As always, I have looked far and wide on the net, to see if there is any information helpful for the absolute beginner. Do not be ashamed, if you think that Linux is a disease, or a plant. There is nothing wrong with a lack of knowledge, as we all have to learn.
Linux is a computer operating system. There are two parts to a computer. The first, is the hardware, meaning the box of components, the screen, keyboard etc.. Secondly, there is the software. That is the computer programs, that make the computer work. An operating system is the basic software, that allows the computer to function, and it is usually bundled with simple software, for word processing and web browsing.
The three best known operating systems are, Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, and LINUX. The most popular is Windows, and Mac is in second place. Both are good operating systems, but the only drawback to using Windows is that computer viruses love Windows. The Mac is a very well designed system, but with less compatible software than is available for Windows. Lastly, we have LINUX which is available as installed software on new computers. It is more common to install a Linux version on a Windows computer. These versions are know as ”DISTROS”.
Why Linux? Firstly, it is free!!! How can it be any good? Free!!! The actual software is free, but a book or magazine that includes a distro, has to be purchased. I bought the Dummies Guide to Linux with a copy of a distro included. In fact, that is a great way to start, as you have a book with the software.
Now, more vital information for the absolute beginner. Hardware/software compatibility, as with Windows, not all hardware software combinations work. The Mac system is probably the best in this respect. Before using a distro, check that the computer motherboard and cards are compatible. A good idea is to buy a computer that has a Linux friendly motherboard, and most modern boards do not need extra cards for the display or ethernet. One brand that boasts as being Linux friendly is Asus.
Downloading a distro from the internet is no problem. The important point to note, and I am going to mention it again, and again. The operating system LINUX CD-ROM, has to be written as a “DISC IMAGE”. It was something that I failed to grasp, when downloading distros for the first time myself. So let me mention it again. The downloaded LINUX operating system has to written to a CD-ROM as a Disc Image. When you write a CD-ROM, the writing software should have an option for writing the file as a Disc Image. Make sure this is done, otherwise, the CD-ROM will not work as an operating system, only as a drinks mat!!
One burning question is always, can I use Linux on an old computer? Some practical points to bear in mind... upgrading old computers is quite expensive, so a computer that does not have a USB port and that could not run Windows 98, may not be a good idea. From my own experience, please check if your graphics card and network card are compatible with Linux. If they are, there is a good chance that you will find a Distro that works... You will be able to surf right away and use the usual programs straight from the Distro. My own favorite, and I have looked at a few on my old Windows 98 computers, is PUPPY. Yes LINUX PUPPY, even if you do not like dogs, this is a very tame pet as far as Linux software goes. To get started on computers, and my children have tried it, nothing better.... woof...wwwwoooooooffff
