I feel that is important for me to further analyze the benefits of open source software. In a previous post, I highlighted the cost-savings of open source and did not mention any of the other advantages that it provides. This post should provide a more balanced view of open source and the intrinsic benefits that free software provides.

It's a question that most people wouldn't give a second thought to. And why should they? It's a completely different operating system that we see advertising for, that we see installed on every computer at major stores and that we find compatible software for in those same stores.

Having used Linux solely for nearly four years now, I've gained a respect for what Linux can and can't do. By no means is it the perfect solution for every problem, but there are some misconceptions heard again and again that I plan to set straight.

"When people see that we use and recommend the name GNU/Linux for a system that many others call just “Linux”, they ask many questions. Here are common questions, and our answers."

Having tried both, neither operating system is perfect but there’s enough in Ubuntu to make a classy alternative.

At the time when GNU/Linux was in its infancy and slowly growing, Microsoft intelligently and silently crept into our home computers. They launched consecutive series of successful Windows Operating Systems, sidelining other operating systems available at that time, and took over all market share.

Hewlett-Packard, the world's Number 1 PC maker, will try selling pre-loaded Linux on PCs in several countries as it expands a test program -- evaluating a market that some competitors have already entered -- and moves its personal computer business into a new generation of form factors and functionality.

Which Distro is the one to go with If one has never dabbled in Linux. Keeping in mind that once I do get the hang of it I can always upgrade to something more advanced. but for now I want to learn which would mean something that is more straight forward and easy to grasp.