Alternate Operating Systems to Windows

Most computer users have never considered an alternative to the Microsoft Windows operating systems. There are many benefits to running an alternative operating system on your computer. In the past it was difficult to run an alternative operating system due to lack of software available for certain tasks, compatibility issues, and overall complexity of alternative operating systems. Today, alternative operating systems such as Linux distributions are easier than ever for the novice user to install and use.

Linux is the main alternative operating system available to PC users. There are many varieties of Linux available, and many different versions, called distributions, available. The best part about all versions of Linux is that it is open source, which means it is completely free. With Windows Vista costing more than any other version of Windows to date, the free nature of Linux is worth considering.

No matter how you use your computer, there is a Linux distribution tailored to your needs. Most Linux distributions won't require messing with drivers like Windows, and there is a large library of free software for Linux for everything you could possibly need to do and more. A few of the popular options are Ubuntu, Slackware, Fedora, Debian, Suse, and Knoppix.

If you just want to explore the possibility of an alternative operating system, then Knoppix is the distribution for you. It can be booted from a CD and if you don't like it, you can take the CD out and run Windows again without any hassle. Knoppix, like most other Linux distributions, features free software that can do many tasks, such as OpenOffice.org as a fully functional Microsoft Office replacement, Gimp for basic and advanced image editing, Mozilla Firefox for browsing the internet, and hundreds of additional free software programs.

For the user that wants to install a version of Linux to completely replace Windows, Fedora, Debian or Ubuntu are good choices. All of them are easy to install, have a large library of open source software included, and allow you to do anything you could do on Windows, and more.

For the advanced user, Slackware or Suse are excellent choices. Both are very easy to use, while allowing for advanced customization. They both have advanced features, and are good for the already tech savvy user. These distributions feature many open source programs like most other distributions along with some advanced software that can perform tasks that are beneficial to the power user.

No matter which Linux distribution is chosen, you will save money, get new use out of your computer, and enjoy learning something new. If you need help, the best part of all is that you can ask for help on Linux forums, or ask for support on the website of the distribution, and you will get prompt help from knowledgeable people who have already switched to an alternative of Windows. Best of all, the support and updates to all of these Linux distributions are completely free.