Related Resources • Linux Newbie Administrator Guide • 0. Linux Benefit • 1. Before Installation • 2. Linux Resources/Help • 3. Basic Operations FAQ • 4. Newbie Admin FAQ • ~ 4.1 Lilo • ~ 4.2 Drives • ~ 4.3 X-Windows • ~ 4.4 Configurations • ~ 4.5 Networking • 5. Shortcuts / Commands • 6. Linux Applications • 7. Learn Linux Commands • A. How to Upgrade Kernel?

0.1 Fundamentally, why Linux?

If you truly enjoy working with computers, Linux is the operating system of your dreams. It is more fun than any other computer operating system around. However, the reason why Linux is truly revolutionary is that it is Open Software. Our science and technology works owing to the free availability of information and peer review. Would you fly a plane that was based on secret "science" and an unreviewed design, a plane at the internals of which nobody but the manufacturer could look? Then why would you trust a computer program containing secret parts and algorithms? Open-source Linux is ideally suited for a mission-critical application--its security and power are based on robust solutions which anyone can view, criticize, or improve on. It is the implementation of the scientific method in computing.

The making of horseshoes, good glass, or measuring time were once closely guarded trade secrets. Science and technology exploded 500 years ago thanks to the sharing of knowledge by the means of printing. In the early days of printing, many of those who dared to share were assassinated for revealing "trade secrets." Linux is for the computer age what Gutenberg was for writing. Hopefully there will be no assassinations this time :-) . Linux does clash with those who claim the "ownership" of information, trying to push time back 500 years.

Next > 0.2 Is Linux for me?