Q: How much does it cost to get a stable operating system with the X-Windows graphical user interface (looks like a Macintosh or Windows system), full networking capability, an Apache Web Server (which runs sixty percent of the internet), Netscape Navigator, a full featured word processor, a very secure passwording system, an e-mail server, and several development packages ranging from C++ to Perl?
A: Nothing. It is totally free!! The Linux operating system comes with all this and much, much more. The software packages available from the Dobbs approved Slackware site at the bottom of this page range from a relatively small "try this out" size (which has no X-Windows system) to a huge 800 megabyte "come with the works" package that will run a huge network.
Q: But how do they do it so cheaply?
A: Everything's inexpensive when you harness the power of the Internet. Read more about the power of Free Software at The Free Software Foundation or for an approach which is a bit less doctrinaire, try the Open Source Organization. Do you like horror? Make sure you read Microsoft's amazing Halloween Documents for a true taste of fear. Want to know more about harnessing the power of the Net? Read Eric Raymond's totally brilliant deconstruction the anti-slack that is the software business's idea of work in The Cathedral and The Bazaar and apply its principles to your own Dobbs inspired Conspiracy destroying project.
Q: But if its free isn't it a piece of crap? How can I trust what I didn't pay gobs of money for!! And c'mon, a free Windows clone has to be trash.
A: The Linux operating system is the most stable operating system on the planet. It is not uncommon for a Linux system to run for months without ever being shut down. Linux servers run thousands, maybe even millions, of Internet sites. The totally free Apache Web Server that comes with most Linux distributions is the standard, and runs sixty percent of the net. The X-Windows systems that come with most Linux distributions are rather basic, but very stable and useful once they have been configured. The best one are GNOME and KDE, so make sure they are included with your download. Still scared? Click here to overcome the Conspiracy's tactics of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt.
Q: But what about applications and games? What about drivers? Won't I be unable to use my cool video card to play my favorite games?
A: Fear not, several office suites and lots of business software are available for Linux. These products frequently sell for much less than their Windows counterparts. Most Linux distributions come with a huge number of games, and game companies such as id software (the makers of Quake and Doom) have begun porting their products over to Linux. Drivers are generally not a problem. Many hardware companies now support Linux, and major Linux distributers (such as Red Hat Software) put lots of money into creating freeware hardware drivers so Linux can run most hardware. Also, most Linux packages will "dual boot" with a Windows system.
Q: If I install Linux so it "dual boots" with a Windows system will that cause problems?
A: Obviously, installing a new operating system onto a hard disk with an already existing system is a complicated operation. Make a back-up first. If you aren't technically aware, find someone who is technically aware to help you.
Q: My modem is slow and the whole process of making something complex like this work from a download frigtens me. Is there a better way?
A: If you don't mind spending a little money, there are lots of Linux books for sale, and almost all of them come with a CD-ROM that has some version of Linux. If you think you might have to repartition your hard drive you may want to sin against "Bob" and buy a book with the Caldera Linux Distribution, which comes with a good utility for repartitioning your hard drive. The best book is one you can easily understand - the particular Linux Distribution included is a secondary consideration - and which addresses your particular needs. The SUSE Linux and Slackware Linux distributions comes with more than a thousand useful programs and sell for a street price of $29.95. The Boddhisatva has used both products and found them both to be stable and simple to install, though the Boddhisatva complained about having to carefully clean the somewhat dirty SUSE CD-ROMs before he could successfully install them. We've also heard good things about the Debian Distribution, which is allied with the Free Software Foundation's GNU project.
Are YOU Ready to Kill the CON?
Check out the README files in the different directories to see which version of Slakware is best for you!! If you want an X Windows system download a version with KDE or GNOME.
Download the Dobbs approved Slackware package
FOR FREE from this address!!Questions or Comments?(tungtung@pacbell.net)
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