Benefits of Linux

There are  good reasons for becoming familiar with Linux. They are largely the same as the reasons for studying about computers in general:

1.  it can be very interesting, 
2.  it can make life more convenient,
3.  it can save money and 
4.  it can enhance one's IT career or business (and thus help make money).

Becoming familiar with Linux can result in a substantial financial savings because the software (both the operating system and the application programs) is available for free and because Linux can run on older and cheaper computers. In fact, most people who switch to Linux soon realize that they will never again have to purchase any software!

With regard to careers, it is becoming increasingly valuable to have Linux skills rather than just knowing how to use Microsoft Windows. This is because the role of Linux will continue to expand -- and many industry experts expect it to become the dominant operating system for some, or most, types of applications. 

More and more computers, ranging from the lowest cost and simplest to the most powerful and advanced, will be running Linux as

1. Its ease of use for ordinary people continues to improve 
2.  More businesses and individuals become aware of its numerous and compelling advantages 
3.  More professionals with good Linux skills become available to support Linux systems.

For people studying to become computer professionals, having Linux skills is already highly desirable, and it could, in fact, eventually become virtually mandatory. Moreover, Linux skills are becoming increasingly important for many other fields as well, ranging from business to biotechnology to industrial design.

In addition, by studying Linux, one is actually simultaneously becoming proficient with all Unix-like operating systems, including the proprietary  versions of UNIX such as Solaris and AIX, and Mac OS X (whose  operating system is a Unix-like system called Darwin).

 This is because of the great similarity among these systems. Proficiency with the proprietary Unixes has always been considered valuable, and it is well rewarded in the job market.

It is also important to have a computer, a copy of Linux itself and a strong desire to learn. A good introductory Linux book can also be useful, but it is no longer absolutely necessary.

Self study has the advantages that 

1.  There is no tuition or other fees, 
2.  It is possible to study at home (or anywhere) 
3.  The pace and content of study can be easily adjusted according to the goals and situation of the individual student. Actually, it is often far less expensive to purchase a computer just for studying Linux than it is to pay the tuition and other expenses for attending Linux classes.

You can use Linux for running services, run a legal torrents, set a streaming movie server at home, run a web server, run a mail server (like the one used by Hillary) ,use games, set different programs, set security programs,etc,etc.. The opportunities are endless.!

Linux (as well as many other areas of information technology) is particularly well suited for studying at home because

1. No equipment is needed other than an ordinary personal computer and 
2. There is a large amount of free or cheap study material that is available from bookstores, in libraries, on the Internet, etc.

The key to success with studying at home is strong motivation. Good study habits also help. Many of the best Linux experts are self taught and do not possess a single computer certification. They have invariably been highly motivated because they have found the subject matter to be extremely interesting.

Enjoy your journey with Linux!