What is Linux? Linux (pronounced LIH-nucks), is essentially a clone of the Unix operating system that can be used on a variety of platforms from x86 to PowerPc. It basically puts all the great aspects of Unix systems, such as high configurability, multitasking, a strong programming environment, and powerful server capabilities, into a free package. Free, that is, if you're willing to download the entire OS. However, many distributions sold on CD exist for a very reasonable price. How do I install it? If you want to keep whatever operating system you're using now and still have Linux, you need to divide your hard drive into separate partitions, keeping your main os and data on one, and installing Linux on the other. This process is explained in the installation documents linked to below. It is not difficult to put this OS in if you have patience and read the documentation before you do anything! And it is always best to back up your computer before messing with partitions or anything like that. Micro-kernel distributions of Linux also exist that can run off a single floppy disk or boot off a DOS/Win HD partition. These are good for users that want to try the system before installing a full-blown distribution. Can my computer run Linux? Linux can run on both the biggest and smallest systems- it's tremendously scalable. Even old 386s and 486s with 4mb RAM can run micro-kernel versions of the system. For best performance, a 486 with 16 mb RAM is recommended. What's the GUI like? The core version of Linux's interface is plain ASCII text like DOS. But every distribution comes with a fantastic GUI called X-Windows. X is easy to use and far more powerful than Windows 3.1/95. Its client/server capabilities are very powerful, allowing remote program execution and networking that is practically invisible to the end user. XFree86 is a popular free version of X-Windows. A well-known commercial package is Motif. What's so great about Linux? Linux is an excellent operating system, especially if you want to learn about Unix and how servers run. By controlling your own machine as root, you get to see what things are like from an admin's perspective. Things are always learned best through first-hand experience. Plus there is a huge selection of free software for the platform, from C compilers to server daemons. It is regarded by many as the biggest threat to Windows NT, and with good reason. Any Unix system can handle networking better than NT, especially when it comes to dealing with many simultaneous users. Security is much tighter due to the system's architecture, and handling intrusions is also easier for the administrator. Linux will also run much faster on a system than any version of Windows. Best of all, you don't have to spend an exorbitant sum of cash for a distribution. A complete distribution of RedHat Linux, manuals and all included, runs for around $40. Compare that to $90 for Windows 95/98 and hundreds for Win NT. Most software that comes with Linux is licensed under GNU, which means that the programs and source code are freely distributable. Linux has a tremendous user base, plus the availability of code for the entire OS means improvements, add-ons, and modifications are constantly being churned out by programmers.