Features

Linux is a free operating system anyone can use or modify, with free high-performance compilers and development kits available for just about any language for free. Features:

• true multitasking, multiuser (unlike Win95 or NT) People can log into your computer from over the internet and run programs on your computer, or do other things.
• virtual consoles, run many video modes simultaneously and flip between them.
• memory / crash protection that actually works. Linux only crashes under extremely rare instances.
• very fast file system, networking, etc.
• full set of standard internet tools - telnet, ftp, etc.
• very high performance. You don't get faster than Linux on a PC.
• ultra-configurable. With a little effort, you can make Linux look however you want, and work how you want to work. That little effort pays off in big ways.
• secure. Linux is pretty secure, meaning your kids or neighbors can't log on to your computer and look at all your stuff if you don't want them too.
• easy to use, once you force yourself to think differently about what a home computer is all about. Is it about paying out a lot of money for an overly complex system, or about enjoying the freedom of doing whatever you want to your own computer? You decide.

Just like when I was a kid, the days of power computing are coming back. People are ditching Microsoft and building and improving a better, faster, free mass of computer software. I use Linux everyday and love it. Take the time to learn this stuff and it will pay off in big ways. You'll get a personal satisfaction of figuring out how to do something yourself, and using something people made as a improvement to society. You can even buy inexpensive Linux packages from the stores now, which are easy to set up and get started on. If you learn how to use free, standardized, publicly available operating systems and software you will be more likely to really understand computers better and be able to use them when today's software companies go under. Since Linux is not developed by one software company there is no risk involved with using it. It won't go away, and it will always be supported since the public supports it.

Here are some good Linux links, or use the net search engines.

http://www.redhat.com
http://www.sco.com/

Offered by Joe.