What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system. An operating system is the basic set of programs and utilities that make your computer run. Some other common operating systems are Unix (and its variants BSD, AIX, Solaris, HP-UX, and others); DOS; Microsoft Windows; Amiga; and Mac OS.
Linux is Free Software. Now, just because it's Free, doesn't necessarily mean it's free. Think "free" as in "free speech," not "free beer," as we in the Free Software/Open Source community like to say. In a nutshell, software that is free as in speech, like Linux, is distributed along with its source code so that anyone who receives it is free to make changes and redistribute it. So, not only is it ok to make copies of Linux and give them to your friends, it's also fine to tweak a few lines of the source code while you're at it -- as long as you also freely provide your modified source code to everyone else. To learn more about free software and the major software license it is distributed under, called the General Public License (GPL), go here. In addition to the GPL, there are many other software licenses that allow you to modify the source code. The Open Source Initiative approves these licenses and keeps a current list of them.
Linux is not owned by anyone. One misconception many first-time Linux.com readers have is that this site, Linux.com, is similar to Microsoft.com, which is owned and controlled by the company that produces the Windows operating system.
Not so!
No one company or individual "owns" Linux, which was developed, and is still being improved, by thousands of corporate-supported and volunteer programmers all over the world. Not even Linus Torvalds, who started the Linux ball rolling in 1991, "owns" Linux.
(However, the trademark "Linux" is owned by Linus Torvalds, so if you call something "Linux" it had better be Linux, not something else.)
How to get Linux: When you "get Linux" you are usually getting a "Linux distribution" that contains not only the basic Linux operating system, but also programs that enhance it in many ways. Anyone who wants to put together his or her own Linux distribution is free to do so, and we know of more than 200 different Linux distributions that fill special "niche" purposes. But we advise new users to stick with one of the five or six most popular general-purpose Linux distributions until they know a little about what Linux can and can't do.
And now, let's talk about Linux distributions:
Many flavors of Linux: Windows and Mac only have one or two current versions each. Linux is about freedom and choice, so you have plenty of freedom to choose -- and until you have some experience with Linux, it is almost impossible to decide which of the many Linux distributions best fits your needs. All we can do here is give you a basic list and some information based on Linux.com staff members' own experience with different Linux distributions.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
The best-known corporate GNU/Linux distribution. Sold by annual subscription, including well-regarded automatic update utilities. Offers comprehensive fee-based support, training, certification, and customization.
(www.redhat.com)
Mandrake Linux
This was the first Linux distribution that worked hard to make Linux easy for ordinary desktop users. The company that produces it, MandrakeSoft, has had many ups and downs since it was founded in 1998, and some releases have had quality control problems, but Mandrake Linux is now stable and workable for users at all levels, not just beginners. Freely downloadable version available; commercial versions have pre-integrated sofware packages and are easier for first-timers to set up than the download edition.
(www.mandrakelinux.com)
The Fedora Project
This is a community-developed, freely downloadable distribution that replaces the old no-charge version of Red Hat Linux but is still sponsored and supported by Red Hat. It is generally targeted more toward hobbyists and experimenters than desktop computer users.
(fedora.redhat.com)
The Debian Project
Debian is a true free (in both senses of the word) software project. Generally command-line-oriented, but some GUI system tools available. The Debian "apt" package management system is commonly regarded as one of the best, simplest, and most reliable ways to install and uninstall Linux software. Over 10,000 free software packages are available for "apt get" install through the volunteer-maintained Debian servers.
(www.debian.org)
Knoppix
A bootable CD based on Debian that includes a fine collection of free GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices, and other peripherals. Freely downloadable, free updates, use Debian servers and "apt-get" to install additional software. An excellent way to test Linux on your computer without having to install it.
(www.knoppix.com)
SUSE Linux
SUSE is a division of enterprise networking leader Novell, Inc., and while there is a downloadable version of SUSE available you must purchase a copy to get all of SUSE's proprietary system tools and a full selection of pre-integrated software. SUSE places a heavy emphasis on corporate sales, but is excellent for individual users, too. A well-integrated package, suitable for both new and experienced users.
(www.suse.com)
Slackware Linux
One of the oldest continuously-published Linux distributions. Generally aimed at hobbyists and Linux sophisticates, not desktop or corporate users. You will use the command line quite a bit if you run Slackware.
(www.slackware.com)
MEPIS Linux
A newcomer that, like Knoppix, can be run from your CD drive without installation. Also like Knoppix, it is based on Debian. Where MEPIS shines is its easy, 100% "point and click" installation, and automatic detection of not only "normal" computer hardware but also popular webcams, the latest wireless network cards, "Winmodems" that usually work only with Windows, digital cameras, scanners, and other devices. Freely downloadable, paid registration or subscription updates available but optional.
(www.mepis.org)
Gentoo Linux
A completely free Linux distribution geared towards developers and network professionals that uses a unique package management system called Portage instead of the more common RPM and DEB systems.
(www.gentoo.org)
Xandros
An excellent desktop distribution that grew form the old Corel Linux OS. Debian-based, works well, easy to install and upgrade. There's an "Open Circulation" edition available for free download, but if you want all the bells and whistles (and a manual) you'll need to spend close to $100 for the full-featured "Deluxe" edition. Restrictive license limits sharing.
(www.xandros.com)
PCLinuxOS
A rather new Live CD distribution initially based on Mandrake Linux but rapidly coming into its own. Installs easily, runs very well, attractive default and utility screens. (www.pclinuxonline.com/pclos)
Linspire
Features simple, basic installation and easy installation of additional software. Most Linspire software is the same software you find in other Linux distributions with changed names, and it is not obvious how to switch from Linspire's Click-N-Run subscription software service to the free Debian servers or other free software sources if you don't want to keep paying Linspire for updates. Great packaging and looks. No free downloads regularly available; restrictive license prohibits sharing outside of immediate family.
(www.linspire.com)
Lots of other distributions: Distrowatch.com has a huge list of available Linux distributions for all tastes and purposes. No one list of Linux distributions can possibly be complete, because almost anyone can decide to make his or her own Linux distribution, and many people do. It can all be a bit bewildering until you get used to having this huge cafeteria of software available to you, which again is why we recommend getting advice from a LUG full of experienced users, then beginning your Linux experience with one of the popular distributions that offers professional and/or volunteer support to help you get going.
A Linux distribution contains more than just the operating system. You need more than an operating system to do anything useful with your computer. You need applications. Software that works with or on top of the operating system is what makes Linux useful. Fortunately, distributions package dozens, even hundreds of Linux tools and programs together -- office suites, text editors, games, spreadsheets, PIMs, email programs, graphics applications, scientific programs, documentation, digital camera applications, Web editors and browsers, and others -- so that you can install all of them at once and be assured that they will all work together efficiently without worry or any great effort by you. These are not the same programs you may have used with Windows or Mac, but since almost all of them are free, they are well worth your time to learn. You may be surprised to find that many free Linux programs included in the distribution you choose are better and more stable (less likely to crash) than expensive software you have used with other operating systems. After you have used Linux for a while, you will get used to this -- and once you do, it is very hard to go back to the world of high-priced Windows or Mac software!
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
The best-known corporate GNU/Linux distribution. Sold by annual subscription, including well-regarded automatic update utilities. Offers comprehensive fee-based support, training, certification, and customization.
(www.redhat.com)
Mandrake Linux
This was the first Linux distribution that worked hard to make Linux easy for ordinary desktop users. The company that produces it, MandrakeSoft, has had many ups and downs since it was founded in 1998, and some releases have had quality control problems, but Mandrake Linux is now stable and workable for users at all levels, not just beginners. Freely downloadable version available; commercial versions have pre-integrated sofware packages and are easier for first-timers to set up than the download edition.
(www.mandrakelinux.com)
The Fedora Project
This is a community-developed, freely downloadable distribution that replaces the old no-charge version of Red Hat Linux but is still sponsored and supported by Red Hat. It is generally targeted more toward hobbyists and experimenters than desktop computer users.
(fedora.redhat.com)
The Debian Project
Debian is a true free (in both senses of the word) software project. Generally command-line-oriented, but some GUI system tools available. The Debian "apt" package management system is commonly regarded as one of the best, simplest, and most reliable ways to install and uninstall Linux software. Over 10,000 free software packages are available for "apt get" install through the volunteer-maintained Debian servers.
(www.debian.org)
Knoppix
A bootable CD based on Debian that includes a fine collection of free GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices, and other peripherals. Freely downloadable, free updates, use Debian servers and "apt-get" to install additional software. An excellent way to test Linux on your computer without having to install it.
(www.knoppix.com)
SUSE Linux
SUSE is a division of enterprise networking leader Novell, Inc., and while there is a downloadable version of SUSE available you must purchase a copy to get all of SUSE's proprietary system tools and a full selection of pre-integrated software. SUSE places a heavy emphasis on corporate sales, but is excellent for individual users, too. A well-integrated package, suitable for both new and experienced users.
(www.suse.com)
Slackware Linux
One of the oldest continuously-published Linux distributions. Generally aimed at hobbyists and Linux sophisticates, not desktop or corporate users. You will use the command line quite a bit if you run Slackware.
(www.slackware.com)
MEPIS Linux
A newcomer that, like Knoppix, can be run from your CD drive without installation. Also like Knoppix, it is based on Debian. Where MEPIS shines is its easy, 100% "point and click" installation, and automatic detection of not only "normal" computer hardware but also popular webcams, the latest wireless network cards, "Winmodems" that usually work only with Windows, digital cameras, scanners, and other devices. Freely downloadable, paid registration or subscription updates available but optional.
(www.mepis.org)
Gentoo Linux
A completely free Linux distribution geared towards developers and network professionals that uses a unique package management system called Portage instead of the more common RPM and DEB systems.
(www.gentoo.org)
Xandros
An excellent desktop distribution that grew form the old Corel Linux OS. Debian-based, works well, easy to install and upgrade. There's an "Open Circulation" edition available for free download, but if you want all the bells and whistles (and a manual) you'll need to spend close to $100 for the full-featured "Deluxe" edition. Restrictive license limits sharing.
(www.xandros.com)
PCLinuxOS
A rather new Live CD distribution initially based on Mandrake Linux but rapidly coming into its own. Installs easily, runs very well, attractive default and utility screens. (www.pclinuxonline.com/pclos)
Linspire
Features simple, basic installation and easy installation of additional software. Most Linspire software is the same software you find in other Linux distributions with changed names, and it is not obvious how to switch from Linspire's Click-N-Run subscription software service to the free Debian servers or other free software sources if you don't want to keep paying Linspire for updates. Great packaging and looks. No free downloads regularly available; restrictive license prohibits sharing outside of immediate family.
(www.linspire.com)
Lots of other distributions: Distrowatch.com has a huge list of available Linux distributions for all tastes and purposes. No one list of Linux distributions can possibly be complete, because almost anyone can decide to make his or her own Linux distribution, and many people do. It can all be a bit bewildering until you get used to having this huge cafeteria of software available to you, which again is why we recommend getting advice from a LUG full of experienced users, then beginning your Linux experience with one of the popular distributions that offers professional and/or volunteer support to help you get going.
A Linux distribution contains more than just the operating system. You need more than an operating system to do anything useful with your computer. You need applications. Software that works with or on top of the operating system is what makes Linux useful. Fortunately, distributions package dozens, even hundreds of Linux tools and programs together -- office suites, text editors, games, spreadsheets, PIMs, email programs, graphics applications, scientific programs, documentation, digital camera applications, Web editors and browsers, and others -- so that you can install all of them at once and be assured that they will all work together efficiently without worry or any great effort by you. These are not the same programs you may have used with Windows or Mac, but since almost all of them are free, they are well worth your time to learn. You may be surprised to find that many free Linux programs included in the distribution you choose are better and more stable (less likely to crash) than expensive software you have used with other operating systems. After you have used Linux for a while, you will get used to this -- and once you do, it is very hard to go back to the world of high-priced Windows or Mac software!
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