How to Use Open Source on a Linux Desktop

Installing and using open-source software in Linux is getting more intuituve.

With the high price and restrictive licensing of some consumer software for your desktop computer, open source programs make an attractive option. Most Linux operating systems are completely built around free software. Many open source programs, such as Firefox and Open Office, are popular enough and mature enough to hit the mainstream. Except for differences in look and feel, running an open-source program on Linux is not much different than running an equivalent proprietary one elsewhere. Many Linux distributions simplify software installation, so no compiling of source code is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Root access

Instructions

1. Search the Internet for Linux-based open source programs. Several websites will list open-source alternatives to proprietary programs. Write down any programs you may want to install.

2. While online, open a command shell. In most Linux menu systems, you will find it listed as Terminal.

3. Type "su -" without the quotes, then hit Enter to log in as root. When prompted, type in your root password and hit Enter. Root access allows you to change any file on the computer, including system files, so only the owner of the system should have a root password. Ubuntu does not use root accounts.

4. Type "apt-get install programname" without the quotes if you are running a Debian system, and substitute the name of the program you wish to install. Hit Enter. In an Ubuntu-based system, type "sudo apt-get install programname" without the quotes, and enter your user password when prompted.

5. Watch the installation progress in your root terminal. Apt-get will download your program and any other packages your system needs to run it and install all necessary programs.

6. Open another command shell.

7. Type the executable name of the program in the new command shell, and watch the terminal readout for any messages.

8. Work with the new program to get used to the interface and functions.

Tips & Warnings

• Using your command shell to open a program the first time allows you to see any error messages. After that first run, use your menu to start your program.

• Popular open source programs include the Firefox and Chrome Web browsers, Open Office that is similar to Microsoft Office, Photoshop clone GIMP, and the AbiWord word processor.

• To get a short manual to your installed program, type "man program" in a command shell, without the quotes and substituting the name of the software you wish to check out.

• The program Synaptic, used in Debian-based Linux distributions, will provide a list of available programs you can install. Synaptic is a graphical front end for apt-get, and it installs your programs in the same way.

• Be careful of what you install. While viruses and malware are not a major issue with Linux, you run the risk of breaking the system.

• Use caution when typing commands as root. All your system files are accessible from there, and you can do some real damage.

References

• Linux; Open Source Equivalent Applications for the Average User; Jack Wallen; August 2009
• Desktop Linux

Resources

• Linux RSP: The Table of Equivalents
• Open Source as Alternative