Should You Use Linux?
-- Tony Thompson
There are many reasons to install Linux on your home PC. Maybe you want to try out some
SuperMegaCoolSimParticle v0.08 software. Maybe your friends/neighbours/TA's/whatever have
told you that Linux is a very clean, powerful, tighta - um - tight system. Maybe you just
don't like Microsoft products.
Some of these reasons are good, some of them aren't. Good reasons to switch over are:
- You like computers, and want to try something new. Linux is flexible, creative and
cutting edge in a lot of ways. It is also more configurable than most operating systems.
And there is always something new to learn.
- You enjoy writing software, and you're comfortable with a text interface. Linux is a
stable development platform that comes with many of the tools that you'd have to pay for
under other systems. Linux comes with compilers, interpreters, debuggers, etc.
- You prefer the Unix operating system. Linux is most definitely a Unix derivative system.
You can get a lot more control over your computer, with a wide array of software tools at
your disposal.
- You like more pain. Linux can be confusing, convoluted, temperamental and arcane as it
can be flexible, creative and cutting-edge. These are two sides of the same coin.
Some reasons that need to be re-thought:
- You dislike Microsoft products. In itself this isn't a good reason. It takes far less
effort to adapt to the complexities of Microsoft products than it does to learn Linux.
- Friends have told you to try Linux. If Johnny jumped off a bridge would you? Jokes
aside, Linux is vastly different from Windows and MacOS. Your friends have at least had
some time to adapt to it. Also their needs in an operating system may be different. Make a
decision based on your needs.
So what's good about Linux?
Linux is a programmer's operating system. Almost all programs come with source code, so
if you dislike a program you can change it. It comes with a full set of development tools.
It also has powerful system software freely available such as:
- Web Servers Apache, a common webserver for Linux powers almost 40% of the internet. IBM
distributes a version of it.
- Databases (Postgres, MySQL)
- Publishing software (LaTeX, TeX, PostScript, etc.)
- FTP servers
Last, but not least, Linux is a multi-user system. You can have multiple people logged
into the same computer at the same time.
So, what's bad about Linux?
Linux is not easy to use for a beginner. It is not as easy to administer or maintain a
Linux system. Even those who have used Linux and Unix for years still haven't experienced
all of the details of sysadmining.
Hardware support in Linux is typically behind the rest of the industry. If you have an
atypical piece of equipment, be it a soundcard or touch tablet, it may not be supported
yet.
Conclusion:
Deciding on Linux is a major decision. Novices should steer clear. If you have only
ever used Windows 95 or 98, be very wary of using Linux - it is vastly different in
nature.
Linux requires you to be comfortable in all aspects of computing. You must be
comfortable with programming and administration just as much as with application software.
Or you can learn very quickly.
Keep in mind that at the University of Guelph there are computer labs you can use that
are maintained by professionals. If you need Linux for coursework, but don't feel
comfortable in installing it at home, that's always an option.
Another suggestion is to try out Linux in the labs before making a decision. Get a grip
on some commands, talk to people, and learn how to get help before taking the plunge.
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