We've had recurring discussions on HF radio about Linux, especially following the end of Microsoft support for Windows XP and the arrival of Windows 10. For some Windows users, Linux offers an effective alternative to upgrading or replacing older hardware. I've used Linux for many years on an alternating basis with Windows. Currently I use only two applications at home that do not have Linux versions or equivalents, and my understanding is that they do not run under the Wine software that enables many Windows programs to run on Linux. At my part-time job I am supporting Windows 7 computers, so it is helpful to maintain familiarity with that environment.
Linux provides many opportunities to learn more about computers and networking, and has many capabilities that are less common or are absent from Windows. Occasionally these have been helpful for me to troubleshoot computer hardware and network connections, and have helped to distinguish between hardware and operating system software troubles.
Most users of personal computers can accomplish the majority of their routine tasks with software applications on Linux. System maintenance does require some new learning, but all who use and maintain Windows today had to learn to use it, too.
For my friends who are curious about Linux and want to try it out or even use it part time or full time, I assembled this collection of web links that address the following topic areas:
- Linux challenges & tips
- Choosing a Linux distribution
- Choosing a desktop environment
- Trying Linux without installation
Linux Challenges & Tips
- Why it's not mainstream - This article explores some of the issues that inhibit greater adoption for desktop computers. As noted above, you need to be willing to learn if you want to install and use this operating system. Most Windows users are using computers with Windows pre-installed. There are a few computers available for purchase with Linux pre-installed.
- Rules for a new Linux user - The author gives some tips for the new user. Her recommendation of carefully choosing your first distribution relates to my second topic area below. She includes a link to a separate article to cover the question "should I use Linux".
- Helpful Communities - This lists some of the communities that are good resources for finding resolutions to problems encountered. There are general Linux communities as well as distro-specific communities.
- Tips & how-to articles:
- Linux collection from How to Geek
- Tips & Tricks collection from Make Tech Easier
Choosing a Linux Distribution
- Best Linux Distributions for Beginners
- 10 Linux Distributions Compared
- The Best Linux Distributions
- DistroWatch provides a comprehensive catalog of distributions (BSD and Solaris in addition to Linux) with details, applications, reviews and download links for each. You can browse, list the major distros or search based on your criteria, such as older hardware.
- Windows 7 >> Elementary OS
Choosing a Desktop Environment (DE) (e.g. GUI)
You select a distribution and use its included default DE or change the DE after installation.
- Environments for Ubuntu - Be sure to see the How To Get It section under each DE description.
- 5 Best Desktop Environments - with pros and cons of each
- Another 5 Best Desktop Environments list
- Top 10 Desktop Environments
Trying Linux Without Installation
Many computer hobbyists like to download a Linux distro and try it out before installing. There are two options for this
- CD /DVD - After downloading the chosen Linux distro ISO (disk image) file you use a program that can burn a CD or DVD with the ISO file. You can then boot the computer from this disk, but the performance is limited by the slow speed of the optical drive.
- USB Flash Drive - Better performance is obtained by running Linux from a USB flash drive, but not all computers can boot from USB. Here are some of the available programs for making a bootable USB flash drive with your chosen Linux distro:
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