Table of Contents
Why Linux?
Linux and open source software is the alternative to proprietary software such as Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Apple MacOS, etc. In addition to being free of charge, Linux and open source software do not force you to upgrade, buy new hardware, or restrict your rights to use it. There are free counterparts for almost every application, so you can be free of license fees, upgrade nags, and the more recent intrusions of advertising in your workspace.
Our Linux business model is very simple: we provide expert support, and make sure your system does exactly what you need it to do, and we're free to customize it to fit your needs without depending on Microsoft or Apple to do so.
What is Linux?
Linux is the kernel of many operating systems, including Android. Linux distributions are packaged operating systems for different purposes and offer different end-user experiences, embedded, or server functionality. The Linux kernel is free and open source software.
The Linux kernel is the core program that manages hardware, like the computer's memory and processors. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the rest of the operating system, as well as providing some security features, for example, preventing one program from reading or modifying another program's memory.
Linux is a UNIX-like operating system kernel, and many Linux distributions are variously compatible with traditional UNIX applications, and are used in much the same way. It is mature software, with over 30 years of continuous development by thousands of talented programmers around the world contributing their expertise and insights.
Pop! OS & Kubuntu
There are many Linux distributions available for all kinds of purposes. We offer and support Pop! OS and Kubuntu for end-users (the technical term for you and anyone else sitting in front of a keyboard and mouse using a computer).
After extensive review and experience with many of these distributions, we have found Pop! OS to be friendliest and easiest system to get things done. For sophisticated users, KDE (Kubuntu) may be preferred, and we support it, too! Common tasks like browsing the web, using productivity applications, as well as creating video, images, sound, and developing software are all easily done in Pop! OS or Kubuntu using powerful, free software!
Free & Open Source?
Computer programs, including the Linux kernel are creaed by writing code in one or more computer languages. That code is then compiled or interpreted to work on your computer. Programs such as Microsoft Excel or much of Apple MacOS are proprietary which means that you cannot see or modify the source code, and you can not give the programs (or source code) to other people.
Open Source means that the source code is available for your review and modification. Free (as in freedom) software allows you to distribute, modify, and otherwise use the software with very few if any restrictions. This allows for continuous improvement of the software by its users and developers, aside from the obvious benefit of not being required to pay for it.
This is a table comparing various proprietary and equivalent open source software solutions:
| Type | Proprietary Example | Open Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows or MacOS | Pop! OS or Kubuntu |
| Productivity | Microsoft Office | LibreOffice |
| Image Editing | Adobe Photoshop | GIMP |
| Audio/Video Communications | Facetime / Skype | Tox |
| Music Player | iTunes | Elisa |
This table is far from extensive, presenting only a few examples of the many thousands of free and open source software packages ready to meet your needs today! With blueskies.systems you get the best of both free software and on-demand expert support!