Best Gifts For the Linux Geek, Make Your Own Railgun, and More - page 2

Do-it-Yourself Science, Toys, Support Your Favorite FOSS

I know you've heard this one before, and it still bears repeating-- support your independent Linux vendor! They're not under Microsoft's thumb so you know you're not paying for a Windows license when you don't want one, and they're free of Microsoft's influence on their product lines and support.

Red Hat does one thing, and one thing only-- Linux. Their emphasis is on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and they also distribute an enterprise-friendly desktop Linux.

Emperor Linux has been selling fully-supported Linux laptops since 1999, everything from ultra-light to ultra-rugged to desktop replacements, and now a line of Linux tablets.

System76 is a well-regarded Linux OEM vendor that offers a full line of laptops, netbooks, desktops, and servers.

ZaReason is another high-quality Linux OEM vendor that supports a full line of laptops, netbooks, desktops, and servers, and they also build custom configurations.

The Pre-Installed Linux Vendor Database on LXer.com may help you find a good local Linux vendor.

Carla Schroder is the author of the Linux Cookbook and the Linux Networking Cookbook (O'Reilly Media), the upcoming "Book of Audacity" (NoStarch Press), a lifelong book lover, and the managing editor of Linux Planet and Linux Today.