Linux as an alternative Operating System

Sci & Tech

By Fredrick Obura

Even though the need to have local content online has increased the demand for software, access to genuine software is limited due to the high costs of acquiring them.

But the market is not entirely without options. Linux, a free software is a viable alternative to Microsoft as an operating system. It can be downloaded for use at no charge.

"Linux is open source software whose code a user can take and edit without restriction from the developer," says Victor Njuguna, managing director Compyulynx, a software company.

More than 90,000 software packages are available and run under Linux.

Programmes running on Linux like any other operating systems are similar with the difference coming only in branding.

The version for Microsoft word in Linux operating system is called open office writer.

Easy to use

Njuguna says the source code for Linux is freely available and it takes minutes to get familiar with some of its distributions.

Ubuntu, a Linux distribution comes with many installed programmes. The software is capable of allocating Internet traffic to a group of users according to the task being performed.

"Linux is intelligent in bandwidth allocation. It automatically apportions more Internet traffic to a user watching a movie than one performing simple tasks like typing," he says.

As a result of the active bandwidth allocation, incidences like a computer hanging after long use are rare with the system.

A distribution like Red Hat or Ubuntu offer users freedom to study, copy, change, and redistribute the software freely.

"Linux distribution can be installed on any number of computers without paying a fee," Njuguna says.

"It is available in main languages and has support for many keyboard types. The languages are included on each installation compact drive."

Long running hours

Linux could be applicable in environments where people don’t have the time or capacity to control their systems night and day. The system runs without rebooting all the time.

This enable tasks to be executed at night or scheduled automatically for other calm moments, resulting in higher availability during busier spells.

Linux updates all the software on a system whenever the updates are available online, this includes all applications programs. Unlike Microsoft, Njuguna says the system does not need to reboot after Linux updates.

Games like Unreal Tournament, Cold War, and many more have Linux versions.

Besides free access and use, the security aspect of Linux is much stronger than that of other operating systems. A system running on Linux does not require installation of anti-virus, thus saving in costs.

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