13 Common Linux Myths Debunked (With Real Facts)

Linux is a powerful, open-source (free and modifiable) operating system that runs on everything from smartphones and smart TVs to huge servers behind the internet. But it also has a lot of myths around it – ideas that started long ago and got repeated by people who never tried modern Linux. In this guide, we’ll clear up the 13 most common Linux myths and misconceptions in detail.

Myth 1: Linux is only for Geeks or Programmers

It’s easy to think Linux is a mysterious OS only a nerd could handle. In the past, Linux did look different (often just a black screen and text).

Today, most Linux versions have user-friendly desktops with icons, menus and app stores. Beginner-friendly distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS or Zorin OS come with graphics and click-able settings.

You can click around and do everyday things (like email, browsing, or watching videos) just like on any computer.

It may surprise you, but many people already use Linux without even realizing it. Android phones, Chromebooks, and even some smart TVs all run on Linux under the hood.

So Linux is in millions of devices, not just lab computers. You don’t have to be a programmer to use it. Most people use Linux just by turning on their device.

Myth 2: You have to use the Command line for Everything

Some users say "Linux = only command line." You must use the command line for every task. Linux is too hard to learn. These all are outdated Linux myths.

Yes, Linux has a terminal (text console), but most desktop Linux is graphical, not text-only.

You can install software from a "software center" application, adjust settings with a mouse, and browse the web in a normal browser window.

The terminal is just an optional tool for advanced tasks, not something you must use.

To be clear: you don’t need to memorize commands. Just like on Windows or Mac, you click icons and launch programs.

Linux does include powerful command-line tools for coders or system admins, but everyday computer use works the same as any other OS.

In fact, learning to use Linux is no harder than learning to use a new smartphone or tablet: it’s mostly clicking familiar buttons and menus.

Recommended Read:

• Fundamental Linux Commands For Newbies
• Essential Linux Commands Every Beginner Should Know
• The Best Modern Linux Commands For Beginners And Experts
• Linux Command Line Tricks For Efficient And Faster Workflow

Myth 3: Linux has Limited Essential Apps

Another big myth is that "Linux lacks essential applications and in fact, there’s very limited applications on Linux." It is not true.

Actually, modern Linux comes with hundreds of applications built-in or easy to install. And, Linux software repositories host thousands of applications. For example, Debian 12 and Ubuntu 24.04 have tens of thousands of software packages available in their repositories.

For daily tasks, you get things like an office suite (LibreOffice or OnlyOffice), email programs, video players, image editors, and more.

Popular programs like Google Chrome, Firefox, VLC and Dropbox all have Linux versions. Even Microsoft Office documents open fine with free software on Linux.

• LibreOffice or OnlyOffice (free office suites) – these can edit documents and spreadsheets like MS Office.
• GIMP or Krita for image editing (similar to Photoshop).
• Showtime or VLC or MPV for playing videos and music.

What if you really need a Windows program?

You can run Windows apps on Linux using compatibility layers and tools like Bottles, Wine or in a virtual machine. You can even run good-old MS-DOS Games in Linux too.

Myth 4: Linux is Not Suitable for Gaming

This was true historically, but is changing rapidly. Nowadays, gaming on Linux has improved a lot.

Modern Linux distros and technologies like Proton (developed by Valve) have significantly improved gaming compatibility and performance on Linux.

The Steam gaming platform offers 2500+ native Linux games, and tools like Proton/Wine let you run many Windows games.

There are also many third-party tools, like Gamehub, Lutris, exist to easily install and run Games on GNU/Linux.

In short, the gap between "games on Linux" and other systems keeps shrinking.

Myth 5: Linux is Secure / It has No Viruses or Open Source is unsafe

Some people think open-source means "less secure," or that "Linux just has no viruses or malware."

The truth is: no operating system is invulnerable.

Linux can be attacked if it’s not kept updated or if a user runs unsafe software. However, Linux is designed with strong security in mind.

Normal users on Linux do not have the rights to change core system files, so it’s harder for a virus program to take over.

Also, because Linux’s code is open to everyone (transparency), thousands of developers and users help find and fix bugs quickly. Open code doesn’t make it weaker – it means more eyes on problems.

On the flip side, Linux is not magically immune.

While transparency allows community audits, it also lets attackers study code for vulnerabilities. The 2024 XZ backdoor incident, hidden in a compression tool, exposed how even trusted contributors can introduce malicious code.

Also, if you use a weak password or skip updates, problems can happen.

A good rule of thumb is: "the only truly secure computer is one you never turn on".

In practice, just like Windows or macOS, you should keep Linux updated and be careful where you click. When you do that, Linux is very well protected, despite the myth that "it’s unsafe because it’s free".

Recommended Read:

• How To Enable Automatic Security Updates In Debian
• Install Updates And Security Patches Automatically In Ubuntu
• How To Apply Updates Automatically With dnf-automatic In RHEL, AlmaLinux And Rocky Linux

Myth 6: Linux is Unstable or Constantly Changing

Some think "Linux is a toy that crashes" or "it changes too fast."

Actually, Linux is well-known for stability. It powers web servers, ATMs, spacecraft, and even supercomputers with very high uptime.

Did you know that all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers run Linux? That’s because Linux offers a level of flexibility and customization that proprietary operating systems can’t match.

At the same time, Linux is not just for supercomputers. Many distributions, like Ubuntu, offer Long Term Support (LTS) releases that prioritize stability and reliability.

These releases receive regular, thoroughly tested updates, making them ideal for desktops, servers, and production environments where uptime matters more than bleeding-edge features.

With the right setup, you can run Linux for months or even years without rebooting, something harder to do on some other OS’s.

It’s also flexible. You can choose how quickly to upgrade. If you like the latest features, you can move fast; or you can stick with an older stable release to get only critical security fixes.

Either way, Linux doesn’t force unexpected changes on you. It gives you the option of "cutting-edge" or "bulletproof" mode, whichever you prefer.

Recommended Read:

• How To Enable Ubuntu Pro For FREE To Get 10 Years Of Security Updates
• Enable Backports And Testing Repositories In Debian

Myth 7: Linux has Poor Hardware Support

In the old days, Linux sometimes needed extra effort to work with new hardware, so this myth started back then.

Today, popular Linux distributions include a huge range of drivers out of the box. Printers, webcams, Wi-Fi cards, graphics chips, and so many devices "just work" as soon as you plug them in.

Linux also extends the life of older hardware, making aging computers useful and responsive again.

In fact, there are stories of some older devices that had no Windows driver but worked fine under Linux.

That said, some very new or unusual hardware can still be tricky. The latest laptops or bleeding-edge graphics cards (like NVIDIA) might need an extra driver or tweak. But the Linux community often writes those drivers quickly.

Most home PC users find their devices work out of the box. And if something breaks (often due to choosing the wrong third-party driver), community forums usually have a fix.

So the idea that "Linux can’t detect hardware" is largely false.

Myth 8: There are Too Many Versions of Linux / It’s Fragmented

Yes, Linux comes in many "distributions" (or distros), and that can seem confusing at first. There are Arch Linux, Fedora, Debian, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Ubuntu and dozens more, each with its own setup. However, they all share the same core (the Linux kernel) and a lot of the same software.

For a new user, the simplest approach is to pick one popular distro (like Ubuntu or Linux Mint or Zorin OS) and stick with it. Most people just use the default desktop on their distro and never worry about the rest.

Actually, having many distros can be a good thing. How? Each tries different ideas, and the best ideas spread. Experts say the "too many choices" worry is overblown because common features (file managers, apps, package systems) tend to work the same across distros.

You don’t have to learn them all at once. In fact, once you settle on a distro like Ubuntu or Mint, it feels a lot like any other operating system.

While there are over 1,000 distributions, most share core components (e.g., systemd, GNOME/KDE). Tools like Flatpak and Snap ensure apps run across distros, reducing fragmentation issues.

New technologies like containers even let you run the same app on almost any distro.

Pro Tip:

If you struggle to choose a best distro for you, I recommend you to try DistroSea, a free, web-based platform that allows users to test various Linux distributions online.

With DistroSea, you can try out different operating systems without having to install them on your own machine. This makes it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore various Linux distributions and their features.

Myth 9: Linux is only for Servers and Enterprises

It’s true Linux dominates the server world (powering most websites and big data centers), but that doesn’t mean it’s only for sysadmins. In fact, Linux is also used on millions of home PCs and laptops.

Many Linux distributions are made specifically for everyday desktop use, not just for enterprise. For example, some distros are only available in a user-friendly desktop version (like Zorin OS or elementary OS).

Businesses often use Linux because it can be more secure and cost-effective (no license fees). But individuals and schools use it just as well.

You can write documents, edit photos, make videos, and even play games on a Linux PC – exactly the same tasks you’d do on Windows or Mac.

In short, Linux isn’t just a business or enterprise tool. It’s a full-featured operating system for anyone.

Myth 10: You Can’t do anything Important on Linux

A related myth is that "Linux can’t run professional or business software." It’s true that some specialized programs (like Adobe After Effects or AutoCAD) are mostly on Windows. However, for most work you will find great Linux alternatives.

LibreOffice or OnlyOffice can handle your documents and spreadsheets. GIMP or Krita can edit images. Blender or Kdenlive can make videos.

Developers and scientists often prefer Linux for programming tools. Plus, many modern applications are cloud-based or web apps (running in a browser), so the underlying OS matters less.

Over the years, Linux has shown it can handle both creative and business tasks. For example, Red Hat points out that Linux used to be pigeonholed as either a "server only" or "gaming" platform, but today companies use it for animation studios, music production, finance, databases, and much more.

In practice, whatever you need to do on a computer, Linux almost certainly has the tools to do it.

Myth 11: Installing Linux is Difficult

Some users may find difficulties with Linux installation and setup, particularly with specific hardware or complex configurations.

But, in my humble opinion, installing modern distributions like Ubuntu or Mint to be relatively easy, sometimes even easier than installing Windows or macOS.

The initial setup and configuration, including partitioning and driver issues, can be stumbling blocks for beginners. However, simplified installers and user-friendly distributions aim to make this process smoother.

Distributions like Ubuntu offer automated installation in under 20 minutes, with guided partitioning for dual-booting.

Even the Arch Linux has made the installation easier than ever using its Archinstall script.

Myth 12: Linux Desktops are Ugly or Outdated

Some people think Linux looks like an old computer from the 1990s, just gray boxes and boring menus. That used to be true for some versions, but modern Linux desktops are actually very polished and customizable.

In short, Linux can look however you want.

You can make Linux look like macOS, Windows, or something totally unique.

Take elementary OS, for example. It has a clean, elegant design that looks and feels a lot like macOS. It uses a dock at the bottom, rounded corners, and smooth animations. Everything is designed to be simple and easy on the eyes.

Or try KDE Plasma, which gives you full control over the look and feel. You can move panels, change themes, add widgets, and even tweak how windows behave. It can look ultra-modern, flashy, or minimal, whatever you prefer.

GNOME, used by Fedora, Ubuntu and others, has a simple and clean layout. It focuses on getting out of your way so you can focus on your work.

There are also several other Eye-candy Linux distributions exist. Some notable examples are:

• Deepin Linux: A Chinese distro with a custom desktop environment featuring smooth animations and a macOS-style app launcher. Despite server speed issues, its visuals rival proprietary OSes.
• Garuda Linux (Dragonized Edition): A dark-themed, neon-accented desktop with animations and a rebellious aesthetic. One reviewer called it "the cool kid at the OS prom".
• Ubuntu Budgie: Combines GNOME’s stability with macOS-like transparency and a minimalist dock. Its design philosophy focuses on "sass without clutter".
• Zorin OS: Lets users switch between layouts mimicking Windows 11, macOS, or GNOME. Its "Jelly Mode" adds playful wobbly window effects, proving Linux can be both professional and fun.

Even "vanilla" Linux distros can be transformed into eye-catching setups. Window managers like Hyprland enable smooth animations, tiling windows, and minimalist interfaces.

You don’t have to stick with a default look. Most distributions let you change the desktop theme, icons, fonts, and layout with just a few clicks.

Whether you want something stylish, flashy, or simple, Linux can match your taste.

Myth 13: Linux is the Operating System

A prevalent myth is that "Linux" is a complete operating system in the same vein as Windows or macOS.

In reality, Linux is just the kernel, which is the core part responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to other software.

When people refer to using Linux, they typically mean they are using an operating system based on the Linux kernel.

A more accurate term for these systems is "Linux distributions" or "Linux distros".

Some distributions also incorporate software from the GNU Project, leading to debate about whether "GNU/Linux" is a more appropriate term, although this is itself considered a myth by some within the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The bottom line is that most Linux myths are outdated. Modern Linux is user-friendly, powerful, and versatile. It can look and work much like any operating system you’ve used before, with the added bonus of open-source freedom (customization and security).

So next time you hear a “Linux myth,” pause and check if it’s still true today. You might find that Linux is more approachable and reliable than you thought.