Linux is growing in popularity globally, thanks in part to a global recession that has seen people demanding better value for money.  Seeing as it’s free for hardware vendors to license, it’s been a logical alternative to Windows for lower cost PC’s.  But still many people are wary of Linux, and the myths and mis-truths continue to spread among those unfamiliar of it.  The following hopefully goes someway to dispelling some of the inacuracies regarding Linux, as well as highlighting some of the benefits of it.

So What Is Linux?

In short, Linux is a piece of software, an architecture of sorts, that will run on any IBM compatible PC (the same PC’s that typically run Microsoft Windows).  In general terms, Linux is the name given to a family of Operating Systems (OS’s) based upon the Linux Kernal, originally conceived in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.  Linux OS’s (called distributions) are developed by many groups, both commercial and non-profit, in order to meet specific requirements and to demonstrate each groups interpretation of the best OS.

How Much Does Linux Cost?

One of the widely believed facts about Linux that is actually true is that most Linux OS’s are in fact free (at least for personal use).  Most Linux distrobutions come under something called the GNU Project, an initiative started in 1983 with the goal of creating a “complete Unix-compatible software system”. Most modern Linux distributions also contain a software library full of free software that can be downloaded and run from within Linux.

There are commercial Linux packages for enterprise use available at a cost.  These usually come with advanced features and a support contract from the software vendor.

How Do I Get Linux.

Historically, you could buy retail packages of Linux distributions from computer shops such as PC World.  In recent years though this trend has changed in favour of downloading Linux distributions from the internet and burning them to CD’s or DVD’s which you can then use to boot your PC with for installation.

There are numerous Linux distributions available, each tending to a different market and with a slightly different look and feel (and software library).  The most popular Linux distribution is currently the Ubuntu project.  Other distributions of note include: OpenSuSe, Linux Mint, Fedora and Slackware.

Each of these distributions is free, and offers a different insight into the world of Linux based computing.  Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages, and each has a loyal following claiming it to be the best Linux OS available.

Can I Run Windows Programs In Linux?

The answer to this seems simple enough at first: No, your Windows programs will not install and run in Linux.

However, many programs in day to day use in Windows have free counterparts in the Linux environment.  There are free office packages, free video and photo editing suites, free instant messaging and social networking applications.  If you can think of it, someone has probably made a free Linux application for it.  That’s not to say that the Linux versions are of the same quality as the commercial Windows versions, many are works in progress and lack innovative features of the latest Windows versions.  The Linux community is never far behind though, and improved versions of Linux applications are constantly developed in order to try and keep up with the commercial products available for Windows.

Sounds Reasonable, What’s The Downside?

The downside is that when you buy a PC with Windows you are buying the same platform as 90% of the computers in the world.  Because of this, more software is developed for your platform than any other, and more commercial organisations are focussed on increasing their market share, which in turn leads to better products for home users.  When you buy a Linux PC, however, you are dealing with a group of organizations that have no commercial agenda.  The advantage of this is that you get some great software for free.  The downside is that when it goes wrong it can be difficult to get anyone to listen to your complaint and to do anything about it.  Developers will welcome bug reports, but fixes do not come as quickly and as effectively as they do with commercial competitors.  Hence, if you’re using your computers for commercial purposes and you need a reliable, dependable solution (and you don’t want to have to pay for a developer to be sat in your server room 24/7) then you’re probably best of sticking with commercial software for the Windows platform.

So, Should I Be Using Linux As A Home User?

My advice to anyone who is interested in Linux would be to try Ubuntu, available for download here.  Ubuntu is currently the most popular distribution, and in my opinion offers the best user support.

Be advised though, by installing Ubuntu you will likely be overwriting your Windows OS – and any data you have on your hard disk!

It’s also possible to use both Windows and Linux on the same computer with a menu upon startup to allow you to select which OS to use.  This can be useful if you are interested in taking advantage of some of the free software available for Linux, but if you still need to retain your Windows OS for any other software packages you need.  Further details on how to accomplish this are usually specific to each distribution, and instructions can be found on their websites.

Conclusions

Linux can be a legitimately useful alternative to a Windows OS on your home PC, depending upon your requirements and expectations.  In many cases, it will not be feasible to replace your current OS with a Linux distribution as many people already have an extensive library of applications that are specific to Windows.  However, when planning to buy a new main PC, or when utilizing a PC as a supplemental PC in the home (say, in a child’s bedroom or as a media center) then Linux might be worth your consideration as the OS of choice.

In any case, for the low, low price of……. Well, nothing, it could be worth your time to give it a try.