Getting started with Linux: Ubuntu Linux
Getting started with Linux: Ubuntu Linux
Though all Linux systems draw upon the same Linux kernal and incorporate the same software packages, based on their packaging, distribution, methods there are over a hundred different types of Linux Distributions (or 'Distros'). Some of the more popular ones are:
All the above distros are free source, free to download from their respective websites without any charges whatsoever. If a broadband internet connection is not available, CDs or DVDs can be obtained from one of the many vendors on the internet. I recommend CheapBytes who deliver open source CDs by post under $10 a set.
Ubuntu Linux is my favorite, and is quite user friendly for someone migrating from the other Operating System. All operations are menu-driven (though terminal command window can be used by an expert user). Even my three year old can start Linux, browse the web for his game sites and run his paint and music files.
Like all community driven Linux distributions, Ubuntu encourages copying and distribution of its CDs under the open source GPL licensing. For someone in UAE or whereabouts, who would like to try out Linux, but do not have access to broadband connection, send me an email I can mail you an Ubuntu CD for the price of the postage.
Ubuntu has Desktop versions and a Server version. The Server is a stripped down version of the Desktop version, which ships with all the software that a common user will require:
- Web Browser
- Email Client
- File Manager
- Disk Partition Manager
- Terminal (command window)
- An Office suite that works with a number of file formats (including the doc, xls, pps, etc)
- CD mastering, ripping and writer software
- Graphics manipulation (including layers and psd format)
- Multimedia players (only freeware codes are shipped in the CD due to patent restrictions on some of the other formats. Google their extensions to find out more.)
The installation also contains a Synaptic update software that can connect to the Ubuntu (and any of the many Debian) repositories on the internet to list and pull in as much of the 24,000+ freeware available.
The saving grace of Linux is it does not require the latest computer hardware for a decent performance, though it supports most high-end graphics cards and devices. The open source requirement ensures that there is no inbuilt malware and spyware that keeps using system resources to spy on users.
The disk partition supports the standard FAT16, FAT32, NTFS formats in addition to the ReiserFS, ext2 & ext3 Linux native formats. The native formats do not require to be defragmented by the user. Ubuntu supports encryption of hard disks using AES, twofish or serpent ciphers so that the disk or any partitions cannot be accessed by anybody who does not know the exact passphrases. The other Operating System's security is compromised if physical access is available to the system - the file system is open for all if the disk is opened in another computer, or even using an OS (like Linux) that can run off a CD.
Linux supports all software RAID arrays and file-system architecture is such that adding additional hard-disks later does not mean another drive letter, but simply increases the overall storage area by mounting at an directory location in the file-system.
Linux has an elaborate security and privileges feature, which makes it immune to an accidental virus attack. Users can protect their 'home' directories so that they control which other user can read, access or write to their files.
A WINE (Windows® Emulator) project has developed a package that allows native Windows® applications to run in Linux. CodeWeavers has taken it a step further and have a commercial product called "CrossOffice" that is tested to install and run some of the popular Windows® OS software in Linux. It should be noted that this is not to encourage installing pirated versions of the software, but a method for Linux users who cannot do without some of their previous software to install a legally licensed version in Linux but without an underlying Windows® OS license.
