7 Linux Myths Beginners Still Believe (and What’s Actually True)

Tired of hearing the same outdated claims and myths about Linux? You aren’t alone. A lot of what people still believe comes from a time when things were very different. In this article, I’ll break down 7 of the most common myths I’ve seen, and show you what Linux is actually like today.

Linux has often been seen as too complicated or limited, but many of those issues have already been fixed. Gaming has been made easier, software support has been improved, and beginner-friendly versions have been created to help new users get started more comfortably.

Linux is often misunderstood by new users because of misconceptions. In this article, I’ll explore seven common myths and debunk them, so you can see what Linux is really like today.

You Can’t Play Games on Linux

False! This might have been true a long time ago, like in 2005, but today, gaming on Linux has exploded.

Thanks to tools like Proton (built into Steam), Lutris and Heroic Launcher, thousands of Windows games now run on Linux with just a few clicks. Some even run better on Linux thanks to lower system overhead.

You can install Steam on almost any distribution (even on a Raspberry Pi!), and jump right into your favorite games. Even anti-cheat support has improved dramatically for games. From Elden Ring to Stardew Valley, gaming is no longer a Windows-only feature.

Tip: Command lines can be a pain to memorize. I put the essential Linux commands on a printable cheat sheet so you don't have to keep googling them. You can grab the PDF here if you want to save some time.

Linux Is Too Hard for Beginners

People often picture Linux as an arcane tool only hackers use, with all black screens and green text.

But honestly? You don’t need to touch the terminal at all if you don’t want to; it’s only required for specific tasks, but even those tasks can be done through a GUI.

Modern Linux distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS offer full graphical desktops that are as easy (or easier) to use than Windows. You get app stores, control panels, and friendly installers. If you can use a smartphone or Windows PC (or a Raspberry Pi!), you can use Linux.

You Have to Use the Terminal for Everything

While Linux veterans love the command line for speed and flexibility, most daily tasks, installing apps, updating software, and changing settings, can be done with a few clicks in the GUI.

It’s like saying, “you have to use CMD on Windows.” No, you don’t.

Yes, learning a few terminal basics can be handy (and make you feel cool), but modern Linux users can live fully in the graphical world without ever touching a shell.

There’s No Software Support at All for Linux

No Photoshop? Dealbreaker, right? Not necessarily.

Indeed, some proprietary apps aren’t available on Linux, but there are often powerful alternatives. For example:

• GIMP instead of Photoshop.
• Kdenlive instead of Premiere.
• LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office (And there are even more alternatives).
• You can even have a list of alternatives for different uses (PDF, for example).

And let’s not forget that many people now live inside their browser. From Google Docs to Figma, most major web tools run just fine on Linux. You can also run many Windows apps with Wine if you really need an exclusive Windows app.

Linux Can’t Be a Used as Daily Driver

This one always gets a chuckle. Most people use their computers for:

• Web browsing
• Email
• Watching videos
• Writing documents
• Managing photos

And guess what? Linux handles all of that, often better than Windows, especially on older hardware (because each version of Windows gets more and more resource-hungry).

You can even do heavier work like programming, video editing, or 3D modelling. Want your machine to boot faster, run quieter, and stay virus-free? Linux makes a great daily driver for more people than you’d think.

Linux Is Only for Servers or Programmers

Yes, Linux powers most of the internet. And yes, developers love it. But that doesn’t mean it’s only for them.

Many non-techies use Linux every day without realizing it, on Chromebooks, Android phones, smart TVs, or routers. If you’ve ever used a Kindle or even a Tesla dashboard, you’ve used Linux too.

Distros like Linux Mint or Zorin OS are made specifically for desktop users, with polished interfaces and intuitive controls. You don’t have to write a single line of code. And you can even use Linux as a streaming device with media center distributions like Kodi; there’s no limit to what you can do.

Linux Doesn’t Get Viruses, So It’s 100% Secure

This one is dangerous, because it seems almost true, but it’s not. Linux gives you more control over permissions and knowing what’s running in the background, with no built-in spyware. But it’s not invincible.

Malware for Linux exists, especially for servers or users who install shady packages or skip security updates. Linux users still need to do security practices: avoid running unknown scripts, keep the system updated, and don’t assume you’re untouchable. You can even install an Antivirus for further protection.

Most of these myths come from outdated information or bad first impressions. The truth is, Linux in 2025 is easier, more powerful, and more beginner-friendly than ever before.

Whenever you're ready, here are other ways I can help you:

Master Linux Commands: Overwhelmed with Linux commands? This book is your essential guide to mastering the terminal. It includes practical tips, real-world examples, and a bonus cheat sheet to keep by your side.

The RaspberryTips Community: Need help with Linux or want to chat with people who actually get it? Join the RaspberryTips Community and get access to private forums, exclusive lessons, and direct support.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.