Linux.doc

Julian Ortiz

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            Many servers around the world use the Linux operating system to run their operations. After researching many sites, I couldn’t choose an exact date for the origin of Linux, but I will go by the “Linux Kernel that started in 1991, by Linus Torvalds.” –Wiki

Major corporations around the US support Linux, you can also find the Linux OS in other non-PC hardware such as a cell phones, and game systems. Many different people and companies have their very own O.S version; they all derive and feed from the original Linux Kernel. Linux is also distributed freely through the GNU. GNU is a license that states “Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.” –Free Software Foundation. The Linux distribution is the operating system itself, along with other applications. Because Linux is distributed for free, it also has Open Source so developers can have access to the code without violating any copyright laws, having this as a tool allows the developers to constantly revise applications and have fine tune their system accordingly. Examples of some distributions are Mandriva, Fedora, OpenSUSE, and Ubuntu. These included the OS and a GUI to make using Linux easier and less intimidating to new users. If you download a distribution it comes with basic programs that you will use such as a Web Browser, Media Player, and a Word Processor. This makes things simple for the users and keeps things easier to manage. Making a choice between different distributions can be a tough decision to make because they’re so many, to make this process easier there is a website called Distrowatch.com. This website can show you screenshots of the GUI and give a basic breakdown of what that specific distribution offers. One other source of downloading the distributions is from Linux.com/distributions.

Once you have made your choice on the distribution, you will now install them on your system in one of two different ways, you can either choose to boot up your system with the installation CD inside your CD-Rom and go from there. One other newer and popular way is to download what is called Live CD setup. This is popular because you can actually try the distribution before you choose to install it onto your hard disk; this is nice if you are having trouble choosing distributions. One of, if not the most popular application for Linux is Open Office. This is the best FREE word processor there is. Coming at a close second would have to be Mozilla Firefox. These are considered must haves by many Linux users themselves.

            There can be intimidation when making a major switch to operating systems that we are not used to. One downside can be that it can be difficult to learn and or use. If you are not savvy with computers at all and can barley manage Windows’ various OS’ then Linux will be over your head. Although the disadvantage is major, there are many advantages towards using Linux, the major factor is that it is free and has open source code. Having this lets developers around the world constantly modify and update there distributions to fix the latest bugs or make much needed updates faster. Although I myself have not used Linux, after doing my research and seeing that it is not that hard to switch, I’m curious to see and will most likely try out a Linux OS in the near future.