Linux isn’t really free—you have to pay the DIY tax

Linux is often pitched as the “free” alternative to Windows or macOS. With Windows, you typically need a license key, whereas with macOS, the cost is integrated into Apple’s hardware. In both cases, there’s money involved somewhere. Linux, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to pay anything up front. You won’t need a license key, there are no forced subscriptions, and you will not get a prompt asking you to pay $30 for extended security updates (looking at you, Windows). On the surface, it feels like you’ve outsmarted the system by getting a full operating system at no cost.