Why I Use Linux for Everything (Yes, Even Gaming)

Let me just say this upfront: I love Linux. It’s not just an operating system for me—it’s a philosophy, a way of thinking, and, yes, my daily driver for everything from work to gaming. And if you’re wondering why anyone would game on Linux when “just install Windows” is the mainstream advice, let me explain.

First, let’s talk about control. Linux is like a blank canvas for your digital life. You can customize it to the nth degree, whether it’s tweaking your window manager (shoutout to Sway and Hyprland!) or setting up a kernel optimized for low-latency gaming. I’ve used distros like Pop!_OS and Arch Linux, and they make my workflow mine. No bloat, no unnecessary updates restarting my system mid-game—it’s pure freedom.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: gaming on Linux. A few years ago, this might’ve sounded absurd, but thanks to tools like Proton, Wine, and Lutris, most games work surprisingly well. I’ve played everything from indie gems to AAA titles, and the experience is often smoother than you’d expect. Plus, with the Steam Deck running Linux under the hood, the gaming industry is starting to take Linux seriously.

But it’s not just about gaming. I develop, tinker, and experiment on Linux. Whether it’s writing C++ code, training machine learning models, or managing a database, Linux gives me the stability and performance I need. And honestly, it just feels good knowing that I’m using open-source software—a community-driven alternative to the corporate giants.

Sure, there are occasional hiccups. Some games still don’t run perfectly, and setting things up can require a bit of patience. But for me, the trade-off is worth it. I get an operating system that respects my choices, lets me do everything I need, and keeps my digital life in sync with my values.

So, why do I use Linux for everything? Because it’s more than just an OS—it’s a lifestyle. If that sounds dramatic, you haven’t experienced the joy of customizing every detail of your system to fit exactly what you need. Give it a try; you might just fall in love too.

“Linux is about freedom, not free beer.” – Richard Stallman