The Most Important Reason You Should Use Linux at Home

Let’s be clear: Linux powers pretty much everything you use. Cloud? Linux. social media? Linux. Google? Linux.

You can’t avoid it. In fact, without Linux and open-source software, businesses around the world would not be nearly as competitive. This is a fact, not an opinion.

However, there is an opinion that Linux is not viable for consumers or home users.

I would argue that opinion is a bit short-sighted as the current state of Linux not only makes it an ideal operating system for your home computers, but can also bring you considerable value as a server OS on your home network.

Don’t stop reading now. I know you’re probably thinking, “I have no idea how to set up a server!” What you may not know is that it is easier than you think.

Too: How to Choose the Right Linux Desktop Distribution

And beyond that, a world of possibility opens up when you allow Linux and open-source software into your home.

And it’s not just about cost. Yes, Linux is a free operating system. You can download an ISO image, burn it to a USB drive, and install Linux on as many computers as you want. More than anything, Linux is about freedom. Instead of doing things the Apple or Microsoft way, you can do it your way.

It is the Burger King of operating systems.

Or not.

Anyway, what I’m talking about is the freedom to use it how you need it, where you need it, and when you need it. It’s also about security. Although Linux is one of the most secure operating systems on the market, it’s not exactly the kind of security I’m talking about.

Let me explain

You probably use Google Workspace, Office 365, or iCloud. I consider myself a power user of Google Workspace because I use it for hours every day and have been doing so for a very long time. I use Google Workspace knowing that anything I create or save in that service is available to third parties. That’s fine for most of what I make. However, there are some sensitive documents I’ve created that I’m not okay with sharing or saving via a third-party hosted solution. For that, I would prefer to keep things in-house.

Too: My idea for a great new beginner-friendly Linux distribution

That’s where Linux and open-source come in for me and should be a consideration for you too.

On my home network, I have several Linux servers deployed that I use as in-house cloud systems, invoicing and billing platforms, project management tools, and more. Beyond operating systems, the software I use for these purposes includes the following:

• Nextcloud: As my in-house cloud service (for storing, sharing, editing and creating documents).
• invoiceplane: For Billing and Invoicing customers.
• open project: For Project Management.
• Coolie: for container deployment.

i also work samba For file sharing across systems on all my Linux machines.

I’m not saying that anyone can get Nextcloud up and running, but it’s not as hard as you think. In fact, with simple instructions (which I’ll provide in upcoming tutorials), you’ll be surprised that yes, you can successfully install those platforms and use some powerful and flexible applications without ever leaving your home network.

Also: How to set up cloud service at home

Privacy and security of your information

That is Shakti. And the security you get from not having sensitive data saved on a third-party, public service can’t be overstated. You can effectively replace all those third-party services (some of which you pay for) on your network with free, open-source tools. By doing this, you are not dependent on Google, Microsoft, Dropbox, Slack, or Apple to keep the security of your data as a top priority. Although the chances of Google being hacked are slim, it is not impossible. But more than that, one issue that’s bothering me a lot is AI.

Too: Cool Things You Can Do With the Linux Desktop That You Can’t With MacOS or Windows

Consider this: To be effective, artificial intelligence must be trained. Google, Microsoft and who knows who else are using more and more AI, they need material to train their systems. Who’s to say they aren’t using documents saved in their systems as fodder for training? Personally, I do not want my novels to be used for such purposes. Because of this, I’m seriously considering migrating from Google Docs to an in-house Nextcloud instance. NextCloud includes all the features I need to develop and write fiction, without worrying those books are being used to train AI.

This may not be a reason for you, but it is for me. I write for a living and do not want my work to be used for anything other than its original purpose. With that level of assurance, I also prefer to bring those necessities in-house because I have complete control. On top of that, should I lose my internet connection, I can still access servers on my network so I can continue to work.

don’t forget the desktop

I am not saying that you should use Linux on desktop if you plan to use Linux as a server OS for your network. Not really, because most of the services you deploy with Linux will be accessed through a web browser. But the thing about Linux on the desktop is that it takes away many of the frustrations you’ve probably experienced with other operating systems. As I said before, with Linux you can do things your way. If you don’t like the way a Linux distribution works, you can change it. You won’t get that level of freedom with MacOS or Windows.

Too: 4 Ways Windows Gets MacOS Wrong

There are also tons of software titles that you can install and use for free, some of which are proprietary. You can install Spotify, Slack, and more… so you’re really not missing anything. And if you like games, there’s Steam. Yes, at one time the software options available for Linux had glaring flaws. Given that almost everything is controlled via a web browser today, those glaring holes are few and far between. Also, with the rise in popularity of Snap, Flatpak, and AppImages, even many proprietary apps have made their way to the operating system.

Not only do you have all the apps you need, but you can also deploy many different services, and keep all your important data in-house. It’s not nearly as easy to do with a proprietary OS as it is with Linux and open-source.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s install Linux and start deploying the services you want to run within the range of your LAN. It’s secure, reliable, and as flexible as you want.