Benefits of Linux:

• Low cost: You don't need to spend time and money to obtain licenses since Linux and much of it's software come with the GNU General Public License. You can start to work immediately without worrying that your software may stop working anytime because the free trial version expires.
  
  
• Stability: Linux doesn't need to be rebooted periodically to maintain performance levels. It doesn't freeze up or slow down over time due to memory leaks and such. Continuous up-times of hundreds of days (up to a year or more) are not uncommon.
  
  
• Performance: Linux provides persistent high performance on workstations and on networks. It can handle unusually large numbers of users simultaneously.
  
  
• Network friendliness: Linux was developed by a group of programmers over the Internet and has therefore strong support for network functionality; client and server systems can be easily set up on any computer running Linux. It can perform tasks such as network backups faster and more reliably than alternative systems.
  
  
• Flexibility: Linux can be used for high performance server applications, desktop applications, and embedded systems. You can save disk space by only installing the components needed for a particular use. You can restrict the use of specific computers by installing for example only selected office applications instead of the whole suite.
  
  
• Compatibility: It runs all common Unix software packages and can process all common file formats.
  
  
• Choice: The large number of Linux distributions gives you a choice. Each distribution is developed and supported by a different organization. You can pick the one you like best; the core functionalities are the same; most software runs on most distributions.
  
  
• Fast and easy installation: Most Linux distributions come with user-friendly installation and setup programs.
  
  
• Full use of hard disk: Linux continues work well even when the hard disk is almost full.
  
  
• Multitasking: Linux is designed to do many things at the same time; e.g., a large printing job in the background won't slow down your other work.
  
  
• Security: Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. 'Walls' and flexible file access permission systems prevent access by unwanted visitors or viruses.
  
  
• Open source: If you develop software that requires knowledge or modification of the operating system code, Linux's source code is at your fingertips,

Today, the combination of inexpensive computers and free high-quality Linux operating system and software provide incredibly low-cost solutions for both basic home office use and high-performance business and science applications. The available choices of Linux distributions and Linux software may be overwhelming at first, but it if you know where to look, it shouldn't take long for you to find good online guidance.

• Linux source code is freely distributed. Tens of thousands of programmers have reviewed the source code to improve performance, eliminate bugs, and strengthen security. No other operating system has ever undergone this level of review. This Open Source design has created most of the advantages listed below.
  
  
• Linux has the best technical support available. Linux is supported by commercial distributors, consultants, and by a very active community of users and developers. In 1997, the Linux community was awarded InfoWorld's Product of the Year Award for Best Technical Support over all commercial software vendors.
  
  
• Linux has no vendor lock-in. The availability of source code means that every user and support provider is empowered to get to the root of technical problems quickly and effectively. This contrasts sharply with proprietary operating systems, where even top-tier support providers must rely on the OS vendor for technical information and bug fixes.
  
  
• Linux runs on a wide range of hardware. Most Linux systems are based on standard PC hardware, and Linux supports a very wide range of PC devices. However, it also supports a wide range of other computer types, including Alpha, Power PC, 680x0, SPARC, and Strong Arm processors, and system sizes ranging from PDAs (such as the PalmPilot) to supercomputers constructed from clusters of systems (Beowulf clusters).
  
  
• Linux is exceptionally stable. Properly configured, Linux systems will generally run until the hardware fails or the system is shut down. Continuous up-times of hundreds of days (up to a year or more) are not uncommon.
  
  
• Linux has the tools and applications you need. Programs ranging from the market-dominating Apache web server to the powerful GIMP graphics editor are included in most Linux distributions. Free and commercial applications meet are available to meet most application needs.
  
  
• Linux interoperates with many other types of computer systems. Linux communicates using the native networking protocols of Unix, Microsoft Windows 95/NT, IBM OS/2, Netware, and Macintosh systems and can also read and write disks and partitions from these and other operating systems.
  
  
• Linux has a low total cost of ownership. Although the Linux learning curve is significant, the stability, design, and breadth of tools available for Linux result in very low ongoing operating costs.
  
  
• Linux: "all for one and one for all" All changes one makes in Open Source software will benefit each and everyone, all over the world. Without exceptions or constraints.
  
  
• Linux is fun!

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