What is all this hype about Linux? You keep hearing about it, but what's the big deal? Is there a big deal or is it just some company's marketing ploy? And either way, why would you want to use it?
Linux is an operating system for your PC, and it is a big deal. However, Linux is not the answer to every problem in your life, and not everyone loves it (for example, Bill Gates hates it). This page should help you get a handle on which side of the fence you fall on. So, what do you want to know?:
What does Linux look like? Isn't it some ugly command line thingy?
NO! Linux is just as GUI as any other operating system. True, Linux has a powerful command line interface that's missing in some other so-called modern operating systems, but unless you are a Unix guru or system administrator you'll be using a regular graphical desktop most of the time. What's even better, you get your choice of several different desktops. If you thought Windows Themes were cool, you'll flip over Linux. Want proof? A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out these screenshots:
What does Linux act like? I heard it's really hard to use.
The hardest thing about Linux is getting it installed. A lot of people have a hard time with the installation and talk bad about Linux. Installing Windows 98 or Windows NT isn't exactly a walk in the park either. Installing any new operating system is tough. Windows just seems easier because usually somebody else installs it for you. I have a lot of pages with tips on installing Linux to help out.
After Linux is installed, it's no harder to use than any other operating system. Some might say easier, because it is more stable and reliable, so it requires less maintenance. Control-Escape reader Barry Craigen writes:
Overall, I think my Six year old had that most appropriate comment on Linux. Usually when he plays on the computer (under Windows) I would be called downstairs to help him re-boot, unlock software (read re-boot), troubleshoot (read re-install software) and resolve hardware conflicts. He went downstairs to play one day while I had the computer up on Linux. He easily found his way into the games in KDE, and despite their geekish nature played for quite a while. I was expecting him to come and ask for help, but it never happened. When I went down to check on him, he was playing samegame (he already had scores above 3000). Since he didn't seem to need any help with the games, I asked his impression of the new OS. He said, "I like that I don't NEED help to keep it going, it just does". I couldn't put it any better myself.
Can Linux do normal stuff like word processing and web surfing?
Of course! In the land of Internet clients, the Netscape browser has been available for Linux for years, and it is included with virtually every Linux distribution. You can also use the new Opera browser for Linux, as well as the built-in browsers from the KDE and GNOME Desktop environments. You can even download the official AOL Instant Messenger for Linux!
Corel has thrown its full support behind the Linux platform, providing its own distribution of Linux, plus Linux versions of WordPerfect Office 2000 and their famous CorelDraw! graphics suite. And VistaSource (formerly Applix) has supported the Linux platform for years with their powerful yet inexpensive Anyware Office Desktop (formerly Applixware Office).
Prefer the zero cost stuff? No sweat. You can get OpenOffice, which is available for both Linux and Windows, or use the budding office software that comes with the KDE and GNOME Desktop environments. The GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) is a Linux native photo-editing package that should fulfill your graphics needs.
Can Linux do high-tech stuff like acting as a Web server or Database server?
Not only can you do it, but it comes as a standard part of the operating system! You'll get the world famous Apache web server, which serves more than half the sites on the Internet because of its stability, flexibility, and compliance with Internet standards. Most distributions also ship with one or more SQL database servers such as MySQL or PostgreSQL. If that's not powerful enough for your needs, you can always get commercial products from Interbase (now open source!), Sybase, Informix, or Oracle.
Does Linux need super-expensive hardware to run?
Are you kidding? Pull that old 386 or 486 out of the closet, you know, the one that Windows 98 won't even install on, much less run on. Slap Linux on that puppy and you've got yourself a nice little server or workstation terminal. It's not going to win any speed records, but it'll get more mileage like that than as a doorstop! On the other hand, if you have a multi-processor system with a gigabyte of RAM, Linux knows how to put it to use a lot better than Windows! In general, Linux can do a lot more with the same hardware.
Who makes Linux? Isn't it just some college kid's project?
Er, yeah, in 1991 it was. For those of you who haven't glanced at your watch in a while, it is now the twenty-first century! Today the Linux kernel alone (the core of the operating system) boasts over 200 developers from all over the world. Projects like the GNOME and KDE desktops, the XFree86 graphical interface, the Apache web server, and others are managed as separate projects, and each has a similar number of developers. Plus there are half a dozen companies that distribute Linux who also contribute to its development. This is definitely not "kid's stuff"!
Message from the Salty one: If you have any Questions/comments /suggestions or you would like to contribute to NeoTech email me SaltyNetGuru@NeoTechCC.orgor AIM me at SaltyNetGuru.
