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Welcome to the world of knowledge!
Linux
is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by
Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the
world. Developed under the
GNU General
Public License , the source code for Linux is freely
available to everyone. Click on the link below to find out
more about the operating system that is causing a revolution
in the world of computers.
Some facts about
downloading Linux
Linux, together with a set of GNU programs,
is an operating system. That is, Linux is not a single
program or a suite of tools. Most "versions" of Linux, known
as "distributions", are available to download free of
charge. However, there are some things you should know about
downloading and installing Linux:
First, you don't have to actually install Linux in your hard
disk to use the Linux operating system. There exist several
"versions" of Linux that can be downloaded an burned to a
CD. These variants of the Linux operating system, known as
"Live CD" versions, will boot Linux directly from the CD on
systems that are capable of doing this. (most PCs
manufactured in the last 7 to 8 years will allow this).
Memory requirements vary, so please consult our list of Live
CD distributions on our distributions page (choose the
option 'Live CD' from the 'Category' menu). There are
several popular Live CD distributions, such as MEPIS,
Knoppix and Slax. Most major Linux distributors (SUSE,
Mandriva, Ubuntu) also offer Live CD versions of their
products.
If you're interested in running Linux indefinitely or
permanently, you can also download versions designed to be
installed on your hard disk. Here is some information you
should know.
You should have a high-speed Internet connection (T3, T1,
xDSL, cable modem). Trying to download a major vendor's
version of Linux will most likely be a frustrating
experience with a dial-up modem connection.
You'll need the ISO images or a DVD image for the
distribution you want to download which you must then copy
or "burn" into a CD or DVD.
If you already run another operating system, you must
re-partition your hard disk in order to install a "standard"
Linux distribution.
When you download Linux from the Internet. You are not
entitled to that particular distributor's technical support.
You will have to look for the documentation that you need in
order to resolve any problems you might run into or seek
appropriate help on websites or in other Internet forums.
In other words, if you don't have a high-speed connection to
Internet or a drive that writes to blank CDs or DVDs, then
downloading is probably not the best way for you to get a
full-featured Linux distribution. You can, though, depending
on your location, get Linux free in magazines or from
retailers that will sell you a distribution on one or more
CDs at very low cost. Distributions obtained in this way do
not usually include documentation or support. There are also
many books that include a Linux distribution.
If you don't know how to partition a hard disk or you have
very little experience with installing and maintaining an
operating system, you can still install Linux fairly easily
by purchasing a boxed set. In this case, the cost of Linux
system increases, but on the other hand, you will be
provided full documentation, step by step installation
instructions and in many cases free technical support for up
to 90 days by phone or e-mail.
If you're still not quite sure you want to make the leap to
Linux, you may want to at least get a feel for how it looks.
This can be as simple as using your favorite Internet
browser. The O'Reilly website offers a series of slideshows
with screenshots that will give you an idea of the look and
feel of many Linux distributions. This can be helpful when
choosing which version of Linux is right for you.
Regardless of the way in which you obtain a Linux
distribution, we at Linux Online feel that switching to
Linux will be a positive experience. You will see your
knowledge of computing increase at the same time as your
productivity. You will be able to do much more with your
computer and at a fraction of the cost of proprietary
operating systems.
For more information, we also recommend you read our Linux
Online FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and our page: So You
Want to Use Linux? which talks about Linux migration.






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