Selecting a Linux Operating System for a PC

Ubuntu 7.04 "Fiesty Faun" Distribution
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Linux is an open source operating system that works on most computer systems. Because it is an open source operating system, there have been many different distributions from the original creator and individuals and programmers all over the world. Choosing Linux as an operating system for your computer may be a wise idea if Linux is the right operating system for your unique collection of needs and desires. There are many types of Linux operating systems, selecting one will depend on several factors. There are certain questions that you are going to want to ask yourself about your planned usage before you choose a Linux distribution.

There are certain questions that you are going to want to ask yourself when it comes to choosing a Linux operating system for your computer. What are you looking to do with it? What is your planned usage? These questions are going to matter because different distributions or flavors of Linux can have different features and options, benefits and drawbacks. You are going to want to choose a Linux distribution that suits your specific needs and desires.

Keeping this in mind, ask yourself this: What features do you need? Do you want a full desktop operating system or something with a minimal graphical user interface that is more command line based? Do you plan on using Linux for Network Attached Storage purposes, or for a simple operating system on a portable computer? What kind of hardware are you running it on? This will also play a role in determining what Linux operating system distribution is best going to address your needs. With so many different options out there for you to choose from, you really need to consider everything that is out there so that you may determine which distribution or "distro" is best suited for how you intend to use the operating system.

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Linux Server Operating Systems

Installing Microsoft Windows Vista
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If you are looking for an operating system for your server, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of choices that are available to you. Many people simply go with the easy option, which is to install a Microsoft operating system. While this is not a bad option, it is not a wise idea to make a decision without first weighing all of your options. Sometimes it is the underdog that comes out being the winner, and this is true when it comes to operating systems for servers and networks.

With Linux being open source its code is constantly checked for vulnerabilities. This makes Linux very resistant to hacking and exploits. If you are looking for a formidable server operating system that is not going to be vulnerable, Linux is a smooth choice. Microsoft operating systems on the other hand have much vulnerability and Microsoft operating systems are hacked and broken into more often than other operating systems.

As an operating system, you will find that Linux is very modular so there is not going to be a lot of bloat, and only the components that are needed will be used. This will make the operating system very light and fast. If you are looking for a server operating system that will be light and fast, Linux is a solid choice to make.

Linux is becoming increasing popular as a server operating system. Many companies are choosing Linux because it is totally free for them to use. Open source operating systems like Linux offer numerous benefits over other operating systems, and because they are free to use, install and modify, even for commercial entities, the pot is only sweetened further. There are many different Linux distributions to choose from, so select the distribution or flavor of Linux that best meets your needs.

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Why Choose Linux?

Tux, the Linux penguin
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There are many different benefits that a Linux operating system can afford you. Because there are so many different distributions of the Linux operating system, there is no single clear cut list when it comes to advantages, benefits, disadvantages and drawbacks. What you need to consider is what Linux can do for you in general, and then find a distribution or “flavor” that delivers the advantages and features that you are specifically looking for.

In general, Linux can provide you with:

- A multi-user and multi-tasking environment that is both modern and stable.

- An operating system that costs very little if anything to use.

- An operating system that runs on even the most inexpensive computer hardware.

- A powerful and rich operating system platform.

- A very standard platform that is essentially a POSIX compliant version of UNIX.

- Computing power that is unsurpassed by any other operating system.

- Portability that is unsurpassed by any other operating system.

- Flexibility that is unsurpassed by any other operating system.

- Advanced GUI (Graphical User Interface).

- Dozens of free desktop applications including e-mail programs, web browsers, word processors, bitmap graphics programs, vector graphics programs, spreadsheets, audio players, file managers, CD writers and games.

- Thousands of smaller programs, applets and tools.

- Specialized applications that are only available on Linux.

- A great operating system platform for programming.

- A great operating system platform for learning, especially for parents.

- Excellent capabilities for networking.

- Connectivity capabilities with Apple, Microsoft and Novel proprietary networking.

- A state of the art platform for development and programming.

- Freedom from back doors, viruses, forced upgrades, invasion of privacy, licensing schemes and marketing schemes.

- No proprietary file formats.

With so many benefits and advantages associated with the Linux operating system, it should make sense why this would be such a popular operating system, especially for gamers, programmers and other technical individuals.

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The Most Popular Linux Distributions Available For End Users

SuSE logo
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If you are a first time user of Linux or a seasoned and experienced Linux user, chances are there is a Linux distribution perfectly suited for your needs. Among the wide array of choices of Linux distributions, it is quite important to know about certain leading Linux distributions that are available for the end users. Following is the list of few widely used Linux distributions, you can choose from:

Ubuntu: Ubuntu Linux can be rated as the topmost user-friendly Linux distribution available at present. Despite being a relatively newer Linux distribution, it has gained much wider popularity than most of the other Linux distributions. This is probably the reason why you may find various new netbooks and laptops being shipped with Ubuntu Linux as their default operating system.

Fedora: Fedora is actually an open source project started by Red Hat. This is aimed at the individual consumers as opposed to the RHEL edition of Linux, which is marketed primarily for the enterprises. This is often assumed to be a free and home-based alternative to the RHEL edition of Linux developed by Red Hat.

OpenSUSE: OpenSUSE is the modern and free version of SUSE Linux Enterprise platform. After the acquisition of SUSE by Novell in year 2003, OpenSUSE emerged as the free version that’s intended mainly for the home users due to its ease of use and friendliness.

Debian: Debian is known for its robustness and security features. This has a different package management system for file distribution (.deb file format) than Red Hat based Linux distributions. Over the years, Debian has become a favorite choice for the power users of Linux who were already familiar with working style of Unix.

Mandriva: It was earlier known as Linux Mandrake and was marketed aggressively for its friendliness of the end users. This is also an excellent Linux distribution as far as the everyday usage by the average home users is concerned. It is still known widely for its intuitive and attractive user interface and smooth navigation.

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