Thank you for looking into Free and Open Source Software! We hope to give you some good reasons to consider switching from the system you are using currently to GNU/Linux.

You have likely heard about Linux. Likely some of what you have heard or read is correct and some is not. Unless specifically stated otherwise, nothing said on this page is opinion, and we try to make sure that what is presented here is relavent to as many people as possible.

GNU/Linux is an operating system that is immune to viruses, malware/spyware and is nearly hacker-proof. It runs on desktop computers and servers available no charge with no licensing fees, ever, legally, and with full access to all updates. There are also 1000s of applications, also available for no charge with no licensing fees, also with full access to all updates.

These are available from what are called package repositories that you to browse through, select what you want, and just download it. No identifying information is required, no logins, and no purchases. All of these are provided and maintained by, the Free and Open Source Software developer community.

When you want to check for updates of your software using modern GNU/Linux, all the software in your computer is updated. Not just the operating system. You don't have to troll all across the internet looking for the people that are currently working on all of your various software applications to see if updates are available or not. In fact, because of the way distributions work, the people that maintain the various projects are encouraged to update their contributions often. Even if the updates are small, you get them as soon as they are approved by the distribution provider.

This must be starting to sound like a late night infomercial; "But wait, theres more!". Seriously though, if this sounds too good to be true then you have some idea of why people that use GNU/Linux sometimes sound like preachers and can't understand why everyone else doesn't use it!

Here is a short list of applications normally available;

• The world class office suite OpenOffice.org
• The GIMP, Inkscape, and Cinepaint image and photo processors
• Email and contact management suites like Kontact and Evolution
• Software development packages including Eclipse, Anjuta, MonoDevelop and Quanta for the web or almost any language you could want
• The GNOME and KDE desktop environments are the best known desktop environments. You see with GNU/Linux, the desktop, otherwise known as the User Interface, is replaceable and totally customizable
• Perhaps the best music playing/music management application on GNU/Linux or any other platform, Amarok
• Financial management software like GNUCash, KMyMoney, and Grisbi
• Numerous programs to rip, watch and make DVDs, some are commercial quality
• Are you a musician? There are applications to help you tune instruments, record and manipulate samples, as well as commercial and near commercial quality music sequencers and midi controllers