One of the best things about Linux is that it’s free. And not just free as in free beer. But really free as in being able to do what you want to do with the software. You can make copies of any Linux distribution and give it to your friends. You can’t do that with any commercial operating system. You can actually try out the software, see if you like it, without spending any money at all. There’s no licensing problems, no activization problems, no worries about losing your serial numbers, etc.

Most people don’t even realize that there’s an option. They suffer along thinking that this is the way computers are. They sometimes cause more problems than they are worth. We are led to believe that computers will somehow help us, but often times they end up slowing us down. But there is an option. It’s called Linux.

Just about anyone can use Linux. If all you do is surf the Internet and check e-mail, then you could use Linux without much problem. The only people who might not want to switch to Linux are those who have to use specialized software that is only made for Windows or Mac. Even then, some Windows programs can be installed on Linux via a program called wine.

It’s easy to install. If you are currently using Windows, the easiest way to test out Linux is by installing Wubi. Wubi allows you to install Linux with a single click. You don’t have to download any software or be a computer expert. All you have to do is run the installer, decide on a password, then click install. The nice part about installing Linux this way is that it keeps your current Windows settings. You don’t have to worry about losing your files or documents because Wubi installs Linux alongside Windows. You can test drive Linux without having to worry about losing your current setup. If you get lost in Linux, you can always run back to the safety of your Windows environment, get your bearings, and try again.

Rand Whitehall enjoys writing on a variety of topics including computers and Linux, cooking and more. Check out his new metal fab, aluminum bending brake site featuring the tapco aluminum brake.