The Penguin is Coming! The Future of Linux...

As I prepare to write this I am realizing that most people won't have any interest in this topic. But the reason why is because they don't have a lot of knowledge about this topic either. I find myself more and more in deep conversations about Linux, OSS (Open Source Software), and the ability to still run our lives without Steve Jobs and Bill Gates constantly sticking it to us.

Let me start off on my personal situation:

I have known about Linux for some time. I just didn't understand what it is and how I can use it. Finally when I purchased a new computer, and I had a spare, I decided to try and download it and install it. What I figured out was there are over 100 different "flavors" of linux, they all are based on the same Unix platform and use a variation of either the GNOME or KDE desktop environment. Each one is specialized with different colors, drivers, software to run on different types of systems. (Side note: I have found that one version may not run well on one system but run better on another, you just try and choose which one you want).

I started off with Ubuntu on my first system. what I found is that there is almost always someone smarter on the Ubuntu Forums that has had the same problem you have (assuming you have a question) and can tell you how to fix it. With a little practice you can be a Linux User and figure out how to customize code, programs and other settings for your own use. I also found that there is usually an OSS that can replace the most common proprietary software from Apple and Microsoft.

Now after a year of using and playing with Linux, I have 2 of my 3 desktop PC's running versions of Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
In my mind I prefer the GNOME environment.

Another beautiful thing about Linux and the community of programmers that come with is the ability to expand the platform to other devices and restore new life into them. The best example of this is the XBOX Media Center. (My Flickr-Pics). Now I have 2 XBOX's running the Linux Media Center and I love it. It turns $50 dollars in Xbox's into 2 $500 Media Centers!

I will post more on this subject in the future, but I wanted outline a few details and post some useful links to help educate people on Linux and OpenSource. I highly encourage you to check out the Interesting Linux article. The author brings up some very valid points. That is all.

Read:
Interesting Article on Linux
http://distrowatch.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBMC
http://lifehacker.com/software/linux/rip-dvds-in-linux-the-semi+easy-way-330983.php




Here is a pic of my Windows machines (left) and my Ubuntu Box on the right.