Some Linux distributions aren't optimized for your specific system, so tweaks are necessary. I run RedHat 6.1, and here is how I sped up my disk speed by enabling 32-bit I/O and DMA on my system.

It all started with an annoying bug in KMail, and it has ended with my primary Linux machine running a new version of glibc, the latest XFree86, and the brand-new beta of KDE. In this article, written just a few hours after all this came to be, I'll walk you through the installation process and give a brief first look at the new KDE. (You can take a quick peak at KDE 2 in the accompanying figure; other screen shots can be found later in the article.

While I have been using computers for two decades, the majority of users today have only ever used PCs. Specifically: computers running Microsoft operating systems. Those who have only ever used Windows think the way it behaves is normal for computers in general, that this kind of behaviour is how it is with computers. They tolerate this state of affairs when for me, it's completely unacceptable.

The Linux USB Project, originally started in early 1999, is currently the definitive USB stack for Linux. Originally based upon a debug USB mouse driver that Linus wrote and released March 30, 1999, it rapidly progressed into a state of acceptable maturity.

Mousetrap, plus other barriers to success I don't see stability meeting with ease of use, ease of support and standards, on a Windows platform, but I do see this with Linux and FreeBSD. With this in mind I'll add some constructive criticism for Linux, FreeBSD and their GUI's.

After reading the past few articles' comments, I have found that a number of people seem to think and agree that "mainstreaming" Linux shouldn't be on Linux developers' minds. Linux isn't for everyone, and in fact, why should it be?

Having used SuSE for a few years now and have found the distribution to be full featured, heavily packed with software and targeted at the intermediate to advanced user. However, with the release of v6.4, SuSE has made significant strides in their effort to penetrate the growing 'new Linux user' market.

The rapid growth of Linux in the server market means that people who are primarily familiar with Windows will need to learn how to administer Linux servers. If you're one of these people, please accept some friendly advice: don't treat Linux like Windows.

GNULinux.com is the open source gateway where non-Linux to novice-Linux users can find resources and information to make the transition to Linux an easy and friendly experience.

Many IT managers are considering the Linux operating system for more demanding applications. Its appeals are undeniable: it is fast, Internet-ready, non-proprietary, and almost free. But corporates will require support for Linux.