Chapter 2: Why Linux - What's the benefits?

2.1 So what does Linux actually offer me then?


So, you now know that Linux is a Unix-like operating system, and you know what all that means now, but that doesn't really tell you why you would prefer to use Linux, instead of Windows or Mac OS on your computer.
Linux is far more than a Unix-like operating system because of it's unique Licensing system, enter 'Open Source':

Linux is truly an Open Source Operating System:

• Protected by the GNU General Public License.
• Trustworthy computing, as the source code for all software is distributed for free, often with the application.
• Open standards provoke less buggy software and compatability with other platforms from vendors such as Microsoft and Apple.
• Open Source software means no vendor lock-in.
• No chance of Linux as a whole going out of business, as it is not owned by any one company.
• Did we mention that Open Source software is generally (but not always) FREE in cost.
  This means that software can be of high quality for everyone, and money can be made out of support, distribution, training or working with OSS.
  It's a new and revolutionary way to do business, but already, huge names like IBM, HP, Novell, Sun and even non IT firms such as Boeing, Glaxo Smithkline and thousands more are all using it and putting work back into it.

It's a reliable platform for any sort of mission-critical work:
• Linux does not have issues with crashing. It deals very well with rogue software, and will close programs down, rather than crashing the whole PC.
• There at present no viruses for Linux. Viruses would need to change in their nature drastically for them to be plausible in the Linux arena.
• It's fast and works on computers that are pretty old, recycle that old PC today!
• Say goodbye to Spyware, Adware etc
• Security is built-in by default, not an add on

Linux is home to some of the best new software, and best of all, most of it is free, have a look at just a few of these great titles:



OpenOffice.org
A fully featured Office suite including a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Drawing Package, Database and Presentation suite. Compatible with Microsoft Office (DOC/XLS/PPT)


Mozilla Firefox
The browser that reloaded the web - all thanks to Open Source!


The GIMP
An excellent open source image editor, similar to Photoshop by Adobe. Used to edit the images on this website!


VideoLan
The ultimate media player, play your DVDs/VCDs/DiVX's on any computer connected to a network!


Gaim
A universal Instant messenger that provides AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Gabber and IRC.


Evolution
Novell Evolution is a fully-featured Groupware client which includes E-Mail, Calendars, Tasks, Address Books and the ability to connect to a Microsoft Exchange mail server if so desired.

...and thousands more titles... check out sites like www.freshmeat.net for examples.


Now, visit Chapter Three to decide on which flavour of Linux you want!

Or, if you need more convincing, why not take a sneaky peek at Chapter 10, where we detail how Linux helps out with your life every day.