An Operating System (OS) for PCs with a market share of over 90%, Microsoft Windows dominates the world of computers for the home. It is the CocaCola, Kleenex and Heinz ketchup of computing. Apple's operating system appears in a distant but respectable second place in the market for PC for the home.

However, despite the dominance of these two systems, almost any computer geek will tell you that free Linux operating system built by a global army of skilled and passionate programmers is by far the best way to operate your PC.
Linux used to require complicated enter commands to achieve any task, but do not anymore. To keep things amicable with the consumer, few companies have put a more human interface for Linux, using the menus, windows and clicks of the mouse familiar to any Windows user. I would describe what the whole fuss if my friends and geeks are telling the truth that Linux is truly an alternative to the consumer against the mastodon of Windows. Then install Linux on an IBM ThinkPad which runs Windows 98 and above the lead for a test ride. And after a few weeks playing with Linux, I am convinced. Linux is on the rise.

LINUX IS?

First, I had to decide which version of Linux use. Because Linux is open source (open source, see end), anyone can create their own version and put it into the net. Which means, hundreds of versions to choose from. But just a few of the many offer easy navigation required by non-programmers.

You can download for free most versions of Linux or order them on CD-ROM for a couple of dollars. I was willing to pay $ 29.95 for the version that escoji: The CD-ROM SUSE Linux 9.1 Personal Edition (www.suse.com). Which includes technical support and applications in a basic package easy to install. It also came with free software which includes Open-Office (which works like Microsoft Office), a web browser, a mail and multimedia tools such as a CD writer and editor of pictures.

INSTALLATION

After configuring my laptop and boot from the CD-ROM instead of a hard disk, the installation went smoothly. My hard drive was automatically reconfigured to permitime running Linux or Windows, and all the software was installed.

But at the end of the installation, I realized that I had already surrendered to Linux. Recommendations of Setup Resize Windows partition as c: (/ dev/hda1) from 6.8GB to 17.8GB; no sense for the novice, I simply accept clickie in waiting for the best. The only adjustment with which I feel comfortable in my area was changed schedule.

FINDING MY WAY

If you know Windows or Mac OS, the desktop SUSE are vera and feel very familiar. There are icons called My Computer and Recycle Bin, and even control panels that allow you to adjust the look and behavior of your desktop.
The menus and toolbars in Open-Office look and work like Microsoft Office, and I can easily save my documents as text files in Microsoft Word.

PLUG AND PLAY

To test the image editing software, insert my digital camera into the USB port and Linux instantly recognized. Drag a photo to my desk, opened it in a tool called The Gimp 2.0, and play with it until there seemed nothing to be original. The Gimp is apparently as good as Photoshop but is free.

Insert a CD of music and also works smoothly, playing music CDs with the software free pleasure.

Connecting

One of the main issues when working with Linux is that all the software you use has to be created just for Linux and not any company that makes software. AOL is not available for Linux. Neither the Windows Media Player, which means that any means of flow on the Internet that use the WMP format can not be seen or heard on a computer with Linux installed without the WMP.

With respect to connect to the web with Linux, it depends who wants to make the connection. Luckily, I have a DSL access in my home and configure my Linux laptop to access the Internet through DSL connection was something simple. SUSE brings incorporated several tools to guide you in the process of adjusting a broadband connection.

THE KIND OF LIFE FOR LINUX

Get comfortable with Linux can be strange at first, but if you use Windows, install packages and programs, and correction of errors, the switch to Linux is going to be easy.

And the benefits can be great. Unlike Windows, updates Linu x are provided almost free. Almost never crashes. And not just Linux less vulnerable to hackers, but since almost everyone runs Windows, many hackers and virus writers attack that operating system.

I like Linux. And reach to Windows in its ease of use and has long been a leader in reliability. And until Microsoft start giving away its software, I think I'm going to stay with my new and improved operating system.

Programming, style Libertador

The Open Code simply refers to software that anyone can read, download and edit. The roots of open source can trace the hacker culture of American laboratories computer science from the years 60s, who were seeking to wrest the corporate culture to impose on the industry giants of the PC (eg, the future Bill Gates).

The aim is to reap community and cooperation, create better software and free. To ensure that this philosophy remain, leave as the GNU General Public Licensing (GPL) was created.

GNU is an acronym which refers to himself inthe expression which backs. Acronyms resources were used during the early years of the hacker culture to demonstrate the spirit of playful and creative movement. GNU stands for GNU's Not UNIX or GNU's Not Unix. So the GPL is a software license which ensures that free software should be kept clean.
GREG Sewell
Translation, Luis Fernando Gramajo P. Dec 2004

Popularity: 1% [?]