Chapter 1. What Are You Getting Into?

So, you want to know what you're getting into by using Linux. I can tell you what you're getting into: trouble. You're getting into trouble. That's what you usually hear about Linux. Linux has a reputation for being the scary, complex operating system that only ubergeeks should use for running servers. Linux has a reputation for being the operating system that you would never put on your mother's computer, or anyone's computer who isn't a computer genius. Just like my reputation for being a genius, Linux's reputation for being the sole domain of technophiles is not deserved. Actually, I'm not sure if my reputation as a genius exists within any circles, but I think it's a good rumor to get started. Pass on to five friends that I'm a genius, will ya?

Linux has come a long way from the days when running Linux for everyday desktop tasks was difficult. Linux today can be even easier than Windows to install and set up. Sure, there can be hiccups, but there are errors and problems with using any operating system.

If Linux is so easy and great now, what's the trouble? You are getting into an operating system that the minority of people use. Being in the minority means that you are going to run into a few situations that arise because the rest of the worldsuch as Web site creators, hardware makers, and people sharing documents with youuses a different operating system. The trouble spots we will run into as we go through this book learning to use Linux are usually minor ones that can be fixed by thinking about the problem.

I suppose I'm not being very encouraging. I am being realistic. Tell you what, thoughI will give you two different descriptions of Linux and let you pick the one that you like best.

The Slick Sales Guy Introduction to Linux

Welcome to using Linux!! With Linux, you will be able to browse the Internet, send and receive e-mail, process as many words as you wantat no extra charge, I might add (wink)and build spreadsheets until you are coughing up charts and graphs. There's no extra software to buy! You can create graphics, chat online, and play games. Got a schedule? You can manage your schedules and contacts and tasks. Wanna listen to your MP3 collection? We'll help you do it. Watch movies, create a Web site, print on genu-ine paper!

Here at Slick Sales Guy Linux, we have it all for you! How much would you pay for so much fun, so much productivity, so much stability? Did we mention that in Linux you won't see that Windows Blue Screen of Death? How much would you pay now? Did you know that Linux comes with free candy, balloons, kittens, puppies, and clowns! How much would you pay now? Windows averages $150$200. Additional software can cost you hundreds or thousands more. Linux is free! Act now, and we'll even toss in the ability to participate in the development of new software! All for free!

I usually don't trust any sales guy, but everything he just said is true. I might have to check into the free candy, balloons, kittens, puppies, and clowns part, but let's trust him on that for the moment. Linux is free. Linux distributions do come with all of that software included. With Linux, you have the opportunity to participate in the development of new software as well. It's as wonderful as a barrel full of fuzzy monkeys, but here I come again with that realism.

The Susan Introduction to Linux

Using Linux on the desktop is great. When you are working with the most common tasks and programs in Linux, you're golden. Bob's your uncle. You're a pig in a blanket. You'rejust insert your own regional, colloquial phrase here that means you won't have any trouble getting things done or figuring out how to do what you want to do. I'm not going to lie to you, though: Once you step outside the boundaries of common tasks, you need to be prepared to finagle, tweak, and fight with things. You need to be prepared to search for help. A lot of computer tasks have not been perfected in Linux yet. A lot of open source software projects are unpolished, undocumented, and hard to use.

The trouble that you might run into does have its rewards. Linux is stable. You don't have to restart Linux all the time. You can customize almost everything on your entire desktop. You can have a say in new versions of programs. You can be the smartest, most computer-savvy person on your block.

Again, all of that is true. Whichever way you choose to look at using Linux on the desktop, just know that we're in for a fun ride together.

So, what are you getting into? You're getting into an adventure. Adventures are good. Adventures are fun. They make movies about people having adventures. How much adventure you get depends on why you're here. If you're here because your office switched over to Linux and now you have to figure out how to get all of your work done, your adventure may be as easy as learning new programs and setting up preferences. If you're here because you want to try something new, your adventure can be as broad, as easy or annoying, and as in-depth as you want. In either instance, be prepared for a lot of "Ah-ha!" moments of discovery when you are proud of how damned smart you are. Be prepared for a lot of frustrating moments when you question what you're doing using Linux and question your own sanity. Be prepared to learn a lot.

That's what you're getting into, but now you need to know the requirements. I'm not talking about system requirements. I'm talking about my requirements of you. I have a demand.

I am going to demand that you have fun.

Don't look for everything to be just like it is in Windows or on a Mac; it's not the same. It is okay that things aren't the same. You will find enough similarities to your old OS in programs we cover that you won't feel like you are a stranger in a strange land. As you start using Linux on the desktop, if something doesn't work the way you think it should, or if you can't figure out a problem that pops up, don't throw your mouse across the room. Don't kick your dog or look for your copy of Windows. Take the tough stuff and look at it like a giant puzzle; be logical, use the tools in this book, and find solutions. Most of all, keep having fun. No matter what operating system you use, the only way to survive working with computers is to keep having fun, no matter what you are doing.