Why I use GNU / Linux / Free software (Why Linux?)
That is "free" as in "freedom", not necessarily "free" as in
"without cost". ("Free Software" definition: English or
Deutsche.)
positive
- most software follows open standards, and easily accessible storage of
data
- more secure (although Windows is slowly catching up, eg firewall
enabled by default)
- more choice in software, and tends to be more configurable
- currently negligible problems with spyware, virii ...
- open for all to fix/change, and learn from
- avoid using the products of a (IMHO) rather un-ethical company (see, for example,
Microsoft
legal issues, and below)
- from a professional point of view I am more familiar with UNIX and
learning more *NIX skills is more useful for me.
- lots of free (as in no-cost) software
- cute penguin logo, instead of a flag, or a piece of fruit :-)
(I do not know if any one of the above on it's own would have switched
me to Linux but the combination, for me, is overwhelming)
negative
- Running the kids CD-ROM based programs needs windows: I was dual
booting to Win98, although some CD-ROM programs do work under WINE. We
now have the old computer setup for the kids, with Win98 only.
- more choice in software, and tends to be more configurable (to me
this belongs on the positive list, but if it is a problem you can
always stick to SUSE/KDE/K* applications !!)
system / applications that I like
| distro | gentoo | easy to keep up with latest
releases of packages, but this makes it more suited to
intermediate/advanced Linux users |
| Kernel | linux | driver/desktop support |
| Window manager | fvwm2 | extremely configurable |
| editor | XEmacs | Near infinite customisability,
and to know it properly is probably a lifetimes work !! (I choose
XEmacs over Emacs as it is standard on the Solaris machines at work so
I can swap my extensions and experience more easily between home and
work.) |
| web browser | firefox | fast and simple, but
successfully renders most pages some very useful plugins (eg
Advert/Flash blocking) |
| office package | OOo | heavyweight, but does
everything (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations...), and
handles most incoming MS documents, and will save directly to
PDF |
| video player | mplayer | simple interface, but
wide (widest?) range of formats supported, including Microsoft and
Real |
| terminal emulator | mrxvt | lightweight, tabbed |
| USENET news reader | GNUS (XEmacs mode) | |
| email reader | VM (XEmacs mode) | |
| spelling checker | aspell from XEmacs | much
better at making suggestions for misspelt words than ispell |
getting started
My Linux history: Win98 bought with PC, then dual-boot after
installing SUSE 7.1 (I bought a boxed CD set, with support), then
Gentoo (I would have gone for Debian, but I wanted the latest and
greatest of some packages).
If you know me, then ask me, otherwise find a friend who has some
Linux disks (you can legally install Linux as many times as you wish
from 1 set of disks), or perhaps you IT department at work has some
disks, cover disks from a Linux magazine...
If you do not know anyone, then buy a well known distribution with
support included. In Germany you should find SUSE Linux in most
bookstores and computer shops.
First try using a dual boot so that you can choose to start Windows
or Linux, or if you really do not want to touch your hard disk then
use a "Live" CD that runs Linux directly off a CD and does not require
any files to be placed on the hard disk. Knoppix is the best known.
books on the UNIX "way"
Some people think the UNIX is just an
operating system. These books may change your mind:
- The Art of UNIX Programming - Eric S. Raymond (excellent description of UNIX methods and philosophy)
- The Cathedral and the Bazaar - Eric S. Raymond (comparison of Open Source vs. Proprietary software development)
- Just for Fun - Linus Torvalds (with David Diamond)
- The Cuckoo's Egg - Cliff Stoll
quotes
Richard
Stallman (in his own words) of GNU fame:
"There are four essential freedoms that define free software.
- Freedom 0: The freedom to run the program as you wish.
- Freedom 1: The freedom to help yourself, study the source code and do what you want with it.
- Freedom 2: The freedom to make and redistribute copies so you can help your neighbour.
- Freedom 3: The freedom to publish a modified version so others can benefit from your work."
links
Why not Microsoft
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