One of the clearest examples of open source software is GNU/Linux (hereinafter: Linux) – an operating system used in both servers and laptops, desktop computers. Android, used in phones and tablets, is essentially Linux adapted for smart devices. The simplest and most user-friendly way to experience Linux is to try Linux Mint with the XFCE desktop.

Linux Mint – A Simple Path to the Linux World

Linux Mint was developed in 2006 with the goal of providing regular users with a version of Linux that would have a familiar appearance and logical structure. Unlike some technically more complex Linux versions, Mint is created so that everyone – including former Windows users – would feel at home immediately. The system is based on Ubuntu and Debian platforms, which ensures stability and a wide software selection. We recommend the Ubuntu-based version. Mint is available in three desktop environments: Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE. We recommend the XFCE desktop.

User-Friendliness and Software Management

One of Linux Mint's greatest strengths is its simple and understandable user interface. The system resembles a classic desktop with menus, taskbars, and icons, making adoption smooth for existing users. Software installation and updates are conveniently handled through the Software Manager. Additionally, you can use the command-line tool apt, which is used by all Debian and Ubuntu-based systems. Mint comes pre-installed with many popular applications: Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC, and much more.

Security and Privacy

Unlike many commercial software products, Linux Mint puts user privacy first. The system doesn't collect telemetry or track user activities. Through regular updates and community contributions, Linux Mint remains secure and reliable even for long-term use.

Linux Advantages and Disadvantages

Using Linux offers several notable advantages. Most importantly, the system is completely free and legal to use. Additionally, Linux has low system requirements, meaning it runs smoothly even on older computers where Windows might start running slowly. The system is known for its stability and reliability, and it also provides security – MS Windows malware doesn't work on Linux.

Linux is surrounded by a large and active community consisting of both users and developers. This community continuously provides support, guides, and solutions to various problems. Many Linux versions are created to strongly resemble MS Windows, making the transition from existing systems significantly easier.

However, Linux also has some disadvantages worth considering. The main obstacle is that some widely used professional programs, such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office, are not directly available for Linux. Although alternative programs exist, they may not always suit all users or provide exactly the same functions. However, it's worth noting that many Adobe and Microsoft products can also be used web-based, which allows their use in Linux systems as well.

Open Source Software Day as an Opportunity to Begin

Open Source Software Day is not just a theoretical celebration – it's a practical opportunity to try Linux and other open source software on your own computer. For example, Linux Mint is ideal for those who want to experience what computer use looks like without restrictions and license fees. TalTech IT College's Open Source Software Knowledge Center gladly helps all interested parties. In our lab, you can get hands-on with Linux Mint, learn to install open source software, and test various applications.

TalTech IT College's Open Source Software Knowledge Center awaits all interested parties on Friday, September 26th, 2025, from 5-9 PM in room ICO-407, to show how open source software works practically and how everyone can use it in studies, work, and everyday life.

International Software Freedom Day was celebrated worldwide on September 20th. This was a day when everyone could discover free alternatives to closed-source paid software and learn how free software gives users more control and freedom.