Linux Is A Community.

Folks always ask me if it's easy to make the move to Linux. I tell them it is. It's very easy to move to Linux. But, the big key to getting any Linux Distro to work well for you, and to make a successful and smooth move, is to get involved in the Linux community. This is not unlike what folks were doing when they first purchased Windows.

In the early Microsoft days, when Windows gave the new user a problem, a phone call was made to a friend or family member for a solution. That friend or family member was another Windows user. Thus, a community of established Windows users usually helped the new user through some of the rough spots.

The same thing is happening online in Linux communities all over the web.

The only reason why I use Linux and have had such a great time using Linspire, Freespire, and Kiowa is due to the folks in the Freespire/Linspire community. They've been here with me every step of the way. Not only did they get me up and running, but advised me on the kind of system to buy so I could continue to run Linux better and faster than ever. That system came from a community member, Mr. Gigabytes of Gigastrand International. From this community I met folks like Matt (Elinux) and got involved with his Kiowa Linux distro. Heck, I bought a Kiowa Linux laptop! I absolutely love it!

But it all happened because I logged on, introduced myself, and asked questions. And the folks up there have been more than willing to help. Everyone wants to see Linux succeed! We want to see it in the hands of more and more users every day.

It's probably the number one piece of advice I give readers on this blog...Get involved! Join a community, ask questions, help others,etc.

Linux is not just an OS. It's a community of users who are helping one another, building technlogy, and forging relationships.

I'm a Linux user. I'm a product of this helpful, generous Linux community.

Get Linux and get involved. Join your Linux distribution's forums, user group, or other online community. You'll meet some wonderful, helpful Linux users, have a safe and secure computing experience, and leave Windows headaches far behind.

Linux In Your Pocket

The great thing about Linux is how adaptable it is. Linux is everywhere. It runs Tivo, MP3 players, cell phones, computers, computer servers, and many other electronic devices. Linux even runs Google! And, by now, you know that Linux can be run directly from a Live CD.

But did you know that Linux can run directly from a thumb drive? That's right! It's possible to install Linux to a thumb drive and, simply by plugging this drive into any computer, you can run your own Linux desktop on that host computer.

You can install software to the thumb drive, edit and save documents, surf the web, etc. When you unplug the drive, you take everything with you. Nothing is left on the host computer! It's pocket-size Linux!

You can purchase a thumb drive from any electronics store, then simply install your favorite flavor of Linux. You're going to need at least a 4 gigabyte thumb drive in order to completely install Linux. Anything smaller won't work as well.


PenDriveLinux.com is one site where they take you through the entire formatting and installation process, step by step, for specific Linux distributions.

However, for the beginner, I highly recommend you save yourself some time (and money) by checking out KiowaLinux.com. Right now, they have 4 gigabyte, 8 gigabyte, and 16 gigabyte thumb drives on sale with Linux pre-installed. These Kiowa Linux thumb drives are part of their 25 days of Christmas sale.

For the same amount of money it costs for a blank thumb drive, you can purchase one from KiowaLinux.com already pre-installed with Linux!


It' a perfect stocking stuffer and a great way to easily introduce someone to Linux!

Imagine giving a friend or family member (or even yourself) an entire computer operating system on a thumb drive! And it'll run on any Windows PC! (Remember, it does this by booting and running Linux from the thumb drive. Linux runs on the computer, Windows does not.)

Linux, is everywhere! It should be on your computer. At least, get it on a thumb drive and take Linux with you!