Linux
As a computer hobyist, I use the computer for more than just normal tasks. The computer is a toy for me. The operating system of my choise is Linux. Like Microsoft Windows, Linux is an operating system. Untill recently Linux was only suitable for nerds, but it has become usable for everybody. Using linux has a few major advantages:
- Linux is free;
- Linux is flexible; it is possible to make it run on all systems, from old to new systems and form Macintosh, PC and Mobile Phone.
- Linux is safer;
Linux is Open Source
Linux is distributed as Open Source Software. This means that the source code is available for everyone and that annyone may alter en redistribute this source code. This is done by making use of the GNU General Public License. This means that Linux is distributed under the condition that, if you alter the software and distribute this addition you will have to do this under the verry same license. This makes sure that everybody has the same feedoms as you do!
Linux does not exist
Linux is just the name for the "kernel", the part of the operating system that forms the heart. The kernel alone does not make a working, usable operating system. This requieres more components. You don't have to compose your own collection of parts. There are loads of companies that do this for jou. By selecting diffrent comonents you can create different systems, for instance: when you select light component, you create a light system suitable for netbooks. A selection of components is what we call a distribution. A few know Linux distributions are:
Free? Impossible!
Most Linux distributions are free. How is this possible? Different distributions are beign sponsored by a enterprise-type company. These companies earn their income not by the distribution of Linux, but by suplying customers with enerprise-class support. Home users do not need this type of support, so you get a free operating system!