Working with Linux

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You’re probably already aware that the Linux operating system (OS) is quite different from others, especially the Windows operating system. This doesn’t mean, however, that it’s harder to use. It just takes a little getting used to, and once you do, you’ll most likely be impressed at how the Linux OS works.

Take surfing the ‘Net, for example. If you currently use the Windows Operating System, you probably use Internet Explorer to get to whatever home page (Yahoo, MSN, etc.) you use. With Linux, you may use Netscape / Mozilla. Basically, this program works the same as Internet Explorer. Once you get to your homepage in Netscape / Mozilla, you simply type in your keyword or key phrase and get your Internet links.

Which program do you currently use for documents? If you have Windows, you may use Microsoft Office. In Linux, you can use Open Office, Star Office, or Office. These are very easy to use, just like Microsoft Office programs are, it’s really just a matter of learning where your icons, shortcuts, and other function keys are on the Linux program toolbars. Once you do, though, you’ll be cranking your work out just as fast (if not a little faster) than you were before.

The important thing to remember about Linux is that most of the software is compatible with the Windows OS. If you do happen to run across some software that only works on the Linux OS, don’t let that “scare” you. Again, Linux is fairly simple to navigate through and learn. And, if you do need help, there are websites such as thecliq.org, which deals primarily with Linux-related information that you can go to for information.

 

Windows to Linux

When someone is considering making the switch from Windows to Linux, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the biggest factors for most people is whether or not they can do the same things in Linux that they have always done in Windows.

Although the best advice that a new Linux user can follow is to stop thinking in terms of Windows, many have spent so many years having Microsoft products melded into their every-day lives that it is like teaching an American Spanish and then telling him to stop thinking in English.

The fact is, anything you were able to do in Windows, you are able to do using Linux. Linux comes with Open Office software pre-installed. This software is an infinitely more adaptable, and thus better, version of Microsoft Office. With the ability to read almost any file extension, there is virtually no chance that the new user will be unable to open a file due to the fact that the OS is different between the two computers. In addition, because Microsoft Word will only read files that end in .doc, Open Office has the capability of saving a file as a .doc for future use or to send to a Microsoft Office user.

There are many choices of web browsers for the Linux Operating Software, as well as other programs. In fact, there are some cross-platform programs that are compatible with both Windows machines and Linux machines.

The music editing program called Audacity is available for Linux. In fact, any software that was created for Windows by the Google company, has an equivalent by the same name for Linux. Gimp, Audacity, and GnuCash are just a few.

Now, if you are ready to be blown away by speed and agility packed into your little old computer, get started with Linux. You’ll be happy you did.

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Three Great Open Source Linux Compatible Programs

My new open office setup
Image by tychay via Flickr
One of the greatest things about Linux is the amount of open source programming software that is available for the operating system. Below are three programs that all Linux users will be able to find a use for. These are high-quality programs that are easy enough for anyone to use.

*GIMP – Created by Google, GIMP (Google Image Manipulation Program) is an awesome image editing program. Akin to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is great for retouching photos, creating artwork, adding effects, and much more. With a few simple steps users can even create multi-layered animated GIF images. While the cost of Photoshop and similar programs turns many people away, GIMP offers many of the same abilities in an open source format.

*Audacity – This open source software is one of the best sound editors on the internet. Its capabilities are limited only by the equipment the user has. For example, Audacity will record live music well on any computer. However, it will record better if a microphone is used. By loading a simple Codec after installation, Audacity will save projects as MP3s. This is especially great for those users who want to use the program simply to create custom ringtones for their cell phones.

*Open Office – A replacement for Microsoft Office, Open Office not only carries its own formats for saving work, but also gives the user the option to use other formats so that the work will be compatible with those who use other programs. For example, as long as a writer chooses “Save As” and “.doc” any work created and emailed to someone else will be able to be opened in Microsoft Word on another computer. Open Office, available at openoffice.org, also reads almost any format.

Using popular open source software like these with your Linux operating system is a great way to make sure that you are using safe, reliable programs to get what you want from your computer.

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