Say what you want about Windows (I know that many of you don't need an invitation to do so); but let's face it: installing and running Windows is a walk in the park for most users, compared to the dark, geeky world that is Linux. I suspect that there are many who are interested in dabbling with the O/S, but who are just too afraid to go down that path alone. For those of you who are already quite familiar with the subject, please skip this article (unless you enjoy rolling your eyes at me).

First, a little background for those that may find it helpful.

Linux is a variant of Unix, a prehistoric operating system that, dispite its age, is still very much alive and useful. In the way that Windows has many variants (95, 98, XP, etc.), Unix and Linux also come in a great number of versions. Whereas Windows is made by one company (no need to mention their name), Unix/ Linux variations are produced by hundreds of different companies. What binds them together is the kernal, or the heart of the operating system. Beyond that, each variation is similar, although unique. Many different variations have been developed for specific goals: security, ease-of-use, stablity, etc. Each of these variants is refered to as a distribution, or "distro" in geek-talk.

You remember (or have seen examples from) the days when computers ran DOS and responded only to commands that were typed in? Well, that type of command-line interactivity is a big part of what running Linux is about. Having said that, there are dozens of graphical user interfaces (GUI's) available to run on top of Linux. When you run your Mac or Windows computer, you are limited to the GUI that comes with your operating system. (If you are still confused about what a GUI is, you shouldn't be: you're staring at it right now!). So, although Linux has traditionally had a limited appeal to those hardcore geeks, it is constantly becoming more user friendly.

The biggest barrier for most people is the act of installing Linux. It can be a scary process. It is not designed for dummies the way Windows or Macs have always strived to be. It usually involves partitioning your hard drive, which is beyond the comfort-zone a lot of users. The installation process also tends to ask dozens of questions that can be a real test of one's knowledge of hardware. And if you want to keep your current setup, and just install Linux off to the side to get your feet wet— well, it may not be that simple.

That is, until recently.

There are a number of Linux distros that have been developed to address these barriers. The idea with some of them is to give newbies some easy exposure to what Linux has to offer. If there is even just a little geekiness in you, I can assure you that it is very exciting to see a different operating system running on your computer. And it's even more of a bonus if, without too much effort, you can find yourself surfing the internet, listening to your favorite music and doing many of the same tasks that you generally do on your computer.

A couple of months ago I told you about Knoppix Linux, which can run off of a bootable CD and does not require any installation, repartitioning or special configurations. Basically, it is a Linux experience with no commitiment. Since that time I've switched computers, and I've been having better luck with a similar distro called DemoLinux (screenshot). I put the CD in the drive and restart my computer. Only it doesn't boot back into Windows; instead, I find myself on a Linux computer. That is, until I take the CD out and restart my computer again.

Recently, Fred Langa, venerable publisher of LangList Newsletter wrote an excellent article about such Linux variations. Langa reviews three distros that have a "small footprint"-- either they can be used without a full install, or they can co-exist with your current Windows setup.The most well known distributions of Linux that are designed with an emphasis on ease-of-use are RedHat and Mandrake. Another newcomer worthy of mention is Peanut Linux, which is small in size, preconfigured and designed for newbies. What's even more interesting is that it can be installed into a folder on a Windows computer (no partitioning necissary), and launched with a simple click from within Windows!

Did I mention that almost all the verisons of Linux you'll encounter can be downloaded and used for free?

Confused by all the choises? Don't be. The important thing is to grab one and try it out. You will encounter geeks who will swear up and down that one distro is far superior to all the rest. Think of this as the Ford/ Chevy debate and realize that the important thing is simply to learn to drive.

For my part, I have dabbled with Unix/ Linux far too little, although I've had an interest in these operating systems for some time. One of my plans for this weekend is to install GenToo Linux on my computer, to co-exist with Windows XP. I'm going to try GenToo on the advice of my friend Derek, who claims that this version of Linux has 3 stages... from newbie to pro. He says that GenToo's website will spoonfeed me through the install process, and then allow me to graduate to new levels of experience. Maybe someday, I too can hack into the Matrix!