For many people the word Linux is both scary and intriguing. Most users have never used a computer that did not run on Microsoft Windows or Apple's OS X. Unlike these commercial operating systems, Linux is totally free and there are dozens of versions of Linux available today. But what exactly is Linux and why should anyone really consider using it?
First, What Is Linux?
All versions of Linux stem from a programmer named Linux Torwalds who in 1991 wrote his own version of the popular commercial operating system named Unix. Linux (Linus' Unix) was an immediate hit among the more geeky computer afficianados but was later eclipsed by the fledgling Windows operating system. In the beginning Linux was text based. Only in the last ten years has Linux had a graphical user interface to compare to the Windows series of products, but an avid and loud group of Linux users have brought the operating system into the 21st century to finally be on par to compete with the mammoth of Microsoft. Over the years many different versions of Linux have been developed. Since the source code was open and free to be altered by programmers individuals could customize the operating system to provide exactly the requirements they needed.
What Is Ubuntu Linux?
Ubuntu Linux is an offshoot of the very popular Debian Linux and like many of its predecessors, continues to be offered as a free download over the Internet. Its development is done through a collaboration of programmers all over the world that are constantly donating their time and expertise to bolster the operating systems abilities, security, and stability. Ubuntu can be downloaded from the project's home page for free or a CD can be shipped for a small handling charge.
But Windows is good enough right? Why would anyone want to use an operating system like Ubuntu? Follow the link below to the next article in this series to find out why!
Next: Giving Ubuntu Linux A Try
First, What Is Linux?
All versions of Linux stem from a programmer named Linux Torwalds who in 1991 wrote his own version of the popular commercial operating system named Unix. Linux (Linus' Unix) was an immediate hit among the more geeky computer afficianados but was later eclipsed by the fledgling Windows operating system. In the beginning Linux was text based. Only in the last ten years has Linux had a graphical user interface to compare to the Windows series of products, but an avid and loud group of Linux users have brought the operating system into the 21st century to finally be on par to compete with the mammoth of Microsoft. Over the years many different versions of Linux have been developed. Since the source code was open and free to be altered by programmers individuals could customize the operating system to provide exactly the requirements they needed.
What Is Ubuntu Linux?
Ubuntu Linux is an offshoot of the very popular Debian Linux and like many of its predecessors, continues to be offered as a free download over the Internet. Its development is done through a collaboration of programmers all over the world that are constantly donating their time and expertise to bolster the operating systems abilities, security, and stability. Ubuntu can be downloaded from the project's home page for free or a CD can be shipped for a small handling charge.
But Windows is good enough right? Why would anyone want to use an operating system like Ubuntu? Follow the link below to the next article in this series to find out why!
Next: Giving Ubuntu Linux A Try
