Why choose Linux and GNU?

What is it about GNU licensed software (including Linux) that makes it so attractive to businesses and individuals alike? Well, the answer is threefold. They are so attractive because of price, freedom, and security.

Linux, and other GNU software provide freedom. Thousands of GNU licensed software packages are available for download across the interent today. If you have sufficient bandwidth with your internet service, and have both the time and patience to search for and download it, you can in fact get any GNU licensed software title for free. If not, there are multiple websites, such as our own, that sell GNU licensed software on CD and DVD. Price however, is not the true freedom you have when using GNU licensed software.

The true freedom that comes with using GNU software is the freedom to use, and to alter it in any way you desire. Software licensed under the GNU General Public license can be installed on as many computers as you wantto use the software on as many computers as you want for any purpose you see fit. Linux and other software licensed under the GNU public license are Open Source Software, meaning that you have access to the underlying code and can rewrite/alter the software to make any changes you want. Need a feature that the software doesn't have? No problem, if you are a programmer just add what you need, or you can even pay someone else to do it for you. Does your business need an operating system that is customized for your particular work environment? No problem! You can customize Linux to suit your needs.

Linux and other GNU software enable businesses to build a complete infrastructure without the high costs associated with normal commercial software. Linux itself provides server functionality, the basis for end user workstations, and the security needed in today's high tech world. Other GNU licensed software provides the tools desperately needed by end users for thousands of different purposes. It is possible to build an complete, secure infrastructure with all of the tools needed throughout your organization without spending a dime. Big picture, you can save you company millions of dollars a year in technology costs.

Big software developers like Microsoft will not let you see the code behind the software you're using. With such closed source code, it's impossible for you to know what the software is doing in the background. You can never really be sure that a closed source piece of software is working in your company's best interests. Too many programs contain code to mine data from your machines or perform other malicious tasks. When you can use open source software, why take the risk?

Also high on the list of risks, are viruses and hackers. Linux distributions are highly resistant to hackers, viruses and numerous other security issues that plague other operating systems. Because most viruses are specifically made to target Microsoft Windows, very few are even capable of effecting Linux.

Between the security inherent in Linux, and the freedom available to you with Gnu software, there is simply no better way to go for building a corporate infrastructure. Another good thing to keep in mind is that most modern Linux operating systems are designed to be used easily by people venturing out from Microsoft Windows for the first time.