Linux part two

The Linux operating system has been around for 20 years and has been the realm of computer geeks , computer hobbyist, and tecnophiles. It has been regarded as a superior, less expensive and more stable operating system than Windows. Linux's biggest disadvantage has been its interface ( similar to Unix and old DOS) and its lack of popular software programs able to operate in the Linux environment.

Linux is at its watershed mark; at the same point home PCs were ten years ago. Given the increasing acceleration of time for new computer applications, hardware and software, we can expect Linux to appear as an attractive alternative to WIN95-98 in the near future. The big advantages of Linux, over and above its stability, is its low cost. Linux is openly available on the Internet at no cost so software and hardware developers don't have to pay any royalties 10 use Linux as an operating system, and in return their products are cheaper. Linux requires much less "CPU Power" to operate efficiently so can make lower power computers "sing" and use less space on their respective hard drives after installation. Many people and /or business can take various "kernels of the operating system" and add enhancements to it. There are several good journals available at www.linuxjournal.com and www.hcc.ca/netwinder. These sites can be accessed on the Internet or you can purchase printed magazine subscriptions on line. As a beginning introduction to Linux I have found a "Linux fan" who, over the next few months will be preparing simpler explanations and examples of small business and home office use of Linux and its applications. If you are interested in Linux as an alternative to Windows then go to the above links, or ask your local library and/or book store for these introduction books: Running Linux by Matt Welsh and Lar Kaufman (ISBN 1-56592-100-3) or "Unix Linux, Learning the bash shell" (ISBN 1-56592-347-2). T

The Linux Archives ( http://www.linuxarchives.com/ } have a comprehensive list of free Linux software. Red Hat ( http://www.redhat.com/ )is one place where you can buy "boxed software" for the Linux operating system or you can visit Linux Central ( http://linuxcentral.com ) .