GNU/Linux is what it is

Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Vista operating system, which ships this month after five years of development and will arrive with only a small percentage of its original marquee features.

I am sure every one has read that. So what can MS give the public that GNU/Linux can't? Photo ShopCS2, iTunes, Quicken 2007? Not even the great Gates him self can take credit for that group of killer apps. They are from Independent software vendors, who write programs for the Windows platform. An OS is only as good as its ISVs (Independent software vendors). If Linux ever got native programs like: Photoshop CS2, Photoshop Elements 4.0, Autocad, Dreamweaver, iTunes, Macromedia Studio, Quicken 2006, TurboTax, and maybe Lotus Notes; Microsoft would lose market share over night.

Linux is starting to make its case as a viable alternative to Windows. The desktop has an Office suite built off the Open Office project, and it includes the Firefox browser, the Gaim instant messaging client and the Evolution e-mail and calendaring client, which integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server. What about that thing known as xgl, a 3-D animated user interface, called the Spinning Cube by some, which can be rotated to show many work spaces or windows. Can't live without MP3, AmaroK is the ticket. You can rip your favorite songs from your CD collection, then put them on your MP3 player and have music on-the-go. Computers are great for organizing your entire music collection, and you can even make mix CDs from your computer for use in your car. Want to burn CD/DVDs look to K3b, which was created to be a feature-rich and easy to handle CD/DVD burning application with LightScribe Labeling. Only have dial-up access. The KDE program that gets you connected to the Internet with a 56K modem is called KPPP. Kppp is one the useful utilities included in KDE. Kppp can make establishing your Internet connection easy -- and easy to modify. A dialer and configuration application, Kppp works with pppd -- the Point-to-Point Protocol daemon.
If you only need basic productivity tools and a browser to be productive, Linux maybe the way to go.Best Easy Linux OS

Linspire
Mandriva
Freespire (Free)
PCLinuxOS (Free)
Ark Linux (Free)
MEPIS

Novell Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise
Xandros Desktop OS

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