September 1999

TechCenter

By Kevin Lewis

The media continues to pay a lot of attention to Linux these days. This month's Tech Center provides an overview of this relatively new operating system, including who developed it, its uses, and what challenges it faces in moving from a "computer geek's" program to a more mainstream installation base.

A student at the University of Helsinki in Finland named Linus Torvalds originally created Linux, combining Linus and Unix to create the name, pronounced Lynn-Ucks. In 1991, Torvalds released the first version of the Linux Operating System, 0.02. Only three years later, he released version 1.0 to the public. During this period, hardcore computer enthusiasts were mainly the only people who used the operating system. With the release of version 2.2 earlier this year, more people in the computer industry started to take notice and realize the plausibility of using Linux in the corporate environment. The NYSSCPA currently runs two Linux servers.

Linux has become an alternative to high-priced network operating systems. Software companies increasingly have begun to develop programs to run on Linux; Corel, for example, has released a free version of WordPerfect 8 to run on this platform.

Linux is developed under the GNU General Public License, which gives users the freedom to copy the program and give it away to whomever they want. It also allows developers to change the program as they want because they have full access to source code. End users and developers can freely distribute an improved version. Because of the GNU license, Linux can be freely distributed in source code while companies and developers can charge money for applications and support services as long as the source code remains available.

One of the major stumbling blocks to Linux becoming widely used is the interface with which the end user sees and interacts. Known as a command line interface, it is similar to the more widely known and used DOS. Recently, many companies have developed a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux that looks and behaves much like Windows 95 or Macintosh. Two companies, KDE and GNOME, lead the way in development. Both companies' interfaces are powerful graphical desktop environments for Linux workstations and servers, combining ease of use, current functionality, and greater graphic design. The public has input on each version by making suggestions to the developers via the Internet, mailing lists, and USENET news groups. The developers also use the GNU standard so the source code is freely available.

While Linux has not become widely adopted, it is making great strides in becoming a viable alternative to more popular operating systems. The progress it has made in the last five years is astonishing. If the growth rate continues at its current pace, we may see many people using a Linux computer in their homes and possibly on their desk at the office.

The key to the success of Linux's adoption depends on the development of applications such as spreadsheets and word processors, and the refinement of the user interface. It is very exciting to watch a new operating system challenge Microsoft and Novell for the desktop and server market. Even if Linux does not become a major player, it may make the established companies improve their programs by forcing them to realize that their market share is not guaranteed.

See the accompanying box for websites that offer various resources on Linux. For more information, please contact NYSSCPA Manager of Technology and Information Systems Kevin Lewis at (212) 719-8340, (800) 633-6320, or klewis@luca.com *