A Look at the Linux Based Operating System Debian

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the reasons some computer users have not made the switch to open source software is because of the fear or not being about to know exactly which program or software to download to get what they want. Many open source operating systems come as a blank slate and users have to pick and choose what applications they use and that can be scary to some people. Luckily, through the use of an open source operating system known as Debian computer uses can switch to Linux operating systems without the fear of not being able to download the right type of programs and applications.

The Debian operating system is an operating system that uses the GNU/Linux based distribution protocols. Across the technology world Debian has been praised for being one of the only open source software programs that stick strictly to the Linux philosophies. The main goal of the Debian operating system is to create an operating system that focuses on stability and security for computer usage.

The Debian operating system comes with thousands of pre-made software packages that allow computer users to choose which one will best help their computer needs. All that is required is a simple download and there are tons of open source software programs downloaded directly onto your computer.

Another great benefit of the Debian operating system is that it is available for both server use and personal computer use. This means that governments and institutions can use this type of operating system as well as the personal computer user.

Debian has regular updates and releases available throughout the year. The most recent update to the Debian operating system was done on February 2011. All updates fixed stability issues and security issues that were present in the previous versions.

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An Easy to Understand Linux Software Program – The Ark Linux

February 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have used the Internet for any amount of time then you have probably heard about the operating system known as Linux. When you do the research on Linux the whole idea of the operating system might be completely overwhelming for those that are not as technologically advanced. With this need to have a technological understanding could prevent many people from trying out a Linux based operating system. However, what if there was a way to download a Linux based system that requires very little technological knowledge. That is exactly what the Ark Linux aims to do.

The Ark Linux is a Linux based operating system that was developed by a group of computer users. It is an open source program that is completely free to use. The goal of Ark Linux is to make an easy to install and understand Linux operating system.

Ark Linux achieves this goal by create easy to use CDs that help users through the installation process. The process is so simple and easy to understand that it guides users on how to click the mouse and what is needed. The basic installation of Ark Linux contains all the tools and applications that a regular computer user will need so there is no need to have research and find other programs on the Internet. These applications and programs include a web browser, instant messaging program, file sharing and a document tool.

Other goals of Ark Linux include the ability to provide only the basic elements that computer users will need so there is no overfilling the space on the computer. It also allows computer users to download other computer software programs with ease.

The whole idea behind the Ark Linux system is to make sure that computer users have an easy to understand Linux based operating system that is quick and easy to install.

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Linux Based Games: Savage 2

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Savage 2: A Tortured Soul

Image via Wikipedia

One of the things that attract computer users to the Linux based operating system is the many different computer games that can be played on them. One of the top rated gaming games on the Internet is that of a game known as Savage 2.

Savage 2 is a combination of first person shooter and real time strategy. During the course of the game players will be aimed with weapons and the viewpoint of the gamer is that of a first person shooter game but the game contains all the elements that are popular amongst strategy games.

The first part of Savage 2 requires that user must choose a specific combat unit or type of faction to be a part of. As with all games each unit has specific characteristics that make them extremely unique. Some of the guides and units available in Savage 2 include healers, spell casters and builders. The strategy aspect comes in because gamers will be required to figure out which one is best for their character and how to develop a lasting gaming strategy.

After you have chosen which combat unit you will be a part of you will go around fighting various characters and completing quests. The goal is to get your character stronger and more powerful than when you started out. Combat usually happens in first person or third person events. You will be required to cast spells, raise defenses and try to defeat your enemies. While you are fighting there are other things that you can do such as call the dead souls of your past enemies, summons demons and even try to get gold out of your enemy upon completion.

Savage 2 is played completely online and all stats are saved. There are currently thousands of players playing on the database at any point in time.

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Linux Based Games: Urban Terror

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When Quake III was introduced to the gaming world first person gamers went crazy. It was one of the most popular first person shooter games of its time. Due to its popularity a lot of first person shooter games have modeled themselves after the Quake III model and that is exactly what the Linux based game, Urban Terror did.

Urban Terror is a first person shooter game. The main goal of Urban Terror is to give gamers the ability to mix the real world and real time graphics with cool and unique features that are not usually found with this type of game.

On the realistic front Urban Terror achieves this. It has real world places. This means players will go to cities and buildings that are actually in the real world. The realism is carried over when all the weapons in the system are based off of real world weapons that can be picked up by those that want to use it. Realism is also brought to the gamers because their characters face fatigue, injuries and the ability to bleed to death from injuries.

The other goal of Urban Terror is to giver gamers a fresh, unique game that has features that no one else does. Urban Terror does just that. The soldiers in Urban Terror are capable of using a sliding technique as well as being able to jump off of walls and boundaries.

If you are looking for a realistic, beautifully crafted, unique first person shooter game that is available for the Linux based operating system then Urban Terror is just that game for you.

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Linux Based Games: Open Transport Tycoon Deluxe

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Everyone has heard of the game SIMs that allows people to play as 3D avatars but there is a game out there that might have sparked the real life inspiration for games. Transport Tycoon Deluxe was the original open source, Linux based game that allowed people to develop their own business structures and create huge monopoly like business structures. Now with the newest version of the game out, Open Transport Tycoon Deluxe, it allows players to relive the fun of playing this real life inspired game.

The goal of the game is fairly simple. The players start out as fresh businessmen/women. They are given a small loan or cash amount. With this cash players must buy, sell and create transportation systems that will allow people to come and go into their city. The goal of the game is to try to create a small business and make it larger and larger until it basically rules the world.

The Open Transport Tycoon Deluxe achieved two goals when it was released. The first goal was to allow players that had a MAC or Linux based computer system to play. The first version of the game was previously only available to Windows users. This new version opens up the possibilities to hundreds of gamers.

The second goal was to bring new exciting elements to the original game. Open Transport Tycoon Deluxe does just that. There are dozens of new buildings available for gamers as well as the ability to choose different transportation models and even train models.

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Linux Based Games: Scorched 3D

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are just certain games that really stand out when it comes to being an official gamer. One of those games is the epic game known as Scorched Earth. Scorched Earth was the game that serious gamers played before there were hundreds of gaming options. Now with the introduction of Scorched 3D players are able to relive the fun that Scorched Earth brought expect it is in a newer, more updated package.

Scorched 3D offers the best of any type of warfare games. It offers players the ability to play as unique avatars, travel around the world and even have the financial responsibility that comes with real life.

Unlike the Scorched Earth version, Scorched 3D is now available for players to play online and engage in warfare amongst other diehard gamers. This makes a wonderful game that is epic to games just that much more addicting.

Another great feature of Scorched 3D is the large amount of weapons that have been added. When Scorched Earth came out, it wowed gamers with the large inventory of weapons and equipment that they could use over and over again.

The other great feature that comes with Scorched 3D is the beautiful graphics and maps. Scorched Earth was a 2D game, but now Scorched 3D offers beautifully detailed maps, lands and weapons that are made from some of the most stunning graphics.

If you are looking for a great epic game that is now compatible with the Linux based operating system then Scorched 3D is the way to go.

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Interesting Facts about Linux

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most people have heard the name “Linux,” but couldn’t tell you that much about it, which is rather ironic since Linux has revolutionized today’s technological world. Without it, technology as we know it would probably be very different.

First, Linux is simply a computer operating system. If that means nothing to you, it might help to know that Microsoft Windows is also a computer operating system. Basically, a computer operating system is just the utilities and programs that make your computer work. 

No one owns Linux. The creator of Linux, Linus Torvald, doesn’t even own Linux, but he does own the trademark “Linux.” This probably seems strange, especially in today’s world, but the truth is that no one person or corporation owns Linux. Instead, it is being improved upon daily by volunteers and corporate sponsored programmers worldwide.  

Linux is free, but that term can be slightly misleading. The free part comes from the fact that anyone who gets Linux also receives its source code so that they can change it and then redistribute it. What is unique about Linux as compared to others operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, is that it is perfectly acceptable to pass it along to others after you get it and even make changes to it. The only requirement is that provide your modified source code along with the copies you distribute. This is possible because Linux is licensed under a General Public License, which allows users to modify the source code.

Linux may seem complex and even a little mysterious at first. However, the more you learn about and familiarize yourself with it, the more quickly you’ll find yourself understanding it. Most Linux converts will tell you they could never go back to their old computer operating system. There is definitely a learning curve involved if you decide to try Linux out for yourself, but you’ll probably be surprised at how quickly you learn to use it.  

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Switch to Linux

January 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people are intimidated by moving from their current computer operating system to Linux. However, there really is no need to feel intimidated. With some basic computer knowledge you should have no trouble making the switch.

Many people think that installing Linux is extremely complicated and well beyond their knowledge base. This is not true for most people. It takes just a few clicks of a mouse and then answering some very basic questions about things such as timezone and name to install. The steps you must take to install Linux are no more complicated than the steps you would take to install most any computer operating system.  

Some people argue that Linux doesn’t have any applications available for use. However, there are many applications available and they are typically free. To download many of them, you simply have to point and click. 

Another argument some use against Linux is that is too complex. The truth is that it’s not too complicated, it’s probably just new. Anytime you try something new, there is a learning curve involved, and learning how to use a new computer operating system is no different. If a fear of complexity is keeping you from trying out Linux, it will probably help to simply jump right in and begin using it. You’ll probably find that it is not as complex as you thought.

If you’ve ever thought that you might like to try to use Linux as your computer operating system, but have been scared to try it out, now might be a good time to test it. You’ll probably be surprised that it’s not as difficult to use as you previously thought. Don’t believe all the myths and rumors that surround Linux until you try it for yourself. Like anything, Linux doesn’t work for everyone that uses it, but you won’t know how you’ll like it until you give it a try and see for yourself.   

 

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The History of Linux

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The history of Linux actually begins in 1969 with the conception and implementation of the Unix operating system. Unix was actually released in 1971 and was written in assembly language. Assembly language is a computer programming language that is rather low-level and was commonly used during the time period when Unix was conceived. 

Just two years later, in 1973, Unix was rewritten in a much more advanced language, called programming language C which had a huge effect on the way Unix could be used. The more advanced language allowed it to be used on many different computer platforms. This allowed Unix to be used by many businesses, which quickly expanded its influence.   

A decade later, in 1983, the GNU Project was started which sought to create a computer software system that was compatible with Unix. What made this project so unique was it sought to compose this software and make it free. This lofty goal was finally attained in 1992.

In 1992, Linux stepped in with the release of it Linux kernel. A kernel is basically the most important part of a computer’s operating system. A kernel manages the relationship between the software and hardware components of an operating system. The Linux kernel is a good example of open-source, free software. While the kernel was initially created by one person, it has since been the recipient of contributions from thousands of computer programmers. 

The creator of the Linux kernel, Finnish student Linus Torvalds, released it in such a way that it was free to its users by forbidding its exploitation by commercial interests. It was later licensed differently, allowing different versions to be sold but requiring that all copies be released under the same license with the course code included. 

Linux, along with Unix, has shaped the course of history. Without Linux, and the fact that versions were and remain available at no cost, current technology would probably be vastly different.

 

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An Explanation of Linux

January 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The term Linux refers to the computer operating systems that use the Linux kernel. These systems are similar to the Unix operating systems that were conceived in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Linux is so vastly popular because it can be used on so many different types of computer hardware. You can find Linux on cellular phones, tablet computers, video games and even supercomputers. It’s easy to see why Linux is so widely known. Even the least tech-savvy among us have typically at least heard the Linux name.

 
Linux is so reliable and so fast that its operating systems actually run the world’s 10 fastest supercomputers. The Linux operating systems can be found in every domain, all the way from embedded systems to those giant supercomputers it helps run. The fact that Linux can be used in such a wide variety of ways makes it invaluable as well as unique. 

Linux systems have been distributed for use in home computer systems and are quickly becoming more and more popular with governments worldwide at the local, state and even federal levels.   

An interesting fact about Linux is that its distributions are widely available for free. There are even groups of people in various cities that have formed organizations to help provide training and technical support to people that are new to the Linux operating systems. However, there are quite a few large corporations that sell its components and support its continued development.

Many would argue that Linux has affected the technological developments of this world as much, if not more, than technological giants such as Google and Microsoft. After all, they would probably not even be around if not for Linux. While Linux is not as well known, it is certainly as important, maybe even a little more important, as Google and Microsoft and will continue to be in the years to come.    

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