I'm no computer expert, but I highly recommend Linux as a primary computer operating system. Similar to the Mac OS which is Unix compliant, Linux operating systems are generally regarded as well-protected against computer viruses There is an abundant selection of distributions you can choose from and most if not all, can be downloaded for FREE!! Here's a useful website listing and reviewing the different Linux programs: DistroWatch

According to SearchEnterpriseLinux.com, Linux is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive Unix systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system. Linux's kernel (the central part of the operating system) was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland. To complete the operating system, Torvalds and other team members made use of system components developed by members of the Free Software Foundation for the GNU Project.

My first experience with Linux was in 2006. Back then, I had a low end CPU computer, tons of music/ image files, and Windows XP as my operating system; hence you can imagine "slow". So a friend suggested I try Linux. I first used Puppy Linux and immediately liked it. It's very basic and easy to use. It has AbiWord, SeaMonkey, Gnumeric, etc as its basic applications. It's fast and the distro is relatively small. I'd run the operating system off a Live CD (256 MB of RAM). With the latest versions, you can now boot Puppy from a USB flash drive (Flash-Puppy). It's more portable and less fragile then an actual CD. Over all, the name says it all. It's cute; the type of Linux a girl would use. I still use it occasionally. If you are interested, you can download the ISO file at their website. Puppy Linux

I also tried Knoppix and used it once or twice. You can also boot the OS from a USB drive. I didn't really explore the features or applications. Nonetheless, it's not at all complicated to use so I'd recommend it as well. Knoppix

Currently, I configured my laptop with a triple boot operating system option -Vista, XP, and Ubuntu. Windows Vista was already pre-installed when I purchased this laptop so I added XP and Ubuntu. I occasionally use Windows for MS Office and Photoshop but I've been a Feisty Fawn (7.04) user since 2007. And I'm pretty happy with the operating system. However with the new release of Hardy Heron (8.04), I think it might be time to upgrade. Ubuntu Linux

The word "Ubuntu" is an African concept which means "humanity toward others" The developers are firm believers that the software should be available to everyone. That's why it's FREE like most other Linux distributions. I went to their website and requested for
a copy and received it in days, but I'm sure you can also download it online. It's also easy to use and very basic. It includes OpenOffice.org, Firefox, and Gimp (=paintshop) You can boot the OS from a Live CD.

However, if you decide to install it on your hard drive, you might encounter some complications. You might need to do some reading and researching to configure the drives and some of the hardware (ex. Wi-Fi). There are a lot of help forums you can go to. (If I can figure it out, you can too) Learning a little about Perl scripting is helpful too.

So I spent some time customizing Ubuntu and adding features like Beryl. And this is a glimpse of my screen.



3D/multiple desktops..

In sum, I believe Linux is the way to go! I know most people still use Windows and the Mac OS, but give Linux a try. It has so much potential. Nevertheless, whatever distribution you choose, you won't be disappointed. Easy to use, no viruses, and it's FREE!

Until you make the switch, good luck with Windows.

"They say if you play a Microsoft Cd backwards it has satanic messages on it.. Heck that's nothing.. Play it forwards and it'll install Windows."

Labels: Free Software