Why Everyone Makes Linux Sound More Complicated Than It Is: Kernel vs. Distro

If you've started looking into Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. , you've probably run into words like kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks and distribution (or distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system ). A lot of Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. explanations assume you already speak the language, which can make the whole thing feel more complicated than it really is.

The Crosswalk is where I translate those ideas into plain English. (Even notice that I've created a glossary so you can hover over new terms as many times as you need.) By the end of this article, you'll understand what those two words mean and why you don't need to memorize technical jargon just to try Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. .

I've used Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. for years at home and at work, but the real test is at home. I have to think about what my family needs and not just what I need for it to work for me. Many of my tasks are done via a browser Lets you visit pages on the internet, examples are Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Brave. . I open Firefox or Brave and my son can do his homework. I can send and read e-mails or look at my calendar, but I prefer to use my Proton apps and Thunderbird for those things, and they work. We migrated to Steam and Nintendo for games, so those are covered.

Kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks

So we'll start with an analogy. Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. is a kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks . It's like the conductor of an orchestra. The conductor directs the different sections, like the strings, brass, wind, and percussion. You can swap out instruments, or even sections, or add new ones, but the conductor is the same.

In your computer, the kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks is software that talks to the hardware, like your screen, keyboard, wifi, or printer. It controls access to hardware resources.

Distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system (short for distribution)

The distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system is the full orchestra. It can be customized for a different sound, and has all the pieces to be complete.

Programmers take the kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks and build a complete usable operating system The core software that manages a computer and lets applications run. This would be Windows or MacOS on computers, Android or iOS for phones, for example. out of it, including a desktop, default apps, installer, updates, and all that. There are so many distros Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system to choose from because you have unlimited mix and match options.

The difference between Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. and Windows or MacOS is that the Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. kernel a low-level, core piece of software on a computer that controls fundamental tasks and most distros Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system are free and open source Software whose code is publicly available and modifiable. Transparency, collaboration, and often free as in free lunch are important parts of the open source model. software (FOSS). This means there's no license fee, no company deciding to kill the product in five years, and no forced subscription tier. Think about how many subscriptions you're paying for right now, like phone, internet, streaming, cloud storage. Now imagine your Windows or MacOS system as another monthly charge that you can cancel anytime. They add cost to a computer's price.

Another benefit I really like a lot is it can extend the life of an old computer you might otherwise send to the landfill. It can reduce e-waste.

You're not renting your computer's foundation from someone else. You own it.

Free, choice, ownership may matter more to me than it might to you right now, and that's ok. I'll continue posting about why I think open source Software whose code is publicly available and modifiable. Transparency, collaboration, and often free as in free lunch are important parts of the open source model. software offers something good and practical.

But the current practical question is "Which distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system should I try?"

Choosing a distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system

The Crosswalk helps you figure out what distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system fits your life, so you come out the other side with something affordable, safer, and more pleasant to use than what you had before. I have three recommendations based on where you're coming from.

Zorin OS - from Windows or Mac

There are many distros Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system to choose from. Zorin OS will feel familiar out of the box if you're coming from Windows. If you're a Mac user, the Zorin OS pro paid option has a feature offering a Mac desktop layout, according to It's FOSS.

You'll know where things are. You'll be able to immediately install your favorite apps, browse the web, and send an email. You're not starting over with a big learning curve just to use the thing.

I like Zorin OS because they focus on privacy and it's built by a small team who is upfront about what the OS does and doesn't collect on you.

Linux Mint - From Windows

The other distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system that is probably recommended the most to newcomers is Mint. It's been around a little longer and has a big community. If you have a question, someone has likely asked and gotten an answer on a forum somewhere. The "Cinnamon" version has the most familiar feel to it if you're coming from Windows.

elementaryOS - From Mac

One source that recommends this is It's FOSS, this distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system called elementaryOS is the most Mac-like one. If you go to the website to download it, you'll see a box that says "pay what you can." You can enter $0 for "custom" to try it out. I haven't tried this one myself but the website makes it look real nice!

Why Zorin and Mint?

Both Zorin and Mint are good choices, free, and built by people who aren't trying to nickle-and-dime you. They can work for a regular person who needs something solid to browse the web, manage photos, send emails, help the kids with homework, pay the bills, all that kind of daily-to-day.

Try it first

Here's something that might ease your biggest worry is that you don't have to install it on your computer in order to try it for yourself.

Check out this post about how to try Linux with a bootable live USB.

If you're nervous you'll mess something up, that's normal and smart. Back up important files somewhere before you do anything. Check here for some tips on how to back up files.