- Linux source code is freely distributed.
Tens of thousands of programmers have reviewed the source code to improve
performance, eliminate bugs, and strengthen security. No other operating system
has ever undergone this level of review. This Open Source design has created most
of the advantages listed below.
- Linux has the best technical support available.
Linux is supported by commercial distributors, consultants, and by a very active
community of users and developers. In 1997, the Linux community was awarded
InfoWorld's Product of the Year Award for Best Technical Support over all commercial
software vendors.
- Linux has no vendor lock-in.
The availability of source code means that every user and support provider is
empowered to get to the root of technical problems quickly and effectively. This
contrasts sharply with proprietary operating systems, where even top-tier support
providers must rely on the OS vendor for technical information and bug fixes.
- Linux runs on a wide range of hardware.
Most Linux systems are based on standard PC hardware, and Linux supports a very wide
range of PC devices. However, it also supports a wide range of other computer types,
including Alpha, Power PC, 680x0, SPARC, and Strong Arm processors, and system sizes
ranging from PDAs (such as the PalmPilot) to supercomputers constructed from clusters
of systems (Beowulf clusters).
- Linux is exceptionally stable.
Properly configured, Linux systems will generally run until the hardware fails or
the system is shut down. Continuous up-times of hundreds of days (up to a year or
more) are not uncommon.
- Linux has the tools and applications you need.
Programs ranging from the market-dominating Apache web server to the powerful GIMP
graphics editor are included in most Linux distributions. Free and commercial
applications meet are available to meet most application needs.
- Linux interoperates with many other types of computer systems.
Linux communicates using the native networking protocols of Unix, Microsoft Windows
95/NT, IBM OS/2, Netware, and Macintosh systems and can also read and write disks
and partitions from these and other operating systems.
- Linux has a low total cost of ownership.
Although the Linux learning curve is significant, the stability, design, and breadth
of tools available for Linux result in very low ongoing operating costs.
- Linux: ``all for one and one for all´´
All changes one makes in Open Source software will benefit each and everyone,
all over the world. Without exceptions or constraints.
- Linux is fun!
With kind permission from Canadian Linux User Exchange.
