Contents
A typical Linux system includes a wide range of software, usually with several alternatives for any
given application.
- window managers (KDE and Gnome are the most popular)
- web browsers and http server
- email clients and mail server
- instant messaging programmes
- file managers and system utilities
- word processors, spreadsheets, drawing programmes, etc
- web authoring tools
- graphics programmes (eg the GIMP)
- audio tools to convert formats, rip CDs, write CDs, compose music
- database servers and clients
- networking tools, clients
- internet dialers, firewalls, monitors
- games and toys
- compilers / IDE for c, c++, perl, python, java, bash, etc
- and lots others.
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Distributions
A distribution is a compilation of Linux kernal, window managers and applications together with an installer.
There are hundreds available, some free and some commercial. The main ones are;
- Redhat, a USA corporation and the most popular distro.
- Mandrake, based on Redhat, from another corporation.
- Debian, non-commercial distro, very popular with geeks.
- SuSE, commercial distro, popular in Europe.
In general, the distros are available for free download from the internet (only 2GB or so), or from magazine cover CDs or
DVDs. You can also get Linux with a book, or you can buy a commercial package. The commercial packages come with manual
and some commercial software.
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Security, Viruses
Compared with Microsoft systems, Linux is very secure and resistant to viruses.
- Linux simply can't run the viruses and worms that are written for Microsoft.
- Linux is a true multi user system. If a malicous programme does get to run, it has only the permissions of the user
and can't alter key system files.
- Linux applications don't automatically execute code (eg email scripts or attachments).
- Linux includes a firewall and inbuilt security measures.
- Open source software is reviewed by many people. Flaws are spotted and fixed quickly.
- Linux has a small market share.
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Advantages
Some of the advantages of using Linux for a home PC.
- cost of software, applications and upgrades
- reliability
- security
- resistant to viruses, worms, trojans
- control of your PC
- data access (not locked in proprietary format)
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Disadvantages
There are some significant disadvantages to using Linux for a home PC.
- installation, you have to install it as you can't buy a PC with Linux
- hardware support, many manufacturers don't provide drivers for Linux
- applications, limited supply (especially games)
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