TechArchive

Original article date: July 1999

Linux seems to be the hot topic of conversation amongst computer folk these days, but I believe many engineers are saying “OK, I keep reading about it, but what is it ¡ and is it relevant?”. So I’m going to attempt to explain a few things. Nothing too complex, but just to make sure we’re all in the picture, I’m going to try and answer a few basic questions.

OK. What is it? Linux is a different operating system. It is effectively ‘Unix for PCs’. It boots differently, runs different software, and looks different. You cannot have it coexisting in the same partition of your hard disk as Windows or DOS (although you could split the disk into different partitions and have a ‘dual boot’ system that can startup in either DOS/Windows or Linux).

Furthermore, Linux itself is not the product you would go and install. You need to get a specific ‘implementation’ of Linux. The most popular right now is probably ‘Red Hat’ Linux (now available in version 6.0), but all different implementations you could choose still retain at their core the actual code that is Linux. So already it’s a bit complicated.

Why is everyone so excited? Well, there is the ABM factor (‘anything but Microsoft’). Then there is robustness. It is famously more stable as an underlying OS than Windows. It is also very network and internet aware. In fact, a huge number of internet servers around the world are now running Linux rather than Windows NT or Unix. But there is something more fundamental. It’s free. Well, the underlying kernel is. The actual implementation (e.g Red Hat) is a proprietary product, sold at a profit. So although you can download code updates for free, if you really want to buy a proper CD and instruction manual, that’s where they make their dosh

How do I get it? One of two ways. Perhaps your company is large, has a policy to move over to it, and a well funded computer services department, and they do it for you. Lucky you. You just learn to use the new system when it arrives. Alternatively (and more likely) you’re going to get your hands dirty. This is not like upgrading from Windows 95 to 98. Along the way you will learn a lot of new stuff.

You’d be best advised to go and get a book about Red Hat which includes the Red Hat CD. You’d also be well advised to either start learning on a separate PC that isn’t required for anything else, or partition (split) your hard disk so that you can have half Linux and half Windows. One thing you will need is access to the internet throughout. Technical support is available in several places (start at the Red Hat website).

What will I have to spend? (UK pounds)30-50 might get you a really good book and Red Hat CD. If you decide to partition the hard disk of an existing PC and keep Windows running in one, the easy way is to buy Partition Magic (about (UK pounds)40), well-regarded software which will pretty much guarantee not to wreck your system. Or you could wipe the disk and start again.

What will I have to do? You’ll have to create two disk partitions in addition to any existing ones you want to keep (Linux needs at least two). Just follow the installation instructions with the CD. Assuming all goes well (and it should) you’ll end up with a new operating system. Then you can start learning to use it.

Will I be able to use all my old programs? Most DOS programs can run in ‘DOSEMU’ (an emulator that comes with the package) provided they are ‘well behaved’ DOS programs. Windows programs will not run in Linux. However, there are some well known programs (eg Netscape Navigator, Word Perfect) available or soon-to-be-available for Linux, as well as a lot of excellent software (including a full featured office suite) written specifically for Linux. Good import/export filters should mean you can still swap files with MS Office, but don’t expect every latest Word feature to come across.

If you think you are going to convert your PC to Linux one weekend and then carry on Monday morning as you were before – think again. But if you want something better than Windows and are prepared to sit through an initial tough stage, it might be for you. It’s the one to watch in the future, and it may well give Bill Gates a run for his money.

July 1999