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Linux101

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(I use heaps of freeware already, why is this different?)
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[[Linux1013|Part 3]]
 
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[[Linux1015|Part 5]]
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[[Linux1016|Part 6]]
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[[Linux1017|Part 7]]
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[[Linux1018|Part 8]]
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[[Linux10110|Part 10]]
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[[Linux10111|Part 11]]
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[[Linux10112|Part 12]]
  
  

Revision as of 02:14, 15 July 2012

A wild Linux appears!

This guide will explain the following:

1) Explain what free software and Linux is, and why they may or may not matter to you

2) Debunk a lot of myths about GNU/Linux, as well as remove the rose coloured glasses and give folks a realistic expectation of what it can and can't do

3) Give an ever-growing list of end-user software for GNU/Linux that is either identical or functionally equivalent to a Windows/non-free alternative. After all, if an operating system can't run applications that you need it to, it's useless to you.

Contents

Firstly some definitions and FAQs:

What is Linux?

"Linux" is a kernel - a small piece of software that talks directly to computer hardware. "Linux" by itself is useless to an end user. It needs some sort of interface to show the user output (graphics, icons, sounds, etc) and some sort of shell/input to recieve instructions (again, icons, mouse/keyboard, etc). Linux is most often paired with the GNU utilities and software such as the graphical desktops GNOME and KDE. The combined name for this entire operating system is GNU/Linux.

What is free software?

Some people would say "software that costs nothing". And surprisingly, they'd be wrong. "Free" means two things in the English language.

From dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/free

Summary: free can mean:

1) Not costing any money

2) Liberated, or removed from restriction.

"Free" in "Free Software" means the second. "Free Software" is often sold for money, and indeed in many countries people make a great deal of money selling Free Software to all markets including home users, education, government and the corporate world.

Why should I care if it's free?

Good question. Let's first examine the "four freedoms" that Richard Stallman (founding member of the Free Software Foundation) believes every user should have when it comes to software (excuse the nerdiness as he starts counting from "0" like a computer):

  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

These freedoms sound pretty common sense. They are freedoms you would demand from anything. But all are in jeopardy. Let me give examples:

  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).

DRM. It's here, and it's bad. So you've bought a movie? And you want to watch that movie on hardware somewhere other than your DVD player or home PC? If you live in the United States, Canada, and shortly Australia, that is a criminal offense. Yes, an offense for running software other than it's intended use as outlined by a foreign company.

  • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

You've downloaded a piece of software to play a movie, and you want to look at the source code to make sure it doesn't "phone home" and distribute information about you, or install spyware on your computer. Perfectly valid reasoning, but illegal under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act).

  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).

School children learn complex computer programs at school. They go home, and find that they can't afford $1000 for the latest Microsoft office. They copy a friend's CD so that they can learn the package with obviously no commercial gain. They have broken the law.

  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

Crackers have found a new Microsoft Windows vulnerability! It's spreading like wildfire and costing businesses and individuals millions of dollars. You find a patch, and want to upload it to Microsoft so you can help your fellow man. Under the Windows EULA (End User License Agreement) this is not allowed. Under US copyright law, this is illegal, and criminal.

4 examples spanning a wide range of user types where your freedoms are removed when using non-free software.

Is GNU/Linux the only free software?

No, not even close. Free software comes in many shapes and forms. GNU/Linux is just one of many. I concentrate on GNU/Linux because I find it the most flexible for a range of tasks I need to do for both myself and customers, but it is by no means the only, nor the "best" free software.

I use heaps of freeware already, why is this different?

"Freeware" is a term that refers to software which is free of cost. This software often is still closed and proprietary, and does not allow you access to change, fix or improve it. Despite the small syntactic difference in names, "freeware" is not "free software".


Part 2 goes over some common Linux myths.

Part 2 >>

ToC

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12




This page adapted from elvis' big fat Free Software / Linux 101 sticky thread, found here: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=736602