What is Linux?

Linux is the kernel of operating systems that look like and perform like UNIX. Linus Torvalds and a loosely knit team of volunteer hackers from across the Internet wrote (and still are writing) Linux from scratch. It has all of the features of a modern, fully fledged operating system: true multitasking, virtual memory, shared libraries, demand loading, shared, copy-on-write executables, proper memory management, and TCP/IP networking.

What advantages does Linux have over other Operating Systems?

First off, Linux is free. Beyond that, it is more stable, runs more efficiently on older machines, and gives you more direct control over your hardware than other popular operating systems. In addition, because it is Free Software, thousands of people from all over the world are constantly developing and improving Linux- you won't have to wait years for your next upgrade.

What software does Linux support?

Linux supports a wide variety of software, including several major office suites (like WordPerfect and StarOffice). A wide variety of internet tools are also available, including Netscape, Napster, and Apache, the most popular web server in the world. For Computer Science majors and programmers, there are also a ton of free languages and compilers. Virtually all Linux software, like the OS itself, is freely available from the web.

What hardware does Linux support?

Linux will run on virtually any computer, including Windows-based PCs, Apple Macintoshes, and IBM Mainframes (if you happen to have one of those in your dorm room).

How do I install Linux?

Well, you can grab it from the web for free, buy it from many places online, or you can come and get it installed (for free) two Saturdays from now, on Sept. 16 in the Gilbert-Addoms Down Under on East Campus. The Installfest starts at 10am. Please RSVP to installfest@dulug.duke.edu.

So what about DULUG?

DULUG is the Duke University Linux User Group. DULUG is a group of students, staff, and professors who use Linux on a regular basis for school and work. DULUG provides support for all levels of Linux users (from complete newbies to experienced professionals) in areas ranging from Linux to Perl to Pine. We also organize installfests, and have weekly get-togethers to talk computers, Linux, and tech stuff in general.

How can I get more information?

You can go to the DULUG webpage at http://www.dulug.duke.edu/ and register for our mailing list at http://lists.dulug.duke.edu/. For more general information about Linux, try http://www.linux.com/.