One thing that tends to be popular with Linux customers is the freedom that they have. With Linux, you have the ability to customize your desktop in a variety of ways. Linux hardly limits you to the possibilities you have when it comes to customization, while other operating systems will limit your ability to customize. This way, your desktop is just how you want it.

Linux is much easier to understand. When using other operating systems you have no idea what is inside your computer. With Linux you are able to see the system logs. Due to this, when you have a problem, it makes it much easier to fix the problem yourself.

With expensive operating systems, people tend to break the law by pirating software. Either you break the law, or spend thousands of dollars on an operating system. With Linux you don’t have to worry about pirating or breaking the law because its all free.

Linux tends to have more security than other systems do. This could be due to the system not being as popular, so people don’t target Linux. Whatever the reason, Linux has been found to be more secure.

Linux has other positive aspect about it besides its price and customization. Don’t let the big companies fool you, though. Just because Linux is free does not mean it is a bad operating system.

One of the best things, besides the low price, is how easy the system is to work. Linux is very simple to install, which makes it great. You don’t have to restart your computer when doing certain tasks. Many people like this. With other operating systems you must restart your computer before you can continue. With Linux, this is not necessary.

When you have Linux, it’s easy to switch back to Windows if you need to. Plus, a Linux web site can be converted into a Windows site without problems.

Not only is it easy to customize your desktop, but you also get more options than with other operating systems. Linux offers a variety of customization options. This way, your desktop will always look the way you want it to look.

Linux is able to work on basically any computer. It will run on the old computer you have sitting in storage when you need a back up. If you install Linux on your back up computer, you won’t need to continue to update a different system constantly when you don’t use that computer.

Linux is a secure system, too. It’s been around since the early 1990′s and hasn’t had many problems with viruses. Plus, the annoying anti-virus windows rarely pop up.

Yes, Linux is free, but that does not mean it is a bad operating system. Linux users tend to find that Linux is easy to use and they enjoy the customization options given. You can use it for your everyday computer, or if you don’t particularly prefer it, you can install it on your back up computer in case something goes wrong with your primary one.

Peeling back a typical open source application you are likely to find the window managers Gnome or KDE. Even likelier is that it is all running on a Linux operating system. And at the core of it all is the kernel. This is the distinguished Linux kernel, connecting your collection of software to the halls of your hardware. To say a program is Linux based is really just simply saying that it uses the Linux kernel. But what do they actually do?

Formerly known as distributions, what operating systems that use the Linux kernel do is offer a buffet of open source software as opposed to actually cultivating them. Well known systems like Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are perfect examples. The open source programs and distributions work hand in hand.

For a detailed example, think about the above mentioned Gnome window manger. It is the desktop environment of most the popular distributions such as Ubuntu and Red Hat. These distributions are free to manipulate Gnome by including or omitting certain applications to reach its intended purpose. It can be said then that essentially Gnome becomes the operating system since it is the interface.

But, a distribution like Ubunutu will do without the Gnome web browser Epiphany and support Firefox. Instead of supporting the Gnome office suite, it institutes the widely used OpenOffice program. Users are free to choose among a variety of distributions that will house an array of open source software.

It is additionally the distributions purpose to make sure the applications in its repositories operate among each other flawlessly. Because all of the alternating parts are independently developed, they contain differing directions and objectives. The distributions then are tweaked to keep all systems moving smoothly.

These Linux distributions act like the shepherd of open source computing, herding a diverse set of software sheep into one powerful digital herd.

As the use of Linux has diverged from generally the realm of computer enthusiasts to the desktops of general users, the advantages of open source software has become more apparent. For one, its free and eliminates the need for software licensing fees. It is also resistant to malware and can be used with a variety of file configurations and media. Lastly, it won’t eat up your hardware space and since a lot of users are actively invested in its use, there are numerous places to find support. But what isn’t apparent to a lot of users–since it is an evolving and growing entity–is all the varying Linux distributions out there that cater to styles, preferences and uses.

Here is a run down of some of the best Linux distributions available:

Ubuntu is considered the most popular option out there. It is easy to both obtain and use. Downloadable online or on CD from Canonical free in the mail, Ubuntu stresses usability and a user-friendly work space. It’s a great option for new users.

As mentioned, the choice of distribution will come down to preference, and some users prefer using KDE instead of Gnome, which Ubuntu is based. KDE’s greatest perk is its aptitude towards customization. However, there is now a fusion of the two in the form of the aptly named, Kubuntu. When in doubt try both styles.

Suse Linux, while not free, is a very advanced and enhanced commercial distribution. It is arguably the best option for those needing sound integration with a Windows environment. Another distribution that adequately meshes the systems of Windows and Linux worth looking into is Xandros. It comes in two versions: one for home and one for business users.

A blessing for Linux desktop users is Mandriva, Europe’s popular distribution. This option is easy to install and configure, plus maintains great hardware support. It also supports a dearth of commercial software. Yet, the chief operator of mainstream software is the Linspire distribution. With the replacement of Windows in mind, it supports major multimedia and applications for Windows with the Linux desktop. Windows fans could fall in love.

Knoppix
Known for its data recovery prowess, Knoppix is a user-friendly Linux distribution that boasts a clean interface for simple transfer of data onto an external source by mounting a drive.

Trinity Rescue Kit
It almost seems to simple to be true. Place the Trinity Resuce Kit on a USB drive, boot your computer and let a powerful host of antivirus tools scan the mounted drives.

Avira AntiVir
Swift and steadfast, Avira AntiVir is a command-line antivirus tool with a graphical user interface that will get the job done.

GParted Live
Another Linux distribution, GParted Live allows the user to control partitions. It’s compatible with various file systems and is very portable as it can be run via USB drive or CD.

SystemRescueCD
Controlling partitions, recovering files, testing the hard-disk and formatting FTPs and disks are just some of the plentiful tasks the Linux rescue CD SystemRescueCD can accomplish.

Unbuntu Rescue Remix
As would be expected, Unbuntu Rescue Remix has an outstanding interface, but that’s not all. It can recover and save files and file systems over a whole range of operating systems and drives–even deleted files.

F-Secure Rescue CD
Molded after Knoppix, F-Secure Rescue CD will review the honesty of applications you have installed, as well as repair the effects of malware and has an exceptional data recovery.

Ddrescue
Seeing read errors? The Ddrescue Linux tool can salvage your data by copying it from one file block agent to another.

Safecopy
Like others, Safecopy can copy data, but this tool can also extract data from CDs in raw mode and implement system resets, plus run testing and benchmarking in bad media simulations.

Linux rescue mode
Coming in the form of a Linux boot CD, this mode lets you retain passwords and fix your boot loader, among other useful repairs.