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What is Linux?
The word Linux represents many things. The popular version is that Linux is an operating system (like UNIX). But this is technically in-correct. Linux is actually the kerneal, which can be compared to the engine of a car, where the car is the operating system. However, by releasing this kernel as open source, Linus Torvalds paved the way for different application and utilities to be put together to make a complete operating system (OS).
What is GNU/Linux?
In 1983 even before Linux was created, Richard Stallman had started a movement (and an organization) called GNU (GNU is Not UNIX). The GNU movement strived for freedom of software. According to the Free software Foundation (FSF), the correct name for Linux should be GNU/Linux. This assertion is based on the fact that many of the software that were put together along with Linus' kernel, to make a complete OS, were from the GNU family.
Why should I use Linux?
Well that's what this magazine, LINUX For You, aims to explain. In a nutshell, using an open source operating system allows you the following benefits: (a) an option to chose; (b) the freedom to modify; (c) a relatively inexpensive solution; and (d) a secure and stable operating system, as it is based on the UNIX family.
What is a distribution (or distro)?
On top of the operating system, you generally have many application, which provide you a complete environment. For example, in Windows, you have tools like the basic word processor- Wordpad. In the open source world, Linux, the operating system, comes bundled with many applications too, and the selection of these applications (and their integration) is vendor-specific. Thus, a Red Hat distribution can though both are based on Linux.
What is KDE, GNOME, etc?
The desktop is a component that is not an integral part of the kernel. The K Desktop Environment (KDE) and GNOME Desktop Environment are two popular desktop available under Linux. A desktop environment isn't) just the wallpaper and icons, but also includes the application, controls, and look and feel of the application, controls, and the look and feel interface (for example, the menus, window button, etc).
Do the applications for one desktop environment run on another environment as well? Most open source applications can run irrespective of the desktop environment. But some are dependent on libraries that are not installed (or configured correctly) by default.
How do install Linux?
That's simple. Choose a distribution that suits you. Get hold of a CD pack or download it from its site (if you can), or ask your local Linux User Group (LUG). To install Linux, you need two separate partitions (see glossary): one to install Linux, and another to use as a swap partition. Another alternative is to try a live CD distribution, so that you do not need to install at all- it simply boots from the CD (e.g. Knoppix).
Can I install Linux on a PC that isn't partitioned?
Yes, but it's tricky. You have to make Windows move out of the way without losing your data. There are various tools that can help you backup your data onto a CD. Then you can format your hard disk and partition. If you are very adventurous, you can use Windows-based tools, like Partition Magic, to 'resize' your Windows partition in order to create a new partition for Linux. But be careful, as you can end up losing all your data.
Can I install Linux on a PC that already has Windows in one partition?
Installation isn't too difficult. Since you have already partitioned your hard disk, you can do the installation straight away.
Can I install Linux on my Windows Partition?
Yes, you can. There are many flavours of Linux that can be installed on a partition that already has Windows installed on it. These Linux flavours create a directory in the Windows directory structure and can then be booted from within Windows. These are good options if you want to give Linux a try without the hassles of partitioning. But due to size constraints, these flavours are very limited in terms of the applications supported by them.
How much space and system requirement dose Linux need?
This depends upon your requirement. If you want to run X server (the desktop), play games, listen to music, burn CDs, or watch DVDs, you need to get a PII 600 MHz onwards system with at least 128 MB RAM and 6 GB of hard disk space.
Do I have to buy anything extra for my PC if I want to install Linux?
Nope. Linux is the most diverse operating system available. It can even run on a 486 with 16 MB of RAM. But it must be pointed out that although the 486 will be good enough to run as a firewall, it won't be effective for a home user. In a nutshell, any PC that can run windows cam easily run Linux as well.