By George Walters

Only On The Walters Post!

You know, I ain’t no computer expert, not by a long shot. But I’ve been around long enough to see the way things are going, and I can tell you one thing for sure—Linux, or whatever version you prefer, is the way to go.

Now I’ve been using Linux for a while now, and the more I learn about it, the more I realize just how much better it is than the alternatives. Some of these big-name companies out there seem to be more interested in emptying your wallet than giving you a good, solid operating system. They charge you for everything—your software, your updates, even just for the privilege of using their system. And if you don’t pay up? Well, good luck keeping your system running smoothly.

Linux, on the other hand, is open-source. Now, what does that mean? Well, it means real smart fellers and gals from all over the world can work on it, improve it, and share those improvements with the rest of us. It’s a system built by the people, for the people, and that’s something worth supporting. The best part? It doesn’t cost you a cent. You can download it, install it, and run it for free. No hidden fees, no sneaky charges, just a solid, reliable system that does what you need it to do.

And let’s talk security. These days, viruses and malware are running rampant, and a lot of the big-name systems out there seem to have a hard time keeping up. Every time you turn around, there’s another major security breach, another batch of personal data leaked, and another round of updates that may or may not actually fix the problem. With Linux, security is baked right into the design. It’s not perfect—nothing is—but it’s a whole lot safer than some of the alternatives. That’s why so many servers, businesses, and even government systems rely on Linux. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

And let’s not forget the latest news. The Linux kernel has now surpassed 40 million lines of code, meaning it’s growing and improving all the time. Ubuntu just rolled out version 24.10, keeping up with the latest technology. The Gnome desktop is getting new updates, LibreOffice just released a fresh version, and Wine 10 is making it easier than ever to run Windows programs right inside Linux.

Even big companies are taking notice. System76, one of the leaders in Linux-based computers, just refreshed their Meerkat mini PC, showing that Linux isn’t just for tech folks—it’s for anyone who wants a solid, reliable system.

I have to give credit where credit is due—my son Karl, a very high-tech fellow, got me into Linux years ago, and I’m glad he did. I will never know as much as him when it comes to Linux and technology, but I’m making out okay with what I do know. Plus, they are also making it easier to use, much more so than—well, I won’t mention any names.

So, if you’ve been thinking about making a switch, or if you’re just tired of paying for an operating system that should be free in the first place, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at Linux. There are a lot of different versions—Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, and more—but they all have one thing in common: they put control back in the hands of the people using them.

As I said earlier—I may not know everything about Linux, but I know one thing—it’s the best of the best, and in a world where everything seems to come with a price tag, it’s nice to have something that’s truly free.

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW