What is Linux?
Linux is a free open-source operating system which has been steadily gaining popularity in institutions and with individual users. It has been used and promoted particularly in developing countries where commercial operating systems are more difficult to afford. Check out these articles for more information.
- We Pledge Allegiance to the Penguin
- (Wired Magazine November 2004)
- "We pledge allegiance to the penguin, and the intellectual property regime for which he stands. One nation, under Linux, with free music and open source software for all. Welcome to Brazil!"
- Brazil falls in love with Linux
- (BBC News February 2004)
- A traveler's diary: Red Hat in Latin America
- (Red Hat Magazine 21 July 2006)
Why is Linux appropriate for UTC Parras?
The vulnerability of Windows to viruses and spyware has made systems slow and unstable at UTC Parras. At the beginning of the summer 2006 HSU Parras program, the Windows server providing access to the internet was infected with malware making internet access extremely slow and unstable. Replacing the server with an inexpensive router solved this problem.
Choosing a Linux distribution
Ubuntu Linux was an appropriate choice for UTC Parras because of it's ease of use, free install CD's, and low system requirements (one install CD contains application and operating system software, whereas Suse Linux requires 4 install CDs). Ubuntu is more tailored to users transitioning from Windows, or who are new to computers. Even though Ubuntu is a new company, the product is based on Debian, the most popular Linux distribution, so plenty of software is available to be installed on an Ubuntu machine.
Which machines have Linux installed?
Ubuntu Linux has been installed on Maquina 02 in the front UTC Parras computer lab.
Explaining Linux in Spanish
- 15 mitos sobre GNU/Linux
- Debunks 15 myths about Linux (eg: Linux is difficult, ugly, a game, there are no applications available for it, no support, difficult to maintain, communist, etc.). The article talks about how Linux has helped nations such as India and Argentina become software exporters, it talks about how Linux is more secure, and easier and safer to administer. It mentions the use of open standards, etc., etc.
- Google-translated version of 15 mitos sobre GNU/Linux
- Useful for English-language readers
- Spanish language Wikipedia article
- Useful for Spanish-speaking people getting started with Linux.
- Ubuntu portal en Spanish
See also
Links
- A Linux/OpenOffice install in Guatemala (pdf) by EWB-UCLA from the IJSLE