Some facts about downloading Linux |
---|
Last Updated: Thursday January 10, 2008
Linux, together with a set of GNU programs, is an operating
system. That is, Linux is not a single program or a suite
of tools. Most "versions" of Linux, known as "distributions",
are available to download free of charge. However, there are some
things you should know about downloading and installing Linux:
First, you don't have to actually install Linux in your hard
disk to use the Linux operating system. There exist several "versions"
of Linux that can be downloaded and burned to a CD. These variants of
the Linux operating system, known as "Live CD" versions, will boot
Linux directly from the CD on systems that are capable of doing this.
(most PCs manufactured in the last 7 to 8 years will allow this). Memory requirements vary, so
please consult our list of Live CD distributions on our
distributions page (choose the option 'Live CD' from the 'Category'
menu). There are several popular Live CD distributions, such as MEPIS, Knoppix and Slax.
Most major Linux distributors (SUSE, Mandriva, Ubuntu) also offer Live CD versions of their products.
If you're interested in running Linux indefinitely or permanently, you
can also download versions designed to be installed on your hard disk. Here
is some information you should know.
- You should have a high-speed Internet connection (T3, T1, xDSL,
cable modem). Trying to download a major vendor's version of
Linux will most likely be a frustrating experience with a dial-up modem
connection.
- You'll need the ISO images or a DVD image for the distribution you want to
download which you must then copy or "burn" into a CD or DVD.
- If you already run another operating system, you must re-partition
your hard disk in order to install a "standard" Linux distribution.
- When you download Linux from the Internet. You are not entitled to
that particular distributor's technical support. You will have to look for
the documentation that you need in order to resolve any problems you
might run into or seek appropriate help on websites or in other
Internet forums.
In other words, if you don't have a high-speed connection to Internet
or a drive that writes to blank CDs or DVDs, then downloading is probably not
the best way for you to get a full-featured Linux distribution. You
can, though, depending on your location, get Linux free in magazines
or from retailers that will
sell you a distribution on one or more CDs at very low
cost. Distributions obtained in this way do not usually include
documentation or support.
There are also many books that
include a Linux distribution.
If you don't know how to partition a hard disk or you have very little
experience with installing and maintaining an operating system, you
can still install Linux fairly easily by purchasing a boxed set. In
this case, the cost of Linux system increases, but on the other hand,
you will be provided full documentation, step by step installation
instructions and in many cases free technical support for up to 90
days by phone or e-mail.
If you're still not quite sure you want to make the leap to Linux, you
may want to at least get a feel for how it looks. This can be as simple
as using your favorite Internet browser. The Coding Studio has a screenshot gallery
that will give you an idea of the look and feel of many
Linux distributions. This can be helpful when choosing which version
of Linux is right for you.
Regardless of the way in which you obtain a Linux distribution, we at
Linux Online feel that switching to Linux will be a positive
experience. You will see your knowledge of computing increase at the
same time as your productivity. You will be able to do much more with
your computer and at a fraction of the cost of proprietary operating systems.
For more information, we also recommend you read our Linux Online
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) and
our page: So You Want to Use Linux?
which talks about Linux migration.
|