Linux is an operating system, similar to Apple Mac OS, or Microsoft Windows. An operating system helps the user of the computer navigate their system and run applications. Applications, also refered to as software, help the user perform specific tasks, such as creating a document, or browsing the Internet.

Linux is the kernel of the operating system. The kernel is the layer between the hardware and the software. The software sends messages to the kernel to interact with the hardware, the kernel then passes the message to the hardware and returns the result back to the user, such as displaying a character on the screen.

Since Linux is only a kernel, it doesn't actually make up the whole operating system. You may have heard Linux referred to as GNU/Linux. This brings together the Linux kernel, and the GNU Tools that are used to operate the system. The GNU Tools consist of a command shell, and programs that can perform specific operations.

Other than the GNU Tools, there is also software such as the X Window System. This is the graphical user interface in Linux and Unix like systems. With the X Window System you can run different Desktop Environments (DE) or Window Managers. Most popular of the DE’s are Gnome and KDE. These are graphical environments, that again, help the user perform specific tasks.

Below is a screenshot of a Gnome desktop.



Linux is also Open Source Software (OSS).

OSS, as the name suggests, allows anyone to read the source code of a particular piece of software. Not only this, but anyone can modify the source code to suit their own needs, or fix a bug that it may have. OSS is developed by thousands of people all over the world. This unique development model allows it to move and progress at a very fast pace.

Because Linux is OSS, it has produced many different variations of it, which are commonly known as distributions. When thinking about using Linux, the first thing you need to decide is what you are going to use it for. Most distributions have their own target market, such as desktop users, servers, or embedded devices.

A lot of distributions target the desktop user. Some of the popular distributions are as follows.

Fedora
Ubuntu
Mandriva
openSUSE

Ok, so how can I get a copy of a Linux distribution?

As said before, there are a lot of distributions to choose from. Some you can download for free, others you can buy in retail boxes, or buy and download on the Internet.

Distrowatch is great site to see what new distributions have recently been released.

Distrowatch

Alternatively, you can come to one of our LUG meetings, and pick a free CD/DVD.

Most distributions that you download come as CD Images, also known as ISO images (Industry Standards Organisation). These images can then be burnt to a CD. Most CD burning software will burn these images.

Note: Broadband Internet connection is strongly recommended for downloading ISO images. Most images are at least 600MB.

Once you have burnt the image/s, insert the install CD into your computers CD drive, and follow the instructions on screen. If you need more information on installing your Linux distribution, check out your distributions home page. Or check out some of these links‚

Ubuntu
Fedora
openSUSE
Mandriva

Don't forget, if your stuck, use the mailing list and we'll try to help you. Or, come along to one of our meetings.