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What is Linux? Linux is an operating system for computers, similar to Windows or Mac OS. Linux is not owned by any one company, rather it is composed of Free Software and Open Source Software, collectively called FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). The "Free" doesn't necessarily mean that the software has a cost of zero (though it often does) but that you are free to view, edit, or do many other things to it that would be illegal with other software. | ||
| Where can I find Linux? Linux is available for download from the internet in distributions, essentially a "flavor" of Linux. There are literally hundreds of options available, which can be rather confusing for some. The best place to find the most popular distributions at any given time is DistroWatch, an independent website that tracks the popularity of available distributions. You can also purchase computers with Linux pre-installed from Dell, or as an option on the various netbooks offered, including the ASUS Eee PC, Acer Aspire One, and MSI Wind. | |||
| Where is Linux used? Linux can be found in many locations that may surprise you. Google, Amazon, and eBay all use Linux for their websites. Sony sells televisions with Linux inside, Linksys (and their parent company, Cisco Systems) use Linux in their network routers and access points. The United States Department of Defense uses and develops variations of Linux for internal use, and the various city or national governments of Germany, Peru, China, Spain, Cuba, Pakistan, France, Singapore, India, and the Czech Republic, as well as others, use Linux. The T-Mobile G1, also known as the "Googlephone" runs a version of Linux. | |||
| Why would I want Linux? Linux gives you freedom. That is the once sentence that explains why Linux is so popular. With Linux, you can do anything you could with Windows or Mac OS. Browse the web, check your email, write documents and spreadsheets, and even chat with your friends and family via instant message. The difference between doing these activities on Linux versus Windows or Mac OS? Linux is free. Linux does not need anti-virus or anti-spyware software. Linux often runs faster on the same computer than Windows or Mac OS. | |||
| OK, what's the catch? Linux does have some negative points, however. Many Windows programs will not run on Linux; those that do need a special program called "WINE" to run. Even so, the vast majority of applications you may be used to running on Windows--office suites, web browsers, email clients, and some games--either have a version for Linux or a Linux-compatible equivalent. Think of it this way: you would not be able to run a game designed for Windows on a Mac; likewise you could not run Apple's Garage Band software on Windows. Linux is no different. Linux also may not play nice with some hardware. However, the problems with hardware usually are temporary, and only occur with extremely old or brand new, cutting-edge devices. | |||
| What's up with the little penguin? The little penguin often seen with Linux is named Tux, the official mascot of Linux. Tux was designed by Larry Ewing in 1996 after an initial suggestion made by Alan Cox and further refined by Linus Torvalds, the original creator of Linux. Linus wanted something fun to associate with Linux, and Tux the penguin was born. | |||
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More Information
For more information about Linux, try the following sites: Linux.com DistroWatch Wikipedia article on Linux |
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