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A bit more depth, a few links, I wrote this a couple of years ago. It's really intended for people new to the idea of linux.
Open Zaurus is used on the Sharp Zaurus PDA. I bought one, got rid of the supplied Operating System and downloaded Open Zaurus, basically Debian Linux for the ARM processor.
I discovered Linux a few years ago when PC Plus magazine gave away Red Hat 5 (May 1999 issue) although I didn't start using Linux full time until the middle of 2000. At first it was curiosity and a willingness to find a better operating system for my PC than Windows. It was just something new to try out. Now I'm a convert. I believe that the Linux/Unix way is better, that most everyday computing needs can be met by Free software, that it is more stable, reliable and cheaper than the alternatives. Cost is a consideration, whether you a running a business or just want to use a PC for everyday tasks. The money saved (I think Windows XP costs about £150) can buy me something to improve my machine. My wife uses Windows XP. As far as I can see, it is no better than Win 98 etc. Perhaps it's more reliable, but if you want reliability, use Linux or one of the Open Source unices such as FreeBSD. Linux runs well on older machines, extending their usefulness. Every year or two a new version of Windows comes out that needs a faster computer to run it. Windows then soaks up all the extra performance in a new machine, takes a huge amount of hard drive space, but actually performs only as fast as the Windows 3.1 machine I bought in 1994. So why do people use Linux? Perhaps they don't mind tinkering, perhaps they like the reliability, the fact that it's pretty much virus-proof. Sometimes it's just a desire to learn something new, to explore the alternatives. It might be better to ask why so many people use Windows. Most of the time, they don't know that there's an alternative. So, they pay a fortune for Win XP, then buy an anti-virus program, then they want some software to use. The Windows world seems to be about people making computing expensive. You can download Linux (if you have a fast connection or a lot of patience!). I usually carry a CD around to give away (it's quite legal to copy GPL programs and give them away). Various places (see the Links page) download Linux distributions and make cheap CDs. They typically cost less than £5. Finally, Linux can be made secure. Any PC is only as secure as its owner makes it. Microsoft actually licence you to use Windows, the software isn't yours, they own your copy, you have bought permission to use it. If there's a vulnerability, they will have to fix it, if it suits them. Very often they prefer to keep quiet and hope no one forces them to spend money on repairs (after all, you've paid once, they are not going to get any more money from you). Do you trust Microsoft? They have been prosecuted by the US Government, the French courts also found them guilty of piracy and the EU is considering their anti-competative behaviour. If the US government asked for a back door in the software so they could get information from machines owned by foreigners using Windows, do you think Microsoft would be unpatriotic and refuse? . The few Americans i've met have been genuinely nice people, I went there and I was impressed by their friendly attitude, but I don't trust their government. The Linux community reacts quicker and much more effectively than the largest software company in the world. Your copy of Linux is yours to do with as you choose. Have fun!
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