What is Linux? Well, it is a free Unix-like operating system that was developed by a student named “Linus Torvalds” and with the assistance of other developers around the world (that is why it is called open source – as the operating system code is open for everyone).

Linux has begun as a black screen code interface (like DOS by windows), and has grown to have a desktop edition as well, which has a GUI (Graphic interface) just like the Windows operating system which anyone can use. There are not many games for Linux in comparison to the Windows operating system but it does slowly move toward achieving that as well (so maybe this is not such good news for the gamers among us), but this is a free operating system that suits everyone, with both free server and desktop editions.

Since anyone can use Linux, it only depends if you are willing to study a new free operating system.
Either if you are coming from the Windows operating system or if you just started computers, all you will need to do is keep an open mind. The operating system in its core might be a bit tricky and require some basic knowledge of the command line, and a bit of how computer’s operating systems work to be able to use the system properly and achieve the required installations.

So, how can you start learning Linux, well it is pretty simple. First, download your choice of the operating system (There are Ubuntu, Red-Hat, Fedora, Suse, etc…). If you are a beginner you can install the desktop edition – which is just like installing a Windows operating system, you just press the “NEXT” button while keeping all of the default settings as they are, and when it is all set, just play with it, to get familiarize with it.

You can watch the following video instructions that show how simple it is to install a Ubuntu Linux desktop:

• How to install Ubuntu – Video
• How to install ubuntu-desktop and/or dual boot with XP (part 1 of 3), (part 2 of 3), (part 3 of 3)

here are a couple of links I have gathered from the internet for you, so you can have a jump start on your way to Linux:

Video

• How to install Ubuntu – Video
• How to install ubuntu-desktop and/or dual boot with xp (part 1 of 3)
• Learn Linux Chapter 01 of 40
• Linux Professional Institute: Level 1 Tutorials

Tutorials

• Linux Tutorials
• LINUX CLASSES – INTRODUCTION
• Getting Started with Linux
• Help with Setting up Linux Server

Kernel

• http://www.linux.com/learn/linux-training/29812-the-kernel-newbie-corner-building-and-running-a-new-kernel

News

• http://www.linuxjournal.com/
• http://home.netcom.com/~casandra/linuxintro/beglinks.html

Books:

• http://www.linuxbooks.org/suse-linux

Linux, what is that operating system? why is it becoming such a required operating system? why do we need to get to know it? There are so many questions like that about Linux that I would like to calm down. Now that I had the chance of getting to know Linux pretty well, I can honestly say that there is much potential for the open-source operating systems. You can basically get all of the things you were used to getting from the Windows operating system, and much more.

There are many tools in Linux, which are free and there are easy techniques to get those tools downloaded and installed on your system. You just need to learn a couple of basic tools that enable you to control these operating systems. My favorite Linux operating system is UBUNTU and I believe many do think like me about it. This operating system is the most convenient and relatively easy to use, it would be recommended to start learning Linux with this operating system.

Linux has two options (all free of course), the first option is the desktop option the other is the server option. The desktop option is a version that includes the graphic interface (Gnome or KDE are the most common) which resembles what you know from the Windows operating system. The operation of the desktop is much the same, there are many built-in applications included in each Linux operating system. The Linux server option, gives you a black screen command prompt, like DOS in windows, which enables you to use all of Linux options, which most of it is being done on the text mode (the desktop interface is just redundant). Linux servers can become anything you want, either a web server, FTP server and much more. Any application in the computer world that you think of, you can create and install in Linux and all of those applications and tools are free, just install, configure and you’re up and running.

Linux has an open office that can open documents saved by the Windows operating system. There are many other built-in applications within the desktop version. All of those tools are free, and most of them will cover all of your needs, either for home use or for your office purpose.

The only issue I am missing in Linux is the computer games option. Currently, I am unfamiliar with any good games as we know in windows on a Linux machine. But, I assume in time this will happen as well since Linux is slowly becoming a real fact in the computer world.