What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system developed by a Norwegian programmer named Linus Torvald. Linux is free and the source code is all 'open'. That is, any one can work on the Linux operating system and then post new code to improve it. This concept is known as 'Open Source'. IBM has adopted Linux as a standard.
There are many factors that make Linux different from Windows, but the most glaring, as far as I am concerned, is the evolution of both. Windows is written by programmers working toward a paycheck – they do it because they have to. Linux, on the other hand has been “written” by thousands upon thousands of people around the world – because they love doing it. Linux is an Open Source OS, which means that anyone can modify it anyway they wish – then redistribute it for anyone with an Internet connection to download. It’s constantly evolving for the better every year. While Windows stays, more or less, stagnate with the exception of the patches MS releases to correct this or that bug.
Will Linux run on my computer?
Linux will run on practically every type of personal computer you can image, including Macs. Like all other operating systems and software programs you’ll have to check the system requirements before installation. In the past, Linux was difficult to use because of a lack of device drivers needed by your hardware components to function. However, times have changed and the lack of drivers is no longer an issue. To give you an idea of the versatility of Linux, there are people who are working on a way to install it on their iPods.
Is Linux hard to install and configure?
In the distant past, yes, it was very difficult to install, configure and use. But, times have changed, thanks to the contributions of a worldwide network of gurus. Now, it’s easy (if not easier than Windows) to install. The configurations are completed during the installation process. There is little work you need to do, other than get a cup of coffee and wait. However, keep in mind that not all versions of Linux are alike. There are still some difficult distributions (requiring a certain degree of expertise) floating around, and there are some extremely user friendly versions as well – such as SUSE and Fedora.
Can I do everything in Linux that I can do in Windows
The short answer is pretty much yes. However, there are some programs and file types that you cannot run in Linux. For example: WMA music files… while Linux will play most types of music files, WMA is not one of them. But, all is not lost… you can easily convert your WMA files to MP3 format and play them in through a Linux media player. Games pose the most daunting challenge for Linux users. You can install a Windows emulator and play games like EQ on Linux, however, the last I heard, it’s difficult to configure. If you’re a serious gamer and new to Linux, it’s best to keep a small Windows partition on your HD and simply log into Windows on boot up to play your games. Other than that – you’ll have little use for your NTFS (Windows) partition.
Below is a list of programs you can install (most already come WITH the distribution) most people generally use on their computer.
Gaim – Is an instant messenger program that caters to all of the most popular programs. Through Gaim you use AOL AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, and MSN (just to name a few). A single program to manage ALL of you instant messaging.
Gimp – A Linux version of Photoshop. You can do everything with Gimp that you can do with Photoshop.
Open Office – A Linux version of MS Office. Comes complete with “Excel,” “Word,” “Paint,” and other “MS Office” utilities.
Kmail – Looks and feels just like Outlook Express.
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Below is a screen shot of Gimp:
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A screen shot of “Excel” in Linux:
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Another screen shot, this of Kmail:
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What does a Linux desktop look like?
This is a screen shot of my desktop. As you can see it looks very much like a Windows desktop, which makes it extremely easy for people who've spent their computer lives using nothing by Windows:
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If you want to use Linux and Windows, you can in fact, have the best of both worlds. When you install Linux a seperate partition you can in fact see your Windows drives (but you can't see your Linux drive from Windows). Thus, if you want to access an MP3 file from your Windows partition, you simply open that drive, and click on the song you want.
Why would anyone choose Linux over Windows?
For one you won't ever have to deal with the "blue screen of death" ever again. Secondly, you won't have to deal with adware, spyware, viruses, or other malicious programs. Yes, they do exist for Linux as well, but they are very rare. Third, you'll have no worries about crashing. Linux simply doesn't crash. When you have a program in Windows crash, it can mean a complete lock up of your system - requiring a reboot. With Linux, you simply close out the program and keep moving.
You can also have as many "Desktops" in Linux as you want. Notice on the screen shot of my Desktop you see a small box in the tool bar labeled "1" and "2" - those represent the desktops I can use. I am only set up for 2, but can more if I need. Linux is extremely stable, but best of all - it's FREE.
And, when I say free - I mean just that. Let's take a moment to consider the costs of having a Windows machine, versus a Linux machine:
Windows XP - $99.99 (source Amazon.com)
Linux - Free
Window Office Pro - $414.99 (source Amazon.com)
Linux Open Office - Free
Adobe Photoshop 7.0 - $91.00 (source Amazon.com)
Linux Gimp - Free
Totals
Microsoft - $605.89
Linux - $0.00
For every product designed to run on Windows, there is a Linux version already availble and free of charge. If none exists, you can be assured that something is in development. Consider iTunes. Many people (including myself) own an iPod, but cannot use the iTunes jukebox in Linux - however - a company is already in the process of testing a Linux version of iTunes Read More.
Linux is also EXTREMELY customizable. The option of "choice" is something that's lacking in Windows, but highly embraced in Linux.
Keep in mind, however, that (as with everything) you'll have to do some reading about Linux before you being to customize your installation. It's NOT Windows, and if Windows is all you've ever used you'll have to learn about your new OS. There are tons of differences, for example: Linux does not use drive letters (C: / D: so on). Before you install programs you must be logged in as "root" (the equivalent of "administrator" in Windows). Navigating around Linux is also very different from Windows - although you can point and click your way around - you'll have to learn "what's what" first.
Linux has really come a long way - and if you're the least bit interested in using it. Try it. See how easy it really is, and I'd be willing to bet that after you do, you'll be very hard pressed to go back to Windows.
