Linux for Human Beings

Peter Saffrey, Bioinformatics Scientist

For nearly three decades, most users experience of personal computing has been driven by Microsoft Windows but to some that experience is starting to become more diffuse. Even before the rise of OS X, another group of operating systems based on the open-source Linux kernel ascendant in the server room as well as the embedded application space. However, Linux has still yet to make a significant impact on the desktop with some seeing it as the preserve of experts and that it is only free if your time costs nothing.

So what are the strengths and weaknesses of Linux and in the areas where it does dominate, what are the reasons for this? Is it accessible to the “ordinary” user on the desktop? And when you buy a desktop or laptop, should you consider a Linux machine? What will you gain and what will you lose by doing so?

Location

Lindop Building, University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB

Cost

Free for members and non-members

Last updated 12th November, 2023 at 11:32am