What is Linux?

Question

I need a in depth answer for this what is linux what is it good for and is better for gaming than Windows or is more based for office applications. What is it good for? How can I use it to my advantage? Why was it made? More importantly does it work on a Windows based computer?

Answer 1

Linux is a complete operating system that is similar but not identical to UNIX. It runs on a wide variety of hardware, ranging from 386's/486's/Pentiums/Pentium II's to more exotic hardware such as Digital Alpha computers, PowerPCs, and Silicon Graphics workstations. Probably the most unique characterisitc of Linux is that it is freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it.
Originally the term Linux referred strictly to the kernel (the core of the operating system), but the phrase itself refers nowadays to a collection of configured software that runs on top of the Linux kernel. These 'collections of software' are known as distributions. Although these distributions often have their own unique (together with some proprietary software) flavour they are essentially the same. Just a few years ago there were only two popular distributions, Slackware and SLS. However, nowadays there is a wide choice from such companies as Red Hat, Caldera, S.U.S.E, Stampede. These companies do not just compile and configure the software. Caldera, Red Hat and others have added their own proprietary software to their distribution, which help to make such tasks as installation no harder than say Windows 95.

The easiest way to obtain a Linux distribution is to purchase a CD-ROM containing the software. Unless you have a very fast connection to the Internet a CD-ROM represents the most convenient method. Two American companies stand out in offering these distributions at incredibly cheap prices (just a couple of dollars); Cheapbytes and LSL. If you live in the UK and Europe the Linux Emporium offers the popular distributions for 2 pounds, which includes postage. I have purchased from all three companies in the past, and they offer a reliable service. One thing they can't offer is technical support. If you think you will need some help in installing Linux I would recommend you purchase from one of the distribution companies; for example Red Hat offer 30 days free technical support in installing their distribution.

If I had to recommend one distribution to a newcomer it would be Red Hat 5.0. Why, you ask? This is an up-to-date distribution which has some excellent utilities for configuring Linux, it has arguably the best package manager (for easy installation and de-installation of software), and has wide support among the Linux community.

Most UNIX software runs on Linux and there are many commercial applications that have been ported over to Linux, such as the excellent graphics package Corel DRAW, wordprocessors such as WordPerfect, and spreadsheets such as NeXS. Additionally the commercial WABI program allows you to run many 16-bit Windows applications under Linux, if you so wish.

Answer 2

I would like to add a couple of thoughts to what others have posted.

First, if gaming is important to you, Linux isn't really there yet. Most of what people think of in terms of modern games don't run natively under Linux. Some you can get to work with various emulation software, if you like to tinker.

Linux is very good as a desktop/office machine, and superb as a server. It is more stable and secure by design than Microsoft products.

You can have a "dual boot" machine, that has both Linux and Windows installed, and you choose which to run at boot time. There are also Linux "live CDs" that let you run Linux without even installing to the hard drive. However, these run slowly due to running off the CD, so you wouldn't want to use it for more than checking things out.

And finally, there are products such as vmware and xen that allow you to have more than one OS (or more than one instance of the same OS) running at the same time on the same machine.

Answer 3

I've been using Linux at work and home for quite sometime.

It is a Unix clone type Operating system. Linux is a community of Open Source advocates. Primarily for enterprise computing environments. Several desktop environments exist for Linux, KDE, and GNOME provide GUI interface into the system. I use FEDORA an open source version of Redhat Linux as my preferred OS.

Stability depends on what you do with it, how much memory you have on the system to which you install it..

I am a system admin, I use linux for serving DNS, wireless authentication, proxying internet connections, and data transfer mechanisms. The Desktop OS has a multitude of free or open sourced solutions to Office productivity, and Internet browsing and yes, I've seen games for Linux.

The gaming environment and community is a sub group in and of itself.

Does it work under Windoze? No.. You can download a Linux type system called CYGWIN that will give you the look and feel of the Un*x operating system you can load KDE on top of it, but, two operating systems on the same box does not play well together so I'd avoid going down that path.

You could configure your system in a dual boot where you could go either OR. But not at the same time.

Answer 4

The lies that some people will say about Linux is astonding! Linux is great. Many come with built in DVD players. full media players/recorders, the best firewall out there and -0- virus risk. The only people who are pushing Windows are just like to kiss "Bill the Thug's" butt.

Answer 5

Linux is an operating system that's based on Unix. It is usually free and runs a lot better than Windows for most things. Read about it on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

Answer 6

A massive waste of time.

It's incredibly buggy, applications crash more than on XP, you can't get a DVD player for it, it has poor driver support for much hardware, it's hard to install, applications for one type of Linux don't work on another brand, it's NO LONGER always free, it's hard to navigate stuff, you have to learn command line i.e. NOT point and click, I could go on...

The people that like it are helpful but in asking them questions, you need to ask more questions just to understand their answers. http://www.experts-exchange.com is a good place to ask questions about it but don't seriously consider Linux for your own use unless you yearn to geekify.

Answer 7

If you have a spare computer, or wish to do a duel-boot on a single computer, why don,t you just try it?

Freespire is a great Linux distro for newcomers to LInux. Free download and information here:
http://wiki.freespire.org/index.php/Quick_Tour_of_Freespire

Answer 8

Linux is an operating system that was initially created as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland.
http://www.linux.org/info/
full details.

Michael
http://webmasterautomation.com

Answer 9

Does not have all the faults of Windows and it's an open system which means you can reprogram components of the OS which is not possible in MS