What can I do with LinuxThe answer is ... pretty much anything you can do with Windows ... although for the most part you will not be able to use the same programs as you used in Windows.
Most Linux distros come with a certain amount of software pre-installed, and this will typically include ...
- A web browser (Firefox, Chrome & Opera all have Linux versions).
- An e-mail client (Thunderbird is popular).
- Programs for viewing and editing your photos.
- Programs for playing and recording your music.
- A program for viewing videos.
- A text editor.
- An "Office Suite" (usually Libre Office).
... so straight "out of the box" you can usually do quite a bit, and needless to say there are Linux programs to accomplish most other tasks, that you can download and install yourself.
So where do I find all these other Linux programs ...Linux distros come with a
Package Manager which you can use to browse a
Repository of programs that have been tested to be compatible with the particular distro you are using. These often contain thousands of suitable programs of all types and function.
This is the safest way to install programs, since they have been tested by the distro producer, and found not to cause problems on the distro you are using.
However, it is also possible to add additional repositories, that you may also browse for programs, and also to add
PPAs (Personal Package Archives) that are created by other Linux users for your use. These are not as safe, and should be used with caution.
Finally you can download installer packages direct from the Internet, but this is generally the least safe and/or secure method of installing programs, and not one I usually recommend.