Reasons to Consider Linux Operating System

The Linux operating system has created a new “buzz� in the computer industry and it has caught the attention of business managers, computer programmers, and even the casual computer owner. They are unhappy with the business practices of Microsoft and the endless “blue screen of death� that constantly haunts every user that uses any Windows product. These products such as Windows NT, 98, 2000, Millennium edition, and the latest XP, have become the standard on almost all desktop throughout the world however, Linux boasts better performance, stability, and functionality over Microsoft.
On the Microsoft official website (Microsoft.com), there are articles that compare Linux with Windows NT. The authors state their arguments against open-source software (free to all), the disadvantages of a unique operating system and describe Linux as custom-built technology that is low on performance because of the lack of support. In one of the articles, “How Does Linux Compare?� (Online), it claims that Linux does not have the customer and equipment support as compared to Microsoft. It says, “The open-source nature of the product means that many Linux deployments are somewhat unique and custom built

A system that can perform with speed does not mean anything when it crashes or locks the keyboard or mouse. Linux is a system that has a superior memory management system. An article on the ACLUG site points out, “It employs complete memory protection, meaning that it is not possible for one program to overwrite the memory of another. This behavior is one of the most common causes of crashes under Windows.”

Other statements in the article states that Linux is in its early stage of maturity and lack the experience it would take to maintain the support a business would need. “This can make it difficult for small-business customers to find qualified technology providers who can support Linux-based systems.” In summary, Microsoft maintains that Linux lacks a centralized base that searches for ways to keep pace with technology, “And that means Linux is typically much slower than Microsoft and Microsoft partners to consistently deliver the tools needed to stay current with new hardware requirements and new technologies.”

Completing switching over to the Linux operating system is not recommended if a user of Microsoft Windows has not been exposed to anything else. It is like going “cold turkey” from a narcotic without outside help. There is always that chance that some of the features in Windows would entice the user back to using the system. A suggestion of installing Linux on the same machine or on a different computer is recommended with inexperienced users or users that are only familiar with the Windows system. Linux’s functionality supports many file systems such as Windows FAT, VFAT and NTFS from Windows NT. This means that Linux can access files in from other operating systems that has a different formatting structure, which is a benefit to the user. Users who like to “tinker” with their operating system can do so without the concern of damaging the system with the result of reinstalling the whole software. Another major benefit of Linux is the way “X” window environment interacts with other systems around the world. The article at ACLU continues by saying, “X allows you to run programs on many different computers around the office and around the globe.” That means a user in California can use a program on someone else’s machine in Tokyo as if the program was on that users computer. “You can have programs from your computer and others appearing on the same display at once -- and they are so perfectly integrated that you cant tell the difference.” Once Linux is install