The Linux Index · plain-English directory since the early days · find your distro below

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The Linux index for people who'd rather just get started.

Plain-English guides, an honest directory of the tools that matter, and a finder that points you at the right distro in three clicks.

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June 18, 2026

What Is the Most Common Linux File System?

If you've ever installed Linux and just clicked through the disk partitioning screen without thinking about it, you almost certainly ended up with ext4. That's not a bad outcome, but it's worth understanding why.

June 18, 2026

What Is Open Source Software? (With Real Examples)

Open source software is everywhere, from the phone in your pocket to the servers running the internet, but most people have only a vague idea of what "open source" actually means or why it matters.

June 18, 2026

The Dark Side of Open Source (Real Problems, No Hype)

Open source software powers most of the internet, but the ecosystem has genuine problems that its loudest advocates rarely address honestly. Here's what the dark side actually looks like.

June 18, 2026

Linux Source Code Download: Where to Get It and What to Do

Downloading the Linux kernel source code is straightforward once you know where to look, but most guides skip the part about what you're actually getting and why it matters.

June 18, 2026

Linux Git: What It Is, How to Use It, and Why It Matters

Git was born on Linux, built by the same person who created Linux itself. Understanding that history makes the tool make a lot more sense.

June 18, 2026

How Many Hours Does It Take to Learn Linux?

Everyone asks how long Linux takes to learn, and almost every answer online dodges the question. Here are actual time estimates, broken down by what you're trying to do.