# New to Linux, basic questions **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [May 9, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/new-to-linux-basic-questions/73497 "2023-05-09T19:50:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![zacharyw.larson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/zacharyw.larson/32/23749_2.png) [@zacharyw.larson](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/zacharyw.larson)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/new-to-linux-basic-questions/73497/1 "2023-05-09T19:50:07Z")
I am reading that Microsoft uses Linux servers to run Azure. I read [Headless Linux Install](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/headless-linux-install/67843)] I was wondering how beneficial switching to running gateways on Linux is. I also wondered if I have a gateway that is being run on a windows server today, how hard it is to copy/move to a Linux server, and what benefits would be. I appreciate the insights. ---
**Author:** ![Matrix\_Engineering](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/inductiveautomation/user_avatar/forum.inductiveautomation.com/matrix_engineering/32/19781_2.png) [@Matrix\_Engineering](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/u/Matrix_Engineering)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/new-to-linux-basic-questions/73497/2 "2023-05-09T19:53:39Z")
I recommend you start off by spinning up a VM on your laptop and install a **headed** version. Ubuntu LTS with Ubuntu desktop would be a decent start. Get used to the CLI (command line interface) on your own laptop before you delve into a headless server running production. Install Ignition on it, the guide covers it well, and play about. Benefits: - No license cost (unless you go for commercial support of your Linux distro) - Windows uptime is measured in weeks and months, Linux in years - Ability to apply patch updates (if required) mostly without a reboot Disadvantages: - Learning curve