As a newbie to Linux and a lifelong Windows user, I know it can be difficult to get anywhere using Linux. What distribution to use?, How to install it?, What does it do?, Is Linux ready for mainstream?.
What I intend to do is answer these question, give some direction on Linux, and share some of my Linux experiences.
Q: What distribution should I use?
A: This depends on a few things. If you prefer ease of use and a Windows like GUI then go with Ubuntu Desktop 7.0.
Q: How do I install Linux:
A: If you chooses Ubuntu, just download the ISO file, burn it to a CD, reboot your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions. Its that simple!
Q: What does it do?
A: Linux distribution such as Ubuntu are very user friendly and have a similar look to the Mac OSx operating systems. As a long time Windows user I can tell you that it is very simple to navigate through Ubuntu Linux. You can access the internet via FireFox, play certain games, check email via a built-in email client, edit photos, and much more. If you have not already done so, I would suggest giving Ubuntu a try.
I have used OpenSuSe, Red Hat, Fedora, Debian, Mandrake, and Ubuntu. Of theses flavors of Linux, I have found that Ubuntu is the most upfront and easies to use.
Currently, I am using Ubuntu Server as a network monitoring server running Nagios. Also if you re-call, I use Linux for Openfiler. Also, VMware ESX Server 3 is based on a Linux kernel.
Is Linux ready for mainstream? No. I don't think that it is, but if you are a technology professional like myself, you better get to know Linux fast! Linux is gaining popularity in the Enterprise very fast and has been for some time now.
The bottom line here is that Linux is here to stay and is gaining popularity because of its ease of use, reliability, and cost.
At first, I was totally against using Linux, but now 50% of my servers run Linux!
If you have any comments or suggestion feel free to share them with me via posting of email me at the address on the left.
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