 Why use Linux?
Why should I use Linux? What will it give me that I don't already have? Read on to find out just some of the many features of Linux!
Cost
Linux is legally free, and comes with a huge range of software, that is easily installable, upgradable and removable. You could pay thousands for similar commercial software and it may still not be as integrated as Linux. Reliability Linux is rock solid and even if an application does crash, the way Linux is designed, with the kernel being separate from the operating programs, you can just kill the collapsed application without having to restart the system. The Linux based server in this office has been running for over five years without a crash. Device Support Linux has no shortage of device support - in fact, it often has better support than competing commercial applications, autodetecting devices, solving conflicts and even continuing to support superceded devices. Multi-Platform Linux runs on just about any computer system - from i386 to AMD64 to AppleMac to PDAs, etc. Uptime When you are running any critical server, such as file or web, you need it to always be up and ready. In Linux just about any change can be made without having to restart the system! Ease of Use The old barrier of Linux being hard to use is long dead. Now with distributions such as Mandriva (the old Mandrake) installation and use are just as easy as any other operating system, if not easier. Power Linux is a server strength operating system. It is ideal for running web and database servers, as well as desktop + laptop work. Flexibility Having the source code available gives you an unlimited amount of flexibility. Furthermore, distributions such as Mandriva make it easy for non-programmers to have complete control over their systems - and a Linux from scratch system gives you 100% control! Security Linux has its source code freely available, making any security flaws easy to find and quick and easy to fix. Try it! Linux can share your computer with Windows or almost any other operating system, making it easy to try out without having to switch completely. Or it can even run direct from the cdrom or USB! Alternatively, with Linux as your operating system, you can run Windows or almost any other operating system using virtualisation programs supplied with Linux. With few exceptions data is freely transferable from Windows or other operating systems to Linux. Considering the open source software is free, why not try it! The articles "What is Linux" and Why use Linux?" were written for the Wellington (NZ) Linux Users Group by Jethro Carr and others. As I have updated and personalised their text, you might enjoy reading what they originally wrote. They said exactly what needed to be said, which is why I asked permission to use it. I like their Tux too. They also have a good picture of Linus Torvalds and the transcript of an interview with him. Check out www.wellylug.org.nz Thanks heaps, guys! |
