Linux

=Linux=

Definition (from Wikipedia)
([|IPA] pronunciation: /ˈlɪnʊks/) is a [|Unix-like] computer [|operating system] family that uses the [|Linux kernel]. A Linux system which includes [|system utilities] and [|libraries] from the [|GNU Project] is sometimes referred to as **GNU/Linux**.[|[1]] Most development from 1984 to 1991 was done by the GNU project. After 1991, the Linux kernel developers began working on it as well as other enthusiasts. From the late-90s onward Linux also gained the support of corporations such as [|IBM],[|[2]] [|Sun Microsystems],[|[3]] [|Hewlett-Packard],[|[4]] and [|Novell].[|[5]] Linux is a prominent example of [|free software] and of [|open source] development. Its underlying [|source code] is available for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute freely, and in some instances the entire operating system consists of free/open source software.

Outside Resources
[|Edubuntu] Ubuntu is a "flavor" of Linux based upon the Debian release package. [|Applications] - It's amazing how many open source (free) programs are available for Linux!

Research
[|Indiana case study] - Linux for all secondary student desktops. Report from CoSN. [|30 days with Linux] - Ubuntu a user report. [|Open source software] - Lots of Case Studies showing how Linux is helping in education.

Best Practices

 * While Linux is free to license one should consider some kind of support provider if it will be used widely in an enterprise. [|Redhat] is a well-known provider for Linux.
 * Thorough knowledge of support and forums is a must. One should actively be reading and contributing to the forums to stay on top of improvements.

Known issues

 * Some hardware can be problematic to get working. The amazing thing is how much support is out there on the net. The worse case would be having to write your own driver to get some hardware to work on Linux.

Discussion
Free operating system, free open source Office productivity - what are the hidden costs?