The Linux Operating System

WSRL.ORG / Rural Colorado, The Linux Operating System - March 2009 - Page 1

There are many versions of Linux available today but this page will focus on the Ubuntu version which is reported to be most popular today for average home users.

Father of Linux - Linus Torvalds

The source code for Linux is publicly available and has been written by many programmers located all over the planet. This method of programming is known as open source. Linux/Ubuntu and all related Ubuntu software applications (there are thousands) are totally free to the public. The (K)Ubuntu software suite is a near drop-in replacement for the Microsoft operating and office software applications. It has the ability to both read and write the various proprietary Microsoft file formats.

Security? -

A recent hacking contest by pros between the MAC OS X, Windows Vista and Ubuntu Linux operating systems left only the Ubuntu system untouched. The hacking contest was part of the recent CanSecWest conference in Vancouver. Does this mean that the (K)Ubuntu OS is hacker proof? I don't think so but it does indicate that Linux and open source software is among the safest and most stable in existance. BTW - the MAC proprietary OS X was compromised in slightly over 2 minutes into the contest.

How Do I Get It? -

The easiest and fastest way, assuming you have a broadband connection, is to simply download the software and burn it to a CD. The local library or school will typically have a high speed Internet connection in addition to a WiFi setup that could be used to download the software. Local technical groups such as Ham Radio Operators may also be able to supply the software or a disk. Ubuntu will also ship you a CD to get you started but you really need some type of broadband connection in order to get the program updates and download additional programs. The software is in .iso image format so the burner needs to be able to create a bootable disk. The initial CD is setup so you can run the program(s) directly from the CD (so-called live CD) or you have the option of permanently installing the software. See the links to the right for additional information.

What Are The Hardware Requirements? -

The basic hardware requirements are modest and can be found at this address. Stay away from bleeding edge technology because it probably won't be supported by Linux yet. Experienced builders will have little trouble building an Ubuntu compatible PC. Simply Google the terms "Ubuntu" and "build a PC " to see the many options available. If a donor (older) PC is available and has a CD-ROM drive, simply place the Ubuntu "live CD" in the drive and boot the PC to see if things are operable and compatible with Ubuntu. See the hardware page for additional details.

Linux, Catamount does Jaguar

What Programs/Applications Are Typically Available? -

Just about anything you can imagine. For a sample of what is in the "Universe" repository (on-line software storage), go to this address. Between the Gnome and KDE graphical interface systems (both can be installed and used on a single system), many thousands of additional programs are available.

DjVu Special Mention -

DjVu is a highly efficient file format that can replace PDF files along with numerous graphic formats such a JPG and TIFF. Because resources are largely open source, it's finding ever increasing use in educational, governmental and private organizations. The DjVu links section to the right provides much additional information on this file format.

What About Documentation and Help -

For no cost, both need to be accessed over the Internet. There is, in fact, so much available in both categories that it can be confusing in determining which source is best. The main help page for Ubuntu is located at this address. Use the page search function, as you would Google, to find answers and guidance for about any problem or procedure you can imagine. Beyond this are several on-line help forums where you can ask questions. Because of the many different versions of Linux, look for the Kubuntu name or logo from sources most likely to apply to your installation.

XP Inside Linux

Windows® Inside of Linux -

For those interested in running Windows® applications inside of Linux, the following picture should be of interest. It shows Windows® XP running inside of Kubuntu using the Sun® Virtual Box application. The base machine is an Intel P55KG Quad Core motherboard with 8 gig of memory installed. Video is Nvida 9800 gtx. 2 gigs of memory out of the 8 are allocated to XP. This configruation allows 32 bit Windows® apps to run inside of the 64 bit Kubuntu operating system with no observed speed penality to date.

Drupal Website Builder -

Building complex websites with open source software is now possible using the Drupal website authoring software. For those impressed by both star power and corporate power, Drupal now powers the Whitehouse website in addition to being recommended and supported by IBM® corporation.

Cloud Computing? -

Because most cloud computing initiatives are open source based, I decided to include a paragraph on the so-called "cloud" here. In my mind, at least, cloud computing represents a basic paradigm shift in the IT industry. As stated elsewhere, Information Technology is transitioning from a product buy situation to a service buy situation. To understand what cloud computing is, I recommend the following two articles - IBM's® & MIT's® view of the cloud plus Canonical Ltd.® (Ubuntu) white paper on the subject. Additional information on cloud computing can be found in the links section to the right..

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