A Beginner´s Guide To Linux - The Basics You Should Know

Linux is an operating system that basically acts as a platform for your computer to run on. Despite Linux having advanced capabilities than other operating systems, Linux is not as widely used as its peers Windows, Mac OS X and Android. However, IT geeks and technicians are becoming increasingly frustrated with the shortcomings of the industry leader and are turning to Linux to improve the personal computer systems.

A variation of Linux is used by many companies in the technology industry and most super computers are run on a variation of Linux. One of the key selling points for Linux is that is it designed with security in mind and has encrypted codes as standard, therefore reducing the threat of virus attacks.

 

Share Linux software with friends

Larger software companies like Apple and Windows are turning to downloads for users to upgrade their machines. Long gone are the days of chipping in with your mates to buy the latest version of Windows or some other software and each of you loading it on to your PCs.

Linux on the other hand is programmed by a worldwide community of software developers and is not owned by an individual or company, therefore they don´t charge ridiculous prices and allow you to share it between friends. In actual fact, Linux software is low-cost, if not free as it is designed to offer powerful computing solutions to school and charities in developing countries.

If you know how, it also gives you the freedom to modify it and use it for a specific purpose of your choosing.

How does Linux work?

Linux is a risk-free way of adapting your computer without having to modifying the current contents of your computer. If you want to give it a try to see if it works for you there is no harm in doing so as a trial run before reverting back to your existing operating system. However, you should still backup your data just in case things go wrong.

Linux works pretty much the same way as any other operating system, but as with anything new takes a little practice and perseverance to become familiar with the layout and the mechanics. Have a play around and use the tutorials to become more familiar with the software.

The first thing you want to do is launch the System Settings from the user menu, so you can give Linux a look and a feel that you like. You will find options that you are familiar with such as background wallpaper and keyboard layout.

Installing Linux

Once you have had a play around with Linux and decided that you would like to use it instead of your existing operating system install it on to your hard drive. If you didn´t back your files up for the trial run do so before you install Linux as you are making changes to your computer´s hard drive.
There are three ways to install Linux:

1. A live CD available from shops or postal order. Ubuntu is the preferred option
2. A free download known as Virtual PC 2007 which you can access through Windows
3. Install Ubuntu using the Wubi installer which is also available for download

 All three versions are unbelievably straight forward and all you have to do is follow the online instructions then reboot your PC and select the Linux operating system from the boot menu.

Accessing your old files

Once Linux is installed you can access your old files from your previous operating system by launching Activities and selecting the filing cabinet on the dashboard. This will launch the file manager Nautilus in which you will find an entry title xxx GB Filesystem. Double click and your files will appear in the open window. You can then put your file in the corresponding Linux partition and you are good to go.

So that completes our beginners guide. Linux implementation is really more straightforward than you think and if you don't like it, the effects can be reversed (provided you keep a back-up).
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