The Most 5 Common Misconceptions Regarding Linux

I took Linux exclusively for almost four years; I can confidently say that Linux can and what cannot. In no way claiming to be the solution to all problems, some of the most common misconceptions I still will try to dispel.

• Linux hopelessly behind

I often hear: “Linux for five years has lagged behind XP and 10 — from Vista”! Well, here are the facts:
Windows start to distinguish between regular account’s user and administrator only by default in Vista lagging behind Linux at 15 years.
A windows applied the firewall in 2001, over seven years after in 1994 Linux has got IP chains.
Linux was the first operating system to support the x86_64 architecture, ahead of Windows XP Pro x 64 for two years.
Windows received an attractive GUI with 3D acceleration in Vista, a year later the advent of XGL on Linux.
The Linux package management system can install, uninstall, and update the program using a single interface. Any installed program from Apache for OpenOffice and Quake 4, you can update a single keystroke. Windows not even anything similar plans.

Linux is continually evolving. Xen project brought virtualization in Linux on an unprecedented level, and kernel developers continue to work on the integrated enterprise-class virtualization capabilities. Microsoft promised to include built-in virtualization — Xen is a likeness in Windows Server 2008, the following year, but then reported that enable delayed and likely to be implemented. After the release of a new server [1], maybe in SP1 that will provide leadership in the field of Linux embedded virtualization for at least two years before Windows realized.

• Linux is too complicated

Many were unable to extract any benefit from Linux, and Linux desktop in the not even seen. Much more severe is that many people with inclinations to technological creativity, failed, trying Linux at times of rapid development of the Internet, struck it from his life and never returned. These and other reasons have led to the fact that Linux is considered the overly convoluted system.

Okay, let’s take a modern Linux distribution (e.g. Ubuntu). Ubuntu has a user-friendly GUI, Macintosh fans, it is reminiscent of OS X. But this interface is not the only one, it is possible to install both duplicates Windows XP and interfaces for special purposes (for example, intended for weak machines or, Alternatively, seasoned with modern graphic effects). Also, many common tasks and functions, from upgrading to full indexation, are carried out automatically by default.

And all of this applies to any level of using Linux. For example, Novell provides a straightforward and easy-to-use graphical interface for performing almost any administrative operations of installation and software updates to manage DNS, mail and the Web server. If you do not want, do not peek at the command line or in configuration files.

Linux ends all this installation process. Installation of Ubuntu comes from full production Wednesday, which allows you to surf the Internet. Play computer games and send messages as the setup wizard guarantees not only flawless installation but also the full automation of the process, from the user need only know how to press the button “next” (of course, if he does not want to learn more).

• Linux has compatibility issues

Any programs from Maya and Oracle to Firefox, there are on Linux. There are Linux and computer games, from Doom, Quake and Unreal Tournament series of small games like Darwinia.

Along with native applications, free (not) the WINE emulator, as well as commercial CrossOver and VMware enable you to run almost any program, from iTunes to MS Office and Photoshop; and for $5 per month, Cedega supplies gamers battles several hundred Windows emulation games from Battlefield 2042 to World of Warcraft.

As a result, an alternative to Windows-based programs can either replace the existing system with minimal effort or do without them. Apache can work with ASP-code, OpenOffice reads and saves Microsoft formats, and any known distribution can join the domain without any problems or just browse the Windows files and printers sharing.

Hardware support is equally developed: indeed, Linux supports more different hardware than any other operating system. From the handheld to the computer center and everything in between, including equipment, which is considered obsolete and no longer supported Windows — connecting to a Linux machine, you get a chance to bring it back to life. Contrary to popular belief, supported and weight of various household devices, from digital cameras to the iPod, the latest video, and wireless cards.

• Corporations do not trust anybody who uses Linux

Amazon and Google will disagree because their technology relies on Linux. PSA Peugeot Citroen, the second largest car manufacturer in Europe, announced this year on the transfer of not only its 2500 servers but 20 000 desktops on Linux. Known companies rank IBM and Novell have experienced a rebirth, based on Linux, and plans to retool the governmental institutions in Brazil, India, China and other countries foreshadow entry into the Linux community tens of millions of new users.

And that’s not counting the many small institutions like the city administration of Munich, the school system in Indiana and the American army program “Land Warrior.” Adding to the millions of users covered by the initiative of “One Laptop per Child” (laptop — every child) and a massive presence in educational institutions, you will realize that in the world outside the United States is considering Linux as the basis of computer literacy of the young generation.

Of course, Linux works beautifully not only in the workplace and institutions. If you are browsing a website, talking on a cellular phone, check your email, get cash in ATMs or just press the brake pedal with an anti-lock system is very likely, that manages all this Linux.

Also, Linux has approximately 70% of the market for supercomputers [25]. All this means that Linux takes a healthy position in the market for embedded systems, servers and the latest equipment, without losing sight of the and desktop.

• Linux is developed and maintained by amateurs.

Yes, the Linux kernel alone posted by a college student but much has changed since then. Today Linux is a global technology at the cost of billions of dollars. The vast majority of code writes the now professional programmers. During the past year, the majority of code modifications done IBM, Intel, Novell, VMware and other major companies, all do not count. In addition to the active development of the system, other companies such as Dell, encourage manufacturers to develop high-quality software for Linux. And this is without taking into account the activities of educational and governmental institutions: example — security patch, developed and applied by the National Security Agency for internal use, but available to anyone — SELinux.

The level of support engineers, as well. Of course, many forums, IRC channels, and wiki available still. Also, help can found in numerous books, technical descriptions, or in accessing the well-known companies, from IBM and Oracle Novell and Red Hat. 24-hour assistance on any of the dozens of supported languages is available together with the help of the free software community.

That’s all, in general terms. There are other interesting points, but what is listed above is the most dangerous misconceptions regarding Linux, which is constantly on everyone’s lips. They arose from the ignorance and emanated from those who either did not work in Linux at all, either did not notice the rapid evolution in recent years. Of course, Linux, like any other software, not perfect, but it is the subject of another article. To decide is the responsible administrator who can calculate the profit of the company should not be a straitjacket has thinking and weighing all the options, not swinging and proposals from the open software.

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