Choosing your Linux distro....

Linux's main strength (and some say, weakness) is its highly decentralised nature. The software is free for anyone to use, and various people have created their own versions for their own purposes, while retaining the kernel of the system.

Choices Choices Choices...

"Eighty percent of all choices are based on fear. Most people don't choose what they want; they choose what they think is safe." - Phil McGraw

Variety can be intimidating but don't worry, before making any choice, we must come up with a relevant criteria to base them on. Assuming that you're a beginner, you will probably want the following:

1) Something that is easy to choose and troubleshoot.

As mentioned in previous blog posts, the decentralised and highly customisable nature of Linux makes troubleshooting an inevitable part of the user experience. There are many incarnations of Linux out there, and you want a distro that is not only easy to use, but one with a large community of users to draw assistance from. Linux has a wonderful network of communities which you should join so that we can all help one another.

2) A distribution that is frequently maintained.

All linux distros are maintained by either groups of enthusiasts or commercial companies, sometimes they lose that enthusiasm and/or liquidity. You should beware of installing a distro such as Red Hat or Fermilinux  which will leave you vulnerable, isolated and unsupported. Although you can never really tell when a distro will suddenly collapse (see Red Hat),  it is sensible to go with one of the top 4 most common distros (2016):

	This is distribution was created by Canonical Ltd. It is the most widely used Linux distro and has contributed a lot towards making the OS friendly to beginners. It has a smooth, user friendly GUI and is receptive to proprietary drivers. Canonical makes its money by using Ubunutu as a showcase product for their consultancy and support services. It also comes in various lightweight incarnations such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu and Ubuntu Mate for old laptops.
	Mint was originally based on Lubuntu. It has a Windows like GUI, making it ideal for beginners. Unlike Ububuntu, Mint is maintained by a team of enthusiasts.  Mint's software repositories are more open to proprietary software. usually maintain the standard open source fare, with the occasional proprietary program and it will run the exact same software as Ubuntu.
	Fedora is used by Linus Torvalds himself. It is aimed at developers who want the most bleeding edge system. This might be tricky for most beginners, but if you're feeling daring, go ahead.
	Debian is one of the earliest incarnations of Linux. As an integral part of of the Free Software Foundation project, it has access to one of the world's largest repositories of free software. The Debian is composed of entirely free software and hostile towards proprietary software, this will make configuration difficult for beginners.

I have chosen Ubuntu due to its large user base which means more support, it is receptive towards proprietary software that you will almost inevitably need to run your hardware. Ubuntu, Debian, Centos and Fedora are all supported by commercial companies. These companies use their free operating systems to demonstrate their technical prowess, and to attract clients for their commercial consulting services. Distributions such as Debian and Linux Mint are maintained by decentralised teams of hobbyists. However, all of them have large user support bases who are eager to help you.

3) A distro customised to your requirements.

As well as security and support, you may want a distro that has been customised to suite your needs.
Scientists make use of Scientific Linux, PC Linux for those who want a Windows-esque experience, Musix comes loaded with free software for musicians, there is even one for Red Star Linux for North Koreans and so on...

4) If you are brave, you can create your own using Linux From Scratch.

 Definitely not for beginners, but the only way we learn is by doing, right?

First of all, why Linux?

Learning new things is time consuming and difficult. So, why should you spend time struggling to learn how to use a new operating system, when most of the world seems steadfastly, lazily loyal to Windows?

Here are 9.5 reasons why you should have a go at adapting to Linux and why should start indoctrinating your children to use it too.

You want an operating that has a fast boot-time

You want to use an operating that is as sleek as Apple's but easily customisable and not as tyrannical

You want a more secure operating system

You want to try something new and have a natural curiosity and a love for tinkering with novel technology

You would like to reuse an old PC with a light-weight OS

You're now Earth's Emperor and your viceroys will have to run the governments of France, USA, Spain, Macedonia or Mexico City

Your boss says so

You're pondering home automation

You want a free OS

1/2 reason - You're an idealist who believes in Richard Stallman's world of software that is completely Free (as in Freedom). Your personal sacrifice is appreciated.

Reasons not to use Linux:

So you can be like this guy

Operating Systems - What they do and when they can't do it.

Operating Systems

The distance between your computer's user interface and the trillions of bit processes that enable hardware to display this manifestation is vast. Think of your computer as a sandwich.

Your operating system consists of the kernel, which translates commands between the software/applications and the hardware. The kernel and applications/software allow you to control and use the hardware with precision (in theory) to achieve your aims (for better or for worse).

Now, you will notice that the various 'teeth' in the diagram line up nicely, that's simply theoretical, the reality is a lie. More often than not, it is this:

Some of you may find that your new operating system doesn't fit snugly in with your existing hardware. There will be kinks, for example, Linux distros are notoriously hostile towards facilitating the installation of proprietary firmware, even though that means you have to install custom firmware anyway to get your inevitably proprietary wireless card running.  A lot of Linux troubleshooting is going to involve you trying to perfect the latter image, and you probably won't, but we can try.

Hello Procrastinators.

I have decided to teach myself how to use and understand the Linux operating system and explore its features. Throughout this journey, you will get a chance to follow me as I tinker and toil with my new Ubuntu Mate distro. My aim is to use this blog to codify the extent of my understanding. By understanding my new (and at times, frustrating) device better, I also want to develop a record of useful problem solving heuristics that we can use to solve our unique problems. No one can understand everything, but we will try to learn something. I hope that you will find this blog both fun and educational. Learning anything new is difficult (no one wants to feel stupid) I will suffer first to limit your suffering. So, follow me and have fun.