Upgrading your old slow computer can be an expensive business. And, as I am sure you know, these days most new computers come with an expensive Microsoft operating system already loaded. A quick look at PC World here in the UK shows that the only option given for an operating system is Microsoft with the cheapest version being almost £90 – that’s pretty pricey. I assume that this is the case for computer shops all over the world.
But did you know there is an alternative? And, guess what? It’s free!
Say Hello to Linux?
Linux is an open source operating system that’s been adopted by some of the biggest companies and organisations in the world. Of the 500 supercomputers in the world today, more than 90% of them are running on Linux based systems and that includes the 10 fastest! Those of you with a mobile phone that uses Android are already using Linux. Some other examples of Linux users are Google and Facebook and I’m sure you’ll agree, if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for us.
What is Open Source?
Open source means it has been developed by a group of people who have decided to give their time for free. And because they give their time for free, you do not have to pay anything for Linux – how good is that? You can choose to donate to help them keep up the good work, but there’s no obligation.
The Benefits of Linux
The nature of open source means the system is very robust against viruses and external attacks, making it more secure than other operating systems. It’s suitable for desktop computers, easy to install, faster and more reliable than other operating systems. And, best of all, there are a number of different versions of operating system you can use depending on what you want to do. If, for example, you want to start a business that will involve you using a lot of video you should choose Unbuntu Studio, if you only have a small PC, say 64MB, you should choose antIX and if you want a system that looks and works just like the more familiar windows, choose Zorin.
Plus, there is a whole community of people – professionals and amateurs – working on Linux so if you need help with any part of it you can find it, again for free, via their website and forums.
So, how do I get Linux?
Simple, either visit the Linux website and download the version you feel best suits your needs. Or, if the computer you want to install Linux on is not connected to the internet you can buy or subscribe to, Linux Magazine, and receive a CD version of the system. You can run Linux alongside your current operating system too, just in case you feel it’s not for you.
Once you have the CD you can share it with as many people as you like, so perhaps you could club together with some work or classmates to buy the magazine subscription.
If there are any other operating systems you use that you think other students would be interested in, do let us know.
