Linux>

Linux is a freely-distributed operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds. Developed under the GNU General Public License, the source code for Linux is available to everyone. As a result of this availability, other developers have taken the Linux source code and created a variety of different Linux distributions that have slightly different functionality from each other. The number of Linux users is estimated by different sources to 10-27 million. Very likely the actual number is in the upper part of this range.

Among its many benefits are:

• Open Source: Distributed in source form and in easy-to-install binary distributions.
• Enormous flexibility: Linux runs on numerous systems ranging from small embedded systems through normal PCs, servers, and workstations up to systems which rival the power of large supercomputers. Additionally it can be extended with realtime capabilities and be used in industrial environments.
• Many applications available. Most of them are free and of excellent quality. Some applications that cost real money on other systems are available for free on Linux!
• Thousands of Unix applications run flawlessly under Linux, if the source code is available. If it isn't, then the application probably runs with the help of an emulator (iBCS).
• No trouble and no limitations with software licenses.
• Installation can be fully automated.
• No dependency on a single software vendor.
• It's not limited to PCs. If you want to get a high-end workstation (Sun, Compaq, SGI, HP, IBM), a Mac, Atari, Amiga or an Acorn you can have the environment you're used to on these systems too.
• Very stable and reliable. It is in use in high-end systems with millions of HTTP hits per day, mail servers with over 100000 emails per day, and fast SMP machines (servers and workstations).
• If you don't need absolute stability and want to experiment, you can get the latest development kernels and patches.
• Compliant with all relevant open standards. Linux does not introduce any proprietary standards that reduce compatibility with other systems.
• It is developped at a fast pace, and is the leading operating system from a technical point of view. Meanwhile it has also become the fastest and most reliable operating system for PCs.
• High security: Due to the multiuser concept every program can run with the least set of rights it needs. Availability of all sources makes the system comprehensible, and backdoors are impossible.
• It is perfect for low cost router or realtime systems.
• It can be fully administered remotely and therefore run without monitor or keyboard. This can save costs in several ways: hardware cost and cost for personnel for administration.
• Most customizations can be done via simple changes in configuration files and don't require a reboot.
• Several journaling file systems are available.

And a few disadvantages:

• Support of the newest hardware can be lagging. But it depends on the manufacturers will and ability to provide drivers.
• Few big commercial games (but see my Linux Games page).
• No homogenous look&feel of the GUI. Different desktops like KDE, GNOME and others can coexist, but as soon as programs from different are used simultaneously, one again has different look&feel. Also this will increase memory requirements.
• Windows programs don't run under Linux. (Some programs do run under the free Windows emulator Wine). Though from my point of view this is one of its greatest advantages...

The nice little penguin Tux, unofficial mascot of Linux 2.0, can be found on Larry Ewing's Home Page.