I first heard about Linux during my school years in an ICT class. Until then, I was only familiar with Windows XP, which I had been using, and Mac OS, which I thought only some elite users utilized.

My ICT textbook mentioned Ubuntu, emphasizing that it was a free and open-source operating system. The screenshots of Ubuntu in the textbook looked intriguing to me. So, the next time my old Compaq PC malfunctioned, I visited the local computer shop and asked the technician to install Ubuntu. To my surprise, he commented, “It’s not commonly used in India; it’s mostly for China, and it might not work well.” As a result, he reinstalled Windows XP for me, and my interest in Linux was put on hold.

Fast forward to 2019, when I enrolled in college for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering. In my second year, we had a course on Operating Systems. It was during this course that I rekindled my interest in Linux. We had practical sessions involving basic Linux commands for tasks like managing processes, creating directories, and working with files. At that time, I was using Windows 10, and, like many others, I set up a virtual machine with Kali Linux for experimentation. I found myself increasingly drawn into the world of Linux. I started using Kali and Parrot OS in my virtual machine more than Windows. However, running an OS in a virtual machine had its limitations.

This led me to make the decision to dual-boot Linux alongside Windows. The quest to choose the “best Linux distribution” can be daunting, with numerous guides and YouTube videos available. But let me simplify it for you: choose one that resonates with you, as the beauty of Linux lies in its flexibility. For beginners, a distro like Linux Mint can be a great choice, as it offers a pre-configured environment. However, if you’re more experienced, I’d recommend exploring Debian or Arch Linux and customizing them to your needs. The real allure of Linux is the freedom it offers—freedom to tinker, break things, and learn from the experience.

I chose Garuda Linux as my first distro, and I loved it. But let me be clear: switching to Linux is not always a walk in the park. You’ll encounter challenges, possibly even breaking things (as I did), but the journey is well worth it. When people say Linux is free, they aren’t referring to the price; they mean it offers freedom. You’re free to do as you please, to make it your own, and to learn by trial and error. You’re free to choose your distribution, select your software, and configure every aspect to your liking.

I now primarily use EndeavourOS and haven’t booted into Windows for over two and a half years. Windows feels bloated and sluggish in comparison.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Linux is its vibrant and supportive community. You’ll find solutions to nearly every problem you encounter. Moreover, Linux offers a wide array of open-source software alternatives to the proprietary applications you were accustomed to on Windows, many of which are often superior. Updates are handled efficiently and swiftly. I could go on, but I encourage you to give Linux a try. The initial learning curve might be steep, as it’s an entirely new operating system, but once you get the hang of it, you may never look back to Windows.