Linux Resources
Linux Distributions | What is Linux? | Linux Software | Help & Documentation
Desktop Environment | The Future of Linux | Obtaining On-Site Linux Help
Linux Distributions
There are various versions of Linux that have been developed (generally referred to as distributions or distros) including Ubuntu and Mint (see other distributions).
Ubuntu
Ubuntu: Community Linux
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is easier to use than most — strongly recommended.
- It is built as a community model, like Firefox and OpenOffice; is free to download and use for both personal and commercial use; and offers both free (community) and paid support.
- Besides the desktop edition there is also a server edition and the Netbook Remix (which installs via a USB stick and is designed for the smaller screens of netbooks).
- If you wish to try Ubuntu, you can boot into a virtual copy from the CD to see what it is like without having to worry about your existing operating system and software.
- Why use Ubuntu?
- View screenshots of Ubuntu 11.10.
- How And Why I Made The Switch From Vista To Linux — somewhat dated, but an excellent overview of Ubuntu.
- Download Ubuntu now!
Linux Mint
From Freedom Came Elegance
Ubuntu has a longer history and some excellent support, but changes to the desktop environment caused many to move to Mint (based upon Ubuntu).
- New features in Linux Mint 12.
- Sneak Peek: Linux Mint 12.
- View screenshots of Mint 12.
- For support, check out the documentation and the community forums.
- Download Mint now!
Other Linux Distributions
Some of the better known distributions are:
- Red Hat.
- Mandriva Linux (formerly Mandrake).
- Debian GNU/Linux.
- Slackware Linux.
- S.u.S.E. Linux.
- View a series of screenshots of Linux distros including Ubuntu 11.10 and Mint 12.
Finding Additional Distros
There are many other Linux distributions that you might wish to explore and ISOs (CD images) can be downloaded from TuxCDs.com or LinuxHelp.net.
What is Linux?
Linux is a Unix derivative that has become more mainstream in the last few years. Linux is not that new, only the amount of attention it is getting is new. The backbone of the Internet is built on Unix and one of the features of Linux is the ability to use low-cost or free server software to run your network or Internet server.
Linux is Open Source
The Open Source movement means that the source code for the operating system must be made available for any programs using previous Open Source program code (unlike companies like Microsoft that refuse others the ability to see or modify their program source code). Therefore, thousands of people around the world can work on problems, develop new hardware drivers, and create software applications for Linux.
The Cathedral and the Bazaar will give you a good insight to the advantages of the Open Source movement and how it is helping to shape Linux.
Windows Users Exposed to Linux
Windows users may have seen and used Linux on early netbooks (miniaturized laptops) that came with Linux preinstalled on small solid state drives.
As netbooks evolved, they came with larger hard drives with Windows 7 Basic, a crippled version of Windows 7, and cost much more. Many folks bought these because they're familiar with Windows and wanted to run their games and other Windows-only software. They haven't given Linux a chance.
Linux Software
Much of the software used by the average person is either included with the installation of many distributions like Ubuntu and Mint or can be downloaded and installed using updating utilities built into those distributions.
A more extensive listing of Linux software can be found on the LinuxSoft.cz directory. If you're moving from Windows to Linux, the Linux software equivalent to Windows software should give you the Linux options for replacing a particular Windows program.
OpenOffice.org
Free Office Alternative
OpenOffice.org is installed by default on most Linux distros, but I've included it here because you should know that it supports multiple platforms and is open source (like Linux).
Governments, education, businesses, not-for-profits, IT businesses and more are using OpenOffice.org products as their standard offic software. Find out why.
Minimum Requirements for Linux
OpenOffice.org runs on many operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The Linux requirements have been included below.
- Linux kernel version 2.4 or higher, glibc2 version 2.3.2 or higher (starting with OOo 3.3 glibc2 version 2.5 or higher is required)
- 256 Mbytes RAM (512 MB recommended)
- 400 Mbytes available disk space
- X-Server with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution with at least 256 colours
Java Requirements
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5.x, required to use full OpenOffice.org functionality that need Java (I recommend using the latest version available). You can find the most recent downloads for Linux on Sun's Java Downloads for All Operating Systems page.
Web Browsers
- Mozilla Firefox has long provided native support for Linux.
- Mozilla Thunderbird has native support for Linux.
Graphics
- The amazingly-powerful GIMP graphics program is a worthy alternative to Photoshop.
Security Software
As Linux becomes more popular, it becomes the target of malicious attacks.
Games
- The Linux Game Tome provides links and information about games that run on Linux.
FTP
- FileZilla is the recommended FTP client.
Linux Help and Documentation
Linux Information Sites
There are numerous sites on the Internet that provide an incredible amount of information. Don't forget to check the various newsgroups for messages that provide solutions to problems you are experiencing with Linux installation or your routine maintenance issues.
- LinuxHelp — LinuxHelp Newbies is aimed at new users.
- LinuxHelp Forums.
- Linux.com.
- LinuxBasis.com.
- LinuxToday.com.
- Victoria Linux Users Group (VLUG).
Linux Documentation
There are several sources of information about installing, configuring and administrating Linux. Besides the MAN (manual) pages that usually accompany your distribution you will find various HOWTOs or mini-tutorials on the Web.
- The Linux Documentation Project has a series of HOWTOs, guides FAQs and man pages (help on individual commands).
- A quick reference guide for common UNIX commands.
- Quick Reference Cards including a number of Linux and Unix entries.
- Linux Journal provides a starting place for Linux users. Check the Community Resources for resources.
- Full Circle Magazine is a free, independent, magazine dedicated to the Ubuntu family of Linux operating systems.
- Google's Linux Search can help locate Linux specific resources.
The Desktop Environment
The GUI
X Windows is the GUI (Graphic User Interface) for Linux. It is much more flexible than either the Windows or Macintosh environments because it is not the entire operating system. This makes X Windows very powerful and configurable. Most users will have all three components installed, but they are not all necessary for Linux to run.
X Servers
Providing the support for the video card and monitor and basic window management.
- XFree86 X server.
- Accelerated-X commercial X server.
Window Managers
These provide the window controls, buttons, menus and control panels for Linux distributions.
Desktop Environments
What provides the common "look and feel" to the desktop.
The components that are available to you will depend upon the distribution you are using and the capabilities of your hardware. Because of the nature of Linux you can change the look of your distribution by changing the various components of the desktop environment.
The Future of Linux
Linux has been acclaimed as the operating system that will someday replace Microsoft Windows as the standard operating system.
This is potentially true. Windows is harder to try out (try surfing the Web from a "virtual" Windows install booted from a CD like you can with Ubuntu!) but it supports a massive number of commercial and shareware applications.
Check out these Novell ads on YouTube parodying the successful Mac vs. PC ads.
Fewer Issues With Linux
The recent Linux distributions have generally provided many of the advantages of the more mature Windows and Macintosh operating systems, particularly with the distributions recommended on this page (and where businesses consider using RedHat, their employees will have the necessary technical support for configuration and optimization of their networked systems).
The advantages of Open Source (including a wider support base provided by individuals and the ability to determine and fix security flaws) and freedom from arbitrary corporate profit motives provide real advantages to corporations and consumer users.
Drivers
Traditionally many hardware manufacturers do not provide drivers written for Linux for their current offerings. This means dependence on drivers provided by the Open Source community, and installation is not usually a matter of inserting a CD or floppy and hitting Enter.
This is gradually changing as manufacturers realize that commercial interest in Linux is increasing.
Linux Advantages
Linux offers many advantages to Microsoft Windows operating systems including the following:
- Most Linux distributions have a free downloadable version that is fully functional.
- You can try Linux distributions like Ubuntu by booting from the CD. While not fully functional (Internet plugins like Flash and Java may not available unless you install Ubuntu — they are for Mint), I was able to find my wireless service, view files on networked computers and download a newer version of the OS — all from a virtual install booted from a CD. Try that with Windows or Mac!
- Linux built its reputation for a very stable operating system. Users don't need to reboot to address frequent operating system errors as they routinely do in Windows.
- Security is excellent in Linux and not as annoying as it is in Windows Vista.
- Linux is much quicker to respond to user demands for improvements and drivers for hardware not provided by the manufacturer. The concept of Open Source ensures the continuation of this advantage in the future.
- Multiple distributions means that there is true competition unlike Windows where sheer size and a monopoly limit real improvements. Linux capabilities have increased dramatically over the last several years.
- There is no comparison to the price for Linux distributions. Most have a free downloadable version, and commercial distributions routinely sell for less than $50 and include phone and email support.
- Linux's modular design means you can install and use anything from a command-line version on a single 3.5" floppy to a fully enabled graphic desktop running high-powered Internet and business software to a server providing information to dozens of users. Whatever edition, you have a great deal of flexibility in your installation choices.
- Security is built into Linux which makes it easier to protect your network or workstation data from hacking and other unauthorized access.
Rockin' on without Microsoft tells the story of one businessman that has successfully abandoned Microsoft products for Linux.
Security Report: Windows vs Linux tackles some myths about Linux security.
Help Getting Started
If you would like some help installing Linux or getting your hardware peripherals to work with Linux please contact me.
www.RussHarvey.bc.ca/resources/linux.html
Updated: January 31, 2012