FAQ
What is Linux?
Linux is an alternative to (expensive) commercial software for personal computers. In many respects, Linux is superior to the commercial alternatives - see 'Why Linux' below. Technical descriptions of Linux are available from many sites, for example Linux HQ. The key feature is that it is not proprietary and so may legally be copied, handed-on or developed further.
What does it Cost?
Most popular Linux titles for home/small office users are marketed on the 'service model'. That is, there is no charge for the software but you may be charged for the time of the person installing it onto your computer or for post-installation technical support. However, Linux retailers do need to recover their costs for warehousing, media, optional hard-copy documentation and postage.
In practice, popular titles are available from your local Linux SIG so your outlay is only the cost of the recordable CD/DVD media used. Also, many computer-literate users do not require support services and hard-copy documentation thus Linux can be a nominal cost solution.
Where do I get it
Beginners are advised to obtain Linux from their local Linux SIG, so that they can be directed to a configuration suited to their particular needs. Other popular sources include:
* free (one or more CD-size) downloads from the Internet, eg from SuSE, Mandrake, Fedora, or
Ubuntu
* on-line vendors
* CDs and DVDs supplied with Linux magazines such as the UK Linux Format and Australian Linux Journal
or general PC magazines such as PC Authority and Australian Personal Computer
Will I have to Replace all the Software on my PC?
No - when installing Linux on a PC it is usually not necessary to replace any of the existing software although many users will need to learn a different browser, e-mail reader and office suite in order to use Linux. However, that can be done progressively from within Windows - and the replacements often have better features anyway!
What is a Distribution (Distro)?
A car consists of many components - some proprietary such as body panels, seats etc., some sourced from consortia such as engines & transmissions and others commercial commodity items such as tyres, bearings, electrical components etc.
Similarly, a Linux Distribution is a collation of software from a range of sources which provides all the functions required in a PC. A spectrum of distributions is available, enabling everyone from beginners to experts to find one that is 'just right' for them.
What Versions of Windows Support Linux?
Not applicable. Linux does not require Windows at all - indeed, it runs particularly well on Macintosh computers which, of course, don't have Windows.
Why Linux?
If you are thinking about installing Linux here are some reasons to tempt you to take the plunge:
* specialised and general-purpose Linux distributions to meet all needs
* running on various hardware architectures - IBMPC (x86), Power PC, Sun, etc.
* rock solid reliability (forget about those regular reboots and reinstalls)
* inherently better security by design
* much less exposure to viruses, worms and other malware
* faster and more effective responsivness to such threats
* a massive range of free applications packages (including office suites, web browsers, email clients,
image manipulation apps, firewalls etc.)
* good hardware identification and automated installation-configuration
* various user-friendly graphical user interfaces
* no draconian licences, copying restrictions or activation hassles
* a supportive on-line Linux community, and
* all this at a significantly lower overall cost.
For Linux Beginners
Whether you are starting out on computers or have experience with other operating systems, we suggest that as a first step in Linux you try a live CD.
Just set your BIOS to boot from CD, reboot and you will immediately have perhaps the most user-friendly Linux distribution for home users so far running on your machine, albeit a little slowly because it is coming from CD - but without altering anything that is already on your computer. Switch off and it is as though it was never there. The Linux SIG can lend you a Live CD if you are unable to obtain one.
PCUG Linux SIG
AKA the Linux Learners
Our group is focussed largely on the needs of end users, especially those seeking a robust software suite which meets most or all of their requirements at low-cost. The local Linux gurus aside, members' capabilities range from the Linux 'newbie' to 'intermediate' categories. We mostly concentrate on the installation and use of current Linux distributions, both large and small, and the extensive software packages that come bundled with them or are freely available as downloads.
The SIG meets twice a month, at northside & southside venues, on a Thursday morning, (see calendar)
for
presentations and hands-on discussion of whatever is currently of interest.
* Southside Daytime - usually on the first Thursday in the PCUG
Centre Holder, ACT and
* Northside Daytime - usually on the third Thursday in the Wests
Rugby Club, Macquarie ACT (near the Jamison Centre).
Come along to a meeting with your Linux problems or queries and bring your hardware too if it is a Southside meeting. Preferably contact the SIG Co-ordinators, Rod (Southside) or Richard (Northside), beforehand.
See our section in the PCUG Wiki and the Linux SIG mailing list - both are available to all interested parties. Individual Linux SIG members have also provided some hints and howto pages - the details can be found here.
