If you have not used Linux before, you should expect a few things to be different from using other operating systems.
Here is a brief list of some Linux features that you might find cool.
No constant rebooting
Uptime is valued as a matter of pride (remember, Linux and other UNIX systems are most often used as servers, which are expected to, and do, stay up 24/7/365). After the original installation, you can install or remove most software without having to reboot your computer for almost any software besides the kernel itself.
Start/stop services without interrupting others
You can start and stop individual services (such as Web and e-mail services) without rebooting or even interrupting the work of any other users or features of the computer. In other words, you should not have to reboot your computer every time someone sneezes. (Installing a new kernel is just about the only reason you need to reboot.)Portable software
You can usually change to another Linux, UNIX, or BSD system and still use the exact same software! Most open source software projects were created to run on any UNIX-like system and many also run on Windows systems, if you need them to. If it won’t run where you want it to, chances are that you, or someone you hire, can port it to the computer you want.
Porting refers to modifying an application or driver so it works in a different computer architecture or operating system.
Downloadable applications
If the applications you want are not delivered with your version of Linux, you can often download and install them with a single command, using tools such as apt, urpmi, and yum.Besides that,if you prefer to GUI for installing application,you can always relay to Ubuntu Tweak
No settings hidden in code or registries
After you learn your way around Linux, you’ll find that (given the right permissions on your computer) most configuration is done in plain text files that are easy to find and change. In recent years, simplified graphical interfaces have been added to make working with configuration files even easier. Because Linux is based on openness, nothing is hidden from you. Even the source code, for GPL-covered software, is available for your review.
Mature desktop
The X Window System (providing the framework for your Linux desktop) has been around longer than Microsoft Windows. The KDE and GNOME desktop environments provide graphical interfaces (windows, menus, icons, and so forth) that rival those on Microsoft systems. You have the freedom to choose lightweight window managers instead as well. Ease-of-use problems with Linux systems are rapidly evaporating.
Freedom
Linux, in its most basic form, has no corporate agenda or bottom line to meet. You are free to choose the Linux distribution that suits you, look at the code that runs the system, add and remove any software you like, and make your computer do what you want it to do. Linux runs on everything from supercomputers, to cell phones and everything in between. Many countries are rediscovering their freedom of choice and making the switch at government and educational levels. France, Germany, Korea,and India are just a few that have taken notice of Linux. The list continues to grow.
Source : Ubuntu
Linux Bible 2010 Edition by Christopher Negus
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