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Linux is technically the kernel—the core software that manages a computer’s hardware and provides essential operating-system functions. In everyday use, “Linux” usually means a complete operating system built around that kernel, such as Debian or Ubuntu. To try it, choose a distribution and run it through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), a virtual machine, or a direct installation on a computer.
What is Linux?
The Linux kernel handles tasks such as managing system resources and enabling software to interact with hardware. By itself, it is not the full set of tools most people expect from an operating system. A usable system also needs components such as a filesystem, libraries, utilities, applications, and a way to install and maintain software.
A Linux distribution, or “distro,” packages the kernel with those other components and establishes choices about software, installation, updates, and support. Debian and Ubuntu are examples. Debian describes Linux as the kernel of a Unix-like operating system, while GNU explains that Linux is commonly combined with GNU software. Some people and projects call the combined system “GNU/Linux”; “Linux” is the widely used shorthand. Debian’s definitions and overview explain the distinction.
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There is no single universal Linux installer or set of defaults. Distributions can differ in package format and package manager, included software, setup tools, documentation, release practices, and support arrangements. Choose a distribution before following installation instructions, and use the current documentation for that distribution and your hardware.
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What is Linux used for?
Linux is used in many kinds of systems, from personal computers and embedded products to supercomputers. Jonathan Corbet, author of the Linux kernel development documentation, wrote that the kernel “runs on pocket-sized digital music players, desktop PCs, the largest supercomputers in existence, and all types of systems in between.” The Linux kernel documentation presents that breadth as a history of the kernel’s use, not a promise that every Linux distribution suits every device or task.
For an individual user, the right distribution depends on what the computer needs to do, how much system configuration the user is comfortable with, hardware support, the distribution’s release model, available documentation and community help, and whether commercial support is needed. Debian, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, and openSUSE are examples of distributions, not a ranked list; their suitability depends on the user’s requirements.
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How can you try or install Linux?
There are three common approaches. The right one depends on whether you want Linux alongside Windows, in a separate test environment, or running directly on your computer’s hardware.
| Option | How it runs | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) | Runs Linux distributions and tools within Windows. | Useful for Linux tools alongside Windows, but tied to a Windows host and WSL. |
| Virtual machine | Runs a Linux guest system inside a local computer or cloud environment using virtualization software. | Keeps the guest environment separate from the host, but requires setup and allocated memory and disk space. |
| Bare metal | Runs Linux directly on the computer’s hardware. | Uses the hardware directly, but installation can involve rebooting, disk or partition choices, and device compatibility checks. |
Use WSL on Windows
Microsoft’s guide documents wsl --install as a way to install WSL; Ubuntu is the default distribution, and the guide describes options for selecting other available distributions. This route is intended for running Linux distributions and tools from a Windows environment, rather than replacing Windows with a Linux system. See Microsoft’s How to download and install Linux guide for its Windows-specific instructions.
Set up a virtual machine
A virtual machine runs Linux as a guest system within another computer or a cloud environment. You select a distribution image and allocate resources such as memory and disk space. The guest is separate from the host operating system, which can make this a practical way to experiment without installing Linux directly on the computer’s disk. You still need virtualization software and enough resources for both the host and guest.
Install Linux directly on a computer
A bare-metal installation places Linux on the computer itself. Microsoft’s guide outlines a general sequence, but exact screens, requirements, and choices vary by distribution and device.
- Choose a distribution. Check its current official documentation for supported hardware and installation requirements.
- Download the distribution’s ISO image. Use the distribution’s official download instructions.
- Create bootable USB media. Microsoft’s guide says a USB drive of at least 16 GB is typically needed for the procedure it describes; that figure is not a requirement guaranteed for every distribution.
- Boot the computer from the USB drive. How to select the boot device depends on the computer.
- Follow the installer and review disk choices carefully. An installer may offer to erase a disk or use a partition for a dual-boot configuration. Understand which disk and partitions are affected before proceeding.
- Complete setup and create an account. Follow the prompts for the chosen distribution.
- Learn the distribution’s update and software-installation process. For example, Ubuntu uses APT. Follow the current instructions for your distribution rather than assuming commands are identical across Linux systems.
Before choosing bare metal, check the distribution’s current device-specific compatibility guidance and make sure you understand the disk options. Installation steps, supported hardware, and update commands are not universal; Microsoft’s page is a general guide, last updated January 22, 2024, so consult the selected distribution’s current documentation for the exact procedure.
How should you choose a Linux distribution?
Start with the task, then check the practical details that affect day-to-day use:
- Purpose: Decide whether you need a desktop system, a development environment, or another kind of setup.
- Configuration comfort: Consider how much setup and maintenance you are prepared to handle.
- Hardware support: Check the distribution’s current guidance for your computer and peripherals.
- Release and maintenance model: Understand how the distribution delivers software and updates.
- Documentation and help: Look for instructions and support that match your experience level and needs.
- Support arrangements: If you need an organization to provide commercial support, check whether the distribution offers an arrangement that fits.
For information about Debian’s approach and terminology, see the Debian FAQ’s definitions and overview. Debian also maintains a documentation index.
Quick Recap
Linux in brief
- Linux technically names the kernel; a distribution packages it with the rest of a usable system.
- Distributions differ in software, installation and maintenance tools, and support.
- Linux appears in systems ranging from desktop PCs to embedded products and supercomputers.
- You can try it through WSL or a virtual machine, or install it directly on hardware.
- For direct installation, check disk and partition choices carefully and follow current instructions for your distribution and device.
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