Linux
What’s so great about it?
I’m not a Linux guru, but have been trying it, off and on, for several years. Recent distributions, such as Ubuntu 8, provide both excellent hardware support, and excellent software and user interfaces, so I have begun to spend a lot more time in Linux. Thus, I decided to write a series of short articles about my recent adventures. This first one is a quick overview of Linux, geared for the novice.
The average desktop computer user has never heard of Linux, or if they have, they don’t know anything about it. What is it, and why might one care to know anything about it? Strictly speaking, Linux is the kernel of an operating system. The kernel and a vast array of software are bundled into what are commonly called Linux distros (distributions). A few points to consider:
- Linux is one of several Unix-like operating systems with nearly 40 years of history.
- Linux is highly scalable: It is used in everything from cell phones to supercomputers. Most of the Internet, many governments, and major corporations run Linux or other Unix-like systems.
- Linux is highly reliable, stable, and relatively secure. Malware and other security breaches are rare on Linux systems.
- Linux is free, and it’s licensed under a GNU General Public License (GPL), which guarantees user rights instead of restricting them.
- Linux is open-source: Both the Linux kernel, and nearly all of the available software, may be modified and recompiled by anyone, for any reason (as long as it’s not placed under a more restrictive license).
- Linux-based distributions are available in hundreds of flavors, and are compiled for many different computer architectures.
- Linux is portable: One may run it from a CD or a USB stick, and thus carry, not just files, not just programs, but the entire operating system in a pocket! (Of course, it runs faster from a hard drive.)
- Linux isn’t about conquering or converting anyone—it’s about choices. It’s not just another operating system—it’s an idea—the idea that software should be free and open, available to all. It’s an idea that works, thanks to all the brilliant, dedicated people who create and maintain open-source software.
Q & A
“Why would I want to replace my whole operating system?”
You don’t have to replace it. It’s easy to have both on the same computer. Almost all Linux distributions will install from a bootable CD, and will partition the hard drive and provide a boot menu, where one may choose the desired operating system during boot-up.
- For the average desktop computer user, Linux includes free software that does everything most people are now doing with expensive proprietary software. Modern distros are no longer just for programmers. With the graphical desktops, even Granny and the kids may use it just fine.
- For business owner, Linux can save big money: There are no licensing fees, neither for operating system nor applications. One may freely and legally copy it to as many computers as needed, and the upgrades are free, too.
- For the technical hobbyist, programmer, or researcher, Linux is computer heaven. Universities use Linux (or other unices), and over the years they have written tons of scientific and educational software. Programmers have instant access to dozens of compilers, interpreters, and development environments—not to mention several hundred million lines of free, working computer code!
“I’ve heard it’s really hard to install and set up.”
That used to be the case, but in recent years most distros install from a CD, using a menu or graphical wizard, and are no more difficult to install than is Windows. Also, automatic hardware detection and driver support has greatly improved in recent years.
“Can Windows programs run under Linux?”
Some, in an emulator called Wine. But why? There are hundreds of good programs for Linux, several for every purpose.
“What about compatibility? My employer, friends, and family all run Windows.”
Usually not a problem: OpenOffice.org can open, edit, and save files in MS-Office formats. Also, one finds many PDF viewers, media players, and etc. If a popular file format exists, someone probably has made a GNU app that’ll handle it or convert it. For the few exceptions, just keep Windows and boot it up when needed. It isn’t a matter of all or nothing.
“My {name your hardware} came with software for Windows. Will it work in Linux?”
Mostly, yes. Most modern Linux distros now support a vast array of printers, modems, cameras, tablets, PDAs, pod players, Internet phones and PBXs, bluetooth devices, wireless routers and hubs, and even braille displays and speech hardware. Most connected hardware is auto-detected and set up during installation, and if something doesn’t work right, a trip to Google usually will provide an easy solution, such as fiddling with a config file or installing a readily available package.
“What does it look like?”
People tend to worry about jumping into something new and strange, orphaning their existing knowledge. Windows experience carries over into Linux, but the Linux user isn’t limited to one graphical user interface—there are many, with Gnome and KDE being the most popular. They look and act sort of like Windows, and are better and much more flexible in many little ways. One may just change the theme, or the whole graphical desktop system to something different. One may also run text-mode consoles, which has a rather steep learning curve, but it’s totally flexible and powerful. One can run most distros right out of the box, or dig into it and customize it.
“Surely there must be a down-side.”
Yes, the down-side is that there are many programs to learn, but the most-used ones are quite similar to their Windows counterparts, so it’s usually just a matter of getting familiar with what does what and where everything is. Also, the filesystem is radically different than Windows/Dos; everything mounts on one tree. There’s no drive letters like C:, you just make a folder and mount a drive there, although recent distros usually do that automatically. Things like that take some time to learn, but it all makes sense after a while.
How to Try Linux Without Installing it
Download a live CD ISO, burn it, and boot it! One may also purchase CDs for a few dollars each. It’ll boot and run a full-blown distro, loaded up with lots of software, and one may play with it at length. If you like it, there’ll be an install option somewhere.
I’ll not attempt to write a primer on partitioning drives or installing operating systems, so consider the following just a general overview, and do the research before beginning an installation. Installing it allows one to reconfigure it, save changes, and it’s a lot faster running from a hard drive. If installing to the same drive as Windows, it’ll shrink the Windows partition and make a couple of Linux partitions. You’ll need at least 10 gigs or so of free space. If not familiar with disk partitioning, either get help from someone who is, or install it to a different physical drive. Doing a full back-up is always recommended prior to modifying existing partitions, which, if not careful, can be disastrous. Another option is installing to a USB stick (8-gig sticks are now under $20), but it will run rather slow on a stick, compared to hard drive.
The biggest problem is deciding which distro to use! Everyone has their favorite, and mine is Ubuntu, which is very popular right now, for many good reasons.
What’s Next?
Recently I became obsessed with the idea of putting full (not compressed) Linux installs on 2-gig USB sticks. Why? Just for the fun of it. So I did, three times! I learned a few things, too.
Next: Linux on a Stick!
