Operating System of Choice

Most people know that the Operating System, or OS, is the software they have on their computer that all other software is run on.  It is usually some version of Windows as this is the most commom OS around.  Windows XP is likely the one you use at home unless you bought your PC in the last two years, and then it would be Vista, or even Windows 7.  Some folks who don't use their PC's very often might even be on an older version of Windows.  The Microsoft hold on your computer is weakening every year.  There are now alternatives to Windows.  One of the most popular is Mac OS X, but this OS needs special hardware to run, and is generally a very expensive alternative to Windows.  Don't get me wrong!  Apple has a great product there.  It's a very popular Operating System and Hardware combination.  Since Apple makes the hardware and the software that runs on the systems they sell, it all works pretty well together.  You pay a premium for that kind of computer.  Ready for a less expensive alternative to Apple systems and even Windows?  How does free sound?  OK, the hardware isn't free, but your trusty old PC hardware will run this software very well.  It's called Linux.

What is it?

Linux is just another name for another Operating System.  This one happens to be an Open Source Operating System, which means it's developed by a large community of programmers and users who want more choice in what they can do with and on their computer.  There is a huge store of hundreds if not thousands of programs that run on a Linux computer, and they are mostly free, and can be installed right from the operating system.  They also all get updated by one update system in a way that is similar to Windows Update.

What Can Linux Do That Windows Can't?

Nothing, but it does it for free, and that really can make a huge difference all by itself!  What can Windows do that Linux can't?  Well, there are some games that are a little easier to run on Windows because they are made my Microsoft, and they don't like other Operating Systems being able to run their software.  If there are a whole bunch of expensive programs you just have to have, then you can run them on Windows in a Virtual Machine inside the Linux OS.  To be honest, that might be a good idea because when Windows crashed in a Virtual Machine, it doesn't kill the rest of the programs you're running.

The Big Three

There are Three main choices for operating systems today, Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux.  They are all tools that can do what you want.  Surf the web, read e-mail, play games online...  You have to find out if there are any propriotary programs you just have to have for your needs, and go with the OS that can run it best.   Just be aware that there are alternatives available.