Links

Category: Advice (6)
Other sites that help you say Goodbye to Microsoft.
BadVista
A project of the Free Software Foundation, this site enumerates all the reasons why NOT to use Windows Vista. Also has good pointers to GNU/Linux resources.
Get GNU/Linux
A clean and simple site that answers three questions: What is Linux? Why not Windows? How do I switch?
Linux Distribution Chooser
An online quiz to help you decide which Linux distribution is right for you.
LinuxHow2
A relatively new website "devoted to the avid Linux user, the desperate Windows user, and the annoyed Mac user. " Offers reviews, articles, a forum, and more.
Switching to Linux
Grokdoc's compendium of tips, links, and suggestions for switching from Windows to Linux. This is a wiki so it is continuously updated.
Why Linux is Better
A concise summary of the reasons Linux is better than Windows. Also mentions the four cases where you should stick to Windows.
Category: Book Reviews - Linux (2)
Reviews and recommendations for Linux books.
The Desktop Linux Book Roundup
DesktopLinux.com reviews fifteen Linux books (all paper editions, none on-line).
The Linux 101 Required Reading List
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols recommends three Linux books, and suggests several on-line resources.
Category: Books - Linux (6)
Books about Linux which are available on-line.
Bruce Perens' Open Source Series
Advanced books on Linux and open-source programming, free for download. Not for the beginner!
Free e-book: IBM's Linux Client Migration Cookbook, Version 2
Free e-book: Linux Client Migration Cookbook, Version 2: A Practical Planning and Implementation Guide for Migrating to Desktop Linux. 374 pages, PDF. Intended for small to large enterprise users, not home users.
Free Linux e-books
An archive of 100 free e-books about Linux. Limited to 10 downloads per day; donations to cover the cost of bandwidth appreciated.
Free Linux e-books (directory)
An index to all sorts of Linux books available for free download.
Free On-line Linux Technical Books and Tutorials
Linuxtopia's list of free on-line books about Linux. See especially "Linux for Beginners."
Wikibooks Linux Category
Free Linux e-books from Wikimedia's "Wikibooks" project.
Category: Hardware Compatibility Information (11)
Information about what hardware works with Linux.
Hardware4Linux
Compatibility list for all kinds of computer hardware.
Laptops: Linux-Laptop
Linux-Laptop.net provides a compatibility database and configuration information for a wide variety of laptop computers.
Laptops: TuxMobil
TuxMobil has a compatibility database and HOW-TOs for putting Linux on laptops and other mobile computers.
Linux Compatible
Compatibility list for all kinds of computer hardware.
LinuxQuestions HCL
Compatibility list for all kinds of computer hardware.
Modems: Linmodems.org
Linux support for a number of "Winmodems" (software-driven modems).
Printers
Formerly linuxprinting.org. Maintains a database of which printers work with Linux, and what drivers are required. Includes multifunction devices (printer-scanners).
Scanners
The SANE project supports scanners on Linux. The site includes a database of compatible scanners.
Wireless
A survey of Linux and WiFi. Has a handy table of what cards are supported under Linux, and links to various wireless driver pages. Check here before you buy a wireless card.
Wireless Resource Page
A "compendium" page with links to all kinds of Linux wireless resources: how-tos, drivers, and information.
Wireless: NdisWrapper
Allows Linux systems to use Windows wireless drivers, when there is no native Linux driver for a wireless network card.
Category: Linux Application Software (8)
Useful application software that runs on Linux.
Office: Lotus Symphony
Free download. Includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentations. For SuSE Enterprise Linux 10 or Red Hat Linux 5; also available for Windows. Writes PDF; supports Open Document Format.
Office: SoftMaker Office ($)
For Linux and FreeBSD. Reads and writes Microsoft Word/Excel, OpenOffice, and Open Document Format. Lightweight: requires only 32 MB RAM.
Portal: FreshMeat
"The Web's largest index of Unix and cross-platform software." Another good place to search for Linux applications.
Portal: Linux App Finder
Catalog of "useful GNU/Linux programs." Browse by category or search by keyword.
Portal: Linux Online Applications
The applications database at the superb Linux Online web site. Great for searching by category.
Portal: Softpedia Linux Downloads
Large shareware/freeware download site with a well-indexed Linux section.
Portal: SourceForge
"The world's largest Open Source software development web site." Many Linux applications are hosted here; a good place to search.
SQL-Ledger
SQL-Ledger® is a double entry accounting/ERP system. It can be used on Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X and Windows. Free to download, licensed under the GPL.
Category: Linux CD-ROM providers (9)
Places where you can purchase Linux systems on CD.
Debian Linux CD Vendors
A list of vendors worldwide who sell CDs/DVDs of Debian Linux. Most of these sell other Linux distributions as well. A good resource to find a vendor in your country.
EasyLinuxCDs.com
CDs of most Linux distributions and several BSD Unixes. Also books, on-line courses, and training CDs.
Edmunds Enterprises
CDs of most Linux distributions, plus other Linux products.
Fedora Project Vendors List
A list of vendors worldwide who sell CD-ROMs of the Fedora Project. Most of these sell other Linux distributions as well. A good resource to find a vendor in your country.
Gearhart & Yeager Company
Most of the major distros, plus BSD, FreeDOS, OpenOffice. Currently only shipping to US addresses.
LinuxCD.org
CD-ROMs of most Linux distributions, plus BSD Unix and Solaris.
LinuxCollections.com
CD-ROMs of major Linux distributions, plus FreeBSD. Also sells Linux collections and some distributors' boxed sets.
OSDisc.com
CD-ROMs for most Linux distributions, plus BSD Unix.
The Linux Store
Canadian provider of CD-ROMs for most Linux distributions, plus BSD Unix.
Category: Linux Distributions (10)
Linux distributions for modern PCs (usually Pentium II w/ 256 MB RAM)
Fedora Core
Free community-supported version of Red Hat Linux. Full distro (desktop/server). Pentium 400/192MB/9GB.
gNewSense
Ubuntu Linux without the proprietary bits ("binary blobs"). 100% free and open-source.
Information: DistroWatch
Best single source of information about all Linux distributions. Excellent search features, and always up-to-date.
Linspire
Commerical distribution ($59), Very easy to install and use. Pentium 800/256MB RAM/? GB disk. Needs a high-speed Internet connection.
Mandriva Linux
Formerly Mandrake Linux. Pentium/256MB/4GB. Commerical product with a free download version.
MEPIS Linux
A very good desktop Linux. Pentium/256MB/3GB. Donationware (free to download, but donations are welcome).
OpenSUSE
Free community-supported version of SUSE Linux. Pentium/256MB/3GB.
SUSE Linux
A full-featured (desktop/server) commercial Linux. Pentium/256MB/3GB. Not recommended, due to their support of Microsoft.
Ubuntu Linux
Very popular desktop Linux. Pentium/256MB/3GB. Free download; free CDs available.
Xandros Linux
Commercial Linux ($39/$79) very friendly to Windows users. Pentium 450/256MB/3GB. No longer recommended, due to their support of Microsoft.
Category: Linux Distributions - Lightweight (19)
Linux Distributions for older and smaller PCs
Arch Linux
"Targeted at competent Linux users." Reported to work on Pentium Pro 200 MHz with 128 MB RAM.
BeaFanatIX (BFX) Linux
Successor to the discontinued BeatrIX Linux. For office and home users. Pentium/64 MB/1 GB. 128 MB RAM recommended. The distribution fits on a mini CD. Runs as Live CD or install to hard disk.
CRUX
"Targeted at experienced Linux users." Requires Pentium-2 class (i686) CPU. No info about RAM or hard disk requirements.
Damn Small Linux
Damn Small Linux requires 486 CPU/16 MB RAM/0.2 GB disk. Distribution is 50 MB and fits on a business-card-sized CD-ROM.
Debian
Established, stable, and used as the basis for many other Linux distributions. Debian will still run on Pentium 100/64 MB/1.8 GB. Debian packages are widely available.
DeLi Linux
"Desktop Light" Linux. 486/16 MB/0.3 GB.
Feather Linux
"Live CD" distribution (runs from CD-ROM or USB memory stick). 486/24 MB/0 GB.
Fluxbuntu
Ubuntu Linux with the lightweight Fluxbox window manager. Pentium 300/64 MB/1.5 GB.
MEPIS AntiX
A newer lightweight MEPIS derivative using Fluxbox. Live CD, or can install to hard disk. Pentium II/128 MB/1.5 GB. Recommended.
MEPIS Lite
Lightweight version of the very nice MEPIS Linux. Pentium/128 MB/2 GB. Commercial product - subscription required to download.
Puppy Linux
Boots from CD-ROM or USB memory stick, then runs entirely from RAM. Pentium 166/128 MB/0 GB. Can be installed to hard disk.
RULE Project
Not itself a distro, the "Run Up to date Linux Everywhere" (RULE) project makes Red Hat and Fedora Core installable on low-end computers.
SaxenOS
Formerly known as STX Linux. Pentium/32 MB/2 GB. (Link updated 13 Aug 07.)
Slackware
An old and established Linux distribution. Still runs on 486/32 MB/0.5 GB; also includes software for larger machines.
VectorLinux
An established lightweight Linux. Pentium/64 MB/1.5 GB. Based on Slackware Linux.
Wolvix
"Live CD" distribution, runs from CD-ROM or USB memory stick. 486/96 MB/0 GB, but can be installed to hard disk. Pentium CPU recommended.
Working Centre Linux
Canadian project to make older PCs usable as home computers. 486/16 MB/0.4 GB.
Xubuntu
Lightweight version of the popular Ubuntu Linux. Can install Ubuntu packages and applications. Pentium/64 MB/1.4 GB.
Zenwalk
Comes in four editions: Standard, Core, Live, and Server. Pentium 3/128 MB/2 GB. Lower performance on Pentium 2.
Category: Linux Distro Reviews (3)
Reviews and opinions about various Linux distributions.
How to revive an old PC
The Inquirer recommends several Linux distributions suitable for low-end (down to Pentium I) PCs.
Reincarnating a discarded laptop with Linux
Several distros suggested for an old IBM Thinkpad (366 MHz, 128 MB RAM). Many links to lightweight distros and other useful resources.
Top Ten Distributions
Distrowatch's list of the "top ten" Linux distributions. Excellent commentary -- the best single page to read if you're trying to decide.
Category: Linux Download Providers (3)
Places where you can download Linux systems. See also "Linux Distributions," most of which offer downloads.
DistroMania
Offers downloads of a few hundred Linux distributions from their own server. Also offers hosting for new distros.
LQ ISO
LinuxQuestions.org ISO download information site. Provides links to the download sites for most Linux distributions.
MadTux.org
Offers free downloads of the 40 "most popular Linux distros" from their own servers.
Category: Linux Information (6)
Web sites which are particularly useful for Linux news, help, and information.
Application Crossover Chart
Grokdoc's chart of which Linux applications are the equivalents of your favorite Windows programs.
DistroWatch
Best source of information on every available Linux distribution. Excellent search page for specific needs.
HowToForge
HowtoForge provides free hosting for Linux tutorials and discussion forums for everything related to Linux.
Linux Equivalents for Windows Software
Enormous table telling what native Linux program can replace (or perform the function of) any given Windows program.
Linux Professional Institute
Conducts certification exams for Linux professionals.
The Linux Documentation Project
Documentation and "how-to" files for all things Linux. Variable quality, and often not easy for beginners to follow, but usually definitive.
Category: Linux PCs (6)
Suppliers of desktops and laptops with Linux pre-installed.
Koobox
Desktop PCs with Linspire pre-installed.
Koolu
Sells the "W.E. Appliance," tiny 10-watt Linux desktop PC.
Lightspeed Systems
Sells both Linux and Windows PCs, including the Volkscomputer low-cost Linux PC, and Rayservers secure Linux laptops.
Linspire Partners
Dealers where you can buy computers with Linspire installed: Sears, K-mart, Wal-mart, and many others. Includes international Partner locator.
System 76
Laptops and desktops with Ubuntu Linux.
ZaReason
Offers a variety of Linux laptops and desktops. Based in Berkeley, California, specializing in 'buntu systems.
Category: Linux User Groups (3)
Local groups where you can find help and advice.
Canadian Linux User Groups
CLUE's index of Linux User Groups throughout Canada.
Linux Online: User Groups
Linux Online's list of worldwide Linux Users Groups. (As of 10 Feb 2007, shows 273 groups in the U.S.)
Linux Users Groups Worldwide
Homepage of the Linux Users Groups WorldWide project. A newer list. (As of 10 Feb 2007, this list shows 150 groups in the U.S.)
Category: Maintenance Tools - Linux (2)
Software tools to help you install Linux and maintain your computer.
GParted partition editor
Free graphical version of the Parted partition editor. Boots from CD or USB stick.
Parted partition editor
GNU Parted, a free partition editor for PCs. Text interface. Fits on a floppy disk.
Category: Maintenance Tools - Windows (1)
Programs to clean up, repair, or optimize the Windows operating system.
Glary Utilities
A set of programs to clean up and optimize your Windows PC. Supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, 2003, NT, XP and Vista (32-bit only). Basic version is free, "pro" version is paid.
Category: Non-Linux PC Operating Systems (15)
Alternatives to Windows other than Linux.
DR-DOS ($)
DR-DOS is a commercial replacement for MS-DOS. Well worth it if you need to run DOS but want to avoid Microsoft. Recommended.
eComStation ($)
eComStation is a derivative of OS/2 Warp. This appears to be the only commercially supported OS/2 product.
FreeBSD
One of the derivatives of BSD Unix. Free, open-source. Expertise required.
FreeDOS
FreeDOS aims to be a complete, free, 100% MS-DOS compatible operating system. (Yes, DOS is still an alternative to Windows.)
Haiku
Haiku is an open-source operating system inspired by BeOS. Still under development and (as of Jan '07) not yet ready for end users.
Information: FreeOS.com
A long list of alternative operating systems for PCs and other computers. Somewhat dated -- the last update to the site seems to have been in 2005.
Information: The OS Files
Very useful resource for information about all PC operating systems. Contains up-to-date release information, specifications, and links. (Not as complete as DistroWatch for Linux systems.)
MINIX
MINIX 3 is a Unix-like operating system for small computers. Requires '386 or better CPU, 16 MB RAM, 50 MB hard disk (600 MB for source code).
NetBSD
One of the derivatives of BSD Unix. Free, open-source. Expertise required.
OpenBSD
OpenBSD Unix, extremely secure operating system. Good choice for servers. Requires technical expertise.
OpenSolaris
The community-supported version of Sun's Solaris Unix operating system. Open source. Free starter kit available.
OSFree
osFree is an attempt to build an open source OS/2 clone. Currently under development and not available for testing. (Posted here for reference.)
PC-BSD
A FreeBSD derivative specifically for PCs, designed to be easier to install and use. Free, open-source.
ReactOS
ReactOS is a free, open-source clone of Windows XP. It's intended to be completely compatible with XP applications and device drivers. Currently in the alpha testing stage, and not recommended for everyday use.
Solaris 10
Sun's free, open-source Unix-like operating system. Popular on servers but usable on desktops. Expertise required.
Category: Security Tools - Linux (6)
Firewalls, Antivirus, etc. for Linux systems
Antivirus: Avast
Avast Antivirus for Linux. RPM, DEB, or TAR GZ package. Free for personal use.
Antivirus: AVG Free for Linux
AVG Anti-Virus for Linux desktops. RPM files, apparently for Red Hat, Mandriva, and SUSE.
Antivirus: Avira AntiVir for Linux
Avira's antivirus for Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris. Free for personal use.
Antivirus: BitDefender Linux Edition
BitDefender Linux Edition. Free but unsupported.
Antivirus: ClamAV
Open-source antivirus project. Downloads available for many operating systems, or compile from source code. May require some expertise.
Antivirus: F-Prot for Linux
F-Prot antivirus for Linux workstations. Free download for personal use. RPM, DEB, or Gzip'd TAR.
Category: Security Tools - Windows (23)
Firewalls, Antivirus, Antispyware, etc. for Windows operating systems
Antispam: Popfile
Free, open-source email filtering program. Useful if your email program doesn't offer spam filtering. Works with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.
Antispyware: Ad-Aware
Free and popular antispyware tool for Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP.
Antispyware: AVG Free for Windows
AVG's free anti-spyware program for Windows 2000/XP.
Antispyware: PC-Tools Spyware Doctor 4.0 ($)
PC-Tools commercial spyware product for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.
Antispyware: Spybot Search & Destroy
Free and popular antispyware tool for Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003. Older version 1.3 still available for Windows 95.
Antivirus: Avast
Avast antivirus for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Free for personal use.
Antivirus: AVG Free for Windows
AVG's free antivirus program for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP.
Antivirus: Avira AntiVir for Windows
Avira's anti-virus for Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP. Free for personal use.
Antivirus: BitDefender Free Edition
BitDefender 8 Free Edition antivirus for Windows 98, ME, NT-SP6, 2000, XP. Says "free" but really a one-year free trial.
Antivirus: ClamWin
A Windows version of the ClamAV antivirus program. Free.
Antivirus: Comodo Free AntiVirus
Free antivirus for Windows 2000/XP.
Antivirus: F-Prot ($)
F-Prot antivirus for Windows is a commercial (not free) product. F-Prot also has products for DOS, Linux, and BSD Unix.
Antivirus: F-Secure ($)
Commercial antivirus product for WIndows.
Antivirus: PC-Tools Free Edition
Free edition of PC-Tools Anti-Virus 3.1 for Windows 2000 and XP.
Firewall: Comodo Free Firewall
Free firewall software for Windows 2000, XP, 2003.
Firewall: Outpost Firewall Free
Free edition of Outpost Firewall, for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000.
Firewall: PC-Tools Firewall Plus
Free firewall software for Windows XP, 2000, and 2003 Server.
Firewall: R-Firewall
Free firewall program for Windows 98/2000/XP/2003.
Firewall: Zone Alarm Free Edition
Free edition of Zone Labs' firewall product. For Windows 2000/XP.
Gibson Research Corporation
Home of "Shields Up!" testing service for PC network vulnerabilities, and lots of information about securing your Windows PC.
Home PC Firewall Guide
Superb resource for all kinds of security information, tools, and links to Windows software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, the works).
Returnil Virtual System
Runs Windows from a RAM virtual disk, so if infected, the system will be restored at the next reboot. Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista 32-bit. Free for personal use.
Windows XP - Surviving the First Day
A report (PDF format) describing the essential steps you must take before connecting your XP computer to the Internet. Recommended.
Category: Software Alternatives for Windows (33)
Open-source software and other alternatives to Microsoft applications, that run under Windows.
Email: Eudora
Excellent email program for Windows and Mac. Paid, advertising-supported, or free (restricted) modes. Windows 98/2000/ME/XP.
Email: Eudora (old versions)
Older versions of Eudora email program suitable for Windows 95 and 3.1, or for limited-resource systems.
Email: Evolution
Evolution is an email/calendar/PIM that is a full replacement for Microsoft Outlook. The beta-test Windows version is now available. (Feb'07)
Email: Pegasus Mail
A highly regarded free email program for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. Older versions are still available for DOS and Windows 3.x.
Email: Thunderbird
Thunderbird email client, for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Includes spam filtering. Recommended.
Finance: Quicken ($)
Commercial product comparable to Microsoft Money.
Games: FlightGear
Free, open-source flight simulator for Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP.
Graphics: CinePaint
Free open source software tools for deep paint manipulation and image processing. "Glasgow" version is available for Windows XP.
Graphics: GIMP Graphics Editor
Free graphics program for photo retouching, image composition, image authoring, etc. For Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD, Solaris.
Messaging: Pidgin (formerly Gaim)
Free, open-source messaging client supporting AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, and other protocols.
Multimedia: Real Player
Audio and video player for Real and other formats. Free download.
Office: Ability Database ($)
Commercial database product comparable to Microsoft Access.
Office: Abiword
Free, open source alternative to Microsoft Word. Word processor only. Some support for Open Document Format.
Office: FileMaker ($)
Commercial database product comparable to Microsoft Access.
Office: Lotus SmartSuite ($)
Commercial product.
Office: Lotus Symphony
Now available for free download. Includes word processor, spreadsheet, presentations. Requires Windows XP or Vista; also for Linux. Writes PDF; supports Open Document Format.
Office: OpenOffice
Open-source office suite: word processing, spreadsheet, database, slide presentations, drawing, math equations. For Windows, Linux, and Mac. Writes PDF and HTML, and supports ODF (Open Document Format).
Office: SoftMaker Office ($)
Commercial product. Supports Open Document Format.
Office: StarOffice ($)
Sun's commercial version of the OpenOffice suite. Supports Open Document Format.
Office: WordPerfect Office ($)
Commercial product. Supports Open Document Format.
PDF: Foxit PDF Reader/Creator ($)
Reader, Creator, and Editor for PDF files. Commercial software: the reader is free but the other PDF tools are paid.
PDF: PDF Creator
Free program to create PDF files from any Windows application. (Use it like a printer.) For Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP.
Publishing: Scribus
Free, open-source desktop publishing package Some support for Open Document Format.
ReactOS
ReactOS is an open source operating system which is a replacement for Windows. Compatible with Windows XP and NT applications. Still in alpha test stage; not recommended for everyday use.
The Open Disc
A CD-ROM full of open-source software for Windows. Includes OpenOffice, Firefox browser, Thunderbird email, GIMP graphics editor, and much more.
Utility: 7-Zip
Free alternative to WinZip file archiver. Works with Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. (Possibly Windows 95 too.) Recommended.
Utility: Filezilla
Free FTP client for Windows NT/2000/XP. Recommended.
Web Browser: Firefox
Firefox web browser, for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Recommended.
Web Browser: Opera
Opera web browser; includes email, news, RSS, and IRC. For Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD, and other operating systems. Recommended.
Web: Adobe Creative Suite ($)
Adobe's web publishing software suite. Commercial package, not free.
Web: Kompozer web page editor
Free, open-source web page editor. An update to the Nvu project.
Web: Nvu web page editor
Free, open-source HTML editor and web publishing software.
Web: SeaMonkey Internet Suite
Formerly known as Mozilla: Web browser, advanced e-mail and newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and HTML editor. For Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Category: Windows Emulation and Co-Operation Software (13)
Tools which let you run Windows or Windows programs on your Linux PC.
Cedega ($)
Commercial version of Wine designed to run Windows games (including DirectX games) under Linux. Does not require Windows.
CrossOver Linux ($)
Commercial version of Wine with improved support for Microsoft applications (Office, Internet Explorer, etc.). Does not require Windows.
DOSEMU
DOS emulator: allows old DOS programs to run under Linux. Free, open-source.
IEs 4 Linux
An easy script that installs Internet Explorer 5, 5.5, and 6 on any Linux computer using Wine.
KVM: Kernel-based Virtual Machine for Linux
KVM allows you to run multiple operating systems on one computer. It requires a modern CPU with virtualization extensions (Intel VT or AMD-V). Support for KVM is built into the Linux kernel version 2.6.20 and higher.
Parallels Workstation ($)
Virtualization software allows multiple operating systems to run in parallel on one PC. Commercial product.
QEMU
Open-source machine emulator and virtualizer, can run multiple operating systems for different CPUs. Technical expertise is probably required.
VirtualBox
Virtualization software allows multiple operating systems to run in parallel on one PC. Open-source (GPL), free download.
VMWare ($)
Allows multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, to run simultaneously on one PC. Requires Microsoft Windows to run Windows programs.
Win4Lin ($)
Allows Windows to run as a task under Linux. Requires a copy of Microsoft Windows. Recommended for programs that won't run under Wine.
Wine
Allows Windows programs to run on Linux systems. Does not require a copy of Windows. Free, open-source.
WineTools
"WineTools is a menu driven installer for installing about 90 Windows programs under the x86 processor architecture with the Linux operating system using Wine."
Xen
Virtualization software allows multiple operating systems to run in parallel on one PC. The basic version, Xen Express, is free.