The following webpage is a guide to deciding whether Linux is an option as an operating system for you. Up front it should be said that Linux is not for the faint of heart. In other words, those that do not feel very comfortable with Unix should just stay with Windows/MacOS unless you are determined to learn Linux. Advantages

Price

* Many vendor's distributions of Linux are free for download as are many programs which run on Linux. If a vendor's distribution is not free, it is often very reasonably priced.
* If you are unable to download distributions/programs, because of slow internet access or other reasons, there are often places where the media can be bought for a nominal fee.
* Most software is distributed under the GNU Public License or a similar license; licenses that allow anyone to modify the internal code of the software to fit their individual needs or to provide improvements.

Upgradeability

* The core of the Linux operating system is free and is updated constantly with new features and support for new hardware.
* Many of Linux's large quantity of programs are "open source," allowing the holder of the software to improve the software in whatever way they want as long as credit is given.
* Some distributions (Debian, SuSE) allow for updates to be done online and are free. Other distributions (Red Hat) allow for free online updates for a first computer but charge for any others past that.
* Older "slow" machines can be turned into useful workstations or for other tasks.

Security

* Well-done administration of a computer with Linux allows for a very secure multi-user workstation.
* Viruses are less of a threat now. The system setup of a Linux system does not allow a virus to act as it does on a Windows machine, and the fact that almost no viruses have been written for Linux allows for a very secure feeling.

Customization

* Thousands of applications, applets, software, etc. to customize the look, feel and overall performance of your workstation.
* A wealth of people that have tastes similar to yours that have made themes or written programs that accentuate your personal tastes.

Miscellaneous

* Support for the Linux operation system can come from both the group that releases the distribution or else from the thousands of Linux users all over the world that are willing to help others with problems.
* Retail versions of Linux have helpful documentation (in the form of manuals) that is not included with the downloadable version.

Disadvantages

Computer Ability

* To install and keep a Linux system working at its best, the user(s) must be a proficient with computers and should ready to be hands on (aware of possible vulnerabilities).
* The responsible person should be used to Unix type commands. A working knowledge of Unix is useful because some work may be needed to be done in a non-graphical environment.
* Programs that are not provided as a package or binary require a more adept computer user to install.

Security

* As with any clean (initial) system install, Linux security needs to be tightened to make sure any malicious attempts to gain access to a computer will be in vain.
* This can be accomplished with system policies and a secure firewall.

User Friendliness

* The installation procedures for Linux are getting better but are not as refined as Windows/MacOS.
* Graphical interface has progressed, but still has some issues that have not yet be fixed.
* Not all distributions are the easiest to administer changes. A select few have graphical interfaces for their administration.
* Inability to use the Novell Distributed Applications except on Novell linux desktop and SuSE.