Why You Should Learn Linux

If you have ever gotten frustrated by your Windows operating system, or desired to learn a new operating system such as Linux, it might be time to get started.

Now to answer the all important question, "What is Linux?" Linux is an open source operating system that is distributed by several different organizations. All distributions of Linux have in common the core of the operating system, but each one builds on a it a different user interface and bundles slightly different applications. Not all Linux versions are free, but most are. They are free because they are programmed and maintained by a community of volunteers. They contribute their time and energy to keep the operating system free from errors and security holes. Some of the most popular free distributions are Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/), Fedora Core (http://fedora.redhat.com/), and Debian (http://www.debian.org/), just to name a few.

There are many reasons to learn a new operating system such as Linux. If you have a desire to learn about the Internet and server applications, most servers are based on a Linux operating system. If you are a student many engineering fields have design software that is only available for Linux and not Windows. Or if you just want to learn a new skill to impress the IT guys at work for your own amusement. Another reason is that many older computers are being made obsolete by new Windows upgrades because either the hardware is not compatible or the computer does not have good enough specs. Linux can be installed and run easily on older computers with slower processors and less ram.

Now the major question that pops into everyone's mind who has used Windows for their entire computer life: "Can I do the same things in Linux that I can do in Windows?" The answer to this question is yes. There are many versions of Linux that ship with a full suite of applications installed with the operating system to get you started right away. Here I will list a few of the most commonly used applications on a computer and what is available for a Linux computer. For any of your office related needs there is OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org), a complete office suite that is free and open source that is backed by Sun Microsystems. This suite includes all the popular things you want to do with Microsoft Office except with out the price tag. It is also available for Windows should you choose to give it a test try on your Windows computer. For your Internet browsing pleasure Mozilla Firefox (http://www.getFirefox.com/) is included. This is the same Firefox that is sweeping the world of Internet browsers even amongst Windows PCs. For those of you who are addicting to instant messaging via such services as AIM and Yahoo then there is Gaim Internet Messenger which can communicate via many of the popular messaging services.

The question you should be asking yourself at this point is not why should you learn to use Linux, but why shouldn't you? Many of the newer versions are being built for people who are used to using Windows. They offer plenty of tutorials and community support while you learn. And unlike older versions of Linux, where many of the systems settings needed to be done in a command prompt similar to the old DOS interface, you can now change many systems settings, install new software, and update existing applications right from the Windows style user interface you are used to.

Now for the kicker. This entire article was written on a six year old laptop with a slow processor and minimal ram, running the newest Ubuntu Linux distribution, in OpenOffice. Then it was uploaded to the web using Firefox browser then saved to my new USB flash drive. All the while I was chatting with friends on Gaim. I don't think that is too bad for a computer that is so old that it doesn't meet the minimum requirements to run Windows XP, and definitely not the new Windows Vista.