In a Microsoft dominated world, why use Linux? Well to be honest there are many reasons. I started using various Linux distributions several years ago. It's not that I had any problems with the other OS, I was simply looking to learn something new. One thing is for sure, using any GNU/Linux distro can be a valuable learning experience. With Linux you have the capability to set up DNS servers, Web servers, you can make routers, and wireless access points, you can learn about networking and security, as well as set up a standard desktop, all in a way that is not possible on the MS platform. The availability of FREE software on the Linux platform is staggering, tens of thousands of free programs only a click or a command away.
After experimenting with many versions of Linux through the years, Gentoo, VLOS, SUSE, Fedora Core, Ubuntu, just to name a few, I settled with Fedora Core 1 to 4 before switching to my new favorite, Ubuntu 4.07 a/k/a Feisty Fawn.
Ubuntu is designed to be a desktop system, a system designed to to be productive. You can email with one of the best e-mail clients on the market, Evolution mail, this program doubles as a contact manager and calendar and will sync with your Visor while it automagicly backs up your data. Firefox web browser, is the web tool mostly used for surfing the internet, however you are not limited to just that application as there are many others. For Word processing or Spread sheets there's the Open Office suite of applications. Want to sync your Ipod? No problem GTKPod will do the trick just as easily as Itunes can, Play and sort music with Rythmbox, Once again there are dozens of music players that can be used, and all for FREE thats free as in it doesn't cost any money and FREE as in, if you know how, you can change the code to make the program act is a way that might be specific to your needs. This may not be important for a music player but it can be crucuial for a firewall, either way using a GNU/Linux distro gives you this option. Linux can also handle , Video editing, Burning CD's, Image editing , the list goes on and on. Every day it seems like there's a new program to handle a task.
OK so now I have your attention, so how stable and safe is GNU/Linux. Glad you asked. As of this writing , July, 8, 2007 there are NO virus's, spy ware, or malicious content from the web to infect a GNU/Linux system. In my home our main computer is up 24/7 , it is not uncommon for this system to stay up for 20 to 30 days with out a reboot, and when we do reboot is is because of a system update that requires a reboot to take affect. System wide crashes are almost non-existant.
This is why GNU/Linux is my of choice, It allows me and my family to explore greater choices in computing, while maintaing stability and security, all at a very low cost.
Rusty Fields
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Welcome
Welcome to Everyday Linux, the blog about using GNU/Linux in our everyday lives. It is my intention to give brief but insightful teachings about the software the makes up a Linux distribution, software that will let you carry on with life in a pleasant way and most productive way. I hope you find this information enjoyable, and useful.
Rusty Fields
Rusty Fields
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)