George and Wiley check out Linux.

As many of you know, I’m a Linux user and advocate.  It’s a great operating system.  Linux is safe, secure, and free. But best of all, it’s supported by a terrific community of volunteers and users.

You meet these folks through online forums. To get started using and understanding Linux, simply visit one of the many community forums. Create an account, introduce yourself, and jump into the conversation. New users are always welcome. And, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Everyone, at one time, was a Linux beginner. There’s even an area within the forums dedicated to beginners. It’s sort of the “Bunny Slope” of Linux.

If you recall when first learning Windows or Mac, you had a lot of questions on how to perform certain tasks, save files, play video and music, etc. You probably asked friends who were more experienced in using Windows or Mac. You asked them and they gave you an answer. Pretty soon, through daily use and experience, you became the friend who gave answers to new Windows or Mac users.

The forums are the same thing. It’s a place where friends meet to exchange information about Linux, get answers, and offer answers and help to others. The only difference, instead of the help coming from a next door neighbor, you’re getting it from an online neighbor.

These online neighbors take you under their wing, show you the ropes of how Linux runs, answer your questions, and generally de-mystify this wonderful operating system. I like to call it, “E Mentoring.” Because the internet is your main pipeline to the Linux community and its many instructors.

So, give Linux a try! Download it and, at the very least, run the Live CD.  Join a forum and meet other Linux users. Once you try Linux and see how easy it is to use, you’ll wonder why you didn’t use it earlier! You’ll be free of Window viruses, malware, and spyware. (Linux is immune to these Windows problems.)

And, pretty soon, you’ll be the one doing the E Mentoring.