Learn Linux : 0. How to install. 1. Learn basics. 2. Start using. 3. Master the techniques. 4. Conquer it ! Your imagination is your bound ! What is Linux ? Though it may not be very difficult to understand but its really difficult to define Linux. Linux is a family of operating systems which uses Linux kernel. And the linux kernel is free! That means anyone can download the kernel, make some changes, add some more packages(softwares) and bundle everything in a CD. And this CD is now called a linux distribution. So there are number of linux distribution available. Some of them are free while some are non-free. Examples are fedora, ubuntu, opensuse, debian, freeBSD, slackware, Mandriva .......................... are some of the free distributions. Whereas Red Hat Linux is a very well known linux distribution which is non-free. Which distribution to choose ? This is an obvious question after knowing that there are number of linux distributions of linux. Answer to this question depends upon different question. So if you want to have a linux distribution, ask a few question to yourself - Answers are compared after the questions. 1. For what purpose I need the OS mostly ? 2. What OS upgrade frequency can I manage ? 3. What kind of software I use ? 4. Which is easily available ? Discussion on answers : 1. For listening music, to watch movies and I am crazy about the 'look and feel' of my laptop...... if this is your answer, although almost all distribution can serve this purpose, ubuntu may be the best choice for you.openSUSE can also be considered. Slackware is well known for its speed. If you want to manage the servers then try fedora or debian or you can also think about ubuntu server edition. 2. If you are OK with upgrading your system after every six months then go for either fedora or ubuntu. If not then you can try debian which has a longer release cycle (approx. 1.5 years). So you need to upgrade only after the release of new version. Dont forget to check release cycles of other distributions. 3. If the software you use is specific for a perticular OS and you cannot give up that software then you have left with no choice. e.g. - you have a photoshop and you need to use Adobe Photoshop but it works only on windows OS and not on any linux distribution. Then you have following options : a. Install linux distribution depending on other points and use a software which will work on linux and similar to Photoshop (ex - gimp). b. Install dual boot. c. Forget about linux. 4. This is also an important point. Since all distributions mentioned above are free, you cannot find CD/DVD in any shop for free. So you need to download it from internet or purchase it for a minimal cost from the shop. If you do not have internet or have it but with very slow speed, it would be better to purchase it. There is another way to get it free. Most of the distributions run free media programs under which you can enroll yourself and get a copy of CD/DVD for free. To know more about it kindly visit the website of corresponding distribution. |