Features

Vol 6:5 - Linux Operating System

By LEROY MCLEAN, Contributor

SINCE THE LAUNCH of Startech column we have been talking about Microsoft Windows and their supporting products (Excel, Word, and Powerpoint). The time has come for me to tell you about another source of life on this planet, its called "Linux".

Linux is another popular operating system that a lot of computer users are using all around the world. Most persons have removed Microsoft Windows from their computer and installed one of the distro (distribution or version) of Linux. Clearly most of my friends think that Linux is an alternative to Windows.

Within the IT industry, Linux is considered to be the "Open" source operating system (O/S). This means that you are FREE to make modifications and or redistribute the core of the O/S, which is called the kernel without worrying about any copyright laws. Unlike Microsoft Windows, users are not permitted to make any form of changes to the O/S. As a matter of fact, the codes to the software are not publicly available to anyone. This is by far the best selling point for Linux.

Loopholes

Linux is not just another O/S on the market, rather it is one of the operating systems of the future competing against the powerful Microsoft. I believe by now you must be wondering which company owns this software. Well, Linux is not really owned by any one company or any individual, rather several entities such as governments, universities and programmers contribute towards the development of the Linux.

Now, I need to tell you why some users are switching from Microsoft Windows to Linux. The most obvious reason is security. Over the years persons have been complaining about the various bugs and holes inside all Microsoft products. With all of these loopholes, it is very attractive for hackers to attack a computer that is running one of Microsoft's products. Keeping

Windows updated is now considered to be a full-time job, which is not very productive for most persons.

Another reason you would switch to Linux is the cost to own the O/S, which by the way is free. Now, how can anyone beat that price tag? I guess you can't, but you will try to compete on other grounds.

There are several different Linux distributions available for download on the Internet. Here is a list of those distros:

-RedHat Linux

-Mandrake

-Suse

-Xandros

-Lindows

-Knoppix - runs directly from the CD without any installation.

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