Linux

[Hempamasta]

Hey, I was looking for some information on Linux. Is it difficult to use? What are the strengths and weaknesses to this OS? If you use it, do you like it? Can I download this for free, or do I have to buy it from somewhere? Is there a very steep learning curve? How is it different from Windows, or the Mac OS?

Keep in mind that I'm not a computer genious.. I know a bit, but I know next to nothing about programming.. which I heard Linux has a lot of.

Thanks in advance!

[Hempamasta]

bump.

[LIP]

I'd love to help mate, but im in the same kinda boat as you. I know a fair bit about internet/servers and programs but im not so good with all the programming at the biggining.

[Skink]

I used Linux,but did not like it... I am to use to Windows I guess...

You can run Linux for free,you can even run it off a CD in yur CDRom...

Google sumthing like ( Linux Distro Free ) or ( Knopix )...

Knopix is what I used for a while,it's free and can run from CD...

[The Figment]

My girlfriend is a Linux freak,WON'T use windows at all! I've watched her play with this OS for years so...
Ease of use,If you know computers fairley well
Cost,nothing you can download MANY distros off the net
uses computer resorces better than windows,requires less memory but uses cpu more.It uses a differnt type of cpu prossesing than Windows
will run on most Anything
if you are into gaming...forget it
Makes you look like a uber geek
like a Mac,Virus don't bother it(there arn't many for Linux)
Support,Being Open Sorce,LOTS!!!
Verisions...Way too many too count!

[Big Calhoun]

Linux is good if you want to learn more about computing over all. Since it's open source, you get really get into and essentially do whatever you want...as long as you're willing to put in the work.

If you're new to computers are looking for Linux to replace your OS for work purposes, I'd recommend against it unless you know what you're doing. But if you have a major interest in computers, it's definately worth a shot.

I toy around with it a little. Fedora Core on one laptop and Debian on the other. My first major project was installing Debian to a laptop that didn't have a CD-ROM drive. I had to install from the other machine that had Fedora Core. It was a pain in the arse, but I learned lots. A good place to find distros is distrowatch.com. They catalog alot of different versions and updates. O'Reilly makes a real god book called Running Linux that works well as a 'tutorial' to getting around.

[Hempamasta]

It's not good for gaming, Figment?

Damn, that sucks.. that's like almost all that I use my computer for.. and checking email and research and papers and junk for school.

Well, thanks for the info guys!