To build up on Ryan's post about the
Top 10 Linux Distro's, I wanted to take a moment to discusses the most common ways Linux is used today. This list will cover both consumer and business use cases, so hopefully everybody will get some good information out of it!
 |
| The power of Linux compels you! |
#1 - Primary Computer Use
The most direct way anyone can use Linux is as their primary Operating System of choice. Gone are the days where only the techiest of tech would use Linux on their home machine. Many who aren't the tech elite will use Linux know, especially if you don't tell them what it is (psh, great for grandparents who only use their computer for email). Shoot, some time ago, Ubuntu saw a large uptick in usage after
Lady Gaga said she uses a Linux OS. Why wouldn't use use it as your primary OS? The largest hurdle is usually software. Not all programs we're used to on Windows or Apple has an equivalent on Linux, but a vast majority do. Even so, Linux is able to run many Windows programs using
WINE, if you can't find a native program for Linux.
#2 - Web Server
This is the most common use for Linux in the business environment. A Linux server is cheaper than a Windows server (Windows licenses are expensive!), and when you're talking about hosting websites or web apps, you want to keep the costs down and use as much of the hardware resources as possible. While Microsoft is finally developing a server OS similar to a basic Linux server, Linux is still reigning king for these types of situations. When running a GUI-less Linux server (which is how it should be done, except in unique cases), you're getting the most out of the hardware it's running on. Install the LAMP stack and you're well on your way to hosting a reliable website for your business.
#3 - Media Center
One that I've done myself, a lot of the popular media center apps are developed to run on Linux. If you have an extra computer lying around, why spend over $100 on a Microsoft OS license when you can install Linux and get your media center running with that? There are even special Linux variants that have the media center experience built right in, such as
KodiBuntu. Many of the media center apps can even run on the Raspberry Pi.
#4 - Troubleshoot Computers
I personally have a USB drive that has
Hiren's Boot CD installed on it, and quite a few times I've run Disk Parted. Disk Parted is a great example of a Linux OS that can help you fix computers as an IT pro. Not sure if a disk is bad on a computer that won't boot? Load up Linux and run some tests, or even pull the files off (I've done that a couple of times). Forgot your password? You can use Linux to reset it and get back into your system (use for good though!).
#5 - OS on the Go
As a continuation with #4, I've used Linux as a mobile OS when I was in college. A lot of this was so I could learn how to work with it, but it was nice to have my own mobile desktop and files wherever I went. Almost any Linux OS can be installed on a USB drive as a live OS using
LinuxLive USB Creator. I believe all variants can run from a CD as well. If you run off of a CD, that's a great way to have a secure OS when you're on the go as well, one that can't be changed or modified by foreign agents (malware, bad hardware, etc). All you need for this to work is a modern enough computer to boot from USB (all can boot from CD) and one that hasn't disabled that option in BIOS, and you're up and running on your own OS instead of the host OS.
#6 - Learn how to Hack
Want to learn to be a security expert or penetration tester? Linux has you covered!
BackTrack (no longer developed) and
Kali are the two most known variants that focus security and penetration testing. Both of these offer tons of tools to get you into learning how to hack into computers and networks (better make sure to get permission first, unless it's your stuff!). I've talked to many in the security field who use these OS'es as their primary tool to help their clients secure networks.
#7 - Revive an Old Computer
Have an older computer lying around that can barely boot up? Linux comes to the rescue! There are specific variants that run amazingly well on older hardware, such as
Lubuntu. Using a different GUI engine, it's made to be as lightweight as possible for older hardware that can't run all the fancy stuff that modern OS'es can. Options like these make it easier to give a reliable computer to our family who use their computer's for only a few tasks.
#8 - Automate All the Things
With it's cheap up-front costs (can't beat free), Linux is used as the OS of choice for hobbyists. Using the Raspberry Pi for example, there are practically limitless ways you can automate anything in your life. Examples include a
sprinkler system, control your A/C and blinds, and a
sunrise alarm clock. There are tons of sites, like
Instructibles where DIY'ers can find project ideas that use Linux to make lives easier.
#9 - Storage, Streaming and Backup Server
With platforms like
Amahi, it's easy and cheap for anyone to get some dedicated hardware spun up to securely host and backup all your important files, access those files remotely or even offer a VPN tunnel when you're away from home or business. With a free OS, you can use more of your money to purchase more and faster storage, better processing, etc to provide a better experience and more security. You can even set it up to Torrent files for you automatically!
#10 - Learn How Computers Work
Lastly, Linux is a great platform to really learn how computers work. For the truly adventitious, you can even create your own Linux variant to have a full understanding of the one piece of software we all take for granted. Want to create a customized Linux experience with out all the extra software that most variants give you? Look into
Arch, the variant that gives you the absolute basics and you build up what you want from there.
If you're an IT pro or even a regular computer user and want to try something different from the OSX or Windows standards, take a serious look into what Linux can offer. There are hundreds of variants for you to try out and learn from and there isn't much you can't do on Linux from what Windows and OSX offer. Is there something you do with your Linux that I didn't include? Bring it up on the comments below so we can all learn!
Jimmy Tassin is the IT Manager of Midwest Regional Bank and has been involved with the Technology field for over thirteen years. His two hobbies are overseeing the daily operations of OmniKraft, a Minecraft server community, and writing at Goblinbyte.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment