Moving to Linux

Moving to Linux

As you may or may not know, support for Microsoft Windows XP will stop in April 2014. Win XP has been a mainstay of many computer users for many years but with its demise these computer users have nowhere to go without spending money. If they want to stay with a Windows environment they will have to spend money in at least 1 of 2 ways, maybe both ways.

 

Upgrading to a newer version of Windows can be expensive. The hardware required to run the latest versions of Windows is higher than that for running XP, so a hardware upgrade could also be required. As the latest versions of Windows are constructed differently to XP there will also be a learning curve to overcome as well.

 

This, therefore, is an excellent point to give Linux a try.

 

The chances are that your hardware will still be powerful enough to run the latest versions of Linux and it’s free! But ‘What is Linux?’ I hear you say…

 

Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer’s processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the operating system.”    Linux.com

 

This means a move to Linux will be cost free and give new life to your existing hardware. It also brings you into a new way of computing. A community way. Linux is built by the community for the community and can be used in any way you wish. It also means it is far easier to get help when your stuck and give you a greater insight into how your computer works.

 

Linux allows you to do all your everyday tasks just like on Win XP but you are now doing it in a modern, safe and secure environment. There are no viruses for Linux, at least in the wild. It has built in network security and regular small updates are made to ensure your system is as safe and secure as it can be.

 

Our friends over at the new magazine Linux Voice have put together a set of short videos that talk about what Linux is and how to get it installed. The videos can be seen below.

 

Have a watch through the videos and if you think Linux could be for you give it a try.

 

If you need help then ask your questions in the forum.

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