First, let's make it clear that software applications you can buy off the shelf at the mega-computer store is unlikely to ever run on FOSS systems. There are on-going attempts to change that, but it's exceedingly difficult to make one system pretend it's another kind. As mentioned before, we call that trick emulation. If you really must have that particular game package, then maybe FOSS is not for you. Specific cases vary, and sometimes you can have it both ways. If you are willing to adapt to a system that runs something similar to most of your old favorites, then you might be pleased to find applications that mimic those you know, and can work with their file formats. Plus, most of the best stuff is just as free as the system itself.
So, are you ready to try an FOSS operating system? Pick one.
It's not that easy. Linux is offered under some 300 brand names, which are usually called distributions or distros. That's because you don't buy Linux software. You might pay for the service to burn it onto a CD, for the packaging, maybe a book, even support for problems you run into, but you do not pay for the software. The system is distributed by numerous companies, teams, and individuals. If you have the connection and the time to play with it, you can always download any distro you want.
Most folks discover Linux the way I did. I can recall about 8 years ago going to a famous bookstore chain and seeing four major distros on the shelf in boxed sets. They were right among some books on the subject. Most of those books also had one or more Linux CDs in them. FreeBSD is usually found in boxed sets, or inside a book cover, too. NetBSD and OpenBSD are not that easy to find. Still, every FOSS operating system can be ordered from somewhere.
If you were to ask someone who felt they really knew about FOSS software, they might give you any number of answers. Most have their favorites, and would promote that one in glowing terms. A few would attempt to be more even-handed, and ask you what you intend to do with your computer. Perhaps they'd ask if you think you want support, maybe what sort of hardware you are using, and so forth.
The problem is that it's not likely anyone knows enough about all those different Linux distros, and BSDs, and what have you, well enough to help you too much, even if they also knew you well enough to judge your needs. Once you've tried one distro, it's quite likely you'll get used to that no matter what it does best. On the other hand, you might be one always seeking that holy grail of the perfect Linux that does everything you want just right. Fat chance. In the real world, two factors are really important.
Once you've gotten involved and learned a bit, you'll be in a better position to make an intelligent choice for switching between various types. Spend time online reading about your chosen system, and then read about FOSS in general. Then again, if you become really comfortable with that first choice, there's no compelling reason to jump on the upgrade merry-go-round. In general, it's wise to run the latest version of whatever you use. But if your hardware is old, you may suffer from the "bloat factor" -- the whole system works slowly because it demands too much from the hardware.
All in all, you will find your own way. The best part is the freedom. A very important part of the ethos of Free and Open Source Software is complete openness. While the information is not always written at the clueless user's level, it is there, and it's free.
[ Go up to Free and Open Source
Software ]
[ <-- Lesson 4 ]
Ed Hurst
24 October 2003; updated 02 March 2004
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: People of honor need no copyright laws; they are only too happy to give credit where credit is due. Others will ignore copyright laws whenever they please. If you are of the latter, please note what Moses said about dishonorable behavior -- "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23)