Whilst using an old computer is a great solution, don't be fooled into thinking that you'll get the same performance from an old machine as you will from a current model computer from your local store. But, Linux is renown for its better performance on minimal hardware. There are also many ways in Linux to tune the performance to suit your requirements.
If you want to experiment with Linux, you don't need to discard Windows altogether. Many Linux CDs include tools to partition your computer with a Windows and Linux section. At start-up, you can choose which environment to boot in to. Some versions (like Mandrake) allow you to install within a Windows partition.
Some people argue that Linux is a lot harder to install than Windows, but most people don't experience installing Windows as it's often pre-installed. Try installing Windows without the correct drivers on-hand and you'll see what I mean!
What can I use Linux for?
A key usage of computers today is Internet access. And Linux is ideally built for this: including a choice of browsers (Firefox, Opera), instant messaging, email clients, FTP, sharing and collaboration, Skype, and others.
Linux offers a range of fun and educational games for kids. Some examples include GIMP, Frozen bubble, TuxPaint, TuxTyping, Tux Racer, Celestia, Potato Guy and others. If these games aren't available on your initial distribution, you can always download them later. Games for older "kids" include Nexuis (first person shooter), Tremulous, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, and Second Life.
The famous OpenOffice suite of programmes provides you with a word processor, spreadsheet, drawing and presentation tools - and is cross-compatible with PC Office suites.
Linux has one great advantage over Windows; there are few viruses which will affect Linux. Linuc is resistant to such threats as viruses, spyware, Trojans and Malware....it has built in administrative user protection, and a firewall.
Which Distribution?
Linux is available in many 'Distributions". This concept is unfamiliar to Windows users - as Windows really is only available in one flavour, eg. Windows XP. The new releases of Windows Vista however are available in different packages, such as Home, Business, etc. Linux Distributions are more than just feature-locked versions of the same system, each distribution is from a different supplier, and each distribution tends to be aimed to a specific target market.
Choosing a ‘Distribution" can be confusing for new users as there are so many options. Some of the versions you may come across are Redhat, SuSE Linux, OpenSuSE, Xandros, Mandrake, Fedora Core, Knoppix, and many others.
For first time users, I'd recommend Ubuntu or CentOS. They are both easy to use, and have a broad range of hardware drivers included. You can also visit this website http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ and click on "Take the Test" under "Linux Distribution Chooser".
If your intention is more business-biased, I'd suggest Red Hat Linux, SuSE linux, or Xandros which all have a corporate focus.
Another novel feature which Linux, but no other Operating System offers, is that you can choose the look and feel of the system, known as the "Desktop Environment". You can decide this at installation time, but generally this is changeable later. Common Desktop Environments include KDE, Gnome, IceWM, JWM, XFCE, and Enlightenment. New users should just select the default option. My favourite is KDE.
Downsides of Linux
The major drawback of Linux is that you cannot run Windows programmes on it directly. You can run them indirectly, and that is by installing an emulation environment such as WINE or CrossOver. If you absolutely need an application or game which runs only on Windows - you may have problems using it under Linux. You will have to find out if the application has a Linux compatible version, try running it under WINE, or find an alternative (ie. OpenOffice instead of Microsoft Office).
As each distribution of Linux is different, and they are all from various suppliers, there is not one definitive source of support. On the flip-side, you can find hundreds of support options - technical support can be provided from anywhere in the world. There is a great deal of free support available (Google is an awesome starting point). Because the Linux software is free, people often assume that they can only source free, donated support. However, there are many IT companies which can provide support for Linux - often via their websites for very reasonable fees.
Griffith Linux User's Group
Griffith has its own Linux Users Group which is a great support and discussion group for people interested in using Linux. The group meets on the last Sunday of every month, 2-5pm at the 2MIA studios (Groongal Ave Griffith, corner of Jubilee Park) - and the next meeting is on the 31st August. There is also a mailing list which you can subscribe to at: http://www.freelists.org/webpage/griffith-lug
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