Linux-The apple of my eye and window to the world
What is Linux
Linux is a free Operating System created by Linus Torvarlds in 1991 and it remains to be a free operating system(OS) till today.The stage for free software though was set long ago by Richard Stallman in 1985 with the creation of Free Software Foundation and GNU license.Linux is very much based on UNIX but UNIX cannot be termed as Linux.Today Linux is very much popular in many countries and the popularity is more than just growing.Linux from being a simple command line OS has evolved into a big competitor for MS windows.The GNU General Public License(GNU GPL) makes Linux free to copy,modify and redistribute to practically anyone.
Free-so wats the big deal?
Hmm Windows and Mac come at a very high price but why linux is free?Is its so cheap to be given free?
The answer is simple:Take an example, you have windows XP OS and suppose u don't like a certain feature of it or you notice a bug.Then can you make changes in XP's source code so that you could get rid of that bug?...The answer is NO.But with Linux the source code develops with the help of millions of software developers from around the world contributing their valuable knowledge for making a stable linux kernel.If a user/developer spots a bug he can either fix it or report it.So in short the product keeps on getting better and better. This certainly makes Linux far more advanced than other operating systems today.Even a normal Linux user can compile Linux Kernel to support maximum devices.Also the free OS has no copyright issues no activation and cd-keys and other bugging stuff.This also gives advanced users to build their own Linux.
Linux-Is it for geeks?
A very common misconception revolves in almost 90% of normal windows users' minds is that linux is just for geeks and that it requires some special skills to operate Linux.This is completely wrong!
Linux is very much easy to use.It all depends on which distribution and flavor of Linux you choose which is the problem with many Linux starters.Linux has the largest support for hardware devices.Now-a-day distributions(commonly called distros) like PCLinuxOS come with a very good Graphical User Interface which is even better than windows.Also Linux has features like 3D-desktop effects which are at par with Vista and MacOS.Yes thats true.Some effects with Compiz-Fusion are much better than Vista also.One more point is that you get to choose between completely different desktop environments(a matter of choice and comfort).Also the user interface is completely customizable.For gamers there is Transgaming Cedega where you can play windows games on your linux machine and Wine software which lets us run windows applications on Linux.Reports have shown that gaming on Linux is far better than on windows.Let me tell you that users DO NOT need to have any knowledge of linux commands for using linux but if you have it its great!.
So where is Powerpoint,Word et al?
Powerpoint,word and other office applications are already there in Linux and comes pre-installed in distros like PCLinuxOS and Ubuntu.Its called openoffice.org which is a completely free office application suite which right now is a market competiton for MS office.Mostly all distros come loaded with a pdf reader too.It can access all kinds of files like .doc .ppt .db etc.On almost all distros Firefox comes pre-loaded.Yahoo messenger is avalable for linux also but it is better to use pidgin instead.And for msn users ther is amsn client but again pidgin rocks.Also acrobat reader,flash player and nvidia drivers are available for linux so imagine its growing popularity.And don't worry about antiviruses anymore if you are going for Linux!.Also there is a facility of multiple workspaces which allows multitasking .So you can chat with your colleague in one workspace,make your presentation in the 2nd and watch your favorite movie in the third and also quickly switch between them.That's the power of linux.
Eye Candy?
Well you may be wondering linux maybe a geeky plain and simple OS with good technology et al and that there is no place for some cool desktop effects like AERO or the effects which Macs provide.But I am afraid to say you are wrong!.Linux has superb desktop effects courtesy beryl,compiz and compiz fusion .Effects like desktop cube and water,fire effect etc are more than just eye candy.
See the pictures above..Ya even your desktop can be like that and yes with no prior knowledge of any command!.The effects shown above are nothing if you want to see more just browse through flikr.Here I'll give you the link so you don't have to search.Just see how spectacular they look!.
Drivers and Stuff?? The linux advantage
So you just installed your brand new xp and you can't seem to find that motherboard disc which came along your pc.What a nightmare!.Most of the XP users have been through this problem and its not just users this has been a nightmare for many hardware engineers too!.So how is linux better in this field?.Well driver installation is basically the easiest part in linux now-a-days(unless you are using very old linux versions)..
1)Mostly the drivers(including recent soundcards ) are recognized by linux by default.So no need to take troubles
2)If not then all you need is an internet connection(not necessarily broadband any connection will do) and the package manager which is bundled with most of the distros.So just search for the drivers and download the package(installation and rest of the stuff is automatic!).And the fun part is after installation of drivers you don't need to restart your pc!(GUI and kernel of linux being separate unlike windows)
3)So everything works but where are the 3d effects?.Again simplicity reigns!.The neighborhood friendly package manager saves the day!Just search and it will download and install automatically.However if you have any problems in this field just post your query on my Comments page.I'll surely help you out!
But do I have to sacrifice my XP or Vista?
No,not at all Linux can efficiently dual boot or multi boot with windows Operating system(s) and multiple linux operating system(s) too.
But DualBoot that's bad for the PC right?
No way! This is a very common misconception amongst people.Dual Boot does NOT screw up your system because only one OS runs at a time wic comsumes the resources as it does in single boot.Its like running two different PCs with different OS's.
So where do I start?
Well you should always start with a live CD which allows to boot the OS from the CD-drive without installing the OS to the hard drive.So it doesnt make any changes at all to your system when you shutdown the OS and remove the cd you are back to your original system!.Magic isn't it? Also if you like the OS you can install the OS on your hard drive with minimal hassles and no prior experience.
In case of live cds the best is PClinuxOS which has all features including mp3 player dvd player and everything preinstalled.Just download the iso image and burn it on a cd and then configure your BIOS to boot from cd-rom thats it!
Another top live cd distro is Ubuntu which also comes loaded with lots of stuff and is pretty cool .The best part about Ubuntu is that you can order it at your doorstep for free no matter where you stay with no postal charges nothing at all(I just got my 4 cd pack).All you have to do is register for free on their website
There are other Live Cd distros like Knoppix,Gnoppix and DSL which boots from a pendrive! and is very small in size.
What if i want to install it now
So you liked it and want to install it without screwing your XP or vista.Then just boot from the live cd and click on the install icon you (usually) see on the desktop.The instructions are pretty simple and the installation is very speedy.After you install it download the necessary drivers with synaptic manager or the one provided with it.
You also might want to try for Fedora,Mandriva or Suse but I dont advice you to do that at a basic stage although I will be writing a tutorial on how to install fedora on a PC very soon.
This article
this article very much introduces you to linux and its basics.But there is a whole big world of linux which I haven't touched upon and even I haven't explored most of it yet.I will write further articles soon.
But this if you try will make you a linux user without all the geek knowhow.Also try to promote linux as much as you can as this will make the world without any closed doors and windows allowing complete freedom!
So just boot from cd drive and enjoy the most dynamic OS ever built without any fear of viruses,spywares,fragmentation,crashes and stuff!
I hope you liked the whole article and i also hope you will try it out.
If any doubts or comments please post here
Thank you!
