How to Try the Linux Operating System Without Jeopardizing Windows

Unfortunately, many people hold mistaken ideas regarding the open source Linux operating system. Some still believe it is a system for programmers or computer savvy power users. They don't realize that many Linux distributions are as automated as Microsoft Windows. In fact, they can be easier to work with and although helpful, it's no longer necessary to know how to use a command line to get work done.

Linux has some definite advantages over MS Windows: greater stability, less susceptibility to malicious code such as viruses, access to the source code (programming behind the system), "bundled" software, and affordability. Linux is known to run for years without any stability problems severe enough to cause freezing or require reformatting. There are no dreaded "blue screens of death" which are not uncommon among Windows users. Linux is also even less susceptible than Macintosh systems to attacks by malware such as viruses, spyware and adware. Part of the reason for this is the desire of unscrupulous programmers and hackers to cause as much destruction as possible. Writing code to disrupt systems running Windows will cause harm to more computers than attacking Linux platforms since the average personal computer runs Windows.

There's also the advantage of the "bundled" software of most Linux distributions also called "flavors" or "distros". Distros such as Fedora, Suse, Debian, Ubuntu, Puppy, and many others come with a host of useful programs. The most common applications included are programs for word processing, accounting and calculations, database management, Internet browsing, editing text, managing emails, instant messaging, voice over ip, image editing, multimedia, networking, gaming, and so much more.

One of the greatest attractions to Linux is the fact that the kernel (core) of the system is open source software which is free software. Free software doesn't necessarily mean that no payment is ever required to acquire it. The term refers to the freedom to view and modify the source code which is a huge plus for corporations that must have customized software. Nevertheless, there are Linux distributions that are also free of charge such as Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, and Puppy. These systems may be legally downloaded from the Internet, copied, distributed and installed on as many systems as the installer desires. Many distributions also offer a very affordable enterprise version that comes technical support for businesses.

What is the best way for someone who has no familiarity with Linux to try it safely and comfortably without jeopardizing his Windows installation? A few of the distributions such as Fedora, Ubuntu, Freespire, and Puppy have live CD's containing the entire operating system. The advantage of a live CD lies in the fact that the system can be run "on the fly", a term that refers to the option of running the system without installing it. One of the best distros for this is Puppy Linux, a distro that can be installed, but that was created to be run without being installed to the local disk.

Puppy Linux is a very small distro into which many useful and powerful programs have been packed. It can be downloaded free of charge from the web site: puppyLinux.org. It can also be ordered from discountLinuxdvd.com, a web site that sells Linux distributions on CD and DVD for very economical prices.

Absolutely no knowledge of Linux is needed to run Puppy on the fly. The entire operating system is approximately 100 MB in size which is why it's able to "sit" completely in the RAM memory of even legacy hardware. This feature has appealed to many who would like to restore life back to very old and slow computers that still have much service to give when running Puppy. The CD containing Puppy can also be used to run the distro on the fly on modern system without ever touching the Windows installation.

The computer should be rebooted with the CD in the drive. Depending on the setup of the system, boot order may have to be changed within setup, sometimes referred to as the BIOS. The CD/DVD drive should be listed first. Setup is usually accessed by pressing the F10 or delete key seconds after powering up or rebooting. The exact key to accomplish this task should be indicated by the computer upon start-up.

The CD will begin to spin after which a message will appear that the system is being copied to RAM. Next, the user will be informed that the kernel modules are being loaded. Finally, it will be time for user interaction. Puppy will ask for a verification of the mouse type which will already by highlighted after an automatic probe. Pressing enter is all that should be needed. This is followed by a selection of the keyboard layout. Again, simply pressing enter should suffice. Puppy will then present the video wizard which gives a choice of 2 X servers which handle the windows (graphic) portion of the system. The default is "Xorg" which is a large and sophisticated server and an advanced graphics mode. Not all video hardware is compatible with it which is why there's the choice to use the Xvesa server instead. Xvesa is much smaller and compatible with practically all video hardware. It has limited support for input devices and video may be somewhat jerky on slower pc's. However, Xvesa provides a great graphical environment. Xorg can be tested before the loading of the desktop. If it doesn't work, Xvesa can be chosen instead.

The last part of the on-the-fly setup involves the probing for the monitor type which is usually unsuccessful, but shouldn't cause any alarm. A list of generic monitor types will automatically display. The user should simply select the option that best reflects the resolution he desires for the monitor. The only thing to pay attention to is the need for the option to indicate that the resolution is okay for the video card. If it says "unconfirmed" for the monitor that is alright.

Once all of these options have been selected, the Puppy Linux desktop will display. The unfamiliar user will enjoy the freedom of exploring this amazing little operating system. Linux is easy to work with for the casual user, but it does require getting used to a new file structure and different software. Running it on the fly allows the user to take his time in teaching himself to use Linux. Many who have introduced themselves to this powerful and stable operating system have gladly embraced it as their main system.