Linux

This Wiki page is all about free Linux distributions for the home office environment. I will provide you with link to 5 different linux distrabutions. Also i will explain what you should look for when chooseing your linux distribution.

Linux is equal in quality and better in peformance in alot of areas compared to pay Microsoft Windows. It is alose better on older hardware then the newer operating system and can turn a slow old computer into a more useable and more pleasent user experience.

1.)Check the Webpage of thestribtion make sure they support the driver for the hardware you have. 2.)Firgure out what you need and what you want and try to find a distro that fits you best. 3.)How active is the community involved in the development. (Very important if they don't have a big active community there won't be a lot of help out there should you run into a technical issue) 4.)What is your computer knoweldegy level and what level of computer knowledge does the linux distro need.
 * __The following are some tips for selecting a linux based operating system.__**

1.) Unbuntu - The most well know for home user and non-tech people. Tons of support and focus on accessibility, useability, security, and stability. It comes install with all the basic productivity apps and home apps you will need (OpenOffice,Firefox,Empathy). It is designed with the home user in mind super easy to use similiar to a mac. Can be ran on older hardware I recommended at least 500 MHz 512 RAM 20 GB. []
 * __The list of linux distro's ranked by best for home use and popularity.__**

2.) Fedora- Very well know Linux distro, touted as the best distro for experts. Even so has tons of options and version and is also considered to be on the bleeding edge of linux development. Very rapid upgrade cycle, and very stable. Even tho you may not be an expert this wll allow you to do everything unbuntu can do. This comes with most of the production apps that you will need (GO open office) Fedora requires you to have a min of MHz 512 ram and 10 GB. []

3.)PClinuxOS- A neat Linux distribution that takes a lot from Ubuntu and Fedora and makes the used experience closer to a windows feel. It comes with everything your basic home user similar to Ubuntu (Open Office). Any Intel or AMD Processor 512 RAM and 8-10 Recommenced for all features. []

4.)Puppy Linux- Is a fully functional super light Linux distribution that is great for older computers or those that want to only install what they want and need. Puppy Requires only 100 MB of RAM it run completely in the RAM (256 RAM with Open Office running) Super fast and super light great for that old PC that you were going to throw away. [|http://puppylinux.org]

If you need to contact me regarding anything on this wiki my contact information is as follows: Steven W Merchant Email Steveail@yahoo.com Email stevewmerchant@gmail.com Cell 610-844-4628