<a href="http://www.linux.org/" target="_blank">Linux</a> is a popular free Unix version, initially for the Intel xx86 set of platforms, but now also for other processors: Alpha, ARM, Motorola 680x0, PowerPC, SPARC.<br>In the server area it has become one of the most popular operating systems. Support for desktop systems is increasing and it has now become a viable Windows alternative.<br>
A variety of <a href="http://www.linux.org/" target="_blank">Linux</a> distributions are available: one can download several Linux versions for free, or order CD-versions at a small price.
<a href="http://www.freespire.org/" target="_blank">Freespire</a>Debian-based Linux distribution with support for MP3, DVD, Windows Media, QuickTime, Java, Flash, Real, ATI drivers, nVidia drivers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, proprietary WiFi drivers, fonts, and more.
<a href="http://www.knoppix.org" target="_blank">Knoppix</a> Recommended! You don't have to be a Linux expert to install Knoppix; in our experience this is absolutely the most configuration-free Linux distribution, which runs OK on the majority of computers (including many Laptops). Knoppix starts directly from CD-Rom , but you can also install it on your harddisk. The fact that it runs directly from CD-Rom allows you to try it out before actually installing it. You can <a href="http://www.knopper.net/knoppix-mirrors/index-en.html" target="_blank">download Knoppix here</a>.<br> Read more on this <a href="http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-knopp.html" target="_blank">article on Knoppix</a>.<br>
<b>Linux Desktops</b>
<a href="http://www.kde.org/" target="_blank">KDE</a>, stable graphical user-interface included in most Linux distributions.<br>
<a href="http://www.gnome.org/" target="_blank">Gnome</a>, free desktop environment competing with KDE, included in most Linux distributions.<br>
<a href="http://www.icewm.org/" target="_blank">ICEWM</a>, is a free window manager, its goal being speed and simplicity.<br>
<a href="http://www.xpde.com/" target="_blank">XPde</a>, a desktop environment(XPde) and a window manager(XPwm) for Linux. It tries to recreate the Windows XP interface to-the-pixel point. <br>
<p>These sites offer free Linux ISO-images for <u>download</u>. An ISO is an exact image of a CD, that can be burned again into a disc to create an exact copy of the original CD.<br> See also:<br> <a href="http://www.linux.org/dist/download_info.html" target="_blank">Some facts about downloading Linux</a>.<br>
<a href="http://www.linuxbase.org/" target="_blank">Linux Standard Base</a> Organization devoted to keeping all distributions compatible, so that software which runs on one distribution, also runs on the other. These companies are supporting the initiative: Compaq, Caldera, Coral, Debian, LinuxCare, Mandrake, TurboLinux, Read Hat, Suse, VA Linux, HP, IBM, Intel.
<a href="http://www.linuxquestions.org/" target="_blank">LinuxQuestions.org</a> Linux support forums where Linux newbies can ask questions and Linux experts can offer advice. Topics include security, installation, networking and much more.
<a href="http://www.mandriva.com/" target="_blank">Mandriva Linux</a> A Linux distribution that is available for 32bit PC, PowerPC (MAC), and 64 bit processors such as Intel Itanium and AMD Opteron. It includes many graphical administration assistants & wizards that make it intuitive and fun to use while providing all the power and robustness of other Linux systems.
<a href="http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg246380.pdf" target="_blank">Migrating to desktop Linux</a> Free eBook in PDF format aimed at assisting those interested in migrating desktop PCs to Linux. The goal of this eBook is to provide a technical planning reference for IT organizations large or small that are now considering a migration to Linux-based personal computers.
<a href="http://www.uludag.org.tr/eng/index.html" target="_blank">Pardus</a> Linux-based operating system developed by the Turkey Scientific and Techical Research Assocation. You can use it both in Turkish and English.
<a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/peanut/" target="_blank">Peanut Linux</a> Small but packed and nice looking Linux distribution, only 210 Mb download installs to 600 Mb on your harddisk.
<a href="http://www.puppylinux.com" target="_blank">Puppy Linux</a> Small Linux distribution, only 60mb in size. Can boot from CD, USB disk and run inside Windows or standalone.
<a href="http://www.redhat.com/" target="_blank">RedHat</a> Non-free Linux editions for server computers, sold by annual subscription.
<a href="http://www.slackware.org" target="_blank">SlackWare</a> Download Slackware for free</a> or order the CD-Rom set from the <a href="http://store.slackware.com" target="_blank">Slackware store</a>. A special edition of Slackware Linux, called <a href="http://www.slackware.com/zipslack/" target="_blank"> ZipSlack</a> can be installed on the same drive (or partition) as Windows. It just needs a FAT (or FAT32) harddisk with about 100 MB of extra free disk space.<br><a href="http://www.slackware.com/zipslack/" target="_blank"> BigSlack</a> is more complete than ZipSlack, and can also be installed on a FAT (or FAT32) harddisk. BigSlack needs about 850 Mb of extra free disk space.
<a href="http://www.sub300.com" target="_blank">Sub300</a> USA), offering low-cost Linux computers which are devoid of any Microsoft software (the fact that it has become almost impossible to buy a computer without Windows pre-installed is commonly known as "the Microsoft tax").
<a href="http://tiny.seul.org/en/" target="_blank">Tiny Linux</a> Tiny Linux is a small Linux distribution designed especially for old recycled computers.
<a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/" target="_blank">Ubuntu</a>"Linux for Human Beings" for PC (Intel x86), 64-bit PC (AMD64) and PowerPC.
<a href="http://www.suse.com/" target="_blank"> SuSE</a>,<a href="http://www.conectiva.com/" target="_blank">Connectiva</a> and <a href="http://www.turbolinux.com" target="_blank">TurboLinux</a>. Free single-CD versions for download, or non-free multiple-CD versions to be sent by postal mail.
<a href="http://www.xandros.com" target="_blank">Xandros</a> Non-free Linux distribution which offers Windows-compatibility.