As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm interested in working with Linux or Unix, but I'm kind of technologically hopeless. So I was hoping some people here could help me out.

Specifically, what is the difference between linux and unix?

Also, how can I install linux on my computer? How does it work? How can I keep it from clashing with the Windows OS that is already installed on my computer?

And despite the fact that I hate most Mac products, I use iTunes (in conjunction with my iPod). Will iTunes work in Linux, or is that a hopeless case? Will I have to back-up and reinstall all my various files and such if I install Linux?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm just a bit of a confused case and looking for a crash course, if possible.

The simple difference between Unix and Linux is: Linux is completely open source, and Unix is not.

Linux is said to be a "Unix-like" operating system in that it follows the same kind of standards Unix is built on. So "Unix" or "*nix" usually just refers to a bunch of operating systems that are similar (Unix, Linux, BSD, Solaris etc).

You can install Linux on your computer by downloading one of the many many distributions. A distro is a complete OS solution, containing the actual Linux kernel (the thing that takes care of such low-level details like memory management), software libraries, etc. There are distros for many purposes. Some are mainly used to run servers (like CentOS) and some are meant to be used as desktop OSes like Ubuntu.

Linux is Linux in the same way Windows is Windows. Think of the different distros as the difference between something like Windows XP and then Windows Server 2003 -- they contain different software and are meant for a different purpose. Just with Linux being open source, there are a lot more options for you to choose from. Take a look at DistroWatch for a list of distros you can choose from. Right now Ubuntu is very popular for users looking to install Linux on their computers as a desktop OS. It's very user friendly and has a booming userbase.

All you need to do is download the ISO and burn it to a CD (Ubuntu gives away free CD's, so you can actually get them to send you a free copy if you don't want to burn one yourself). From there, just pop the CD into your CD-ROM and reboot your computer. It should boot right off the CD, and you can follow the onscreen instructions to install the OS.

Most modern Linux distors work side by side with Windows, allowing you to re-partition your harddrive so they can co-exist peacefully. Whenever you boot, you'll have an option to either boot into Windows or to boot into Linux.

As for using your iPod, I'm not sure... Someone else might have to look that one up

If you choose to install Linux on your computer, you should backup all of your files. Although it will likely go without any problems, when you're dealing with something like an OS you just never know

What's cool about Linux is that its kernel allows it to be installed on almost any OS. Even smaller "OS" systems will contain Linux because it doesn't have such a large mainframe to work with. Plus it's very easy on the memory.

OS X is run off of a Linux kernel essentially. Which is another reason why Macs are very secure. There are other reasons too, but that's beside the point. Another thing to point out about Linux is that it's mostly "geeky" such as using command lines. It does have a GUI, but Linux has much more flexibility with its command line than Windows XP. Of course that's because Windows isn't a full DOS anymore since it came out of 3.1.

Ahh the memories

Although Linux (and it's way too many different versions) is a great OS, I would not recommend it to someone who's "technologically hopeless"

It's just...less intuitive.

Honestly, I think the only users who will have trouble with Linux are the ones that are in between 'newbie' and 'power user'.

A computer user who just checks their email, surfs the web, plays little flash games etc. will have no trouble at all. All the software is there, and on most modern distros all that software is literally a one-click install. All they need to do is find alternatives to the programs they are used to (eg. Firefox instead of IE, Thunderbird instead of Outlook, GAIM instead of MSN/AIM/YIM etc).

For power users, they will know more about what they are getting themselves into. They will be willing to learn the new OS and will likely pick it up easily.

But for the users that are in between, I think thats where the learning curve is felt the most. Most modern distros have auto updates, one click installers etc. but for the user who is used to tinkering with settings but not to the extent of a power user, they might find it a bit difficult.

All in all, Linux these days is not half so hard as it used to. It's gotten easier even in the last year thanks to distros like Ubuntu who are specifically targeting the desktop OS market.

Originally Posted by Chroder

Thunderbird instead of Outlook

You know, I've never tried out Thunderbird. I have always used Outlook Express 6 and haven't had any spyware/viruses through attachments. I might get it now

Of course, I do use Gmail. I use that and OE6

Not to get off topic, but Thunderbird is a good program.

Okay, I went off topic. Back to the topic....

Dave

Wow, thanks. This is all really helpful, and I very much appreciate it.

(And to put in my own two cents on Outlook -- bad! Bad bad bad! Not in terms of viruses or anything; I just HATED the way it worked. Although as I'm quite happy with various Mozilla-related internet things, I may give Thunderbird a shot . . . )

I'm using Outlook 2007 right now. I need the complete package: email, notes, calendar, todo list etc.

Hmm, seems I can't xfer my MSN email account to it. It won't do HTTP protocols