[NBLUG/talk] Advantages of Linux

[John F. Kohler]

Edward,
I have been using Linux (Red Hat distro) since its version 5.2 came 
out.  My sole purpose was to connect to a modem, start a browser and use 
the internet.  From my first system, I could do that. I had no interest 
in an office suite such as Microsoft Works, Apple Works, or Word 
Perfect. But today, with my Red Hat version 9, I have the option of Open 
Office.org which may work as well as the above.

Linux browsers are now Mozilla, Netscape, Galeon, and maybe others.  The 
most convenient form for me is the "rpm" file which can be installed 
with a simple text line, for example,

rpm -Uvh mozilla-1.2.i386.rpm

and a fully functioning browser is ready to run.  Macromedia Flash has a 
linux version also in the "rpm" format  for the screensaver 
"xscreensaver" a "tar" format is on the website where you find the 
download, with instructions on how to (at the root level of operation) 
unpack, compile, link edit and execute, in about 5 command-line operations.

I don't know anything about photo image software, cd rom "burning" or 
other activities, since I have not tried them yet. Neither can I comment 
on Debian,  Mandrake, SUSE, or the other distros  for Linux.

Sincerely,

John Kohler
Daly City, CA