| Linux - the operating system for a GNU (pronounced | | | | your games, then stick with Windows. But if you're a |
| Gnew) generation. It has been dubbed the alternative | | | | pioneering soul who wants to find out more about your |
| to Microsoft, the solution to all life's problems and many | | | | system and tweak it to perform to the max, then |
| other things that may or may not be true. But what is | | | | Linux is definitely worth a try. |
| Linux, and should you care? | | | | If you want rock-solid Internet access, if you want to |
| To answer the first question, it's a free operating | | | | support the development of free software and more |
| system that looks and acts very much like Unix. You | | | | efficient solutions, or if you're just the type of person |
| can download it off the Net for free, or you can copy | | | | who needs control over every aspect of your life |
| it legally from a friend - although this might take all the | | | | including how your machine performs, then you're |
| fun out of using that CD-Writer you've got and never | | | | definitely a Linux candidate. Linux is perfectly suited to |
| use for anything, except to brag about it to your | | | | students, developers and just about anyone who |
| friends. | | | | wants to try something other than the norm. |
| Alternatively, you can buy it nicely packaged from an | | | | Newcomers will find support straight off the Internet |
| Internet store and get it delivered with a book about | | | | from thousands of kindred spirits. |
| Linux, (Linux Unleashed). | | | | It's worth a try - maybe you'll discover a Whole New |
| Distributors charge not for the operating system itself, | | | | World of fun and adventure. Or maybe you'll just take |
| but for their time in packaging and presenting it. Two | | | | it straight off your machine and go back to Windows. |
| popular flavors of Linux are Free BSD and Ubuntu. | | | | However, if you planning to try it out, then load it on |
| These offer the same basic systems with a few slight | | | | that old machine that's just lying around in the |
| differences that can lead to long and entertaining godly | | | | basement. You don't need powerful processors and |
| wars between supporters of each. | | | | hardware - the most important component is memory. |
| If you're getting into Linux for the first time, Ubuntu is a | | | | If you have 512mb and a 20gig hard drive then you |
| good bet. You can either go for Ubuntu Desktop which | | | | should be OK. You should be able to run all your |
| comes with a GUI, or you can opt for Ubuntu Server if | | | | applications including your websites with ease. |
| you planning to host websites of your own. The server | | | | Remember, you will need a permanent connection to |
| edition has no GUI, but you can install KDE or Gnome | | | | the Internet if you going to host your own websites. |
| to make your life easier. Most of your configuration will | | | | The best part is that you don't need any antivirus and |
| be done via the Terminal and you will have to learn a | | | | antispyware software if you're running Linux. Every |
| lot of Linux commands. | | | | would-be-virus-writer out there has only one target in |
| Linux is more complicated, and it depends on the kind | | | | mind - Microsoft Windows. |
| of person you are. If you're the type of computer user | | | | Whether you stick with Linux or not, you'll have come |
| who wants every application to run straight out of the | | | | out of your safety zone and taken a trip to the cutting |
| box and your system to just do what it's told and run | | | | edge of computer technology. |