TECHNOBABBLE
I am yet to work on this section !!!!!!
As for now, here's a short Introduction on the Linux Operating System and some miscellaneous Trivia on Open software.
What's Linux ?
Linux is an operating system whose basic architecture is very similar to the Unix OS. Linux was developed by a group of talented 'Hackers' but the main man behind the whole Operating system is Linus Torvalds who developed the first Linux Kernel and distributed it to others at no cost. The most striking features of this operating system are one, it is free and the other is it's flexible. Unlike other Operating Systems, it is the users who own Linux. Linux is a completely open and a boundless project.
What does being a "free software" really mean?
Although Linux is available at no cost to anyone , the idea of 'free' has to do with freedom of use rather than with its cost. Linux uses a license called the General Public License (GPL) which allows user to modify the operating system and distribute it according to his will but he should allow this same freedom to everyone he distributes it to. This is very unlike many commercial operating systems available where the control of distribution and modification of the operating system is restricted to the manufacturer. Perhaps, this is the main reason behind the tremendous success of Linux in such a short time.
Flexible and Robust.... any concerns ?
The other feature that makes Linux so popular is its flexibility. There are various distributions of Linux available for almost every hardware platform available in the market. There are versions of Linux which can not only run on an Intel-based computer but also on a Macintosh. Its robust support for wide variety of networks and protocols gives Linux a definite edge over other Operating systems like Windows. Linux can run on a varied range of hardware i.e.: the same version of Linux can run on a P-4 as well as a 386, although with a limited set of lightweight tools. Device drivers under Linux are available for almost every product of almost every major hardware company. Major companies like IBM, HP and Silicon graphics have realized the potential of Linux as a powerful and reliable operating system of the future and have extended support for it.
Miscellaneous information about Linux:
-The name of the penguin, which is the mascot (not a logo) of Linux is 'Tux' .
-The most popular distributions of Linux available are Red Hat, Debian and Slack ware.
-One of the biggest turn-off for a new Linux user is repartitioning the hard-disk while installing Linux. But, very few people know that although repartitioning is recommended, it is not mandatory.
-One of the biggest controversies regarding Linux is it's correct pronunciation i.e.: of the word 'Linux'.
-The Linux Development Project (LDP) specifically works on developing reliable documents for the Linux OS.
-GNU stands for Gnu's Not Unix and is the name of the free useful packages commonly found in UNIX and are being distributed by the GNU project at MIT.
Sites of interest for Linux users in India.....
books available....
Getting started with Linux guide
Linux Installation and Getting Started is an installation and new-user guide to the Linux system. The book describes how to obtain and install Linux on your system, as well as how to start using it. Information on configuration of X-Windows, basic system administration, and much more is included.
Link to Getting started guide.
The Linux kernel guide
The kernel is at the heart of the Operating System. This book is a guide to how the kernel fits together, how it works; a tour of the kernel.
Linux Programmers guide
This guides covers general programming hints and HOW-TO's for programming in the Linux environment. Topics include Unix pipes, IPC, Sound programming, character based app development, I/O ports, and porting applications to Linux from other operating systems.