Linux Vs. Windows
In the Past, I’ve talked about this “Linux” Thing. So, What is linux anyway, and what does it have to do with me? Well, in short, Linux is an alternative to Microsoft Windows, and it is FREE. You can do almost anything that you can do on Windows, with a Distrobution (Version) of Linux. So, How does it differ from Windows just for home and office use, and is it possible to use in the Home and Office? It really depends on what you are doing. First and foremost, Linux does not support a lot of games. You can download a copy of Doom for it, but you can’t go too far beyond that, but if you are setting up a game Server, then Linux is the system for you. Let’s look at some of the differences:
- The Login Screen:
You can see, that with this version of Linux (SuSE created by Novell), you do not have to push Ctrl + Alt +Del as with most Windows Versions. It still asks you for a password and username as is customary, but beyond, that, it is very simple.
- The Desktop. The desktop is your work environment, where you are put after you logon.
There are a few key differences between the above desktop environment (From Ubuntu Linux) and a Windows Environment. First, the “Start” Menu is at the top and is renamed the “Applications” menu. Also at the top, is some more menus like the “Places” And “System”. The System Menu is basically like the Control Panel, and the “Places” is like the “My Computer”. At the bottom, you will notice another bar. This is where your minimized programs are put, like the taskbar in Windows. If you can get over and learn these subtle differences, you should be OK in a Linux Environment.
- Open Office. Open Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Office. It includes everything for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, slideshow presentations, and even math formula setup. What’s even better, is that this Open Office Suite can save files, so that they can be opened from Microsoft Office, so if you’re using Linux and a colleague is using Windows, there isn’t a problem with file compatability.
As you can see, through the slightly blurry image, it looks very much the same as Microsoft Word, so people don’t have too many problems switching to the new Operating System.
That just about wraps it up, and if you do decide to try Linux out, I suggest you hop over to http://www.linux.org, and search for Live CD distrobutions. Live CDs do not install anything to your computer and they give the full desktop environment. I suggest Knoppix, or Ubuntu, though if you want to actually install it, I suggest SuSE or Red Hat.
Good Luck to all those who want to give this a go.