What is Linux?

 One word that keeps on cropping up during Zoom meetings is the word Linux. So, what exactly is Linux?

Linux is an alternative operating system. The operating system is the computer program that actually makes the computer go. I expect we all know about the Windows operating system, most of us will know of Apple Mac OS and possibly IOS if you use an iPad or iPhone.

Linux is an alternative operating system. Now, it is possible to buy a laptop with Linux installed but most people install Linux onto a Windows machine. They do this because they are really geeky or because they want to breathe new life into an older machine.

Now, I’ll pause there for a moment and give you this to look at.

Now, read on if you have an old machine. One that you really loved but over the years became slower and slower. A fresh install of Linux can make that machine run like a dream and open up a whole new world of computing for you.

Things you’ll need.

1) An elderly computer….and find out whether it is a 32 bit or a 64 bit machine. Google the make and model to find this information.

2) A USB Flash drive. They do say that 2Gb is adequate.

3) Download the image file of your chosen Linux distribution.

4) A program that will convert your image file to a working USB installation file.  More information here. 

Now, you need to know that Linux itself comes in very many different flavours called Distributions or Distros. These take the main core of Linux and add on various other programs to make it a workable desktop operating system. Some are maintained by large businesses, some by geeks in their garage. You need to choose carefully as you need a distro that is well maintained.

I’d suggest Ubuntu or Bodhi.

Ubuntu is one of the major players in the Linux world. Maintained by the South African firm Canonical. As a desktop system, people who have used Windows will feel right at home here. However, it is also very easy to customise the system. For instance, I have my Ubuntu desktop set up so that it works just like a Mac….well almost.

Bodhi Linux.

Bodhi is one of the newer kids on the block. Best for older 32 bit computers. I’ve installed Bodhi onto an elderly Acer Aspire Netbook and it runs really well.

Just a couple of things to point out. Linux is free. Totally free. It is free Open Source software built and developed by people out of the kindness of their heart. You also find that any extra software that you need will again be freely available through your distribution.

Now, it is possible to run Windows applications through Linux but I’d be the first to tell you that this is a bit of a dark art. For instance, you won’t be able to run Windows Office on a Linux machine unless you use their on-line Office offering. Instead, you’d use Libre Office, which works and looks very much the same as Office. Anything that you create in Libre Office, you can save as a Windows file so it can be read on a WIndows machine. Also, it will load back anything saved by a Windows machine.

Oh….and………Linux machines can’t catch a virus..so you don’t need anti-virus software.

Also, you know all those irritating pop-ups that you constantly get with Windows….download this….upgrade that? Never happens with Linux.

 

Try it. Trust me, you’ll like it and you certainly will like the fact that you’ll end up with a refurbished machine, running like a dream for the cost of a USB drive.