Migrating from Windows to Linux

If you are like the average computer user, you will have very limited idea about Linux. For most average computer users, a computer is all about the various flavors of Windows. However, there is more to computers than Windows alone. If you are curious, Linux may just be the operating system for you to tinker, play and learn with. However, Linux is a bit difficult to use at first. And this is what stops most people from opting for this free, versatile and flexible operating system.

Linux (pronounced LI-nuks or LI-nooks) is a free computer operating system. Actually, Linux is just the kernel i.e. the core of the operating system. Most Linux distros contain thousands of free software applications. Linux is open source software. This means that the underlying code is freely available for everyone to view, modify and distribute (even sell!). You may be aware that computer applications are developed using a programming language. Operating systems are no exceptions.

Migrating from Windows to Linux can be a bit daunting. If you are used to the user interface provided by Windows, you will have to put in some effort to get used to the new interface. Linux distributions commonly contain more than one user interface. For example, you can install KDE, GNOME, FluxBox, XFCE, etc. on most Linux distributions. Some of these look similar to Windows. However, some can be quite different and you may find them a bit difficult to use.

Most software that is available for Windows has open source alternatives on Linux. For example, for Internet Explorer, you have Mozilla Firefox, Photoshop has GIMP and so on. However, the main issue here is that in some cases, the free software do tend to lag behind. For example, there is no real alternative to Photoshop. GIMP works but it lags behind Photoshop in many features.

When it comes to Linux, it is not all about money. It is about a unique intellectual culture. And this culture relies on sharing on information and helping others. You can readily get a taste of this by posting your doubts and queries to Linux forums such as http://www.linuxquestions.org. There are always people to help and you will find help. However, you have to try to find your own answers first. Remember, there is no guru elsewhere! You have to find your own guru inside you!

To get started with Linux, check out www.Ubuntu.com. Ubuntu is one of the most popular distributions today. It is also very user friendly. See www.distrowatch.com for more Linux distros.