Linux for the Casual User
The Latest on Linux and the Casual User
January 15, 2008
What is Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system. One of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development;
all underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone
Some New Terms Defined
Linux Kernel the core program of the operating system that provides the functions of Linux
Linux Distribution a package including the kernel, interface, applications which companies sell and support
More Terms
CLI Command Line Interface
GUI Graphical User Interface
GNU GNUs Not Unix (Recursive)
GPL General Public License
Live CD A Linux distribution on CD that is bootable and can run Linux without installing on the computer
Brief History
1983 GNU project to create free software using mass collaboration
Richard Stallman - Leader
1992 Linux system kernel developed by 3rd party based on Unix
Linus Torvalds - Inventor
Where Can I Find Linux
Linux supports a wide variety of computer hardware, including
servers
desktop computers
supercomputers
video game systems, such as PlayStation 2, 3
arcade games
embedded devices, such as mobile phones and routers
Some Popular Distributions
Distribution Base
Debian Debian
Fedora Red Hat
Gentoo Gentoo
Gnoppix Knoppix
Knoppix Debian
Red Hat Red Hat (Not Free)
Ubuntu Debian
SUSE Slackware
Slackware SLS
Windows/Linux Equivalent Applications
Internet Explorer ---- Firefox
Microsoft Outlook ---- Thunderbird/Evolution
Microsoft Office ---- Open Office SuiteWinamp ---- Rhythmbox Music Player
Photoshop ---- GIMP
Word Pad/notepad ---- Gedit
Instant messaging ---- Gaim (now Pigdin)Windows Explorer ---- Nautilus
Windows Picture ---- Eye of GNOME
Media Player ---- Totem/Realplayer
Acrobat Reader ---- Evince
Flash player ---- Flash player
System Requirements
Ubuntu Distribution Minimums
Processor 500 mhz
RAM 192 MB (384 MB for Live CD)
Hard Drive 4 GB
Graphics Card 1024 x 768 resolution
Casual User Scenario 1
Wants only to use E mail and Internet
Computer with Linux
Verizon DSL low speed Broadband
One Icon for Internet (Second for E Mail)
Use Firefox for Internet browsing
Use webmail for e mail (e.g, Gmail, Yahoo)
Casual User Scenario 2
Wants to use E mail and internet
Save and view pictures
Word processing
Computer with Linux
Verizon DSL low speed Broadband
Icons for Internet, E mail, Pictures, Word
Use Firefox for Internet browsing
Use G-Mail (webmail) for e mail or Thunderbird
Use Picasa for Pictures
Use Open Office Writer for word processing
Casual User Scenario 3
Scenario 2 plus the following
Use Open Office for Word Processing, Spreadsheets , Presentations
Use GIMP for Picture Processing
Use Audacity for Audio Processing
Use Picasa for Photo Album
Use Rythmnbox for Media Player
Top 10 Reasons To Use Linux
Security -. increased security, reliability and functionality; because users of Open Source are readily able to identify and correct problems with the programs and to submit their own enhancements for incorporation into the program.
Scalability - Systems implemented under Linux can be cloned limitless times without paying additional software licensing fees -
Power - Linux is made with the Unix design philosophy, which dictates that system tools are small and highly specialized. The result is an incredibly powerful and reliable system, limited in capability only by the user's imagination and ability to integrate the Unix utilities
.
Reliability - critical operation system functions are implemented in such a way that buggy programs can't cause the computer to become unstable and crash..
Advanced Capabilities - comes with the Apache Webserver, an email server, router/firewall capabilities and SQL databases.
Compatibility - Linux is POSIX Compliant --applications can be operated on other POSIX compliant Unix derivatives with a minimum of reworking.
Support . the best and the brightest are there to assist you at no charge when you run into problems
Not Single Source Software - Linux is distributed by several companies, giving consumers to pick and choose the flavor that best suits their needs.
Rate of Advancement - advance at a rate impossible for a close development project
Cost - FREE. You can package and sell Linux for money. The competing Linux distributions all provide slightly different feature sets beyond the core system, including canned e-commerce solutions, printed manuals and phone support
Where Do We Go From Here
Install a Linux computer in the Lab to allow members to try it
Install Linux on older computers for Casual Users
Linux mentors
Three copies of Ubuntu Linux Live CD in CyberCenter for members to borrow