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Introduction to Linux

Author:	Justin Washick
Date:	2008.03.28
Topic:	Software
Provider:	TechwareLabs
Manufacturer:	Linux

Preface

Some of my readers today will be aware of a beautiful operating system that goes by the name of Linux. For those who are not already familiar, here is a brief introduction: Linux is a free open-source alternative to Windows and Macintosh. Based off of Unix, Linus Torvalds laid the framework for the kernel many years ago and then made the source code open to all. He still works on the kernel today, but he's not alone; millions of programmers around the world work to improve Linux with their free time. They've worked hard to bring Linux to maturity, and as of the past couple years, it has reached a mature stage where the average computer user is more than capable of using it. In other words, you no longer need to know how a computer works or how to program in order for Linux to be useful to you.

So why am I bringing up this topic? Quite frankly, there aren't enough Linux users accessing TechwareLabs, and I believe this needs to change.

Whether it's because you've never heard of Linux, have an interest, or tried it years ago when it was still young and was disappointed, one thing is certain: you're missing out. I'll be elaborating further into Linux in future articles, but for now, here is a nice introduction.

What do you mean by open-source?

The source code is freely available on the internet per the GPL license. You are more than welcome to view the code, edit it, and republish a new product (assuming you know a thing or two about programming). The only catch is that you have to release your product under the very same GPL license.

This approach to software truly throws the concept of "proprietary" out the window, and is no doubt confusing to anybody who is business-minded. It's a foreign concept for many as to why one would develop a product and not claim intellectual property rights. The Linux community, in general (though there are exceptions), does not seek to gain profit. Rather, they put their time into Linux for pride and the occasional "thank you."

There are companies that sell Linux, though.

This is partially true. They're still licensed under the GPL, which means they are required to release the source code to the general public. What companies such as Red Hat and Novell are doing is not selling the operating system, but rather they are selling support, primarily for servers. Even so, you can use their products for free. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has fees attached to it, but Red Hat sponsors an open-source community around Fedora, which is the free alternative, developed by programmers in their spare time. Similarly for Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise, there is a free alternative in openSUSE.

Windows works fine. Why should I use something else?

Here, we get to the heart of the matter. Why switch, you ask? What's the point? Simply put, Linux is faster, more stable and above all, easier to use. The speed is due to higher efficiency in storing/retrieving information. The issue of stability isn't even questioned by [knowledgeable] die-hard Windows fans. Ultimately, the most controversial claim I've made is that it's easier to use.

This is where the argument rages on within the desktop market. There are many long-time Windows users who try Linux, and are scared off, upon which they claim that Linux is hard to use. The fact is, Linux is different, but I would argue that this is a good thing. There is definitely a learning curve, as there always is when you try something new, but the more you just play around with Linux, the more you'll find it is simply better.

How is it better? What makes it easier?

Everything is better organized. For starters, you know that little program on Windows, Add/Remove Programs? Raise your hand if you've ever actually "added" a program using it.

I see a few hands from people who have via a NT system or something similar, but other than that, it is unlikely you've used Add/Remove for anything other than "remove" (though Vista does allow for the user to download programs directly from Microsoft, a feature suspiciously appearing long after Linux started doing the exact same thing). In Linux, this little program is called the "package manager", and this is where you both add AND remove your programs. Everything that's currently installed, as well as everything you're able to install from the supplied servers appears in an easy-to-use catalog. For the most part, everything you need is right there in one place. Want to install an office suite? How about an IM program? Or how about a game? Just go to the respective section and choose the program you want. Check the boxes for everything you want to change (install/uninstall) and push the appropriate button to update your system (specifics will differ depending on the package manager used by the distribution).

So what is a distribution?

Earlier, I spoke about the GPL license and how it entitles you to do literally whatever you want with the code. The result is a large variety of differing releases of Linux operating systems, called "distributions" or "distros". The Linux kernel is the 'brain' of the operating system, and is the same for all distributions. What's different is the author's interpretation of what an operating system is supposed to do, and there are a lot of these interpretations. This results in what is probably the scariest part of playing with Linux for the first time: which distribution should I choose? And for that matter, where can I get it?

As a first step, go to www.distrowatch.com. This website provides the latest news on Linux distros, and a glance to your right shows the top 100 distros in page visits.

Wait! What? Top 100? How many are there?

Don't let that concern you. Yes, there are a LOT of distributions, but keep in mind that the vast majority are specialist distros, such as SmoothWall, which provides a live cd with their firewall software, thus allowing you to sample the firewall without installing it onto your production machine, and potentially having problems. There are only a handful of true distributions if you don't include the various derivatives that offer a few minute changes. As an incomplete list that hits on the most popular distributions, we have in no particular order: Debian (and its derivatives Ubuntu, Xandros, Damn Small, Knoppix... and Ubuntu's derivative Mint), Mandriva (and its derivative PCLinuxOS), Gentoo (and its derivative Sabayon), Slackware (and a lightweight OS based off its packages, Puppy), Red Hat and Novell (mentioned earlier), and then there are the BSD-based distributions which are not Linux, but is a cousin and is also based off of Unix. I know I'm probably ignoring somebody's favorite distribution and I apologize, but there's no way I can make a complete list without boring everybody to death.

Wow, that's still a lot. What should I try to start out?

Ubuntu gets a lot of publication, but I'm honestly not a fan. I believe they try too hard to make the OS all-in-one and it becomes rough around the edges, though honestly, I'm looking forward to playing with the final release Ubuntu 8.04 which has a release date set for this coming June. However, I will not be the one to say you shouldn't try Ubuntu. The package managing system is the best I've seen on any distribution, which basically means there are more programs at your fingertips. It's also the fastest I've seen at downloading/installing the packages. Personally, though, I would recommend trying Mint if you want to go the Ubuntu route. Basically, the people at Mint take Ubuntu and polish it up. It becomes more pleasing on the eyes and more functional.

I like to experiment with various distributions, but I always find myself coming back to PCLinuxOS. It is the only "easy-to-use" OS that has worked "out of the box" on every system on which I've installed it. The Control Center is well-organized and it is very easy to configure the system. It's the only distribution where I've never had to touch the command line except to run antivirus (which I believe support for which is lacking, but that's a topic for another day). Even in Ubuntu, I've had to use the command line occasionally. My recommendation for anyone who has never played with Linux before: download and install PCLinuxOS. After you get comfortable with the system, feel free to try other distributions.

One thing I'd like to point out is not to install over your current Windows installation. Linux zealots all over the country will yell at me for this, but I believe that by switching cold turkey, the user runs the risk of being scared off quickly. You should ease in gradually, treating it as a toy first, but you'll notice over time that you'll start to realize the many problems Windows possesses. You've simply been unaware because Windows is all you've known.

Use one of the following options: dual-boot, virtualized desktop, run Wubi, or brush the dust off of an old unused computer. Since this guide is directed at those who know little about Linux, it's unlikely you'll know what any of the first three options are, but a quick search online will provide details. To install Linux, go to the community website for the distribution you'd like to try, download the recent image file (file type: *.iso), and burn to cd/dvd as an image (not as data).

There is so much to say about Linux and its benefits, and there is no way to cover everything in one sitting, even for just an introduction. It's very difficult to make assumptions on what you may have to ask about Linux, so I'd like to see some feedback. Post your questions in the forums and I'll try to address them if I can. I'd also like those who are experienced with Linux to weigh in and make their own recommendations.

And if you find you like Linux or a particular open-source program, feel free to thank the programmers. They'd appreciate it.