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LinuxHaxor
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MHLinux On a Nutshell
You have five minutes and ten sentences to explain Linux to a complete newbie, without the geekery mumbo jumbo. What would you say? Here is my take:
1) Linux is a Kernel.
2) Linux Kernel is the main component of all Linux Operating System.
3) The word “Linux” can be used to describe both the “Linux kernel” and the “operating system”.
4) Linux has many “distributions“.
5) Linux Distribution is a collection of applications bundled with the Kernel.
6) Ubuntu is one of the many, and the most widely used, Linux Distributions.
7) Linux is a safe operating system and viruses are very rare.
8) Linux is free.
9) Linux is highly customizable, like any open source software.
10) Linux is the leading embedded OS, which means you probably used Linux already without knowing about it.
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Nice one, gets you thinking.
I’ll just try a quick one sentence explanation.
Linux is a free and open source operating system that is distributed in different ways to meet the needs of almost every user from desktop/laptop, to servers and embedded systems and is a part of nearly every internet users daily life.
It is a long sentence though
2) Linux Kernel is the main component of all GNU/Linux Operating Systems.
3) The word “Linux” is appropriate for describing the kernel, but it is often used to describe the entire GNU/Linux operating system. (Windows is not described as NTOSKRNL.EXE).
I’m sorry, but with the word “kernel” you lost everyone in the room who lacks geekly knowledge. For the average user, “UI”, “embedded”, or even “operating system” might as well be Aramaic. Even “application” will stump many an end user. Stick with “menu”, “program”, and “click” and you might have half a chance. I have worked training end users since 1977. I have taught college courses on computer topics. I know whereof I speak.
Rambo is right. “kernel” in the definition will lose most folks. My shot at it:
Linux, like Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOSX, is the basic software that makes computer hardware “do” anything remotely useful.
Linux has been around XXX number of years, and it is tends to be very secure and safe with very few viruses targeted to it.
There are many “flavors” of unix (called distributions), which affect the “look and feel”, but at the most basic level, are the same.
The distributions are different in that they bundle different applications, or versions of things like a mail tool, or photo editor, with Ubuntu being one of the most popular distributions/flavors.
Linux is not free, however giving your local geek a pizza will make it seem near free.
Linux is highly customizable, again, for the cost of a pizza.
“You know how your computer has ‘Windows’ on it?”
“Yeah.”
“And how your barista’s computer is a ‘Mac’?”
“Yeah.”
“Well Linux is like Windows or Mac’s operating system…except it’s free and does a lot of things Windows & Mac don’t.”
“Great!”
“The only problem is that a lot of content providers, like music & movie & TV companies (and even some banks and software companies) haven’t woken up to the future yet and are still trying to protect their content with pointless ‘DRM’ which often won’t work on Linux. So some of your favorite content won’t be easily (or legally) available if you run Linux - yet.”
“Bummer.”
“Yeah…but it’s starting to change. Lots of innovative tech companies are tired of having to limit themselves to Microsoft or Apple and are releasing computers and phones with Linux on them. The content providers are starting to wake up to the fact that they’ll have to find ways to support Linux users…and also that they can make more money by not crippling their content with DRM.”
Linux rocks
So does Open Source
So proud to be a Linux user
It’s a complete operating system for standard PCs that’s both free and a lot more secure than Windows - virus/spyware problems are basically unheard of. It’s really a world-wide geek revolt against Microsoft, and is a cousin to the operating system inside a modern Mac and shares a lot of the same security improvements but unlike a Mac it runs on standard hardware. It runs it’s own software, most of which is free, and in a pinch with a decent machine you can still run most Windows applications one way or another while leaving your basic web/email work in Linux where you’re virus-armored to hell and gone.
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That’s the basics. I would usually add that major free apps used a lot in Windows are available in Linux too, such as OpenOffice, Firefox and Thunderbird.
If need be and they’re really interested in converting, you can install a WinXP virtual machine for the one or two mission-critical apps most people have…in my case the ability to take apart Diebold election systems data files in MS-Access. Virtualbox has become REALLY clean of late…
I’ll share the conversation I just had last night with my 13 year old daughter, after I realized that her windows machine lost its mind for the last time and I Ubuntu’d her:
13:” How is it different?”
“It is made by a company but that’s not important, it looks a lot like microsoft, and is completely compatible within the tasks that you perform” “oh, and it’s way cooler”
13:” what about powerpoint? ” “Microsoft Word?”
“yes”
(sensing something is up)
13:” is it CALLED “WORD” ?”
“No, they are called Document Editors and Presentation something, but they are compatible”
13: “Well, some of my friends, like they have a mac, and like they have to retype everything when they get to school, macs don’t work”
“I know, this isnt like a mac (I know I was pushing it)
This is compatible, just try it.”
13: “does it have tabs?”
(she meant the browser)
“Yes”
13:”ok”
Later that evening, I could hear her working the USB drive, browsing documents, typing some modifications, etc. she Printed to our network printer and walking by said “Hey, it even prints!”
Otherwise, never heard a WORD.
This is a PIII 1Ghz with 1GB ram, never changed the hardware, keep that in mind…..
Even later, I asked “How’d it go with the new computer?”
13:” Great, its a lot faster”
“Good night”
13:” Good Night”
i don’t think you understand how fully someone can be a “newbie” if you think they will understand what a kernel is. i know people who don’t know what an operation system is.
It s a good itroduction to linux system
Having done this many times, I consider THIS to be the best way to explain Linux to someone who doesn’t know what a “Kernel” is.
“Alright, well you know how some computers have Windows, and some have Mac OS? Well Linux is different from Windows and Mac the same way that they’re different from each other. You know how Firefox is free, and a buncha people develop it for free? Linux is like that too — it doesn’t cost anything, but works just as well as Windows, just like how Firefox works just as well as Internet Explorer. And you know how anyone can change Firefox, because the developers give you all the code if you ask for it? Linux is like that too. Free, different, works great, and you can change it.”
Better list of ten:
1. 100% free, stable clean, fast
2. No anti-virus or anti-malware required
3. 1000% customizable look, color, theme, etc.
4. Free community support, each version (distribution) has a forum to post questions. People are very eager to help.
5. Linux, open source community software written by geeks, used by everyone.
6. A full complete desktop/laptop operating system with full Office, DVD/CD burning, Video, Graphics all for free!
7. Why pay for software when you can get web, ftp, pop and server functionality for free.
8. If you can handle XP you can handle Linux.
9. There are as many different distros of Linux as there are types of cars.
10. Download and Burn the .iso to a cd . Boot off of the cd and see if you like it? If not toss the cd and try another distro.
Linux is like Windows and Macintosh except harder.
Failure is not an option. It comes bundled with every Microsoft product.
One day in the early 90’s, some finnish dude named Linus said “I think I’ll make my own operating system” (you know, like Windows) and give it away for free. I’m fscking tired of companies bullying us into buying their stuff” (you know, like Microsoft). And so he did, but he only made the central part of the system (that’s called a “Kernel”). He called this kernel “Linux” and gave it a mascot: A cute penguin named “Tux”.
Meanwhile, a bearded guy called Stallman was thinking about the same thing, but he started with the programs and left the kernel for last. He, like Linus, was also competing against Unix, so he called his operating system “GNU” (short for “GNU is Not Unix”. Yeah, the acronym is inside the definition, that’s part of the joke).
But Stallman wanted to make sure that nobody would take his code and force people to buy it. So he added a clause into his license that said that if you distributed the software, you’d also have to distribute the original code so anyone could modify it. This license was called the GPL. and it was specifically designed to be immune to cheap Microsoftian tactics (ingenious, isn’t it?).
Finally, those two dudes met, and the GNU/Linux Operating System (some people call it “Linux” for short) was born. And Microsoft can’t buy it, and can’t compete with the price.
But that’s not all - you won’t get viruses in this thing! I’ve tried it and I love it!
@ pootedesu
Linux is like Windows and Macintosh except harder.
huh??? Let me fix this for you…
Linux is like Windows and Macintosh except smarter.
-Lord Hennessy
You Linux dorks need to realize that most people don’t care about what Linux can do. They just want to go down to Wal-Mart or Best-Buy and buy a computer, plug in it, surf the internet, write and check some e-mails, play some music and maybe write a few blog entries and go on MySpace and Facebook. They don’t care about open-source or kernels or customization. Most 17 year old kids simply want to go on Myspace and look at cute boys or cute girls.
Windows is free — ever heard of frostwire? I can get Windows Vista, XP Pro, Office XP or 2003, Macromedia, etc. etc. all FREE.
But even for those with a conscious, Windows usually comes pre-installed on the computer they buy and most people don’t mind paying a few bucks for an app that works well.
Linux dorks need to get over Linux and move on with life.
I think you meant “IN a nutshell”… “ON a nutshell” sounds rather dumb.
You also forgot a couple things.
11) Linux, the most time you’ll spend reinstalling the whole damn OS simply because you tried to update your video drivers. Have an ATI card? Free up your weekends…
12) Linux, where doing things the easy way is punishable by death!
13) Linux, because 500,000 distros that all look and act the same way simply aren’t enough!
14) Linux users are ALMOST as self-righteous and stuck up as MAC users.
15) Linux - yeah, we know the wheel has been invented… but who cares!?
kernel, distribution, embedded OS, any other word over 5 letters = geekery mumbo jumbo
hence,
this list = EPIC FAIL!
Turn around is fair play. Explain in 10 sentences what Windows is without editorializing (e.g. Windows is sh*t). It’s an equally hard problem and I think worth answering in the context of Google’s growing encroachment on the desktop. For many people Google is the internet, and computers are really just a way to access the internet. So then what is Windows? Does it even matter anymore? It’s more than “a pile of poorly debugged drivers” and with each passing day, it’s less of a “technology lock”. So what is Windows?
It’s like Popcorn,but meatier..and shiny..
Linux is the easiest, safest and least expensive way to make computer hardware do what you want it to do.
Hi, great idea to try to explain it more simply to new people… IMHO, you’ll lose people at the 4th word ‘Kernel’ - I’ve been running Ubuntu for some time now - I don’t profess to be any kind of expert - and I still don’t even really know what that means.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers,
Erland.
Well, I hate to bust everyones bubble…..but Linux with all of its security and being free has a ton of issues. Yes, you can run it on most any machine quite well, but you have failed to mention that each distro is different in many ways. I am an opensource advocate, but I will have to say that Linux can be a royal pain. I spent 6 hours just getting certain video drivers to work with a Dell Precision T7400. This was with the help of a Linux support team.
In my own experience, this is a repeat of a many talked about problems. Free does not always mean best. It comes with a price….you can pay for it with Windows or Mac….or you can pay for it with sweat and time. My deal is if you can afford mac or windows, by all means do so…..just don’t steal it.
Linux is good in many ways….I love working with it. But it is still a geeks tool. People use window and mac because they work….yes there are problems, but not like with Linux.
Guys we need to get on the ball and make it useful from the average user. I know that I will catch flack here for my comments, but the truth hurts.
Servnhim (Linux Evangelist)
Windows is what puts all those icons on your desktop. It’s made by Microsoft.
Linux does basically the same thing, but it generally works better and faster, and it has virtually no viruses.
Plus, it’s free and it comes in many different flavors. The most popular version is called Ubuntu, but there are other distributions, too.
You can download it and try it without messing up your computer. That’s how I did it.
Linux is a Windows upgrade
I concur, using Kernel, Distribution, GNU is all too confusing for non-Geeks. I would push:
“Operating system, similar to Windows or MacOS”
“Free of charge, free to change, massive online support”
“Faster and more stable than Windows XP”
“Bugs/Security holes fixed promptly”
“Very easy to set up for most common tasks”
Epic fail there …1-7 would not be good to say to a newbie…you don’t say shit like that to a newbie…maybe another linux user but a newbie. They want to know both what it is and why it is relevant to them in a sentence or two.
JasonC is stupid and is in Micro$uck’s pocket.
Linux IS the best operating system, by far. You can do anything you want with it.
a Total newbie is not going to know what a kernel is or care. Even though Linux technically describes the Kernel, i say leave it out of the list.
You know what your list is missing? A description of free/open source software. That’s really the most important aspect of Linux that people ought to understand. Just saying “Linux is free” is not enough. Free as in beer or free as in freedom? Your list needs to include something about free software. Just be sure to explain it in a simple, non-geeky way. How about this list:
1. Linux is an operating system,
2. Unlike most operating systems, the code used to make Linux can be seen by anyone.
3. Linux is not made by one company or one person. It’s developed by a community of programmers.
4.There are many different distributions of Linux.
5.Most distributions can be downloaded free of charge
6.Most Linux applications can be downloaded free of charge
7.Linux is very stable and reliable
8.Spyware and Viruses that affect Linux are rare
9. Lots of software has been written for Linux including office suites, audio workstations, and photo editing applications. Many programs that run on windows can be made to run on Linux with a program called Wine.
10. Linux can be found running on all sorts of devices, from the supercomputers that run the Large Hadron Collider, to today’s latest cellphones and netbooks.
Pavs, that’s a terrible list for newbies…
@Ohmyword hahaha :) Thanks for the honesty… :)
Hey I gave it a shot. What’s your take?
Imagine Microsoft is General Motors. Vista = Edsel.
Linux is an engine you can put in many different cars, with different dashboards, seats etc. It’s free. Reliable too.
If you know how to do so you can build your own car from freely available components or change any part of one already made. The advantage of using a popular combination of engine and components, known as a distribution in linux terms, is that you can get help easily if you have problems, often for free, as well as updates fairly automatically. You can also buy support for popular models that are freely available, if you feel it’s desirable.
Got to say, Norm’s list above is spot on, I don’t think anyone could fault it as a simple explanation about what Linux is and does.
I know practically nothing about Linux, and that made sense to me at least!
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@Ohmyword hahaha :) Thanks for the honesty… :)
Hey I gave it a shot. What’s your take?
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OK, not saying I would have generated a better list, but if i was a none-tech-savvy windows user and read that, these would be my thoughts
=====
1) Linux is a Kernel. - uuh? Pop corn reference?
2) Linux Kernel is the main component of all Linux Operating System. - there are more than one????
3) The word “Linux” can be used to describe both the “Linux kernel” and the “operating system”. - huh? aren’t they the same thing
4) Linux has many “distributions“. - a a distribution is…?
5) Linux Distribution is a collection of applications bundled with the Kernel. - aah, I still don’t have a clue what you’re talking about but I feel this should be part of 4)
6) Ubuntu is one of the many, and the most widely used, Linux Distributions. - Aah, I’ve heard Ubuntu getting bashed on digg every time anything related to linux is posted
7) Linux is a safe operating system and viruses are very rare. - ooohhh, Now that’s something I understand and find strangely sexy
8) Linux is free.- I like free, mostly beer but sometimes speech :)
9) Linux is highly customizable, like any open source software. - No qualms here, just as long as I’m not FORCED to
10) Linux is the leading embedded OS, which means you probably used Linux already without knowing about it. - no wai! :)
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Just my thoughts..and before anyone skims over this post and things I genuinely don’t understand, scroll up to the top and read it again.. :)
All I say is:
Windows is an operating system, Mac is an operating system, and Linux is an operating system. The only difference is Linux is not own by a company, it is freely available online and can be modified/copied/given away at any time, legally. This creates opportunities for companies and hobbyist alike to make improvements on it, because anyone can if they want. To keep it free and open they have laws that say anytime you make a change you have to give it out to everyone, so everyone has the new improvement. So its always getting better. :-)
Worst list ever. I am part of a non-profit startup that will be rebuilding and donating pc’s with linux installed and will all probably be newbies to it (as I am). If you said “Oh I’ll explain linux to you without all the geek talk” then proceeded to say “Well to start, Linux is a kernel”, I’d immediately turn around, walk away, and find a copy of XP to download. I think you should just delete this article and pretend it never happened
This is seriously the worst list ever. You say without the “geekery” but start off by talking about the kernel? Are you kidding?
Kernel? Give me a break. For true newbies:
“Linux is a 100% free way to run your computer and have all the same types of programs, except your computer will hardly ever get slow and freeze up all the time like Windows, or have to keep getting updated from Microsoft headquarters. And it gets better every 6 months–for free. On the downside, there’s lots of good Windows programs or printers and stuff that won’t work perfectly on Linux, though that situation is getting better all the time.”
That’s what you should use to sell it to true “newbies”.
Why bother explaining it at all. Just give them a computer with what they want on it and show them how to use it. That is more than what happens in most computer sales. As long as it does what it wants and is compatible with other systems who cares!!!!
linux… there is no spoon
No newbie knows what a kernel is
Johnny and Kelson win… I’ve had the same conversation many times before, and it only involved the word “kernel” when I’m talking to a compsci student (otherwise, it always involved the Windows and Mac comparison). However, the end of the conversation (with males at least) sounded like “no, it won’t run your games… but there’s a lot of free games out there that are just as cool!” (er, yeah, I lied). However, a couple young women completely loved the games that came with the distro (of course, these girls think Crysis is not being able to text cuz they got no bars).
..and here I was hoping someone made a linux box inside an actual nutshell.
Woe is me.
(and yes, I know you can get linux running on a button computer,
which would possibly fit inside a nutshell..)