Linux
Linux is an operating system, like Windows or MacOS X. It allows to work as you would in Windows. But it works differently.
Some even see Linux as a horrible system full of complicated commands. This is no longer true. Linux now has a pleasant, comfortable and easy to use graphical system.
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| What's linux - burning CD |
It is customary to say that Linux is an operating system. In fact, Linux, it is only the heart (they say the 'core') of the GNU/Linux operating system.
(Microsoft Windows NT, 2000 and XP operating systems also have a nucleus, but different: the NT kernel.)
The kernel takes care of the dirty: memory management, access to devices (hard drive, CD-Rom drive, keyboard, mouse, graphics card...), the management of the network, sharing the time microprocessor between programs (multitasking), etc.
Unlike Windows GUI is imposed, there are various graphical interfaces on Linux, the main being Gnome, KDE and XFCE. It is even possible to run Linux without a GUI, or even launch the GUI when you want.
GNU/Linux
GNU is a project that has brought a lot of utilities with the Linux kernel, such as the popular gcc compiler, and thousands of utilities (tar, tail, man, bash...).
These GNU utilities, associated with the Linux kernel, are the GNU/Linux operating system.
Linux is a kernel.
GNU is a set of utility programs.
GNU/Linux is the operating system.
Linux Distributions
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| schema of linux and distros |
GNU/Linux is free, various companies is resumed and completed to distribute an operating system to their liking. This is what is called distributions.
Among the best-known are RedHat, Fedora, Mandriva, Debian, Suse, Slackware, Gentoo, Xandros, Lycoris...
By abuse of language, it is often said "Linux" to the premises of '' GNU/Linux '' or the name of the distribution.
What is the difference between these distributions?
Orientation: for example, the RedHat are very oriented enterprise (databases, web servers...) servers, Mandriva and Ubuntu are more oriented towards users of office automation and Internet users, Flonix is designed to boot directly from a USB key, etc.
The way in which they are "made": for example, the RedHat is conceived by a big company, while Debian is designed in a more democratic way (participation of Internet users).
The price: some are paid (RedHat, Mandriva...), to other free (Fedora, Debian...). Note that sometimes have to pay for the free distribution, but the price only serves to cover support (CD), mailing and any expenses manuals paper. Nothing prevents you download them and burn them yourself.
Which one to pick?
Hard to say. Everything depends on your level and what you want to make. I encourage you to download various distributions to test them and find one that you like best.
If you do not know where to start, I recommend:
Knoppix (if you do not install on hard drive). This version of Linux will boot directly from the CD and doesn't write on hard disk. No installation is required on hard disk. It is a way to discover Linux without any risk.
Ubuntu is a great distribution, which can either be used as Knoppix (without installing anything), to be installed on hard disk. The interface is very clean and simple to use. Once installed, can have access to hundreds of additional software with a few clicks.
This is the distribution that I would recommend if you want to install Linux on your computer.
Other derivatives
It happens that there are derivatives of these distributions.
For example, Knoppix is a distribution derived from Debian and Morphix is derived from Knoppix, etc.
Linux and other Unix
Linux was created by Linus Torvalds in response to the commercial Unix large, which were mostly overpriced. The GNU project has also started on a similar motivation (GNU means: "GNU's Not Unix").
They say that Linux is a free operating system, it is to say that you are free to use it, modify it and re - distribute (which is not the case of Unix or Windows or MacOS X).
These Unix still exist today and are still sold: HP - UX (the Unix from Hewlett-Packard), AIX (Unix of IBM), Solaris (Sun's Unix), IRIX (Silicon Graphics Unix)...
UNIX is a registered trademark, and any company that wants to create a stamped "Unix" operating system must meet a number of strict rules.
Due to its free, its opening and its performance, Linux gaining popularity compared to other Unix. There are even large companies that were their own Unix! (such as IBM, Sun, HP, SGI,...)
Linux and Windows
I have no intention to restart here a sterile squabble without end of the style "my system is better than yours".
No need to burn me by email, it will go directly to the trash.
On the other hand, I accept the comments and constructive criticism.
I just try to give elements that can help you decide between Linux and Windows.
"Decide" is also a good big word, because nothing prevents you to install the 2 on your computer and switch from one to the other!
Here's a quick comparison of Windows and Linux on various items (this is not exhaustive!).
(Color code: Blue = Linux-friendly, red = negative, black: neither favorable nor unfavorable.)
- Grip:
It must be said: overall, Linux will require you longer than Windows, especially for the adaptation period. If you're not willing to devote more time, do not proceed to Linux.
At his discharge, mastering Linux is very rewarding, because not only it allows you to understand what is happening on the"inside" (if you want), but especially to do exactly what you want. The learning curve is steeper, but it goes further.
Note that with the recent distros like Ubuntu, Mandriva or Xandros you haven't at all to put hands in the dirty grease if you do not want. They are as simple to use than Windows (see!).
Compatibility:
Windows programs does not work under Linux.
Linux programs do not work on Windows.
Wine is a program that allows you to run some Windows on Linux software, but it does not work in 100% of cases.
There are projects such as Qemu or CoLinux allowing to run Linux in Windows or Windows in Linux, but it is pretty risky and performance are often quite bad.
VMWare and VirtualBox are free software enabling to fully run Windows in a window under Linux. This is handy if you have at any price need to use software that exists only in Windows.
Many Linux programs have brought (adapted) on Windows.
- Games:
Almost all of the games are designed for Windows and do not work on Linux. Although there are hundreds of small free games for Linux, virtually no big Publisher creates games for Linux.
With Wine, can also run some Windows in Linux games, but results are not guaranteed.
Software:
Almost all of the Windows software have their free equivalent on Linux: OpenOffice can replace Microsoft Office, K3B can replace Easy CD Creator, etc. Everything you need (see tens of thousands of programs on http://freshmeat.net and http://sourceforge.net).
Most distributions are provided with lists of software: just select one and it will be automatically downloaded, installed and configured.
But there is always some rare software under Windows who do not have their equivalent on Linux!
- Price:
Many Linux distributions are free. It has the air of nothing, but everyone can not pay €150 for Windows XP. It is very expensive. By its free, Linux allows the democratization of computing.
Even pay distributions of Linux are affordable. Take Mandriva Discovery, a complete Linux system comes with OpenOffice, and whatever it takes: 40 euros (and I don't mean Ubuntu: the complete operating system + office suite OpenOffice = €0).
Compare with Microsoft: Windows XP + Office XP: 150 + 500 = €650 (!) to be able to do the same job. It is overpriced.
- Continuity:
Microsoft has discontinued Windows 95 and NT. Windows 98 will be abandoned in 2006. This means that there will be more security on the part of Microsoft patch if a flaw is discovered. To continue to work safely, you will be obliged to buy Windows XP or Windows Vista. It is a forced March.
With Linux updates are generally continuous and incremental: you evolve your system. You do not have to throw your entire system in the garbage, and especially nobody does force you to buy a new one.
However, certain distribution provide updates for a limited time only. For example, when a version of Ubuntu is released, it is supported for 18 months. After this time, security vulnerabilities are most corrected and should upgrade to the new version to enjoy.
- Support:
Only pay distributions of Linux have a technical support (phone, Internet...). With the free Linux distributions, you won't support. This disadvantage is greatly minimized by the fact that there is plenty of help on the internet (documentation and help forums).
- Customization:
Linux is editable at will. Absolutely, you can change everything, how will start the system up to the appearance of windows, how behaves the mouse or even the operation of the program that manages the internet connection. You can also replace parts of the system.
Windows is not very editable. Apart from the appearance of the windows, you can not change much.
- Automation:
On Windows, it is difficult to automate some tasks by using scripts (because you must click buttons). The scripting on Windows is limited. We have additional programs (batch files, WSH, VBScript, KixStart, AutoIt...).
Under Linux, absolutely everything is scriptable. This allows you to automate all the tasks you want (some examples: rename a set of files;) Automatically turn off the computer at a certain time, or after a task is completed; Reconfigure the firewall at a specific time or on a specific event...).
- Availability of sources:
Sources of Linux and its tools are available. This allows you to see the inner workings of the system and even to change. Everyone can control what is done, and thus quickly find bugs. Linux and its software evolve so thanks to contributions from all over the world.
Windows is a black box. We know how it works internally, and anyone else that Microsoft can change it and correct it. You are obliged to trust Microsoft.
The availability of sources has consequences on security (see below).
- Independence:
Windows XP can be installed only after validation by internet with Microsoft's servers. You are dependent on Microsoft to be able to install Windows XP. If Microsoft decides to shut down Windows XP, you cannot install it or re - install.
More and more software vendors using kind of mechanism. Your computer, your software and your own personal files become more and more dependent on external private companies, which have more and more control over it.
With technologies being developed, you can even start your computer without an external permission.
With Linux, you are master of your computer and the system is completely autonomous and independent.
- Peripherals:
Linux support more devices than Windows as standard.
However, device manufacturers almost always provide drivers for Windows, but rarely for Linux. If you have a very recent device, it is possible that there is no driver for Linux. You may end up with a device that you can not use.
That being said, the devices over 6 months are generally usable under Linux without problems. And especially the Linux drivers are maintained almost for life: you are not likely to find yourself one day with a device that you can no longer use (as has happened at users migrating from Windows XP to Vista).
- Configuration needed:
Linux requires less powerful than Windows machines. Even with an old 386 with 64 MB of RAM, you can surf the internet, draw and type your mail. And with a powerful machine, it is a true pleasure.
More Linux tends to much less swapper Windows (better management of virtual memory).
The latest versions of Windows (Vista for example) require a powerful computer even for the simplest tasks (work with files or type its letter). Vista requires at least 1 GB of RAM and 15 GB of disk space. On the side of Linux, Ubuntu only 256 MB of RAM and 4 GB disk. And there is a Linux distribution that work with 64 MB of RAM... and no hard drive.
Linux allows access to computers to as many cheaply, especially with old computers.
- Openness and compliance with standards:
Linux is more open than Windows standards. This is that Linux is easier to connect to other Windows systems. For example, Linux is supplied as standard with clients and servers HTTP, FTP, telnet, SMTP, POP3, ssh, SMB, NFS...
This makes Linux a system of choice for everything concerning the networks and communications.
In Windows, most often it is necessary to buy or install additional software, sometimes quite expensive. Standards are often poorly respected, what makes complicated systems interconnection. More Microsoft often tries to impose its own standards which are redundant with existing standards.
Windows often poorly respects the standards, which makes the communication more difficult.
- Decoupling of the GUI:
Under Linux, the GUI is one software like any other. Advantage: This allows you to choose your graphical interface among all those available: KDE, Gnome, XFCE, IceWM, FluxBox, WindowsMaker...
You can very well do not start when you do not need. Practical to avoid wasting resources needlessly on the servers.
On Windows, you do not have the choice of graphical interface. You also must be even when you do not need.
Consequence: On Windows, if the GUI crashes, you can no longer access to your system to repair. On Linux, they just boot into text mode: you can still access your system.
- Decoupling the operating system and software:
How many times have you pestered against a crash of Windows after the installation of software? This is because Windows mix operating system and software (database registry, DLL, EXE,...). This makes it more fragile Windows. The installation of a simple program can make Windows (or other programs) unstable or unusable. Microsoft tries to correct with warts (System Restore), but that is not enough.
Under Linux, the system and programs are well separated environments. It is more rare than the installation or the installation of of software crashes the system. And in case of problems, it is generally easier to go back (back to the previous version of software).
Negative point for Linux: software provided as source (. tar.gz) are more difficult to install (it is unclear still what they do). But the majority of software are fortunately available in packaged form own (.rpm, .deb...).
Negative point for Windows: the registry database contains the configuration of the operating system and all software. If it is damaged, it is the entire system that is good to put in the trash.
Instead on Linux, the configuration of each software is saved in separate files. You do not risk losing your entire system configuration and all your software because ' a single file of registry database is corrupt.
- Security:
It is recognized that Linux is generally more secure than Windows. It comes from the way in which safety is managed internally in Linux (for example, it is easy to forbid a user to access the CD-Rom drive or internet.)
Windows being intended for the general public, it is by default configured less stringently. This makes it easier for the novice user, but it also makes life easier for hackers and viruses.
But don't forget that a misconfigured Linux is more secure than a poorly configured Windows!
Just like Windows, you view regularly for security vulnerabilities in Linux. However, they are generally not the magnitude of Windows (fault RPC (Blaster virus), need NetBIOS (access to shares even without the password), faults ActiveX, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express...).
Microsoft is sometimes several months to correct some flaws. In the opensource world (Linux and opensource software), faults are corrected much more quickly (usually within 24 hours).
- Viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware:
The security management and the default configuration of Linux is different from Windows, that makes it less susceptible to viruses and other dirt. There are 20 virus in Linux, compared to more than 60000 existing virus Windows.
Moreover, the wide variety of Linux distributions makes the most complicated viruses work.
However, on Windows it is improving slowly since service pack 2 of Windows XP the default setting makes the (in principle) more secure machine. But it is absolutely necessary to install antivirus, firewall and Trojan detector.
However, if Linux becomes more popular, it will become a more attractive target and it will invariably expect the appearance of a greater number of Linux-specific virus. But due to its structure, it will be easier to protect a Linux machine.
- Privacy Notice:
Windows and the Windows software are infested with spyware programs. For example, Microsoft Money 2005 sends to Microsoft your bank account numbers, the list of transactions (amounts, beneficiaries), the ceilings of budgets, etc. This kind of dirt almost never happens on Linux, for the simple reason that the source code for all programs is available at the sight of all (this is the definition of open source: open source). Cannot be there stash a spy without that it shows.
Under Linux you also have greater control over the programs that are launched.
Arguably, all to protect his private life is easier on Linux.
- Update:
There, they are pretty much on par: Microsoft has Windows Update (very simple and very practical), and many distributions also have a system of automatic update (apt - get, rpmi...).
The advantage of the majority of distributions (such as Debian or Fedora) is that they can also update all of your software. There is no equivalent in Windows.
- Popularity:
There are many more world which works under Windows as under Linux. Windows users will have difficulty to Linux. We need to change habits and this is not easy. You may also sometimes confront the misunderstanding or the hostility of Windows users. And this is true in the other direction! There are actual fundamentalists of Linux.
Have an open mind, and avoid the bigotrie or fundamentalism in operating systems. Pull the best of both worlds. And don't sit on a bad impression.
We sometimes hear some Windows Defender saying that Windows is necessarily best evidence: everyone uses it. Bad argument: according to their criteria, Star Academy would therefore be the best music in the world since it is the one that sells the best?
If you have other arguments, in one direction or the other, please let me share!
Being in the business, I find benefits to both systems. As the English say: "The right tool for the right job.". The choice of one or the other will depend on the situation. Take the tool best suited to the job.
From a personal perspective, the policing and the largest spy in the field of computer science, merchandising oversimplification of the internet and the brothel filthy Windows software to become lead me more to switch to Linux.
Linux seems more human and more democratic.
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