From a ThinkPad with Ubuntu to Debian and Arch: my Linux journey

My journey with computers began more than two decades ago. In 2001, while many were discovering Windows XP, I decided to take a different path: installing Ubuntu on an old ThinkPad. It wasn’t easy, but it sparked a passion that has stayed with me ever since: exploring, learning, and customizing free operating systems.

At first, the challenge was simply getting everything to work: Wi‑Fi, graphics drivers, partitions… every issue was an excuse to dig through forums, try terminal commands, and learn how Linux works under the hood. That curiosity taught me something essential: technology isn’t just about using what exists, but also about understanding and adapting it.

Over the years, I explored different distributions until I reached Debian and Arch Linux, where I found two very different yet complementary philosophies: Debian’s stability and robustness versus Arch’s flexibility and full control. Today, I still use both, depending on the project or work environment.

My passion for computers was never just a hobby. It led me deeper into programming, free software, and modern development methodologies. Thanks to that foundation, I was able to become a professional in the field and, more recently, earn a master’s degree in programming, closing a cycle that began with that 2001 ThinkPad.

Looking back, I realize Linux gave me not only technical tools but also a way of thinking: being self‑taught, not giving up in the face of difficulty, and staying curious. Today, as a developer, I still apply that philosophy to every line of code I write.