linux 101

An overview of linux

Created by Ben Kaiser

So what is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system

One of the key parts of Linux is the kernel
(the core part of an OS that interfaces between applications and various hardware elements)

Linux Distributions

When installing Linux, you normally want to use a distribution. A distribution is the Linux kernel with a bunch of free and non-free software packaged on top that is then wrapped up and ready to install on your computer. 

Ubuntu


FEDORA


ARCH LINUX


AND MANY OTHERS

Linux Mint
Debian
OpenSUSE
PCLinuxOS
CentOS
RHEL
Slackware Linux
etc

Window Managers & Desktop Environments

On Linux, you can install a distrobution, but if you don't like the look and feel of the interface, you can change themes, change icons and even install a new window manager (WM) or desktop environment (DE).

What People think linux Looks like


What LINUX ACTUaLLY Looks like



So what are some example window managers?

Unity (Default on Ubuntu)
Gnome 3 (Default on Fedora)
KDE
XFCE
Cinnamon
Pantheon
WMII
i3
Awesome

UNITY


GNOME


KDE


WMII


PANTHEON


Running Windows Applications

If you are glued to windows due to certain software (e.g. AutoCAD, Adobe, etc)

you have two options:

  • WINE (emulate windows applications)
  • Virtual Machine  (Run a windows machine inside Linux)

BENEFITS OF WINE

  • It's light
  • Free
  • Community Supported

Downsides of WINE

  • Can be a pain to install a windows application
  • Lots of applications have bugs / issues

Benefits of a virtual machine

  • Emulates almost all windows applications
  • Great Community Support
  • You can take 'snapshots' so you can revert to an old snapshot if you get a virus / loose your data

Downsides of using a virtual machine

  • Requires a large amount of system resources (not idea on a MacBook Air)
  • Still have to purchase windows

WHY USE LINUX?

  1. Speed (90% of today's fastest supercomputers run Linux)
  2. Customisation (change theme, icons, DE, WM, etc)
  3. Security
  4. Community Support
  5. Regular Updates
  6. IT'S FREE!!!

WHY CHOOSE UBUNTU?

  1. Easy to use
  2. No viruses
  3. Biggest user-base (best support)
  4. Best out-of-the-box hardware support
  5. 6-month release cycles (Awesome stuff every 6 months!)
  6. Once again, IT'S FREE!!!




Now go install linux

I will be here to help you all week




QUESTIONS?

intro to linux

By Benjamin Kaiser

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intro to linux

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