Linux in Everyday Life: Linux is the invisible foundation powering many of the technologies you use every day. From the phone in your pocket to the servers running your favorite websites, Linux works behind the scenes. This beginner-friendly guide will help you spot Linux in everyday life, explain why it’s so widely used, and show you safe ways to try it yourself.

What Exactly Is Linux?

Before we find Linux, let us understand what it is. Think of an operating system (like Windows or macOS) as the brain of your device.

The Kernel: The Core Engine

Linux is technically a kernel. This is the core program that manages your device’s hardware: the processor, memory, and connected devices. It is the essential bridge between software and hardware. The Linux kernel is maintained by a global community of developers.

Distributions: The Complete Package

What most people call “Linux” is a distribution (or “distro”). This is the kernel plus all the other software needed for a full operating system, like a desktop interface, web browser, and tools. There are hundreds of Linux distributions available, each tailored for different needs.

This combination of a reliable core (the kernel) and flexible packaging (distributions) is why Linux can power everything from tiny gadgets to supercomputers.

Quick Wins: Spot Linux in 5 Minutes

Let us start with some quick, hands on ways to discover Linux on devices you likely own. These steps are designed for complete beginners.

1

Your Android Phone or Tablet

Android is built on top of the Linux kernel. Here is how to check:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap About Phone or About Tablet.
  3. Tap Software Information or a similar option.
  4. Look for an entry called Kernel Version. The text you see here is Linux.

Learn more about Android’s use of the Linux kernel from the official Android documentation.

Android About screen with kernel version highlighted
2

Your Home Wi Fi Router

Most home routers run a lightweight version of Linux. OpenWrt is a popular Linux-based firmware used in many routers.

  1. Open a web browser on a device connected to your Wi Fi.
  2. Type your router’s address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.50.1. (Check your router’s manual if these do not work.)
  3. Log in to the admin page (the password is often on a sticker on the router itself).
  4. Look for menus like About, Status, or Legal Notice. You will often find mentions of Linux or GPL (the software license Linux uses).

Important Safety Note: Only look around. Do not change any settings you do not understand. Also, avoid sharing screenshots that show your public IP address, MAC addresses, or serial numbers.

OpenWrt router admin page showing kernel information
3

Your Smart TV or Streaming Device

Platforms like Android TV, Tizen (Samsung), and webOS (LG) are based on Linux. webOS was open-sourced by LG Electronics and is now a Linux Foundation project.

  1. On your TV, go to Settings.
  2. Find the About, System Information, or Legal section.
  3. Look for an Open Source Licenses or Software Information option.
  4. Open it. You will likely see a list that includes the Linux kernel.
Android TV settings menu showing kernel version
4

Check Your Computer

  • If you are already using Linux: Open a terminal and type these commands to see your system information:
    uname -r
cat /etc/os-release
    • Linux terminal showing the output of uname -r and cat /etc/os-release commands
  • If you are new to Linux: Do not worry. The section Try Linux Safely below shows you how to test it on your current computer without risk.

More Places to Look: Gaming devices like the Steam Deck, network storage (NAS) boxes from Synology or QNAP, and smart home hubs like Home Assistant all rely on Linux. The Raspberry Pi, a popular single-board computer, runs on a Linux-based operating system.

Linux in Your Personal Tech

Now that you know how to spot it, let us explore the wide range of personal devices Linux powers.

  • Phones and Tablets: As we saw, Android is the most common example, using a customized Linux kernel.
  • Laptops and Desktops (Chromebooks): ChromeOS is built on Linux. You can even enable a full Linux environment to run desktop applications. Google provides official instructions for enabling Linux on Chromebooks.
  • Gaming: The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux distribution designed for gaming. Valve’s Steam Deck official page highlights its Linux foundation.
  • E readers: Devices like older Kindles use Linux components to manage the display and software.
ChromeOS desktop running on a laptop Kindle e-reader device information screen

Linux at Home: Your Network and Infrastructure

Linux is the backbone of many devices that make your home connected.

On the Road and in the Air

Linux’s reliability makes it ideal for transportation and travel technology.

  • Car Infotainment Systems: Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) is a project that provides a foundation for in car screens and software used by many major manufacturers. The Automotive Grade Linux website details how Linux powers modern vehicles.
  • In flight Entertainment: The screens on the back of airplane seats often run on Linux because it can operate stably for long periods.
  • Public Displays: Information screens in airports and train stations frequently use Linux.

Powering the Internet and Cloud

The vast majority of the internet runs on Linux. When you visit a website, chances are high it is hosted on a Linux server.

  • Web Servers: Software like Apache and Nginx, which serve web pages, are most commonly run on Linux servers. The Apache HTTP Server Project and Nginx are both open-source web servers that typically run on Linux.
  • Cloud Computing: Services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure rely overwhelmingly on Linux to run their virtual machines and services. Amazon Linux is a distribution specifically designed for AWS.
  • Supercomputers: All of the world’s top 500 supercomputers run on Linux, as it is powerful and customizable enough for massive scientific calculations. The TOP500 list tracks the most powerful computer systems in the world, nearly all running Linux.

Beyond Earth: Linux on Mars

Linux’s versatility goes even further. NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, the first aircraft to fly on another planet, used a Linux based operating system for its navigation and control. This demonstrates the extreme reliability and adaptability of open source software. NASA’s F’ framework, used in space missions, is open-source and often runs on Linux systems.

Why Is Linux Used Everywhere?

You might wonder why Linux is the choice for so many different technologies. Here are the key reasons:

Stability and Reliability

Linux systems are famous for running for months or years without needing a restart, which is crucial for servers and embedded devices. The Linux kernel development process emphasizes stability and backward compatibility.

Security

Its design and the fact that thousands of developers can review the code help find and fix security issues quickly.

Flexibility

Linux can be stripped down to run on a tiny smartwatch or scaled up to power a massive data center. It supports many different processor types. The Linux kernel supports numerous hardware architectures.

Cost and Freedom

Linux is open source. This means companies do not have to pay licensing fees, and they can modify the software to fit their exact needs. The Open Source Initiative defines what makes software truly open source.

How You Can Try Linux Safely

Interested in trying Linux on your own computer? You can do it without removing your current operating system. Here are three safe methods:

1

On Windows: Use WSL (Easiest)

The Windows Subsystem for Linux lets you run a Linux terminal alongside your normal Windows apps. It is great for learning commands.

To install, open PowerShell as an Administrator and type:

wsl --install

It will download and set up a Linux environment for you. Microsoft’s official WSL installation guide provides detailed instructions.

2

Use a Live USB (No Installation)

You can create a USB stick that lets you boot your computer directly into Linux. Your computer’s hard drive is not touched, so when you shut down and remove the USB stick, everything is back to normal. Ubuntu’s guide to creating a bootable USB drive walks you through the process.

3

Run Linux in a Virtual Machine (Sandboxed)

Using free software like VirtualBox, you can run Linux in a window on your current desktop. It is like having a computer inside your computer, completely safe and isolated. VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization product from Oracle.

Good Beginner Choices: If you decide to try a full Linux system, distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint are very user friendly and have large communities to help you.

Beginner’s Glossary

Here are explanations of some technical terms used in this article:

Kernel
The core program of an operating system that manages the hardware. Linux is a kernel. Learn more about kernels on Wikipedia.
Distribution (Distro)
A complete operating system built around the Linux kernel, including software and tools. Examples are Ubuntu and Fedora. Wikipedia’s list of Linux distributions shows the variety available.
Open Source
Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. The Open Source Initiative promotes and protects open source software.
Terminal/Command Line
A text based interface for controlling a computer by typing commands, as opposed to using a mouse. Ubuntu’s command line tutorial for beginners is a great starting point.
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
A compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows. Microsoft’s WSL documentation explains how it works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Android the same as Linux?

Android uses the Linux kernel as its foundation but adds a different user interface and software layer on top. So, it is Linux based, but not a typical Linux distribution you would install on a laptop. Android’s architecture documentation explains this relationship in detail.

Do I need to be a programmer to use Linux?

Not at all. Many modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu are designed for general users and are as easy to use as Windows or macOS. You can browse the web, use office software, and more without ever touching a command line if you do not want to. Ubuntu’s desktop edition is specifically designed for ease of use.

Is Linux really free?

Yes, in both senses of the word. You can download and use it without cost (free as in “free beer”), and you have the freedom to study, change, and distribute it (free as in “freedom”). The Free Software Foundation explains the concept of free software.

Can I try Linux without risking my files?

Absolutely. The methods described in the “Try Linux Safely” section (WSL, Live USB, Virtual Machine) are all designed to be non destructive. Your main operating system and files remain untouched. How-To Geek compares popular Linux distributions to help you choose.

Conclusion

Linux is not just software for experts; it is a fundamental part of modern technology that surrounds us every day. From the phone in your pocket to the services you use online, understanding that Linux is often the invisible engine can give you a new perspective on technology. We hope this guide has made it more visible and approachable for you. The Linux Foundation supports the continued development of the Linux ecosystem.

Further Reading

If you are interested in learning more about Linux, here are some excellent resources: