There's a quiet revolution going on in the computing world! Linux, the major player in the Open Source Software (OSS) movement, is now set to take on Microsoft's Windows as a desktop operating system. Linux, which is licensed freely, is an operating system which can be used as a direct replacement for Windows.
What that means for you and me is that we no longer need to shell out wads of cash for our computer's operating system, nor even for major applications like office software. Also, we no longer have to accept the status quo of sloppy security, instability or virus threats as part of daily life at the computer.
Linux which has long been regarded as a premier operating system for high performance server applications, is widely used both as a host operating system for commercial web servers, and for extremely high load databases used in commerce and industry.
Unlike Windows which only works on IBM Compatible hardware, Linux works on just about any hardware you can imagine, including IBM Compatible PC's, Apple Macintosh, Amiga, and many scientific workstation and mainframe computers. Linux is so versatile it is even being used in mobile phones, game stations, MP3 players and other similar hardware.
Recent advances in the desktop performance of Linux on PC's, coupled with the relatively recent availability of simply amazing Free Software Applications has now made Linux a truly viable alternative for nearly everyone's PC, especially for those who have a high regard, or need, for privacy; such as Internet users and businesses.
I am simply amazed by Linux! I have used it continuously, and exclusively, for more than 2 years; without a single operating system crash, or virus, worm, trojan, or spyware infection. Can you imagine heavily loading your computer with office, graphics, web authoring, and accounting software, and having it operate simultaneously as a server, working it hour after hour, day after day, week after week, and never having to reach for the reset button? Never having to recycle the power? Wow!
Additionally, recent Linux development work has improved responsiveness to the extent that there is now potential to improve the speed of your computer just by switching to Linux. For example, all the development work on this web site was done exclusively with Linux (and other free software), on a 7 year old 500Mhz PC.
If you still want to use your favorite Windows applications you can have both Windows and Linux on the same computer, no problem. You can also run some windows applications from within Linux, such as MS Office, or you can even run Windows itself within Linux, in a virtual machine window, using special software.
We can help you upgrade to Linux. If you are able to install Windows without help, you can probably also install Linux by yourself. If you are a little nervous at the prospect, but nevertheless want to do your own work, then come along to our open workshop where you can work with the confidence of handy support, and all the right tools and information.