What's this Linux stuff about, anyway?

Linux is a free UNIX-type operating system. It is a working environment for the technically minded, for people who like to tinker with their systems, to program, and to use powerful software tools.

If you are a computer novice, read no further. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool Wimp98 fan, read no further. If you like GUI's and absolutely require icons and menus in your software, read no further. If you can't drive a stick shift, can't parallel park, have the AC on all the time, can't live without power steering, power windows, power seats, have never raised the hood even to check the oil, pull up to the Full Service pump... read no further. But if you want to drive a Ferrari, and maybe do engine overhauls and don't mind getting your hands dirty once in a while... hang around, kid.

Linux dispenses with most of the window dressing of that nefarious operating system you are accustomed to, and in return gives increased functionality, much more stability (crashes caused by software are extremely rare), and more efficiency. As an example, the Linux version of Netscape® loads Web pages twice as fast as the MS Windows® version of same. Most of the applications software anyone would ever need is available free for Linux, either on the distribution CD ROMs or to download from the many sites that support Linux. It comes standard with a benchmark C/C++ compiler and built-in support for many other languages, including Java, Tcl/Tk, Modula3, and Forth, all free. It contains the best text and list processing tools available, such as sed, awk, and Perl. An equivalent set of tools on a "mainstream" OS would cost thousands of dollars extra.

Intrigued? Find out more by checking a few of these links:

Linux Home Page

John's Linux Page

Rich's Linux Page

Redhat Linux Info

LinuxRepublic.com




My Linux Pocket Guides are of interest to the experienced Linux user:

Rebuilding the Kernel

Connecting to the Internet with PPP

Building Software Packages for Linux

Adding a Second IDE Hard Drive