Definition: Operating system which mimics UNIX, introduced by a Swede by the name of Linus Torvalds in 1991. The kernel, the core of the progam, is a free operating system for Intel processors, an alternative to Unix and Microsoft systems. Started as a hobby for computer geeks who wanted to find an alternative to Microsoft's DOS-based system. It can be installed on a wide range of hardware, also Apple and old PCs). It is very stable (doesn't crash) and includes multi-user and multitasking modules as well asTCP/IP file transfer and other useful help programs. The LINUX community is constantly upgrading the software, bugs are detected and reported by highly motivated and skilled volunteers and quickly fixed by a group of Linux specialists, still under the guidance of Mr. Torvalds. Latest News: Microsoft just decided to adapt part of their system to also run on LINUX.

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Advantages in comparison with WINDOWS:

• stable, inexpensive, high perfomance system;
• no licensing fees, no paid (forced) updates;
• lower administration and maintenance cost;
• rapid improvement in performance and new functions;
• growing number of specialists who can offer support;
• many software programs are adapted to LINUX;
• high resistance to viruses and other malicious codes;
• LINUX runs notebook and desktop computers, workstations; mainframes, supercomputers and even cell phones;
• LINUX works on old computers as well.
• (Might replace illegal software in your company.)

Disadvantages:

• You and your staff will have to get used to the differences to WINDOWS;
• Your DOS based programs may not run on LINUX;
• You need to carefully choose a service provider for the implementation and maitenance OR you need a good inhouse programmer;
• Attachments for Third parties may have to be converted before sending.

Another consequence: Hip image for your company.

Question: Whom do I get it from?
Answer: Linux packages (kernel & distribution: free utilities and applications programs, with manual and support) are available from Red Hat, SuSe, Mandrake, Debian, Slackware, Linspire and others.
Question: Do I need to be able to program anything?
Answer: No, but you need a Linux support company OR a programmer with Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) and Linux Professional Institute Level 1 (LPIC-1) certificates.
Question: How do I evaluate if LINUX is the right way for my company?
Answer: Get a road map /questionnaire from one of the suppliers, or attend one of their workshops to prepare your decision. (e.g. http://www.securelinx.com/consulting.php)

DOS	LINUX examples (not complete)
Internet Explorer	Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox
MS Office	Star Office*, OpenOffice
Microsoft Word	Word Perfect
Photoshop	The GIMP
Access	Oracle, IBM and others
Quicken	CBB

* reads Microsoft docs.

Most of the LINUX based packages are free as well.
Games like Doom, Quake and Civilizations are also available for LINUX.

The FBC Business Centre and its sister companies are in the process of evaluating the implementation of LINUX for about 20 workstations.