Linux – the operating system for a GNU (pronounced Gnew) generation. It has been dubbed the alternative to Microsoft, the solution to all life’s problems and many other things that may or may not be true. But what is Linux, and should you care?

To answer the first question, it’s a free operating system that looks and acts very much like Unix. You can download it off the Net for free, or you can copy it legally from a friend – although this might take all the fun out of using that CD-Writer you’ve got and never use for anything, except to brag about it to your friends.

Alternatively, you can buy it nicely packaged from an Internet store and get it delivered with a book about Linux, (Linux Unleashed).

Distributors charge not for the operating system itself, but for their time in packaging and presenting it. Two popular flavors of Linux are Free BSD and Ubuntu. These offer the same basic systems with a few slight differences that can lead to long and entertaining godly wars between supporters of each.

If you’re getting into Linux for the first time, Ubuntu is a good bet. You can either go for Ubuntu Desktop which comes with a GUI, or you can opt for Ubuntu Server if you planning to host websites of your own. The server edition has no GUI, but you can install KDE or Gnome to make your life easier. Most of your configuration will be done via the Terminal and you will have to learn a lot of Linux commands.

Linux is more complicated, and it depends on the kind of person you are. If you’re the type of computer user who wants every application to run straight out of the box and your system to just do what it’s told and run your games, then stick with Windows. But if you’re a pioneering soul who wants to find out more about your system and tweak it to perform to the max, then Linux is definitely worth a try.

If you want rock-solid Internet access, if you want to support the development of free software and more efficient solutions, or if you’re just the type of person who needs control over every aspect of your life including how your machine performs, then you’re definitely a Linux candidate. Linux is perfectly suited to students, developers and just about anyone who wants to try something other than the norm. Newcomers will find support straight off the Internet from thousands of kindred spirits.

It’s worth a try – maybe you’ll discover a Whole New World of fun and adventure. Or maybe you’ll just take it straight off your machine and go back to Windows. However, if you planning to try it out, then load it on that old machine that’s just lying around in the basement. You don’t need powerful processors and hardware – the most important component is memory. If you have 512mb and a 20gig hard drive then you should be OK. You should be able to run all your applications including your websites with ease. Remember, you will need a permanent connection to the Internet if you going to host your own websites. The best part is that you don’t need any antivirus and antispyware software if you’re running Linux. Every would-be-virus-writer out there has only one target in mind – Microsoft Windows.

Whether you stick with Linux or not, you’ll have come out of your safety zone and taken a trip to the cutting edge of computer technology.

By: Sandra Prior

Linux has been something like monotony nowadays. Its fame makes it being the talk of the town – various Linux downloads, Linux programs, etc… And what’s great about this is – it’s all for free! However, free programs or software would always come to an end due to the rising number of users as well as the demands them constantly plea. There will really come a time that some of them will be priced just right for its effectiveness and usage. But that won’t tremble any of the existing and satisfied users of Linux because they already know how great it is to use such system.

Most of today’s Linux subscribers were actually using other operating systems and decided to transfer to Linux because of some annoying experiences. You can almost hear their murmurs whenever they talk about their previous systems. A complaint from a lady in her workplace have been heard telling that she got all fed up and totally annoyed with her current operating system and thinks of migrating to Linux. No worries at all because I think it’s just so easy to do it. Another thing is, switching to Linux can be very fast for her since she’s not using the software herself.

Beforehand, switching to Linux will require you to take a closer look around your software as well as to make some research about this new operating system. You should be aware of the software that are compatible with this new OS. Will your software run faster, or will be more user-friendly and effective once you transfer to this new system? Consider the advantages and disadvantages before you finally decide.

A large number of Linux software usually comes for free. And yes, they are indeed FREE! But are that free software doesn’t bother you at all? A colleague once mentioned that the more ‘free’ a software becomes, the more it is prone to get affected by some malicious programs. So before planning to use Linux, better watch out for these unwanted possibilities.

Another thing to consider is the commands that Linux has. Since it is new, there’s a possibility that some of its commands are different from your old OS. You have to get familiar with it first and then see to it that it has some sort of a familiar environment with your previous operating system. In that way, you won’t be caught something like grasping for breath because you have experienced a shock after suddenly switching to something you aren’t familiar with yet. So, it would be better to check everything out in order to get all things done – safely.

Anyhow, if you think you are ready enough to switch and try something new, then better opt for something that have positive feedbacks. Try to look at the bright side of your choice. Don’t worry too much about some adverse comments, for as long as you know that you, yourself can handle any problems that may occur (we could never really get rid of any unexpected failures). Consider the point that Linux has been very congenial to its users and is very friendly to the budget too. You won’t have to fret since some of its software are still offered for free (to download and to use as well).

I guess, the best thing to do primordially is to seek for valuable inputs about the Linux OS. Search and read a lot of reviews. Visit those sites that have favorable recommendations as well as some critics about this new operating system. Check out for software compatibilities and make sure that you’ve done checking the list of important software that you have – of which ones are and are not compatible with Linux. Better be ready before deciding to make a shift.

To finish this off, it will make sense to weigh all the odds and to consider the possibilities first before deciding to switch for Linux. A dissatisfied OS user (of another system) may opt for Linux to try its proficiency and effectiveness. He may go through a lot of new commands to learn and get familiar with, yet the important thing is, he is happy and comfortable with his choice. Well, the bottom lines for this is – if you are already fed up with what you currently have and is already annoyed of its performance, then why stick to that when you have greater options to choose from? So to speak, Linux may have been waiting for you all along.

By: Syahrul Azlan Idris