What is Linux?
Linux, together with a set of GNU programs, is an operating system. That is, Linux is not a single program or a suite of tools. Most “versions” of Linux, known as “distributions”, are available to download free of charge. However, there are some things you should know about downloading and installing Linux:
First, you don’t have to actually install Linux in your hard disk to use the Linux operating system. There exist several “versions” of Linux that can be downloaded an burned to a CD. These variants of the Linux operating system, known as “Live CD” versions, will boot Linux directly from the CD on systems that are capable of doing this. (most PCs manufactured in the last 7 to 8 years will allow this). Memory requirements vary, so please consult our list of Live CD distributions on our distributions page (choose the option ‘Live CD’ from the ‘Category’ menu). There are several popular Live CD distributions, such as MEPIS, Knoppix and Slax. Most major Linux distributors (SUSE, Mandriva, Ubuntu) also offer Live CD versions of their products.
If you’re interested in running Linux indefinitely or permanently, you can also download versions designed to be installed on your hard disk. Here is some information you should know.
* You should have a high-speed Internet connection (T3, T1, xDSL, cable modem). Trying to download a major vendor’s version of Linux will most likely be a frustrating experience with a dial-up modem connection.
* You’ll need the ISO images or a DVD image for the distribution you want to download which you must then copy or “burn” into a CD or DVD.
* If you already run another operating system, you must re-partition your hard disk in order to install a “standard” Linux distribution.
* When you download Linux from the Internet. You are not entitled to that particular distributor’s technical support. You will have to look for the documentation that you need in order to resolve any problems you might run into or seek appropriate help on websites or in other Internet forums.
In other words, if you don’t have a high-speed connection to Internet or a drive that writes to blank CDs or DVDs, then downloading is probably not the best way for you to get a full-featured Linux distribution. You can, though, depending on your location, get Linux free in magazines or from retailers that will sell you a distribution on one or more CDs at very low cost. Distributions obtained in this way do not usually include documentation or support. There are also many books that include a Linux distribution.
If you don’t know how to partition a hard disk or you have very little experience with installing and maintaining an operating system, you can still install Linux fairly easily by purchasing a boxed set. In this case, the cost of Linux system increases, but on the other hand, you will be provided full documentation, step by step installation instructions and in many cases free technical support for up to 90 days by phone or e-mail.
If you’re still not quite sure you want to make the leap to Linux, you may want to at least get a feel for how it looks. This can be as simple as using your favorite Internet browser. Both OSDir.com and Linuxquestions.org have screenshot galleries that will give you an idea of the look and feel of many Linux distributions. This can be helpful when choosing which version of Linux is right for you.
Regardless of the way in which you obtain a Linux distribution, we at Linux Online feel that switching to Linux will be a positive experience. You will see your knowledge of computing increase at the same time as your productivity. You will be able to do much more with your computer and at a fraction of the cost of proprietary operating systems.
So What is Linux?
What is Linux?
Linux is a Unix-like operating system originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. To get the whole story, see our page devoted entirely to this question.
Where can I get Linux?
There are literally hundreds of places you can get Linux because there are hundreds of “versions” or distributions of Linux. If you think you might want Linux because you’re considering alternatives to Microsoft Windows or Macintosh OS for everyday computer use, you may want to check out a version of Linux called ‘Knoppix’, which will boot from your CD drive and does not need to be installed. If you’re interested in Linux for other reasons, we invite you to look at our list of Linux distributions. You’ll likely find what you’re looking for there.
What is a Linux distribution?
A Linux “distribution” is version of the Linux operating system made especially by a company, organization or individual. The one thing they all have in common is that they use the Linux kernel. From there on, each developer will add its own programs, tools and other applications. Some are dedicated to specific uses while others are intended for the general public. Again, you’ll find more information at our Linux distributions page.
Which Linux distribution do you recommend?
Linux Online tries to be impartial, particularly when it comes to for-profit, commercial distributions. We really don’t recommend any one distribution over others. Also, there are so many factors to take into account when choosing a distribution that it would be impossible to make recommendations in general.
Can we have permission to use the Linux penguin logo?
Larry Ewing is the creator of the Linux penguin, Tux. Larry was kind enough to give free license to use it when he created it provided you give the correct attributions. If you’re in doubt, please have a look at his website for more information. http://www.isc.tamu.edu/~lewing/linux/
Can you please forward this email/letter/gift/etc to Linus Torvalds?
Linus Torvalds does not work here at Linux Online so we don’t handle any of Linus’ correspondence. At present, he is working full-time on the kernel for the Open Source Development Labs. Please contact them if you need to get in touch with Linus or you wish to send him something. http://www.osdl.org/about_osdl/contact_osdl.html
Can you please send me Linux CDs?
Linux Online is a general information site about Linux. It is not a retailer of CDs, therefore we can’t send you commercial versions of Linux. As far as non-commercial versions go, we do not have the staff and means to handle the enormous amount of potential requests for CDs. We do provide a list of retailers who can send you CDs of Linux distributions – some at very low cost.
Where can I find a driver for my hardware?
As Linux grows in popularity, it also gains support for a wider range of hardware. The Linux kernel now supports and enormous amount of hardware and most major Linux distribution incorporate this support into their products. You can also get hardware support by downloading, compiling and installing the latest version of the Linux kernel. In some cases, hardware manufacturers want to provide Linux support without incorporating their drivers into the kernel, so they provide separate drivers. If you’re looking for these it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s website or send them an inquiry by email. Then there are some hardware manufacturers who don’t support Linux, so no drivers are available. If you’re already running Linux, it’s best to check to see if new hardware you want to purchase is supported.
Can I run applications for MS Windows on Linux?
The short answer to this is: no, not automatically and not directly. That is to say, Microsoft Windows and Linux applications cannot run the same applications because they are not designed in the same way. However, there are some ways to run programs for Microsoft Windows on Linux using emulators and other means. If you need/want to run an application designed for Microsoft Windows on Linux, you might want to check out the following applications:
* WINE (free)
* Crossover products (commercial)
* Win4Lin (commercial)
* VMWare (commercial)
What does GNU/Linux refer to?
GNU/Linux is the name Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation and the GNU project, and its supporters prefer over just Linux. They cite the fact that Linux could not have come into being without tools from the GNU project. Though this is true, use and custom has favored just Linux over GNU/Linux in the public consciousness. This website’s use of the term Linux in no way tries to minimize the contributions of the Free Software Foundation. We feel that it’s easier for people to identify the operating system by that simpler name and in the end, that helps in its adoption.
Is Linux a company?
There is no company called Linux. Linux is an operating system. There are many companies that develop Linux products and provide services based on Linux, but not one called Linux who “controls” the operating system.
Can I buy stock in Linux?
As we mentioned in the previous answer, there is no company called “Linux”, so there can’t be any stock in a non-existent company. However, several companies are publicly traded who do provide Linux products and services. Here are a few that directly produce the Linux operating system.
* Novell (Symbol: NOVL)
* Red Hat (Symbol: RHAT)
Companies like IBM and Hewlett-Packard have also put tremendous support behind Linux and they are publicly traded.
Is Linux Online the official Linux site?
No, we aren’t the official Linux website. We are one of many websites providing Linux information. Michael McLagan, an early Linux enthusiast and kernel contributor, registered Linux.org and founded the website in 1994, making us one of the first Linux sites. Because both Linux.org and Linux.com are fortunate enough to have these top level domains, we are often considered “official” websites, but the truth is that there is no official site. This is because, unlike proprietary operating systems, there is no “official” Linux product and therefore no official site to represent it. We consider this very important to point out because we often receive mail offering us partnerships, “strategic relationships” and the like and others that ask us to grant them franchises or permission to market Linux products. We can only grant or accept offers that have to do with us specifically. This also gets back to the question: Is Linux a company? [ return ]
Can I be the official Linux distributor in X country/state/etc.?
Please see Is Linux a company? and Is Linux Online the official Linux site? [ return ]
I have an idea to improve Linux. Can you pass it along to the appropriate person?
If we can find the appropriate person, we’ll try to tell you who it is so you can send it yourself. Sometimes this can be very difficult. Please keep in mind that there are thousands of people working on Linux. Some of them work on the Linux kernel and others work for distribution companies. Others work on non-profit distributions in their spare time or their own home-brew distributions as a hobby. If you have used a specific distribution and have a suggestion, it’s best to get in touch with the company or project maintainer. If you have a idea for a technical improvement in the kernel, it’s best to find a mirror of the Linux kernel mailing list and search (using Google, for example) the lists for a person who might be receptive to your idea. Ideas for general improvements for user interfaces and specific programs that run under Linux need to go to the maintainers of those projects.
I have found a bug in Linux? What should I do?
The answer to the question: I have an idea to improve Linux… will also answer this question.
Who is SCO?
SCO or officially The SCO Group is the latest incarnation of what was founded as Caldera, formerly a Linux distribution company. In 2000, Caldera bought the Unix division of a company known as the Santa Cruz Operation (or SCO) and apparently acquired some rights to distribute the Unix operating system. New management took over at Caldera in 2002 and in early 2003, members of this new management team decided to abandon development of their Linux distribution and in a remarkable about-face, filed suit against IBM alleging that the computing giant had put Unix technology, which it claims it controls, into the Linux kernel in violation of contractual obligations. Caldera shortly after the suit was filed, officially changed their name to The SCO Group and is popularly known as SCO. This has since blown up into a huge controversy. For more information, see our page dedicated to the SCO case.
Does SCO own Linux?
They would like you to believe that they do. They will even sell you a Linux license under the threat that if you don’t, they could sue you. However, we believe this is a lot like a paternity suit, just a bit more complicated.
Can I have both Windows and Linux on my computer?
Yes, you can install both operating systems on your computer. This is known as dual-booting. It’s important to point out that only one operating system boots at a time, so when you turn on your computer, you make the choice of running Linux or Windows during that session. If you’re interested in running Windows programs under Linux, you should see the section: Can I run applications for MS Windows on Linux?
If you’re going to have this kind of a system, it’s important that you install the Windows operating system first in the first partition of your hard disk. You can then install Linux and along with it a program known as a bootloader (nowadays, the most popular are LILO and GRUB) which allows you to choose your operating system. The Linux installation process, in most circumstances, leaves your Windows partition alone during the install. Installing Windows, however, will destroy the information left by bootloaders and so should never be installed second. Due to Microsoft’s monopoly on operating systems, most computers have Windows on them before anyone contemplates installing Linux, so you may have to repartition your hard disk – that is, divide what may be a hard disk with only one large partition (known as C: in the Windows world) into two or more different partitions so that Linux can be installed and kept separate from Windows. Third party tools such as Partition Magic generally work well for this purpose. After the re-partitioning, you’re free to install Linux.
