2. A Brave New World!

Now that you have found your way around GNU/Linux, here is a brief presentation of the features which make excellent reasons to migrate to GNU/Linux.

2.1. A Multi-User Environment

GNU/Linux, like Mac OS® X, is based on UNIX®. This basically implies a shift in the structure of your environment, from a single workstation to a multi-user architecture and implies very thorough user management. Each file, service and application is exclusively allocated to a user or a group of users, according to its nature. For example, every user has his or her own personal directory, containing personal data and personal configuration files, which can be made inaccessible (even invisible) to other users.

2.2. Multiple Tasks

GNU/Linux has always been a very strong operating system for multi-tasking (running many applications concurrently) and still remains a leader in this domain.

2.3. Multiple Desktops

Modern desktop environments available for GNU/Linux give you many desktops to work with, instead of just a single desktop. Users who like to have numerous applications running at the same time will greatly appreciate this feature since it makes for a much cleaner working environment.

2.4. Full Desktop Customization

Regarding aesthetics, GNU/Linux truly rocks! Not only can you choose between many different window managers, but you can also highly customize their appearance with themes. Themes go beyond just the initial look and feel: actually, everything you see can be modified, from the background image to the behavior of applications when they are closed, which is truly unique.

See the themes page on Freshmeat for available designs.

2.5. Thousands of Free Applications

The GNU/Linux community is by far the most generous one. Given a specific problem, you will most likely find a script or an application to answer your needs, for free! Also, Mandriva Linux includes hundreds of applications not documented in this book, so don't be shy, try them out. You'll most probably be surprised by the extent of the possibilities GNU/Linux offers.

GNU/Linux also offers advanced server functionality, such as the ability to host mail or web page servers “out of the box”.

2.6. No More Reboots!

Windows® and Mac OS® (although this has largely been addressed in Mac OS® X) users know the level of frustration generated by crashing systems. Even though GNU/Linux is not perfect, its stability is one of its strongest points. Sometimes, applications crash, but rarely do they take the operating system down with them. Also, installing new applications or devices and modifying the system's configuration don't require a reboot: they are immediately taken into account.

We hope this rapid tour will help you truly appreciate GNU/Linux's strengths. Do not be afraid to explore further!