"Tux", the Linux mascot originally created by Larry Ewing
Source: wikimedia commons
What is Linux?
Linux is an Operating System. It is an alternative to Microsoft Windows or the Apple's OS X. If someone tells you that they are using Linux, what they really mean is that they are using a Linux distribution or distro for short.
The distro gives you the look and feel of the operating system. Applications are the different software programs that you can use in the Linux distribution You may be surprised to learn that there are thousands of software applications available for free with your Linux distribution.
Most Linux applications rely on donations to help fund the application development rather than charging for the application. Donations may be in the form of cash or work depending on your abilities.
Most Linux distributions as well as applications are the result of many people working together or building upon the work of others.
Not only is it free of cost but you are also free to change it and create your own applications or your own Linux distribution. You can change it any way you wish without having to worry about getting in trouble for modifying the software.
The distro gives you the look and feel of the operating system. Applications are the different software programs that you can use in the Linux distribution You may be surprised to learn that there are thousands of software applications available for free with your Linux distribution.
Most Linux applications rely on donations to help fund the application development rather than charging for the application. Donations may be in the form of cash or work depending on your abilities.
Most Linux distributions as well as applications are the result of many people working together or building upon the work of others.
Not only is it free of cost but you are also free to change it and create your own applications or your own Linux distribution. You can change it any way you wish without having to worry about getting in trouble for modifying the software.
Reasons for Choosing Linux
The
number of reasons for choosing Linux could be just as high as the
number of distributions that are available in the Linux operating
system. Here are just a few reasons you may wish to try Linux:
- It's free!
- It's easy to use.
- Tired of fighting viruses and malware on yours or your children's PC.
- Tired of supporting Microsoft or the lack of support from Microsoft.
- Don't like the latest versions of Windows.
- Windows is boring.
- Can't afford all of the expensive software that you have to buy when using Windows or OS X.
- Want to have more control over how your desktop looks and feels.
- Have very specific needs for your operating system.
- Just want to try something different.
- Your hard drive is broken.
- You have an old computer that you would like to breathe new life into.
- You would like to have an operating system that you can move with you and use on several computers without affecting the existing operating system.
- You would like to get your files off a computer that the operating system is no longer working on.
- Want to use an operating system that evolves faster and develops new features faster than Windows or OS X.
- Want to use an operating system that leans toward openness rather than closed and costly proprietary operating systems.
Why Are There So Many Linux Distributions?
Because Linux is free (as in freedom of choice), it can be easily modified to meet the needs of specialized groups or niches.
Although there are many exceptions, most Linux distributions have evolved out of three main Linux distributions: Debian, Slackware and Redhat. Often when you read about a Linux distribution you will hear it is Debian, Slackware or Redhat based. For example, Ubuntu is Debian based.
Some distributions are designed to work on low-end or older computers. Some distros are designed to work with very high end computers where you may want to get every little bit of power possible. Some distros are designed to be portable so that you can use them on several different computers or on computers that don't have hard drives.
Whatever your needs, there's probably a Linux distribution made just for you.
Although there are many exceptions, most Linux distributions have evolved out of three main Linux distributions: Debian, Slackware and Redhat. Often when you read about a Linux distribution you will hear it is Debian, Slackware or Redhat based. For example, Ubuntu is Debian based.
Some distributions are designed to work on low-end or older computers. Some distros are designed to work with very high end computers where you may want to get every little bit of power possible. Some distros are designed to be portable so that you can use them on several different computers or on computers that don't have hard drives.
Whatever your needs, there's probably a Linux distribution made just for you.
What makes Linux different?
Linux is FREE. Free to use and free to modify. Thousands of applications are available for free and are easily downloaded using the distribution application manager.
Linux can be installed on a hard drive like most other operating systems you may be familiar with however some distros can be run from a CD, DVD or Thumbdrive.
Linux is secure. Unlike Microsoft Windows, applications cannot be installed without being intentionally installed by the user or administrator. This means that you are much less likely to be affected by viruses or malware unless you actually install it yourself.
Linux distributions have been designed to fill specific niches making your end user experience much more enjoyable.
Linux can be installed on a hard drive like most other operating systems you may be familiar with however some distros can be run from a CD, DVD or Thumbdrive.
Linux is secure. Unlike Microsoft Windows, applications cannot be installed without being intentionally installed by the user or administrator. This means that you are much less likely to be affected by viruses or malware unless you actually install it yourself.
Linux distributions have been designed to fill specific niches making your end user experience much more enjoyable.
Choosing a Linux Distribution
Although
there are distributions that are more popular than other Linux distros,
there is no "best" Linux distribution. This is because each distro is
designed for very specific tasks or groups of users.
You may wish to take an old hard drive and test different Linux distributions until you find the one you like. The installation of most distros is quite easy so it's just a matter of installing it and testing it. If you don't like it or you find it's not comparable to your system then just install another destro until you find one that is perfect for you.
Many distros give you the opportunity to create a live CD or DVD. These live CD's or DVD's, although usually somewhat limited give you a chance to test the distro before installing it.
There are even some distributions that allow you to install the operating system on a thumbdrive giving you excellent portability and the ability to use it on computers that don't even have a hard drive.
The following is a list of some distributions that may interest you and why they may be your distribution of choice:
You may wish to take an old hard drive and test different Linux distributions until you find the one you like. The installation of most distros is quite easy so it's just a matter of installing it and testing it. If you don't like it or you find it's not comparable to your system then just install another destro until you find one that is perfect for you.
Many distros give you the opportunity to create a live CD or DVD. These live CD's or DVD's, although usually somewhat limited give you a chance to test the distro before installing it.
There are even some distributions that allow you to install the operating system on a thumbdrive giving you excellent portability and the ability to use it on computers that don't even have a hard drive.
The following is a list of some distributions that may interest you and why they may be your distribution of choice:
Pear Linux
Pear OS
Based
on Ubuntu, Pear Linux is a Linux distribution that comes with a dock
similar to those used on a an OS X system. In fact many have said that
this distribution is a great alternative if you enjoy the look and feel
of Apple OS X.
The operating system comes with many multimedia features right out of the box. It is very easy to use and install.
Because it is based on Ubuntu, it provides a fantastic repository of applications to choose from.
Update:
As of January 2014, Pear Linux has is no longer available. Here is a quote from the developer of Pear Linux:
The operating system comes with many multimedia features right out of the box. It is very easy to use and install.
Because it is based on Ubuntu, it provides a fantastic repository of applications to choose from.
Update:
As of January 2014, Pear Linux has is no longer available. Here is a quote from the developer of Pear Linux:
Pear OS and Pear Cloud are no longer available for download.
Its future is now in hands of a company who wants to remain anonymous for the moment. The concept has pleased them it and now wants to continue and improve the system for their own products. I can not give a name but it is a very large company well known ...
I want to thank all users, moderators and other developers who have made Pear OS it is today, that without this adventure would not have been possible.
I'm going in another direction.
Pear Cloud users must recover their files on Pear Cloud servers.
In 10 days (january 31), the files will be deleted and the server will be offline.
Another big thank you to all and I hope to return to the scene of open source very quickly.
Cordially.
David
Linux Ultimate
If you're looking for a Linux distro that has plenty of bells and whistles, then Linux Ultimate may be the distribution for you. This flashy distro comes loaded with tons of applications to play with.
This Linux distro may just be too much for the average user.
This Linux distro may just be too much for the average user.
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