There has been a lot of talk on Linux as a Desktop OS, including rumors, myths, facts, etc. I think is it time to destroy some myths about Linux and confirm facts. This small review is mainly concentrated on such aspects as Graphical User Interface, Text Mode Interface, Cost, Getting the OS, Application Software, Viruses and Spyware, Supported Hardware Devices, Networking.

Linux is Free: FACT

Many people confuse “Linux” and “Operating System” words. Linux is just a “kernel” or “core” of OS. The “kernel or core” in OS …..is like “brain” in human’s body. Imagine, that you got only brains, and you can add body (hands, legs, etc :))) ) separately. That is what “Linux” is. And it is absolutely free. You can download and do with it whatever you want from www.kernel.org.

What comes to ready-to-use operating systems, which are based on Linux kernel, 85% of them are totally free. You can install them on as many computers as you want. Although, there are some commercial OSes (Linspire, RedHat, Xandros, Mandriva and others). But, a free OS Does NOT mean that it is bad. There are many 100% free systems (Ubuntu, Debian, Slackware), which are as good as commercial ones.

Linux is NOT stable and secure: MYTH

People think that if software is open source, then anyone can find a “hole” and hack it. In fact, such threats as viruses, trojans, spyware, etc, can damage only Windows. A closed code can cause many difficulties to its developers, and complicate determination of vulnerabilities. Besides, many security issues in “closed” code are ignored, because not many people know about them. On other hand, the “open code” model provokes community to determination of vulnerabilities and security issues. Thus, open code has less “bugs” then the closed one, which means that Linux is more secure and stable then its alternatives (I do not mean Mac OS). Fact is that most servers run Linux.

Well, both Linux and Windows provide a GUI and a command line interface. Linux has two primary GUIs - KDE and Gnome. If you think that Linux – just a command line –well, then see screenshots of Kubuntu, Mandriva, Xandros first. One pleasant thing here is that that the Linux GUI is optional while the Windows GUI is an integral part of the OS. Flexibility of the Linux GUI is a good thing. While advanced users can customize things to their liking, average users can enjoy the default layout of GUIs (which are indeed beautiful in some Dists).

Linux is hard in configuration and management: MYTH

Linux is customizable in a way that Windows is not…for advanced users. But, again standard settings in each Desktop oriented Linux OS allows you to surf internet, configure your local network, watch DVD, listen to mp3, type documents, change your desktop wallpaper without any special knowledge. All system options and configurations have easy and understandable graphical interface.

Linux does not have enough programs: PARTLY FACT

Linux has perfect software solutions for Office (documents, spreadsheets, presentations), multimedia, graphics, internet, networking, 3d design. On another hand, there is now Adobe Photoshop for Linux (there is an alternative - Gimp, but it does not provide all functions that Photoshop has), and games (NFS, GTA…), although many game developers are seriously looking at Linux market and plan to develop new games for Linux too. In fact Linux has 90% alternatives to Windows programs, and has some cool 3D games.

Linux does not Support All hardware devices: FACT

Well, Windows also does not support ALL hardware in the world. But, more hardware works with Windows than works with Linux. This is because hardware vendors write drivers for Windows, and only some of them write for Linux. Although, all modern distributives support large number of devices (motherboards, video cards, web cameras, printers, modems, bluetooth, etc). However, if you want to set up a kind of “super mouse with finger-print sensor” which you bought for 500 dollars, well, Windows will also have troubles with installing it.

I will not be able to work with my doc/xls (mp3, jpg, etc) files: MYTH

Linux supports all documents, video and audio files formats. For documents and spreadsheets, you can use Open Office suit, which can fully work with MS office file formats. Majority of multimedia formats are cross-platform (can be viewed on all OSes).

Linux is not for me: UP TO YOU

If you are happy with what you have – I am happy for you. This article is not to start flood on what is better – Windows, Linux or MacOS. Everyone has freedom of choice to choose his OS.

All I wrote above is just my opinion. Will Linux spread to the point of becoming a serious competitor to Windows on the desktop?

Yes, it Will...although….IT IS.