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DSC Tech Library
Linux Information
This section of our technical library presents information and documentation relating to the Linux operating system especially as it relates to the telecommunications and Linux CRM Software marketplace.
Since the Company's inception in 1978, DSC has specialized in the development of software productivity tools, call center applications, computer telephony integration software, and PC based phone systems. These products have been developed to run on a wide variety of computer systems and have been tested and operational on LINUX servers and systems.
The following is information regarding Linux and its applications in the telecom and business environments.
Different operating systems, different needs
By Amadeus Stevenson
www.felixonline.co.uk
When you buy a computer, chances are it’s a PC, or to put it simply, it’s running Microsoft Windows. You might even think that the definition of a home computer is a thing with a “Start” button that crashes during your lab report write-up. However, there’s a lot more out there in computer never-never-land.
As we’ve seen in previous articles, the operating system on a computer is the software (written in a programming language as source code) which interfaces between you, the user, and the electronic hardware inside your computer. You want to play Cher’s Greatest Hits? Your operating system will contain software to read the MP3 and send the audio data in a form which your sound card will understand, through to your speakers. Your whole end user computer experience is based around your operating system, and there is fierce rivalry from different camps as to which operating system is the best. This week I’ll try to give you an idea about the main alternatives, and whether they’re suited to what you want to do. It’s important to keep in mind the idiom: if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
Microsoft
According to market reports, Microsoft’s operating systems are used on over 90% of home users’ computers. The latest version is Windows XP which in most cases you’ll be using around college and will have pre-installed on any new computer you buy.
Pros
Easy to use. Once installed and set up, which is fairly painless to do in most circumstances, it’s easy for people of almost any technical background to be able to surf the internet, write an email or letter and print it out afterwards. You can even print envelopes without too much difficulty. Being by far the most widely used operating system for home PC users, it has an enormously large choice of software, including games. For the same reason, hardware manufacturers who make graphics cards, sound cards and all the bit and bobs you could want to use on your computer have this market in mind when producing items – so all of them will work on Windows (well, they’re supposed to).
Cons
Has the largest number of exploits, viruses and worms of any of the operating systems listed here – partly due to its popularity, but also due to poor security. As many a disgruntled user will know, crashes can be frequent, and frequently reinstalling can be required. Tends to eat up system resources and is commercial software, so the inner workings are protected by Microsoft. This is the opposite philosophy of “open source” software, which releases its source code to the community. This way you don’t know how the software is written, and hence can’t fix bugs easily or reliably. Also changing system settings can be tiresome, and sometimes you don’t know what the machine is really doing.
Conclusion
Standard essay writing/general school use? Get yourself a relatively cheap PC with Windows.
Linux
Linux is the name of the kernel, or central part, of a free operating system developed from 1991 by Linus Torvalds and the internet community of open source developers.
Pros
Free, open source so generally better security. Quite a large user base so lots of software available for free – alternatives to Microsoft Office are available, as well as all the tools you’d need for graphics, audio, maths and even games. Some distributions are easy to install and use – trying to emulate the Windows ease of use factor. Make great web/email servers. Will run fine on older machines which might not be able to cope with the requirements of Windows. Users tend to be enthusastic so there’s lots of support (see Imperial Linux User group).
Cons
Won’t have all the hardware support that Windows has, although manufacturers are clueing up to the growing use of Linux – you only have to check the system requirements list on many computer items to see Linux listed underneath Windows and Mac. Can be a very large pain in the arse when you can’t find drivers for your printer and the monitor refuses to show in high resolution; not to mention the modem is unsupported and requires changing. Depending on your distribution, may require copious amounts of writing commands on a black background to get the mouse working etc.
Conclusion
Coding boffin? Get Linux on an old PC and you’ll be tinkering for hours.
Apple
Unlike the other operating systems listed, MacOS X only runs on Apple’s computer systems. This means to use it you have to buy their systems, which are expensive. Their latest operating system is based on a BSD kernel, and has converted many users by its beauty and the fact that it works smoothly.
Pros
It’s really pretty. I mean really. Very easy to use, less complicated than any of the other operating systems. Stunning graphics, a great range of software and major games are available. With Apple, design is everything, and this is true for their operating system. It’s uncluttered, easy and straightforward to use so there’s less to confuse a novice user.
Cons
Expensive. Very expensive. You’re looking upwards of £1000 for a desktop, but you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Graphic design? Mac’s your best option, but a good PC with Windows will have the designing software you need.
BSD
There are 3 main types of BSD, all derived from Berkeley Software Distribution, a split from UNIX System V. It’s open source like Linux and has many similarities.
Pros
Extremely lightweight, not at all heavy on system resources. Very secure, has least amount of serious bugs. Generally good hardware support. Superb servers. NetBSD, one particular type of BSD, has been ported or transferred to run on an incredible range of computer architectures (over 50) including Playstation 2 and Dreamcast. As with Linux, if you want to change something on your system, such as your IP address or what system services you have, you’ll just have to edit one or two files with a command line editor and you’re done!
Cons
It’s not GUI. Well not until you’ve installed it, the X Window graphical system, needing to know the synchronization frequencies of your monitor, got your mouse working, installed a window manager, installed linux emulation, java under linux emulation, then a bloated office package to make your powerpoint presentations at the risk of grinding your computer to a halt. It’s not ideal for game playing, although there are a few 3D games available, but BSD based machines make great servers.
Conclusion
Coding boffin: this is the OS for you. Others needn’t apply.
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