The balance of Linux vs. Windows for simulation users is always in flux. For some time it was predicted that Windows would win the battle but in recent years Linux has made a resurgence, especially on clusters and in the cloud. We strongly recommend that ANSYS users who want to be power users gain a good understanding of Linux from a user and sysadmin perspective. Especially CFD users since they are most likely to be solving on a Linux devices. Too many of the people we interface with are left at the mercy of an IT support team that doesn’t know, or even fears Linux.
The best way to solve this problem is to learn Linux yourself. To help people get there, recommended a few books and “learn by doing.” Now we have a better option.
edX offers an Introduction to Linux class that looks outstanding, and you can audit it for free or take the course for real for a $250 minimum contribution. The quality of these courses is fantastic. The material is thorough and practical.
If you do take the class, give us some feedback when you finish in the comments below.
Here is the video describing the course.
