Linux Community Magazine

Getting started with Linux has been made as easy as possible with the creation of Live CD. Almost every Linux distribution out there has packaged all its contents onto CDs which can be run on a computer without removing or altering the existing operating system (Windows, Mac, etc).

I have been using Linux as my sole operating system for the past couple of years and I've never looked back. All of you are probably just like I was and are intimidated by a different computing environment. However, some Linux distributions use GUIs that resemble Windows or Mac environments. This can make the transition much easier to deal with.

Why should you start using Linux?

The answer to this question varies from person to person, but the most obvious are as follows:

1. Low cost - Most Linux distributions are free, and I have never felt the need to pay for anything. Open Source operating system with open source software.

2. Performance - With a correct setup and efficient use of hardware space, Linux machines can be tailored exactly to the user's needs and be extremely fast.

3. Wide Use - Linux is in use everywhere from massive server rooms to your phone. In fact, Android software on a lot of cell phones is a Linux based operating system.

4. Selection - There are hundreds of Linux distributions out there with different capabilities. Finding a distribution that fits your needs is easy and combining it with different windows management systems can yield any type of user interface you desire.

5. Open Source - All source code is available. This is where the fun begins. When you feel comfortable enough to start modifying source code to make your Linux distribution do exactly what you want it to do.

The list goes on and on. Like most programmers, Linux's draw is the challenge it poses. There is an infinite amount to learn about Linux. I have been using it avidly and probably can't even claim to know 1% of everything Linux has to offer. Making the switch to an entirely new operating system can be daunting, but major Linux distributions make it easier to take on with live CDs.

Once you burn the CD image onto a disk, its just a matter of rebooting your computer from that disk. You will boot into another side of the computer you have never seen. Explore and never stop learning. Linux is a challenge that will build an incredible amount of knowledge in anybody serious about computers.