Why use Linux at all?

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Unlike Windows or Max OSX, Linux comes in a variety of flavors. There’s Red Hat, Ubuntu, Debian, Debian GNU, Fedora, Gentoo and more. It is guaranteed to confuse anyone who is looking to get started with Linux. So why use Linux at all, when there are out-of-the-box programs that are easier to use?

It is true that Linux has been related to the world of uber-geekdom. A majority of computer users just want to be able to turn on their computer and start interacting with the user interface. Linux does offer a user interface, but it does not come across as intuitive. This is in direct contrast to Windows and OSX. Then there is the fact that running programs is hit and miss on Linux. Not every program that is written will run on every version of Linux.

So why use Linux at all, much less any of the available versions? No simple answer exists for the average user, as they don’t see the benefit of being able to access their systems beyond files. However, Linux is the grease for those who want to fine tune their computer hardware into running like a well oiled machine.

Linux and its different variations give the user the ability to get down to the level of the hardware. They can communicate directly with the hard drive and find detailed information on files stored there. It is also used on networks, allowing remote users to log in and access accounts with ease. An administrator can log in, fix a problem for a user, and back out without disrupting the user’s experience.

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Using Fedora: The Linux-based Operating System

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you haven’t heard of Fedora, then you definitely need to check it out. Fedora is a Linux-based operating system which uses several different software programs to make you computer system run faster and more efficiently. One of the best things about Fedora is that this operating system is free of charge unlike other operating systems. You can use Fedora to replace or add to your existing operating system that you are currently using.

There are several features about Fedora that you will enjoy.  The program allows you to download over 10,000 different types of apps that you may enjoy using on your computer.  There are a variety of different apps such as alarm clocks, calendars, games, and graphics. Currently, some of the popular apps are Synfig Studio and Abiword. Synfig Studio allows you to edit and create 2D animation. Abiword allows you to write, edit, and view word processing documents.

Another feature of Fedora is that it is very secure and free of viruses and spyware. Therefore, there is no need to download different types of antivirus programs.  The system has built-in firewall, set security permissions, and automatic updates. All software must be from a trustworthy source before it can be downloaded onto your computer.  You can change your computer settings to increase or decrease the security levels for your computer system.

The email software for Fedora is Evolution. This email program  is similar to Microsoft Outlook and allows you to send email, keep a calendar, and create an address book of contacts. You can sync your computer to online programs such as Google and Yahoo! Calendar. Multiple user accounts can be set up under Evolution for each member of your family if you wish.

 Others features of Fedora are text and video chat, file sharing, social media, and remote desktop.

 

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More Advantages of Linux

November 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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When it comes to the Linux operating system, it is vitally important that users understand that there are a wide variety of different distributions, and each is going to vary greatly from the others. This level of variance is going to contribute heavily to the advantages and the disadvantages of the operating system. Some benefits and advantages are the same while others vary widely depending on what Linux operating system distribution you are specifically making use of.

For example, nearly all distributions of the Linux operating system are less susceptible to attacks from malicious software. Additionally, most Linux operating system distributions use far fewer resources. They come with a wide variety of bundled software programs, and they tend to offer a lot of additional freedom in comparison to the restrictive user licenses that proprietary operating systems like Microsoft Windows tend to require. Most distributions of the Linux operating system are a lot more stable than other operating systems, especially when you consider the server editions.

The Fedora Linux operating system, for example, comes bundled with a wide variety of different software programs including project management, database management, spreadsheets and word processing software solutions. With each distribution of the Linux operating system, there will be improvements and other changes in comparison to previous releases. Fedora Linux 6, for example, is quite different in comparison to Fedora Linux 10. As such, the software that you find bundled in one distribution of the Linux operating system may not appear in another. Still, Linux users can choose from thousands of different programs available from a repository.

Although some distributions of the Linux operating system are fee-based, most are completely free to use and open source. There are numerous advantages to using the Linux operating system over other proprietary and closed source operating systems like Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.

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Cross Distribution at A Linux Special That Helps You Enjoy Best Of The Best

October 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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If one takes a look at the development pattern of the Windows operating system, one will come across different landmark points where paradigm shift has taken place. Windows XP was paradigm shift for all those who were accustomed to Windows 98. Windows 7 was a paradigm shift for those who were accustomed to Windows XP. This is not just a question of user experience.

The interoperability of various components and aspects of the operating system also takes a hit. It was possible for users of Windows 95 to enjoy the modifications and improvements made to the operating system released in the form of Windows 98. However, people could not download and incorporate changes made in Windows XP when using Windows 95 or Windows 98.

This means that the cross distribution of features and options is not possible on all levels. This is one point where the Windows operating system lags behind Linux. Today, there are numerous software applications that offer fantastic advantages and benefits. These are attached to and available with specific distributions. However, these programs offer cross distribution option.

That is to say, you can use the package management software offered with Ubuntu with Fedora. The software designed for a particular distribution will work equally well for any other distribution. The reason why this is possible is that all programs are designed to operate on the Linux operating system. Since the root or core of all these programs happen to be the same- Linux, it is possible to achieve cross distribution very easily.

This means that you can stick to one distribution and yet enjoy the features and benefits offered by programs offered with different distributions without any difficulty. This is yet another instance where you can use the Linux operating system to improve efficiency and functionality. Needless to say, availability of more choice and wider range of programs is only going to make computing easier.

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