Microsoft Windows

Linux Basics

Linux is an operating system that is separate from the basic that is produced for a regular PC. The novel thing about Linux is that it is free, and is developed and improved by a series of volunteer colleagues to keep the process alive. The system is used to help produce faster calculations and programming commands. The functions help to expedite speeds of the demands, and while not connected with another processor, can run the same types of programs that would be seen with Windows or Apple.

Incorporating Linux onto Your PC

Linux can be downloaded onto your PC through either the web, or with a disc purchased with a how-to manual for a small price. the installation and download is the same as any

program, but once done, will produce what is called the virtual machine. This means that there are two separate processors that will require two separate booting processes. A virtual machine is where two operating systems are using the the basic technology of the computer, but run a different set of programming and calculations separately.

The bonus for users is that there is a variety of uses for the different types of operating systems. Software runs the same on a basic processor as it would with the Linux system, making the overall processor function duly as a faster processor, and one that can handle programming that is suitable for other operating systems. The final bonus for the Linux system is that there is no additional pull on a system to run the Linux software.

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Operating System Overview

Different operating systems react to commands based on what they have been programmed to do. There are many systems available, but based on popularity, few are highly acknowledged. One system that is grossly underrated is Linux. This system in particular is able to process in almost a better capacity than the other systems, but because of its free status, there is no way to have it placed on a system for purchase for consumers. This means that it is restricted to be a virtual machine.

Other Systems

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There are other systems on the market like Mac, Windows, Acer, SIM, and other that are used in conjunction with Linux, if a user so chooses. Linux can use the same basic programming of a computer, but it simply works the commands differently. This means that there can be two different operating systems on one computer.

For users that are new to the computer world, this may sound confusing, but the reality is that operating systems are worth learning about. They are the heart and soul of how a computer works and operates, and understanding the components that put them together will go a long way to understanding the computer in general.

There is nothing to be afraid of when it come to learning the new systems. In fact, operating systems have become so user friendly that it is not that difficult for the learning to take place. While it may seem intimidating at first, just remember that computers are constructed to be easy to use so that you continue to purchase that particular brand.

Filed Under: Operating Systems, Software Systems Tagged With: Linux, Microsoft Windows, Operating system

Why Windows Updates are Important

If you’ve ever used a computer that runs with the Windows operating system then you probably have noticed that there are hundreds of Windows updates. While every Windows user knows the little box in the corner indicates that Windows has an update for the operating system not many people know exactly why they are downloading these updates and what these updates are exactly used for. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why Windows updates are essential and critical to your computer.

Operation of Computer. Many Windows updates are required as they allow the Windows operating system to run smoothly. Many times there are glitches and bugs that are found in the operating system. These updates will offer patches to the computer users will not notice any problems with their operating system.

Security of the Computer. The Windows operating system is one of the most unsecure operating systems on the market. Hackers and viruses love to you the operating system due to the vulnerable nature of it. The manufacturers at Microsoft Windows are constantly working on ways to strengthen the security of the system. These Windows updates generally contain security updates that will help reinforce the system and prevent hackers and viruses from gaining easy access to computer system.

Updates for the System. The Internet is always changing. The Windows updates help your operating system to keep up with the ever-changing nature of the Internet. This can be changes to the system, security problems and programs that need to work and become compatible with the operating system. The updates contain solutions for all these problems.

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Linux vs Windows

Paying for an operating system can be expensive. It gets quite costly to buy a single copy of Windows for each computer in your home, not to mention the cost of updating the system.

Using Windows can cost you hundreds of dollars, whereas you can get Linux for free. Because of the low price, places can sell a Linux based computer for a much lower price.

Just because Linux is free doesn’t make it any less of an operating system. In fact, Linux can do many things that Windows can’t. With Linux you can do things such as update everything with one action, update almost everything without a reboot, keep your system secure without the type of software that bugs you and takes up your time, take settings with you, and much more.

With Windows Update, you are only updating a few things. With Linux, every piece of software is automatically updated. The only thing you have to reboot to update with Linux is your kernel. With Windows, you are required to reboot for many things.

with Linux you can take your settings with you. All your settings are in one location, where Windows has your settings in several locations.

when using Linux you can customize your desktop to almost any limit. There are so many possibilities when it comes to customization. This tends to be an aspect many people like. Compared to Windows, this is a large plus, because with Windows you are basically stuck with a small choice of themes.

Linux is much more easy to understand than Windows. With Windows, everything is inside the computer and you need someone from a Windows team to fix any problem you have. With Linux you can spot the issues by looking at the system log, and you can often fix them yourself.

Although both operating systems have their good points, we can find better things about Linux. The price is not the only good thing.

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Linux is a Great Option for Many Computer Users

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Most people who have a computer use the Windows operating system, but some people choose other options like Linux or UNIX. People who have a lot of computer experience, like programmers and IT people, generally use these operating systems since they aren’t as user-friendly as Windows is. That doesn’t mean that Linux shouldn’t be used, though, because it can some things that Windows can’t. If you’re really into computers and you’re more interested in programming and similar activities, Linux can definitely be the way to go. Even if you’re not sure if you want to use it, it’s worth doing some research on.

Talk to friends or family members who use it, or check with colleagues in order to see if they use it and like it. Before you decide to switch to it, you’ll want to be clear about what it can and can’t do, and you’ll want to see if it will fit in with the things you use a computer for. If you’re just using the Internet to look for Los Angeles apartments, find a good restaurant or look at pictures of the place you’re going on vacation, Windows will be all you need.

As more people learn more about computers, though, they’re finding that they can do other things with them. Even the small, home computer that most people use will do more than they generally do on it. With Linux, you’ll have more options – and some people have enough memory on their computer and a large-enough hard drive in order to have more than one operating system on it. That way you can have both Windows and Linux on your computer and use whichever one is best for what you’re going to be doing. It’s one of the most logical ways to use Linux and get all of its benefits.

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What Is Linux?

What is Linux? While some people have heard of Linux, others have not. It’s not the most popular or most heard of operating system, so when people hear the name they are lead to wonder what it is.

Linux is an operating system created by Linux Torvalds. Linux started as Torvalds hobby at the University of Helsinki in Finland. In 1991 he released the first version 0.02 and continued working until 1994 when the Linux Kernel was released. It is from this that the entire operating system of Linux was developed.

Now we know that Linux is an operating system, but what makes it so great? Customers of Linux say they like the types of things offered by this operating system. Many people are attracted to the low price, the customization options, and how easy it is to work and understand the system.

The price of Linux is attractive because it’s free. While systems like Windows can be costly, you don’t have to pay to use Linux. Other operating systems can cost you hundreds of dollars to install, not to mention the price to renew your license. Also, many of these systems require you to buy a license for every computer you own. You are sure to save money when you use Linux.

People say they like the customization options of Linux because there is so much variety. You can customize the desktop in pretty much whatever way you want. Most people like this because they feel they are limited with other operating systems. With Linux your computer looks how you want it to look.

Linux is easy to use because you have access to see the inside of your system. This way, when you have a problem, you are able to fix a problem yourself rather than paying to fix it. People also say it’s easy to set up Java, where it can be confusing on other operating systems.

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Linux’s Open Source Software

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Linux operating systems can give you significantly more control over your computer than any operating system made by Apple or Windows. That’s largely because Linux software is open source, which means you can see the coding and even revise it to suit your own needs. Every piece of free software is seen as a collective work in progress.

It is important to consider how different that perspective is from those used by big software companies. Even the most common Linux operating system, Ubuntu, is free and customizable. Windows, on the other hand, costs hundreds of dollars. What do you pay for when you buy Windows? Well, it is suited for people that don’t know much about computers. Anyone with much familiarity, though, will find that Linux freeware fits their needs much better.

Linux also gives users the opportunity to participate in a community of people that believe in open source coding. Computer programming has become a collective endeavor. Anyone trying to write a large program on his or her own would face a herculean task. That person would quite possibly go insane before reaching the end of the project. That’s why Windows hires so many people to write code for them.

When you use open source coding with free Linux software, though, you are strapped to a desk eight to ten hours a day. Nor, however, are you getting paid. Instead, you are collaborating others in an intellectual community that wants to improve technology for personal use.

It is almost like volunteering.

Of course, you don’t have to write code to enjoy Linux software. Programmers, however, tend to be the people spotting problems with most popular software, so they naturally want to fix the bad code that they find or customize the code to suit their specific needs.

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The Uses of Linux

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No software – however worthy, however innovative – can survive in a singular form. There must be more to it than clever codes; there must instead be the application of those codes to all parts of the world. Technology must be offered in every possible way, with the modern user demanding to find it in more than his home. It must go where he goes and it must provide everything he needs. There are, after all, questions to be answered and riddles to be solved. And this would be impossible if software couldn’t be used in more than one realm.

Linux was once thought to be such a realm: singular, incompatible, without value. There seemed to be no way to let the open source program filter into more than its established setting. There seemed instead to be just an imminent failure.

That failure didn’t occur.

Because Linux is now a multi-functional tool, able to be used in all the necessary ways:

1. Desktop. The most prominent (and popular) user form of the Linux kernel is found in its desktop form. The free software has proven effective, allowing individuals to create a home experience that they truly want. Applications from other companies – such as Microsoft and Macintosh – can be used as well, ensuring that no advantage is lost.

2. Embedded Linux. Entering the world of the smart-phone is never easy; but Linux has managed to claim almost 17 percent of the market with its programming. Users can tailor their devices to what they need, allowing all tasks to be completed.

3. Servers. Mainframes require immense power and immense potential. Linux provides that. Over 90 percent of the world’s largest (and most impressive) supercomputers are operated on this software.

It was once believed to be incompetent. Now, however, Linux has become a strong presence without the virtual world – with its popularity growing each year.

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Natively Gaming With Linux

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A lot of questions and concerns that arise regarding Linux and open source software center around its ability to run the things that users are familiar with. This is very true for gaming as over 200 million people worldwide play games online. Gamers have nothing to fear though as programs abound for open source gaming. For example, the WINE project and Cedega support Windows games on Linux.

But consider the Linux Gamers project that operates as a live distribution. It is comprised of 34 diverse free, open source games which run natively in Linux and put the player anywhere from behind the wheel of a race car to a billiards table. And it comes in four versions: Big ISO, Lite ISO, Big USB and Lite USB. The Big ISO burns to a live DVD that can just be inserted into your drive and get you playing. The distribution works very well with premier video cards and will set up open source drivers featuring 3D acceleration for others. Best yet, it doesn’t require any installation or reconfiguring of files.

On top of the assortment of fun games is a great selection of included tools; but keep in mind they come with the DVD format. From the makers of Firefox is the web browser Gran Paradiso. The network configuration tool Wicd is available for any need to alter your network settings. A handy sound volume tool, AlsaMixer, comes included as well. However, the most useful tool is the XChat IRC client. With many multi-player games, this tool becomes essential to arrange bouts with friends and to engage in the customary trash talk.

Lastly, the Linux Gamers project has the semblance of the desktop of an operating system with icons placed on menu bars represent the library of games. The native gaming experience in Linux can surely rival anything you’ve played before.

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Tips to Give Your old Computer a new Life

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Not everyone has the thousands of dollars to spend on the new top of the line computers hitting the markets every year, nor should you have to buy a new one every three or four years because it supposedly is now obsolete. You and your old computer have been through a lot together, from college term papers to Instant Messenger love chats, so why not squeeze a little more life out of it instead of squeezing your wallet. There a few simple steps to keep that old electronic friend running like a champ.

First of all, delete any unused programs. All of those extraneous programs and applications you’ve downloaded over the years take up memory space, and in turn slows down your computer. Don’t be a digital hoarder. When’s the last time you actually played Snood? Exactly, ditch it. With more space on your hard drive your computer will be able to go much faster.

Another trick to get the computer’s speed back in order is defragmenting the hard drive. If certain files are spread all over your computer, it’ll take much longer to fetch important information to run a program, causing slow loading time and potentially keeping a program from running at all. Defragmenting will put them in order and speed up the retrieval time.

Install another operating system more compatible to older computers. There are open source operating systems available over the Internet–free of charge, too. These operating systems, like Linux, don’t require the unnecessary increase of hardware power like the Hungry Hungry Hippo mainstream systems Windows and Mac OS.

Now that you’ve cleaned up the system, actually clean the computer. Dust and buildup will affect the fans and circuitry of your computer, bogging it down and creating a tendency to overheat. Just the simple act of dusting off its components can have it running like new. And while you’re at it, why not spoof it up a little bit? Give it a whole new identity with a little paint and a few stickers. Your friends won’t even notice it’s the same one you’ve had for ten years.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Microsoft Windows, Operating system