Anthony Cusimano
10256
7-10-10
Linux.doc
History and Origin of Linux
A
What are Linux distributions? 2 Linux distributions
According to Wikipedia, “a Linux distribution is a member of the family of Unix-like software distributions built on top of the Linux kernel”. These distributions are basically a big collection of software applications such as spreadsheets, word processors, presentation software and databases just to name a few. There are currently over six hundred Linux distributors, over three hundred of which are in active distribution. Two Linux distributions that are in use today are SUSE Linux Enterprise, which derived from openSUSE, maintained and commercially supported by Novell, and Oracle Enterprise Linux, which is a derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, maintained and commercially supported by Oracle.
2 Ways to get Linux Distributions and How they are Installed
Most distributions of Linux are available to download for free online. Also, there is a multi- million dollar a year business of creating and selling Linux distributions from many Linux distributors such as SUSE and Oracle Enterprise. Once you receive your Linux distributions you can install it onto your hard drive, but you don’t necessarily have to. There are ways that you can download it and burn it onto CDs. These versions of Linux are called “Live CD” versions. However with this option memory can be of concern so one would need to consult a Linux “Live CD” distributor such as SUSE.
2 Popular User Applications/ Suites available in Linux
One of the most popular Linux Office Suites definitely has to be OpenOffice.org. Open office is very similar to Microsoft office in terms of compatibility. There would be a almost seamless learning curve not to mention an impressive array of features, to top it all off it leaves a only a fraction of a footprint as other Office Suites. Another popular office suite would be the OpenOffice.org spin off IBM Lotus Symphony. Now I have not used it, but based off my research and brighthub.com the Lotus Symphony comes with Document, Spreadsheet, and Presentation functionality sets. It is known for its reliability and adaptability to pre 2007 office formats which makes it a worthy rival of Microsoft.
One Advantage/ One Disadvantage of Linux compared to Microsoft Windows
There are many pros and cons to state in this section of my Ch. 5 Linux.doc assignment. But, this time I will only discuss one pro and one con each in terms of comparing Linux to Windows. One advantage that Linux definitely has over Microsoft Windows is the price factor. Most Linux distributions cost nothing to the user. However, on the flipside, Microsoft Windows usually runs anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00. A single disadvantage of using Linux to Microsoft word is the fact that while Linux has many different software programs, utilities, and games available to the user, Microsoft Windows still has a much larger variety to choose from because of its user base being a much larger number of people.
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