed by the labyrinth-like complex and vast file structure.
Fortunately, Windows is well designed, so most of the time, we don’t face such advanced tasks. Similarly, user-friendly distributions like Deepin and Manjaro benefit from well-designed desktop environments allowing new users to complete daily tasks with just a few mouse clicks.
Is the interface hard to use?
When browsing SSPAI’s Linux-related articles, some netizens suggest not using Linux daily, saying “just use a virtual machine a bit” or “if you use Linux, don’t install a desktop; just obediently enter commands in terminal mode.”
In fact, decades ago or even in the early 2010s, there was some truth to these views as they pointed out one pain point of Linux: lack of a good desktop environment (DE). Early Linux desktop environments were incomplete, with operation logic far from familiar Windows, and their UI style was like a “living fossil,” outdated and left behind by contemporary Windows Vista and Windows 7.
For example, the picture below shows Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE), restoring the KDE 3.x era interface style from over a decade ago. It shows how desktop design was like back then. Back then, users really needed to invest a lot of effort to accept and adapt.
TDE interface. Taskbar at the top, narrow margin widgets, small icons — it really took effort to get used to it. (Image source: TDE official website)
Fortunately, the Linux community keeps up with the times. Thanks to the joint efforts of development teams and volunteers, today’s Linux desktop environments have fully evolved. Whether in operation, UI design, or performance, they are increasingly modern and friendly to beginners. For example, today’s KDE 6.x desktop environment has operations close to Windows, using a fresh flat design that’s easier and more comfortable:
Today’s KDE Plasma. (Image source: KDE Plasma Official Website)
Also, Linux Mint uses Cinnamon and China’s UBuntu Kylin developed UKUI. Both desktop environments are elegant and allow you to control Linux in a familiar way, very easy to use.
It’s worth mentioning that China’s government and institutions use domestically made UKUI-preinstalled PCs with domestic systems such as Galaxy Kylin to help government workers lower the cost of learning and smoothly transition their work environment.
Cinnamon desktop environment, understated, luxurious, elegant, yet easy to use. (Image source: Linux Mint official website)
UKUI desktop environment, overall interface design follows Windows closely to help users quickly get started and reduce learning costs. (Image source: UKUI official website)
Besides these, there are also worthwhile desktop environments such as Xfce, MATE, LXQt, and Deepin’s DDE.
The evolution of desktop environments has freed today’s Linux distributions from the “hard-to-use interface” limitation. Their ease and convenience are now on par with Windows and macOS. Now, all that’s left is for you to try.
Is the operation unfamiliar?
New Linux users may worry most about whether they can adapt to Linux’s operating logic. Computer tutorials over the years are Windows-centered, so many folks have Windows-based experience. Some Linux desktop environments come with interface layouts and operating habits very different from Windows by default, forcing users to face adaptation challenges.
Fortunately, many development teams have made breakthroughs and enabled Windows users to quickly get started with Linux distributions:
- Many distributions and desktop environments are designed to be as Windows-like as possible. Examples mentioned above like Zorin OS, Linux Mint, and Galaxy Kylin and You Kylin with UKUI reproduce Windows’ operation experience, greatly reducing the learning cost.
- Some distributions optimize existing desktop environments to enhance usability. For example, Manjaro deeply customizes Xfce, placing the taskbar at the bottom and installing an enhanced launcher plugin (like a “Start menu”), making it friendly to beginners.
Therefore, I recommend prioritizing these beginner-friendly distributions.
Are software resources lacking?
More than a decade ago, lack of software was a real “Achilles’ heel” for desktop Linux distributions, enough to discourage users trying Linux. Major companies rarely released Linux versions of software; if they did, they lagged behind other two major platforms, failing to ensure a consistent experience. Existing Linux software, though having some good products, often couldn’t compare to professional competitors.
The situation is very different now. Both big companies and open-source developers increasingly value Linux, which once was a “software wilderness” but has transformed into a “software granary.”
Consider these encouraging examples:
- Office Software: The birth of WPS for Linux has completely changed the long-standing shortage of office tools on Linux, making smooth office work no longer a dream.
- Development Tools: Microsoft released a Linux version of Visual Studio Code, and JetBrains’ flagship IDEs run natively on Linux.
- Web Browsers: Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have long offered Linux versions, with feature parity to Windows.
- Media Playback: You can use VLC, SMPlayer for videos, and Audacious for music.
- Gaming: The famous game platform Steam has an official Linux release, making gaming dreams possible.
Distribution developers are also working hard to improve Linux’s software ecosystem. Deepin is the most active in software adaptation; its app store offers many common apps, covering everything from office to media entertainment, even familiar apps like QQ, WeChat, and WPS.
Deepin official introduction of its app store. (Image source: Deepin)
Other distributions don’t have a “software drought” issue either. My daily distribution, Arch Linux, has an official repository that covers basically everything needed for daily use. For commercial software not in official repos, you can use AUR (Arch Linux User Repository) to install, such as WPS.
Additionally, even if software is Windows-only, you can run it on Linux using Wine. Wine is a compatibility layer allowing Windows apps to run seamlessly on Linux, greatly expanding Linux’s software ecosystem.
Of course, this is only a small part of Linux’s software ecosystem. Once you start using Linux daily, you will be amazed by its thriving software environment, and the previously unthinkable daily experience will be right before your eyes and beside you.
Benefits of Using Linux Daily
From my experience, I love Linux not only because it’s part of my life but also for the real benefits it brings.
Old machines come back to life
Linux distributions generally have low hardware requirements; even computers from over a decade ago can run smoothly.
I have two “antique” ThinkPads: X200 and R400. Both have only 4GB of RAM and relatively low processor speeds (2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz respectively). Running Windows 10 and 11 on them is already laborious.
However, after installing Arch Linux, these old machines were revitalized, combined with SATA SSDs, they feel like new again. Software launches instantly and runs smoothly. Also, thanks to Arch’s rolling update system, these laptops can always use the latest LTS kernel and application software, ensuring security and performance.
Thus, at extremely low prices, I can buy old secondhand laptops and pair them with a Linux distribution to add reliable “workhorses” to my setup.
Promoting environmental protection and resource utilization
Next, let’s look at the bigger picture.
Every year, a huge number of computers are discarded due to “outdated configurations.” Windows 11’s so-called upgrade standards — starting from Core 8th Gen plus TPM support — cause many otherwise capable computers to be unable to enjoy the latest Windows services and be forced to be “retired.”
This is a kind of resource waste. These computers can still easily run Linux distributions—typically personal Linux distros require just a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, SATA SSD, and not more. Enabling these computers to run Linux effectively reduces waste and helps the planet “lighten its load.”
Zorin OS is a distribution responsible for the planet, supporting computers up to 15 years old, helping customers save on device upgrades and reduce electronic waste production:
Zorin OS supports computers as old as 15 years to help customers save money on device replacement and reduce electronic waste. (Image source: Zorin OS official website)Other distributions paired with lightweight desktop environments, such as Xubuntu (Ubuntu with Xfce pre-installed), Manjaro (choose the version with Xfce pre-installed), and Linux Mint (choose the version with MATE Desktop pre-installed), also help you revive the value of your “vintage” machines. Of course, if your computer is equipped with powerful “veteran” hardware, such as a Core desktop processor, you can confidently choose full-powered large desktop environments like Gnome, KDE, DDE, Cinnamon, and others.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
The slightly higher learning curve of Linux means users can learn genuine computer application skills through exploring Linux. Because the knowledge involved in daily use requires your own investigation, and the problems you encounter need you to solve them yourself, every time you resolve an issue becomes a boost on your path to mastering computers.
The process of solving problems is not as difficult as climbing to the sky. Thanks to the community support for Linux distributions and software, you can consult the documentation of the distribution and software, and you can also search blogs by enthusiasts using search engines like Bing. Here are two examples:
- If you use Manjaro and don’t know how to use the Pacman command, you can search on Bing for “pacman beginner” or “pacman usage.”
- If a program runs into an error, you can note down the error message and similarly search for it using a search engine.
For beginners, many basic issues can be solved using the above approach, so don’t worry too much. In the process of searching for solutions, as you practice, you will gradually accumulate experience unknowingly.
This is exactly how I developed my skills—starting from experimenting with Linux commands on an Android smart MP4, to now using Linux daily. My abundant experience has been accumulated imperceptibly through continuous “questioning” and practice. I believe you can do the same. (From my experience, this process of exploration and problem-solving is the same on Windows and macOS.)
Final Words
These are some of my daily experiences using Linux. I believe this article can update your views on Linux and its distributions.
Linux, like the other two major platforms Windows and macOS, can be friendly and approachable to beginners. Its threshold is not as high as you might imagine. For personal users and beginners, by choosing the right distribution and desktop environment, Linux offers excellent usability and can improve your work and life experience—especially when you, like me, choose older machines like the ThinkPad X200 as your main device.
If you have the chance and interest, why not give it a try?
Featured image source: KDE Official Website
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