First of all you have to know, Linux is only the inner System Component, the Kernel. . There are different Distributions, which use Linux. We will explain everything based on the Distribution Ubuntu.
The second important thing you have to know is opensource Software.
* The right, to change the software for your purpose
* The right to share your changes to everyone
That means, everyone is able to develop Linux, even you! (if you are good enough to code).
Windows is developed by hundred, Linux is developed by thousands of developers!
What are the advantages of Linux?
Costs
Linux costs nothing! It is completely free. You only have to download it and burn it on a CD or DVD in order to install it.
Safety
Linux is much more safe than Windows. Viruses, spyware, and malware are almost unheard of in Linux, and if you switch to Linux you will never have to worry about viruses again. For example: Because it is very annoying to switch to Admin, if you want to install anyting, every Windows user is online with Administrator rights. This is a huge security fail. Linux is other. You have a standart Admin called "root". You will never have to be online as a root on Linux. Some Distributions (like Unbuntu) makes it hard to log in as root. As normal user you are able to gain root rights. If you need them, you are ask to type your password and get your rights. And it works and makes the System safer. Windows safety doesn't work, a virus Programmer can bypass very easy the "Yes" button on Windows. The Linux way is able to block such viruses.
Flexibility
Linux is more flexible than Windows. Windows uses for System preferences the Registry, which is very unsafe and difficult to understand. Linux uses simple text files with easy Syntax and standard expressions and every file has its own rights to be written or read. If you have access to the regitry, you can infect/mess up your whole Operating System (OS). So every user can edit these text files (with root rights) to adapt Linux for your needs. On Windows you have to adapt yourself to use Windows. And if you can programm a bit, you will change the existing programs for your use. Nearly everything on Linux is Opensource.
Some Linux distributions like "Damn Small Linux", Xubuntu, or Puppy are programmed to run on old computers. They are small, portable and easy to use! Most of them run from an USB-Stick!
Community
Because of the philosophy of Linux, the Community is as friendly as you can imagine. You ask for a Problem, get the command and execute it and everything will work. If there are more complex problems, you have hundreds of people, who can help you. Most of them are Programmer of Linux and the Programs, so you can get help direct from the Coders.
"Appstore"
The idea of an "Appstore", where you can download every program you want is not an invention of Apple. Linux has been using it for years. For example, if you want to install the program "wine", a program to integrate windows programs in Linux, you have to type:
sudo apt-get install wine
"sudo" is need to get admin rights, you will have to enter your password.
"apt-get" is the installation manager.
"install" means, you want to install a program.
"wine" is the package name.
Linux (or APT) will download and install the program automatically. You dont have to search in the internet for it!
The philosophy of Linux
The philosophy of Linux match the philosophy of UNIX in most parts. The most important sentence is:
Every program should solve one Problem in a Perfect way. In practice: (Example: a video player)
One person, who knows the video codecs very well, code a program, which shows the video at a specific position on the screen.
One person, who wants to program a user-friendly video player, uses the first program to show the videos. He or her programs the use interface.
And you get a perfect Program. And the "Appstore" is intelligent, if you install the video player, it will install the codecs automatically.
This Page was created by Simon Michalke, a German Geek. If you are interested in Programming, you can visit my Project.
