(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?
Speed (90% of today's fastest supercomputers run Linux)
Customisation (change theme, icons, DE, WM, etc)
Security
Community Support
Regular Updates
IT'S FREE!!!
WHY CHOOSE UBUNTU?
Easy to use
No viruses
Biggest user-base (best support)
Best out-of-the-box hardware support
6-month release cycles (Awesome stuff every 6 months!)
Once again, IT'S FREE!!!
Now go install linux
I will be here to help you all week
QUESTIONS?
linux 101 An overview of linux Created by Ben Kaiser
