Mikes Hobbies - Software

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Linux

Linux is a free operating system that is open source. It
works well on older PC's and gives you full access to the
system if you like to dabble in software development. I use
it for:

• Web browser - Firefox: Firefox home
• Email client - Evolution: Evolution link
• Document, spreadsheet, presentation editing - Open Office: OO home
• Java development - Eclipse: Eclipse home
• Atmel C compiler - AVRFreaks: Avrfreaks link
• Graphics pixel editor - GIMP: Gimp home
• Mechanical drawing - QCad (not free but cheap): QCad home

I have found a few more cool applications lately

• JADE - Java Agent Development Framework: JADE home
• POV-Ray - Three dimensional solids modeling: POV-Ray home
• Blender - Three dimensional modeling and animation: Blender home

Getting Linux

The Linux distribution I use is from Fedora: Fedora home . I just
download an image (ISO) of the CDs (about 6). I then burn the
ISO files onto the CD media.

To install Fedora you just boot the PC from the first CD. The
installation process takes about 45 minutes.

Many of the applications described above are installed by default.