So what is Linux?
That's not as easy to answer as I first thought. Sure Linux is a free operating system
that runs on many different computers, from IBM Mainframes to humble old Intel 386 machines
from 13 years ago. It's looks and behaves largely like many other Unix-like operating systems,
such as Solaris or AIX, but then again, it isn't. There are many histories of Linux floating
around, try
Google for a start.
I guess for me, Linux is a replacement for Windows. I do all my e-mail, word-processing, web browsing,
and site developement on Linux. In fact, there is really nothing that I did in Windows that I can't do in
Linux. However, more than pure function, Linux provides me the ability to really make my computer do what
I want it to do, and only what I want it to do. The level of customisation possible with Linux is
truely mind boggling! From simple eye-candy (screen decoration) to how the kernel is optimised.
Ahh. Getting a little carried away there. Best of all Linux has cost me zip, nadda, zero, zilch! I
simply burned a couple of CD's, ran the installer and started playing :-) It's really that easy.
But I'm used to Windows....
Many people have asked me if Linux can do this or that. The answer has always been yes. So here is a quick
Q&A:
- Q. Can you browse the web with Linux?
A. You bet! Take your pick of browsers including Mozilla, Opera or Phoenix which can all be found
on Windows. Plus there are some really cool Linux-specific browsers like Galeon and Konquerer. All
these browsers support industry standards and the usual "Flash", Java, JavaScript etc. technologies.
You wont find Internet Explorer on Linux though - but why would you want it anyway with so many
good (some might argue "better") alternatives?
- Q. Can I get my e-mail with Linux?
A. Sure can! There are more mail programs out there than you can poke a stick at. Some of the more
popular include Evolution, KMail and Thunderbird. All these mailers include the ability to sort mail,
automate responses or actions based on nearly any criteria in a very similar way to Outlook's "Rules".
Plus all the usual features like spell check, different mail formats (HTML, plain text, etc), and sending files
via e-mail as attachments etc. Some even have in-built spam filters (like Thunderbird).
- Q. Can I write a letter on Linux?
A. No problem! What you really want to know is whether or not last year's Christmas newsletter written in
MS-Word can be re-hashed for this year right? Well, believe it or not, yes it can. There are many
Word-like replacements like AbiWord or Open Office's "Writer". Both these programs will allow you to
import, edit and save MS-Word format files. In fact many of the documents I write for my employer are
composed in Open Office then e-mailed to my colleagues, who run OfficeXP, in the USA - they can't tell the
difference! This is true for my documents and spreadsheets, plus presentations (al la "PowerPoint").
- Q. Can I listen to music and watch video with Linux?
A. Sure can! "XMMS" is a direct replacement for WinAmp and even uses WinAmp skins (if that's your thing)
so your MP3 collection is safe. Amarok is a iTune-like
program and very popular. As for video "Xine" and "Mplayer" seem to cover just about any format known
including the proprietary "WMA" format. There is a native "RealPlayer" for Linux so you view video and audio
streams in Real's proprietary format.
- Q. What about viruses?
A. Yes what about them indeed! Linux has a very different security model to Windows and cosequently it
is basically immune to the usual exploits levelled against Windows users. However, if virus writers
ever started targetting Linux in a big way I'm sure some people would be caught out. The thing about Linux
is that it is very difficult for a normal user to badly damage the entire operating system. As most programs
only run with the same permission as the user who executed it, a security flaw in a program can usually only
damage that user's own files, not the entire computer. This is why you DONT use the administrative
account called "root" for your day-to-day activities.
- Q. This all sounds good, but I heard linux is hard to use!
A. Linux comes in many "distributions" which can be thought of like flavours - a bit like icecream. Some
icecream is better than others and everyone has their favourite. Linux is very similar. Some distributions
("flavours") are aimed at hard-core computer users but others are pitched straight at people who want their
computer to be like their car - it just works. If this sounds like you, check out
(x/10 = newbie rating: 1=bad choice for beginner, 10=great choice for beginner)
* A bit of an explanation is required here. "Fedora" is a RedHat project that is freely available to anyone.
However, RedHat (the company) no longer provide a "supported" version of Linux for free. The Fedora project is what's
left of the old "RedHat Linux" but isn't supported by RedHat (the company) anymore. Make sense?
Some closing comments about distributions...
Personally, I'd avoid Fedora if you are planning on making your first foray into the Linux world. Best stick with something
you can get support for, especially installation and set-up support. Mandrake or SuSE scored highly in the list because
they are easy to install yourself, but if you get stuck there is support available, but it may cost you some money. Lycoris
scored slightly lower than Mandrake/SuSE because of it needs to be purchased whereas all the other distributions listed
here are free. However, if you don't mind the the price tag, Lycoris is a snack to install (even along side an existing
Windows installation) and configure.
Having said that, one of the most popular
distributions in the world (Debian) doesn't have ANY "company"
or "corporation" behind it, yet is one of the best supported distributions available! Viva the "Debain community"!!.
You'll hear that word (community) a lot once you get into Linux. Users sharing info/tips/tricks with other users. BUT the
people who actually WRITE the programs (the developers) are also part of the same community.
Imagine developers from Microsoft sharing "inside" tips and tricks for free with the rest of the world. Imagine again
the users providing feedback directly to the developers about what they like and dislike, or what they want included/dropped
from software. Now imagine NO MARKETING department to determine whether or not your suggestions are "feasible" or "in
keeping with strategic direction". Imagine being able to directly influence the development of the software YOU USE ..... now
you've imagined the wonderful world of Linux! :-)
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