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FAQ - Linux kernel and desktop
Q: Is Linux ready for desktop users to switch from Windows to Linux?
A: Yes, for most. Here is an outline of Switching to Linux from Windows:
Windows applications -> Linux applications
There are almost two solutions for this problem.
1)You can use a free and alternative software for the most popular Windows programs. For example you can open, read and modify the famous MS Office Docs (.doc, .xls, etc) using the free OpenOffice suite.
2) You can use an emulator for running some Windows software (p.e. MS Office (again), DC++ and others). The most famous emulator on Linux platform is WINE (free on www.wineq.org).
Q: What are KDE/GNOME and why are there two of them?
A: KDE and GNOME are desktop environments. They are the component of your Linux system which is responsible for the "panels" (similar to the Windows taskbar but more flexible), the file manager, drawing the desktop and providing miscellaneous applications such as text editors, media players as so on. Modern desktop environments perform many functions, and have the most effect on what your system looks like.
KDE and GNOME are not the only desktop environments available. Others include XFCE, ROX and CDE (though nobody uses this on Linux anymore). Desktop environments are distinct from window managers though the difference is subtle - typically a WM will only manage your windows, whereas a desktop environment usually provides at least a file manager to help you.
KDE and GNOME are the mainstream desktops used by most people.
Q: What is it that I keep hearing about kernel versions?
A: Linux itself is just a kernel. The kernel is the heart of an operating system. It sits between the actual hardware of the system and the other programs, allowing the programs to run. A version number is a way to tell how new and advanced a piece of software is - the higher the number, the newer it is. There are many different distributions of Linux, most of which have there own version number setups. (For example, Mandrake version 9.1, 9.2, 10.0, etc.) These version numbers have little to do with other distribution's version numbers. (Slackware 9.2 might not be more advanced than Mandrake 9.1.) However, the Linux kernel that ships with the various distributions has its own version number, so that is one way of telling how new a distribution is.
The Linux version number has three parts: kernel-x.y.z
- x = major version number
- y = minor version number
- z = patch level
There are 2 threads of activity with regard to the kernel: 'stable' & 'development'. To tell them apart, check the minor version number. Stable has been pretty throughly bug-checked, while the development version is still having the wrinkles ironed out.
- stable = even minor version number
- development = odd minor version number
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