Pinoy Tech Guy

Written on Wednesday, 23rd of Jan 2008 – 12:30 pm | by sylv3rblade | 1,155 views

After Windows Vista with it’s Aero interface and high hardware expectations hit the market, people started looking for easy-to-use and less costly alternatives. Linux and many of it’s distributions have emerged to sate that need both for novices and enthusiasts alike. As you may now have noticed, this article is for people interested in knowing/using/switching to Linux from Windows and where to start.

Note 1: that I didn’t include the Mac OS for this for a number of reason but mainly is price. You don’t buy the Mac OS, you buy a Mac (a complete package).

Note 2: I’ll hold out on the technicalities (for now).

What is Linux ?

Linux, also known as GNU/Linux, is a free, UNIX-like operating system, developed originally for home PCs, but which now runs on practically every hardware platform available including PowerPC, Macintosh, DEC Alpha, Sun Sparc, ARM, Mainframes, and many others. Linux aims for POSIX compliancy to maintain maximum compatibility with other UNIX-like systems. With millions of users worldwide, Linux is probably the most popular UNIX-like OS in the world.

The Linux System - The central nervous system of Linux is the kernel, the operating system code which runs the whole computer. The kernel is under constant development and is always available in both the latest stable release and the latest experimental release. Progress on development is very fast, and the recent 2.6-series kernels are simply amazing on all counts. The kernel design is modular, so that the actual OS code is very small yet able to load whatever functionality it needs when it needs it. Because of this, the kernel remains small and fast yet highly extensible, in comparison to other operating systems which slow down the computer and waste memory by loading everything all the time, whether it is needed or not.

Linux systems excel in many areas, ranging from end-user concerns such as stability, speed, and ease of use, to serious concerns such as development and networking. Nowadays, Linux even offers a wide variety of free and commercial productivity packages such as the OpenOffice suite which can import and export files from other platforms, including Windows and MacOS.

Why choose Windows over Linux?

1. Ease of use - Being born into a world of “Windows” it’s an odd but true statement. Most people see Windows as the only usable OS since it’s all around them in public places, show rooms and net cafes, so they consider it the only choice.
2. Change - It took people so long to get used to Windows. Switching environments is either unnatural or out of the question. Unnatural because you still have to go to another learning phase and out of the question because as an establishment, your work relies entirely on the Windows platform.
3. Official Support - very few companies officially support Linux which is why many people still stick to Windows. As with other propriety software Windows come with technical support (over phone or email) & a guarantee.
4. Software - Some of the more powerful programs are available on Windows only. Making the switch will either leave you with a weaker alternative or none at all. Sure it’s true in only some cases but those instances are usually where a business is dependent on.
5. Back end Support - Drivers of peripherals rarely make drivers for Linux so if your computer doesn’t work out of the box, you need to set out and look for a compatible driver on not use the device at all.. The most frequent culprits are Wireless Modems & Graphic cards.The reason for this is mainly numbers. Windows occupies 90% of desktop market and most of the hardware manufacturers make drivers only for windows developing them is a tedious and money requiring task. Unless significant demand is seen, manufacturers don’t see the need to make them. Changes are abound however as more big companies are coming out in support of Linux, recent examples being Dell, Lenovo and some big ones like IBM, Intel, HP etc.
6. No Internet - Weird but at the moment, most Linux software is entirely dependent on the internet for distribution. Sure you maybe able to get a Live CD delivered to your home but what if it doesn’t contain what you need?

Why choose Linux over Windows?

1. Cost - Linux is free compared to Windows. Even all the software you’ll need is free. Although there are some companies that ask for pay, it’s either for premium software or support.
2. Development - Linux changes often in very fast (relatively) development cycles, so you can keep your system with the latest, most efficient software technologies available. Why is it so fast? Compared to Windows, Linux development is done by thousands or even million of Open Source developers and and many with support from many companies This is why Linux updates come on a very regular and short period, with changes affecting the whole system, not just part of it.
3. Bundles - As part of it’s marketing strategy, most of Linux Distros come with:
   1. Out of the box drivers - autodetects and installs necessary drivers (fails with rare hardware)
   2. An office suite, usually Open Office
   3. Common applications - Media players, browsers, CD/DVD Burner, Image editor and manager, Email Client, etc.
4. Choice - Some people hate choice. Face it. When you have a phletora of options, it’s usually what comes first. With Linux, the choice is often “What you want your system to do?” and “How easy you want it to be?” Each distro is good and better than others on some fronts, and less good than others. Some famous ones are:
   PCLinuxOS, Ubuntu (and derivatives), OpenSUSE, Mandriva, Linspire, Knoppix etc.
5. Security - A Linux box is secure. No question about that. There’s also no viruses for Linux. Yes spyware like tracking cookies, etc but at least you don’t have to worry about anyone using and bombing your computer by browsing the wrong site.
6. Customization - The best reason for some casual users is the power to change what their Operating System looks like. You’re not limited to one Desktop Environments/Manager, theme or even sets of icons. What’s more, every thing on customization is free. Want a 3-D Desktop? Install Compiz Fusion.
7. Stability - Linux installations are rock solid. You can install updates without requiring a restart. You can even leave your system on for a month and it’ll run like new. It won’t get clunky or weird on you.

How come Windows has 90 % Share?

1. Marketing - From the very beginnings of the company, Microsoft has had an amazing blend of small to large scale marketing with every known medium. Papers, ads, even movies and tv shows. It’s been “Microsoft Everywhere” for the past few years so the initial concept of newbies in computing is that OS = Windows.
   On the other hand, Linux started off and spread with user to user popularity. It’s only been a few years since major Linux brands started marketing.
2. Alliances - Microsoft has always had close ties with computer manufacturers especially those that sell packaged computers and notebooks. This is why 95% of prebuilt PCs and off the shelf notebooks come Windows pre-installed.
   The result? Anyone buying and using a PC for the first time will have their first experience with using computer on windows. Although the option is available to us now, years ago you can only get Windows preinstalled unless you’re buying a Mac.
3. Lawsuits - Microsoft’s aggressive strategies doesn’t just apply to marketing. It applies to how they face competition as well. “If you can’t beat them, sue them” seems to be the common response to past competitors from like Netscape, and Real Player.
   Although at the moment, Microsoft seems to be sticking to it’s FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) Tactics to move the competition.
4. Influence - Microsoft is using influence to make its Open XML, it’s current bet in for the World Standard position, as second standard beside Open Document format. Why World Standard? Since only Microsoft products can deal with Open XML, people who use it (which will be everyone since it’s standard), will HAVE to buy Microsoft programs.

Conclusion

Linux continues to gain popularity while Vista gets a much needed pat in the back for Service Pack 1 and hardcore Windows users are still waiting for Windows 7. With more users finding less need for an upgrade to Vista and XP counting down to the end of it’s life line, people are looking for something to meet their needs. Linux currently is in a position to be that.

As more and more companies open up support for Linux and lists of developers increasing on a daily basis Linux development is evolving at a fast and terrifying (to Microsoft at least) pace to meet the needs and the demand of the community. If that’s not enough reason to switch, how about the fact that you can order a copy of Linux online and have it delivered at your doorstep for FREE?

I’m sold where do I start?

If you have no issues whatsoever with Linux then read on.

Linux gives you the choice of having it installed SOLO on your PC or share it with Windows. If you’re a novice I suggest that use the latter (termed dual-boot) for 3 of reasons:

1. Make adapting to Linux gradual.
2. Allow you to use Windows for things not found on Linux
3. If you don’t like the experience, you can always go back

A “How to Install & Use -UX” can be found on Google if you’re ready to try it. Just select a distro, download, and read carefully before installation. Or better yet, ask a friend, a relative or someone you know to guide you through it.

Wait! What distro will I use?

I definitely recommend Ubuntu for your first distro and if you’re interested, any of it’s derivatives (KUbuntu, XUbuntu, FluxUbuntu) since it’s very easy to use. If you find some problems or have questions, there’s even a forum with a massive userbase for you to ask and indulge yourself.

For others feeling adventurous, here’s a list of easy to use distros:

• PCLinuxOS
• Mandriva (free edition)
• Slackware
• Mepis

Note that not all distros offer free shipping. So you either download a copy and burn it or ask a friend.

If you want to ask or clarify something, just comment it below.

Note thanks to kuya Jaypee for noticing the typos.

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