Mac vs Linux question

[miviato]

Hi, I have never used Linux and I am totally unfamiliar with it (I have a Mac). I might need to install some software for my work that requires Linux. Can someone please explain/refer me to basics I need to learn about Linux? My main question is: what exactly is the relation between the mac terminal and Linux? Could I run the linux software on my mac terminal? Or do I really need to install Linux on my mac? If so, what is the best software to use (I have only heard about Ubuntu)? Thanks!

 

[cboucher]

Check out www.linux.org for a lot of good general information about Linux.

 

[lhamil64]

I believe you can run Linux apps in Mac OS X with X11. Here's one way but it requires a Linux machine or virtual machine.

www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_run_linux_applications_your_mac

It might be easier to just make a virtual
Aching and install Linux in it for those few apps. Just google "make a Linux virtual machine" and you should be able to find a guide.