(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Linux started from GNU a Unix projest started by AT&T in 1969. This eventually led to BSD, Minix, FreeBSD and other such operating programs. Mac OSX for lack of other words, stole the linux base, changed it a little, and slapped their sticker on it. But back to what linux is. Linux is the most (but is comparable to Mac) secure operating software available to the public. Linux is FREE (most versions).

Some versions of linux:

• Linux
  
• Unix
  
• FreeBSD
  
• Ubuntu
  
• Xubuntu
  
• And many more...
  

Linux is used by many devs for its power and ability to host many operating languages for creating programs, games, graphics and many more. Some of these languages include:
Ada,
C,
C++,
Java,
Fortran.
Intel C++ Compiler,
Sun Studio,
IBM XL C/C++ Compiler.
Gambas,
FreeBASIC,
and XBasic.
Also supports:
PHP,
Perl,
Ruby,
Python
and other dynamic languages.

While not as common, Linux also supports C# (via Mono), Vala, and Scheme. A number of Java Virtual Machines and development kits run on Linux, including the original Sun Microsystems JVM (HotSpot), and IBM's J2SE RE, as well as many open-source projects like Kaffe.

These may be alot of names, codes and numbers, if you are unsure what they really are, take a look on wikipedia, i have read quite alot about linux programing, languages etc. on wikipedia, and there is very accurate information available.

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[multipage=What it looks like ]
Here are a few basic screenshots of what linux looks like:

GNOME Shell:
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KDE Plasma Desktop:
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Unity( more commonly known as Ubuntu):
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Xfce:
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LXDE (most like windows):
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[multipage=Where to get it ]

I recommend for new users to linux, to start with ubuntu. It to me is the cleanest, and best running Linux OS for beginners as well as experts, you can find it at the official Ubuntu website:
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Or you can use the direct download link from their site:
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I suggest that if you have never used linux before, to boot from a CD and test it to see how you like it, you can also install it on your computer to "Dual Boot" Meaning when you turn your computer on, it gives you the option to boot from Ubuntu in ithis case, and whatever other operating softwares are on your computer.

[multipage=Need help? ]

There are HUNDREDS of websites dedicated to Linux use tutorials etc. But if your too lazy to do that, feel free to PM me here on NGU, or add my msn or skyp with the message "LINUX HELP" and i will gladly help whenever i have time.

I hope you enjoy use of Linux! Feel free to ask if you need help!

The two main frameworks for developing graphical applications are those of GNOME and KDE. These projects are based on the GTK+ and Qt widget toolkits, respectively, which can also be used independently of the larger framework. Both support a wide variety of languages. There are a number of Integrated development environments available including Anjuta, Code::Blocks, Eclipse, Geany, ActiveState Komodo, KDevelop, Lazarus, MonoDevelop, NetBeans, Qt Creator and Omnis Studio, while the long-established editors Vim and Emacs remain popular.[52]

linux was developed for devs and programmers, so my guess, is yes, it can handle that

good thread i think ill try one out

is linux the best OS?

Based on personal opinion. I have no experience with Mac, so I go with Windows as my favorite. Same goes with Linux.

Depends what your doing.
General internet browsing and video editing = Mac
Games and work = Windows
Developing and speed of doing things (Booting and running programs is about 10x faster than windows) = Linux
I personally use Linux Ubuntu 11.04 on my Laptop since its only 1.6GhZ so it needs it and Windows 7 ARC Gamer Edition on my main PC since its faster than the regular Windows 7 and is compatible with more programs because its windows.

great thread