Linux for the Casual User

The Latest on Linux and the Casual User?

January 15, 2008

What is Linux

• Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system. One of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development;

• all underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone

Some New Terms Defined

• Linux Kernel – the core program of the operating system that provides the functions of Linux

• Linux Distribution – a package including the kernel, interface, applications which companies sell and support

More Terms

• CLI – Command Line Interface

• GUI – Graphical User Interface

• GNU –GNU’s Not Unix (Recursive)

• GPL – General Public License

• Live CD – A Linux distribution on CD that is bootable and can run Linux without installing on the computer

Brief History

• 1983 GNU project to create free software using mass collaboration

• Richard Stallman - Leader

• 1992 Linux system kernel developed by 3^rd party based on Unix

• Linus Torvalds - Inventor

Where Can I Find Linux

Linux supports a wide variety of computer hardware, including

• servers

• desktop computers

• supercomputers

• video game systems, such as PlayStation 2, 3

• arcade games

• embedded devices, such as mobile phones and routers

Some Popular Distributions

• Distribution Base

• Debian                      Debian

• Fedora                      Red Hat

• Gentoo                      Gentoo

• Gnoppix                    Knoppix

• Knoppix                     Debian

• Red Hat                     Red Hat  (Not Free)

• Ubuntu                      Debian

• SUSE                        Slackware

• Slackware                 SLS

Windows/Linux Equivalent Applications

   Internet Explorer ---- Firefox
Microsoft Outlook ---- Thunderbird/Evolution
Microsoft Office ---- Open Office Suite

   Winamp ---- Rhythmbox Music Player
Photoshop ---- GIMP
Word Pad/notepad ---- Gedit
Instant messaging ---- Gaim (now Pigdin)

   Windows Explorer ---- Nautilus
Windows Picture ---- Eye of GNOME
Media Player ---- Totem/Realplayer
Acrobat Reader ---- Evince
Flash player ---- Flash player

System Requirements

• Ubuntu Distribution Minimums

• Processor – 500 mhz

• RAM – 192 MB (384 MB for Live CD)

• Hard Drive – 4 GB

• Graphics Card 1024 x 768 resolution

Casual User Scenario 1

• Wants only to use E mail and Internet

• Computer with Linux

• Verizon DSL low speed Broadband

• One Icon for Internet (Second for E Mail)

• Use Firefox for Internet browsing

• Use webmail for e mail (e.g, Gmail, Yahoo)

Casual User Scenario 2

• Wants to use E mail and internet

• Save and view pictures

• Word processing

• Computer with Linux

• Verizon DSL low speed Broadband

• Icons for Internet, E mail, Pictures, Word

• Use Firefox for Internet browsing

• Use G-Mail (webmail) for e mail or Thunderbird

• Use Picasa for Pictures

• Use Open Office Writer for word processing

Casual User Scenario 3

• Scenario 2 plus the following

• Use Open Office for Word Processing, Spreadsheets , Presentations

• Use GIMP for Picture Processing

• Use Audacity for Audio Processing

• Use Picasa for Photo Album

• Use Rythmnbox for Media Player

Top 10 Reasons To Use Linux

• Security -. increased security, reliability and functionality; because users of Open Source are readily able to identify and correct problems with the programs and to submit their own enhancements for incorporation into the program.

• Scalability - Systems implemented under Linux can be cloned limitless times without paying additional software licensing fees -

• Power - Linux is made with the Unix design philosophy, which dictates that system tools are small and highly specialized. The result is an incredibly powerful and reliable system, limited in capability only by the user's imagination and ability to integrate the Unix utilities

• .

• Reliability - critical operation system functions are implemented in such a way that buggy programs can't cause the computer to become unstable and crash..

• Advanced Capabilities - comes with the Apache Webserver, an email server, router/firewall capabilities and SQL databases.

• Compatibility - Linux is POSIX Compliant --applications can be operated on other POSIX compliant Unix derivatives with a minimum of reworking.

• Support – . the best and the brightest are there to assist you at no charge when you run into problems

• Not Single Source Software - Linux is distributed by several companies, giving consumers to pick and choose the flavor that best suits their needs.

• Rate of Advancement - advance at a rate impossible for a close development project

• Cost - FREE. You can package and sell Linux for money. The competing Linux distributions all provide slightly different feature sets beyond the core system, including canned e-commerce solutions, printed manuals and phone support

Where Do We Go From Here?

• Install a Linux computer in the Lab to allow members to try it

• Install Linux on older computers for Casual Users

• Linux mentors

• Three copies of Ubuntu Linux Live CD in CyberCenter for members to borrow