But I can’t be blamed for calling him such. His passion for the propagation of Linux is infectious. I attended his Linux training and came out of it an enlightened person. He not only practices what he preaches he’s living the Linux lifestyle.

Before I proceed with the interview, let me give you more of his background. Ricky Gonzalez or more popularly known as Ricky G. is widely regarded in the computer industry here in our country. He is an industry practitioner since 1983.A licensed engineer, he earned his BS in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) degree from De La Salle University – Taft. A long time Linux user and believer, he was a proponent of the 1st Internet Exchange in the Philippines (PHiX). Now he is involved in network integration and open source advocacy.

Last week I ended my article about the Linux kernel. I started the interview with him about the kernel.

RG: I would like to emphasize that Linus Torvalds only created the Linux kernel, the rest of the components that are needed for a complete operating system (linkers, compliers, editors, application software, utilities, etc) were contributed by other people.

This is like asking can you go from point A to point B by simply using a car’s engine. For one to go from one place to another, the automobile must be complete. It must have an engine, steering, body, seats, brakes, tires and thousands of other components to be able to function as a transportation unit.

The same thing is true with Linux, the kernel although important is only one of the thousands of components that is required to have a functional operating system.

TOC: Why is Linux free or is it really free?

RG: Free means freedom and not free as in no payment.

Linux allows four (4) freedoms

1. Freedom to distribute - give it to your friends and associates.

2. Freedom to use - use as you like, with no fees or restrictions.

3. Freedom to modify - no need to ask permission if a tweak here and there makes the distribution tailored better for your needs.

4. Freedom to see - you can see the code, no secrets no hidden agenda.

TOC: As an operating system, what are the major differences of Linux to the proprietary software?

RG: 1. It is more stable.

2. It works from mainframes to embedded systems. Ever hear that the "other" operating systems runs on an IBM mainframe or on a handphone.

3. It is extremely adaptable.

4. No secrets.

5. Support infrastructure that is second to none in depth and in expertise.

6. Better in terms of cost of ownership.

7. It belongs to us and not one "company"

8. It simply works.

9. It is widely available.

10 There is no advertising cost, or any cost on the users for that matter.

TOC: Why are there so many distributions of Linux?

RG: This is the plus point for Linux, it is not one size fits all. Imagine a world where the only T-shirt you can buy is in extra-large and in the color blue, boring is it not.

Linux is about choices and not the lack of it.

TOC. What distribution in your opinion is the most user friendly for an end-user who wants to migrate to Linux?

RG: To date, Ubuntu or any of its derivatives (Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu) are good candidates for users willing to try out Linux for the first time.

TOC: Is Linux also compatible to applications other than open office?

RG: Every gender of application that is available on proprietary systems is available on the Linux platform more or less. The look might not be the same, but the functionality is there.

One only needs to look at sourceforge (www.sourceforge.net) to see that there are thousands upon thousands of applications that are available for Linux.

The availability of a certain "office" suite for the Linux platform is not the only gauge if Linux is the platform of choice.

TOC: What are the myths about Linux?

RG: The main myth is that Linux is for "geeks" and "geeks" only.

While it is true that Linux was created for technically savvy computer users, the evolution of the operating system has seen it mature and usable for everybody.

The OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) project underscores that Linux is for everybody. If a child can use a Linux based notebook, everybody else can.

TOC: You are saying Linux can be truly accessible?

RG: Yes, everybody that has an open mind about computers and using its applications is a potential Linux user.

No, if one needs handholding to get to use a computer. For this group, a Mac and Mac OSX would be a better alternative.

TOC: Right now what are the limitations of Linux?

RG: No limitations at all, the only problem is the continued campaign by the "Redmond" group that does big PR campaigns that Linux is unreliable, unusable and only for a small community of "geeks".

There are also hardware manufacturers that under veiled threats from the other "OS" that refuses to release drivers and information about their new products. Hopefully, these HW companies will soon realize the potent market of Linux is something which they cannot ignore.

For comments and suggestions email me at: techoclock@advancesolutions.net