NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, December 2002
Linux vs Windows Summary
Recap of October meeting presentation
by Ken Hreha
khreha@netzero.net
(click to email author)


With Microsoft's increasing juggernaut on computer operating systems, more and more people are starting to look for alternatives to "Windows". Primarily due to it's price (free), as well as it's reported compatibility with their existing IBM compatible systems, Linux is normally the first alternate operating system considered. It's often this motivation to squeeze out from under Microsoft's thumb that leads many to experiment with Linux to see if it would indeed allow them to break free from their dependency on Redmond !

The October 2002 meeting focused on SuSe Linux version 8.0. This is an attractively priced package that is well worth it's under $40.00 cost over at Best Buy. For that amount you get a jeweled cased 3 CD set containing not only the latest Linux operating kernel, but an very broad assortment of useable software to boot. (Including the almost Windows like KDE desktop version 3 !) Photo editors, music players, Star Office 5.2, drawing programs, data assistants and numerous games of every description are included in the set along with a nicely bound, paperback "beginner's manual". For those who'd rather not purchase the prepackaged set, all of this software can also be freely downloaded off the SuSE FTP site.

The October program highlighted the vast improvements made to the Linux operating system over the past 3 years that now makes it a very viable alternative to Windows. Linux variations can now automatically identify your computer system's hardware, and configure it for you in most cases. Linux is being adopted steadily by Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and other hardware vendors to insure it's long term viability. And Linux applications, such as Star Office and Open Office are greasing the skids to making Linux a truly viable alternative to the Microsoft monopoly on operating systems and office suite software.

Alas, Linux is not without it's pitfalls. The October meeting also factored in such problems as Linux's inability to run existing applications written for Windows. Although converters are available, most do not work with all Windows source code. Since Linux programs must by license be given away for free, not many software developers are willing to spend time or money programming Linux specific applications. Hence, the real growth in Linux is being driven by server hardware vendors who use the free operating system to drive sales of hardware, support, and system maintenance.

So what everyday home computer user would want Linux ? Basically one of two extremes:

    1) Those who absolutely love computers and can't wait to try something new and different. (Installing SuSe and most other current versions of Linux will automatically make your system a "dual boot" system. This allows you to choose whether you want to boot into Linux, or into Windows on system start up / reboot.)

    2) Those who absolutely hate computers and only use them because they have to to get email, surf the web or write an occasional letter now that it's all but impossible to buy a typewriter ! Ideally, Linux can be installed on an older 486 or better system that does not contain a legal copy of Windows to allow someone who is not sure about computers, or can't afford much of a system, to net most of the benefits of an all Microsoft System for 1/5 the cost !

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