E@zyVG’s Vichar::World Connected

Linux is “Free” in two senses. In one sense, the Linux consumer is free to modify the system and do anything he or she wishes with it. In another sense, acquiring Linux does not necessarily require any cash outlay at all.

There are two very popular methods for acquiring and distributing Linux: internet (ftp and torrent) and CD/DVD. Most of the major Linux distributions (openSUSE, Red Hat, Ubuntu, Debian, Slackware) are available for free download from several popular sites. Though time consuming, it does not cost anything beyond connection charges.

Getting Linux by CD/DVD seems to make more sense in many cases. For a few dollars (essentially the cost of the physical disc itself and shipping and handling), anyone can get the major Linux distributions. Many vendors even offer several-CD sets or DVD with prices averaging less than $2 per disc.

This would be a bargain if Linux were a run of the mill system with few frills and no truly compelling features. As a matter of fact, Linux comes with full networking capabilities, a mind-boggling array of programs, utilities, and development tools, which is being updated on a daily basis by community (developers, contributers) and commercial organizations supporting Linux.

The development tools in particular make Linux a great platform for learning how to write software. In addition to the tools, you often get a full CD/DVD of source code (such as with openSUSE DVD) to browse and study and tinker with. Another advantage is that, as a multi-user system, it is much more likely to keep you from shooting yourself in the foot as you learn to program. Of course, if you are not inclined to write software or at least experiment, these things do not necessarily need to be installed.

Of course one of the greatest advantages of Linux is that it is the freedom to modify the existing code, that suites your requirements, and makes it a very easily extensible platform. Heck, you can even go commercial and make money from Linux, for example acting as a consultant. It is your choice ….. and I have chosen Linux.

P.S.>> If you don’t know, I host a blog dedicated to Linux and Open Source.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 6th, 2007 at 4:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.