OSS in IT
What is OSS?
  Examples
  More examples
  Extreme
What is Linux?
  Distributions
  Support
  Free? How?
  Stable? Secure?
Commercial
Solutions
  Server
  Networking
  Desktop
  Emulation
Questions
  Jobs
Links
 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can't a commercial company simply take over Linux?
    • No. The licenses prevent any company or individual from taking open source software closed.

  • Where can I get Linux?
    • Local LUG. $10 / CD.
    • Mail order.
    • Most retailers ($50 to $80)
    • Download from net.

  • Will Linux take over the computer?
    • Linux can "dual-boot" with other operating systems on different partitions of the same hard drive. But only one can run at a time.
    • Use of an emulation system can allow concurrent OS use.

  • When should one run Linux?
    • Any student interested in computers, programming or real-world systems environments.
    • Have a problem where an OSS application is a viable solution (is a very large space). Allows full use of computer facilities, rather than being limited to number of licenses owned.
    • For all Internet, intranet or file/print sharing.
    • For all networking / gateway / firewalls.
    • ...anyone doing Internet based work.
    • ...anyone doing software development.

  • When shouldn't someone?
    • Currently there aren't many games. Although this is also changing quickly.
    • When there are specific applications which is binding someone to another OS. Alternatives often exist, though.

Copyright 1999 Chris Halsall and the Victoria Linux Users Group. Reuse permitted for OSS promotion.