Linux

Overview Linux is a relatively new player in the operating system game which has been dominated by the “big hitters”--Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Unlike these operating systems, the Linux operating system is free of charge. Additionally, the code that makes up the Linux kernel is freely available for anyone to edit. Many different Linux distributions and desktop environments are also available free of charge. They can be downloaded online or ordered by mail. An amazingly large number of applications for Linux distributions are in existence. These applications range from free system utilities to document production software. There are also many online support resources. Linux is particularly attractive to people looking for a low-cost, stable, and flexible operating system. 

General Information The Linux operating system is available to anyone free of charge. Many different distributions (versions released by different organizations) are offered by a variety of companies which charge only for support, literature, and media. The most popular distributions of Linux often come with several applications and specific features. Visit any of the following Web sites to read about the specifics for each distribution. These sites include: Turbolinux (www.turbolinux.com), Debian (www.debian.org), Red Hat (www.redhat.com), and Ubuntu (www.ubuntu.com/).

There are also some more obscure distributions that provide features similar to those of  the more popular distributions. However, many of these distributions do not offer support. To find out more information about these lesser-known distributions, visit www.slackware.com. Since more than one company has designed Linux user interfaces, there is a large variety of desktop environments available. GNOME (www.gnome.org) and KDE (www.kde.org) are two of the most popular desktop environments.

Linux Resources A surprisingly large amount of documentation and support can be found online for Linux distributions. Individuals with a strong interest in operating systems and C programming skills are behind much of the development of Linux. Linux discussion forums are typically the best source for support and information. Visit any of the Web sites listed below to find a wide variety of application downloads, FAQs, discussions, and links to other Linux-related sites. These sites include: 

• www.linux.org
• www.linux.com
• www.linuxnewbie.org
• www.linuxapps.com

Support, information, and resources for numerous Linux desktop environments can be found at www.plig.org/xwinman whereas consult.cern.ch/cnl/237/kde-gnome.html, is a site strictly geared towards the popular GNOME and KDE environments. 

Additional Links If you are interested in shopping for Linux products, visit www.linuxcentral.com. Linux-related products can be purchased at this site, including items such as books, distribution disks, accessories, games, and utilities. Visit www.kmfms.com to read about alternatives to large commercial operating systems such as Microsoft Windows. View a Linux Timeline from its inception in 1991 to today--with nearly 20 million users worldwide.