ALTERNATIVE FOR WINDOWS

LINUX OPERATING SYSTEMS SIMPLY THE BEST

INTRODUCTION

Operating system developers have made the Internet the standard method for delivering crucial operating system updates and bug fixes. Although it is possible to receive these updates via CD, it is becoming increasingly less common. In fact, some entire operating systems themselves are only available through distribution over the Internet. Further, a process called NetBooting has streamlined the capability to move the working operating system of a standard consumer desktop computer - kernel, user interface and all - off of the machine it controls. This was previously only possible for experienced power-users on multi-user platforms like UNIX and with a suite of specialized applications

LINUX:

Linux, the operating system created and distributed according to the principles of open source, has had a significant impact on the operating system in general. Most operating systems, drivers and utility programs are written by commercial organizations that distribute executable versions of their software -- versions that can't be studied or altered.

In the consumer device realm, the use of Linux has paved the way for individual users to have greater control over how their devices behave.

HISTORY:

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system. Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; typically all underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.

The Linux kernel was first released to the public on 17 September 1991, for the Intel x86 PC architecture. The kernel was augmented with system utilities and libraries from the GNU project to create a usable operating system, which led to an alternative term, GNU/Linux. Linux is packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the sometimes modified kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to different requirements. Linux is a complete operating system that is similar but not identical to UNIX. It runs on a wide variety of hardware, ranging from 386's/486's/Pentium*/etc to more exotic hardware such as Digital Alpha computers, PowerPCs, and Silicon Graphics workstations. Probably the most unique characterisitc of Linux is that it is freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it.

UNIQUENESS OF LINUX

Probably the most unique characterisitc of Linux is that it is freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it.

REASONS FOR LINUX BEING POPULAR:

Here are 10 reasons why Linux could be the best operating system for you:

• A Linux Distribution has thousands of dollars worth of software for no cost (or a couple of dollars if purchased on CD)

• Linux is a complete operating system that is:

• Stable - The crash of an application is much less likely to bring down the operating system under Linux

• Reliable - Linux servers are often up for hundreds of days compared with the regular reboots required with a Windows system

• Extremely powerful

• Comes with a complete development environment, including C, C++, Fortran compilers, toolkits such as Qt and scripting languages such as Perl, Awk and sed. A C compiler for Windows alone would set you back hundreds of dollars.

• Excellent networking facilities: allowing you to share CPUs, share modems etc; all of which are not included or available with Windows 95.

• The ideal environment to run servers such as a web server (e.g. Apache), or an FTP server.

• A wide variety of commercial software is available if your needs aren't satisifed by the free software.

• An operating system that is easily upgradeable. After any length of time a typical installation of Windows and software gets into a complete mess. Often the only way to clear out all the debris is to reformat the hard disk and start again. Linux, however, is much better for maintaining the system.

• Supports multiple processors as standard.

• True multi-tasking; the ability to run more than one program at the same time.

• An excellent window system called X; the equivalent of Windows but much more flexible. Of course there are many other reasons to use Linux such as the full source code is provided and can be modified but 'regular' application users will unlikely need the source code.

OTHER REASONS:

QUITE A LOT OF REASONS ARE THERE TO PROVE LINUX AS THE BEST OS SIMPLY TO SAY IF WE USE LINUX FOR A PERIOD OF 15 DAYS THEN WE WOULD NEVER TURN TOWARDS WINDOWS!

BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

· FREE FROM VIRUSES

· STABLE OS

· PROTECTS PC, SOLVES BUGS

· FREE CHARGE OS AND UNLIMITED SUPPORT

· GPL (General Public License).

· BUILT IN APPLICATIONS

· PACKAGE MANAGER-‘CHECKS FREE UPDATES’

· LESS HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

· CHOICE OF DESKTOPS AND JUMPING INTO next generation of desktops.
Use MSN, AIM, ICQ, Jabber, with a single program

· NO FREQUENT REINSTALLATION UNLIKE WINDOWS

· FAST USAGE OF BROWSERS AND APPLICATIONS

· NO NEED OF RESTRATING WHEN ANY UPLOADS DONE

· CAN PLAY 100’S OF GAMES FOR FREE

· CAN HELP OTHER COUNTRIES AND OURSELVES

· GREAT TOUCH MUSIC PLAYERS

LINUX DISTRIBUTION:

A Linux distribution, often simply distribution or distro, is a member of the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems comprising the Linux kernel, the non-kernel parts of the GNU operating system, and assorted other software. Because most (if not all) of the kernel and software packages are free and open source, Linux distributions have taken a wide variety of forms —from fully-featured desktop and server operating systems to minimal environments

There are currently over three hundred Linux distribution projects in active development, constantly revising and improving their respective distributions. One can distinguish between commercially-backed distributions, such as Fedora (Red Hat), SUSE Linux (Novell), Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd.) and Mandriva Linux and community distributions such as Debian and Gentoo

Distributions vary on several dimensions, including:

• Package management :

All Linux distributions use some method of distributing files, both on distribution CD-ROMs and via the Web as updates. Most distributions use the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) system, but some use Debian packages, tarballs, or some other package format.

. COMMERCIALISATION

Usage of softwares as open source so its commercialized to all the sectors world wide.