Where Knowledge Rules

Computers & Technology:

Software

Get a Widget for this title

Linux: Is it right for you?

I love Linux! Yes I do! I love Linux! How about you?




Oh, you're not quit sure yet? I can understand that. Linux has a reputation for being a bit dark and mysterious. That reputation is somewhat deserved, though recent upgrades have made Linux a bit more user friendly than in years past.




To help you decide whether Linux is right for you, let's look at some of the things Linux does right, and some of the things that need just a little more work. After pondering these points, you may have a better idea of whether or not you wish to try Linux for your self.




THINGS LINUX DOES RIGHT




LINUX IS EXTREMELY STABLE




If you've used Windows for a number of years, or even just for a short time, you've probably become used to those strange, un-explainable crashes and lock ups. No matter what you're doing, or even when you're doing nothing at all, all of a sudden the PC stops working. You have to reboot. And maybe later, reboot again. Windows Vista was "supposed" to stop these errors from occurring, but sadly, they still remain a part of the Windows computing experience.




Linux, on the other hand, is an extremely stable operating system. Circumstances when the operating system completely crashes are very rare. Linux has been used to run web servers that must run for months or even years at a time, and these servers run by Linux rarely crash.




The reason for this is because, unlike Windows, the "kernel", or core components of the OS, is isolated from the other parts of the system. Yes, the sound server may crash, or even the graphical interface, but whereas with Windows you would have to restart Windows completely, in Linux the kernel just keeps on going. The sound or video system can just be restarted, and the core system has been running all along. Applications may crash, but there's no need to restart the PC, most of the time. If system stability is very important to you, than Linux may be for you.




LINUX PROVIDES EASY INSTALLATION




Though installing Linux and its applications used to be a nightmare that made Freddy Krueger look like Santa Claus, this is an area that has made tremendous strides in the past few years. Unless you are attempting a dual boot situation, such as having Windows and Linux on the same PC, installing Linux now requires little or no technical knowledge. With most distributions (versions) of Linux, installation is as simple as inserting the CD into your CD drive, and starting the PC. Follow the prompts, and the installation process is as fast and easy as installing


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Linux: Is it right for you?

  • 1 of 6

    by Don Hildenbrand

    I love Linux! Yes I do! I love Linux! How about you?




    Oh, you're not quit sure yet? I can understand that. Linux has a reputation

    read more

  • 2 of 6

    by Jason Woolum

    If you are reading this article, then most likely you have been researching Linux for a while, but you are unsure whether

    read more

  • 3 of 6

    by Lam Luu

    I am kind of tired of this kind of question, you know, "Is Linux right for you" or "Is Linux ready" or something like that.

    read more

  • 4 of 6

    by Jeremy Matthews

    Linux is an awesome operating system. From the added benefits or extra security and stability to the simple point of being

    read more

  • 5 of 6

    by Puller

    I have been using Linux as my main computer for only four years now, and love it. I do not have one regret about wiping

    read more

View All Articles on:
Linux: Is it right for you?

Add your voice

Know something about Linux: Is it right for you??
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Which is better, Windows Media Player 11 or Windows Media Player 10 and why?

Click for your side.

138645

Featured Partner

OneWorld

OneWorld United States publishes US and international perspectives on global issues gathered from OneWorld partners w...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA