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| Tux, the Linux Mascot (Public Domain Image) |
If you already have a Windows or Mac operating system installed on your computer, it isn’t absolutely necessary to install another operating system on your computer in order to take advantage of open source software. Most open source applications are cross-platform, which means that they are designed to run on more than one operating system. For example, The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) runs on Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems. However, there are a few reasons you might want to consider using Linux to run your open source applications:
- While most open source applications are cross platform, there are many that seem to work better in Linux. This is usually because they were originally designed to be used in Linux.
- In some cases, the Linux version of an open source application is updated more frequently than the Windows and Mac OS versions.
- It can also be easier to install some open source applications in Linux. This is usually because there is a package version of the application available to Linux users that is not available to users of other operating systems. A package allows an application to be downloaded and installed as if it was one file instead of being downloaded and installed as multiple files.
“Dual Boot” Configuration
Even if you want to continue using Windows or Mac OS, you might want to consider installing Linux in a dual boot configuration. Installing Linux in a dual boot configuration involves either installing Linux on a partition of your primary hard drive or installing it on a secondary hard drive, which allows you to use both Linux and another operating system on the same computer. We will discuss choosing and installing a Linux distribution in more detail in Setting Up an Open Source Workspace, Part II.
Refereneces
1. Cross-platform definition. The Linux Information Project. Retrieved from
http://www.linfo.org/cross-platform.html
2. Downloads. GIMP. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
3. Software package. Webopedia. Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/software_package.html
4. Dual boot. Webopedia. Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/dual_boot.html.
5. Windows Dual Boot. Ubunutu. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot.
Refereneces
1. Cross-platform definition. The Linux Information Project. Retrieved from
http://www.linfo.org/cross-platform.html
2. Downloads. GIMP. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from http://www.gimp.org/downloads/
3. Software package. Webopedia. Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/software_package.html
4. Dual boot. Webopedia. Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/dual_boot.html.
5. Windows Dual Boot. Ubunutu. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot.
I've never really understood why people chose to use Linux but it makes more sense now knowing that some work better on Linux. I also didn't know that you can run Linux and another operating system on the same computer; I always thought you had to choose one. These posts are very informative and easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteI've always considered repartitioning my hard drive for Linux but never made the move. Your post has somewhat reignited that flame and has gotten me interested once more. Open source programs crop up like never before, and you're right, they seem to be better managed than their paid contemporaries. The amazing thing about open source is the ability to grow. Developers are encouraged to look at others' work and find ways to improve and redesign all in the benefit of the community.
ReplyDelete