What is Linux?

The simple description is: a free UNIX-like operating system as an alternate to Windows, Unix and the other commercial operating systems.

In reality, a full explanation is more complex, however the basic points are as follows. Linux is just a kernel (the essential core of an operating system, responsible for resource allocation etc). Linux on its own is of little use to most users, for this reason it is usually available as part of an operating system. The operating system and the kernel are usually distributed under the GNU General Public License (This basically protects the programmers copyright while also enabling unrestricted distribution of the software and its code).

Linux, due to its unix design origins is not as friendly as some other operating systems, however most tasks have user-friendly tools to perform the task for the user. As time progresses Linux is becoming more and more user-friendly, however it is not losing the ability to have fine control over the system. It is also worth noting that the linux operating system, once setup is unlikely to need any user intervention or changes for a long time to come unlike some commercial operating systems that continuously distract the user from there task.

One of the added benefits of the unix design origins is the incredible reliability of the operating system, it is rare for such a system to crash. Even if an application has a serious error and crashes it is very unusual that such an event would cause any problems in any other program or the operating system itself.

With no previous computer experience, you should be able to install the Software Domain Linux distribution and be able to access the internet as well as create and manipulate office documents by following the simple install instructions.

This Linux distribution has been compiled due to the ever growing need for reliable high quality, good value software. We feel that the current commercial operating systems and major applications are simply over priced and offer relatively poor value for the purpose that they are intended to serve.

The operating system is and should always be unimportant to the user, all that really matters is whether or not the desired task can be easily accomplished. The operating system should be unintrusive into the users experience of a system.

Linux was selected primarily for its reliability and configurablity, as an added bonus, it is also essentially free to distribute.

We have agreements to distribute additional world class software with our distribution, StarOffice (compatible with Microsoft Office and Lotus Smart Suite amongst others) and Netscape Communicator. These agreements and the design of our Linux distribution mean that the majority of computing needs are catered for, namely office applications and internet access.

Why Linux