All the above is possible thanks to X11, also known as the X Window System.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you

People tend to complain about X11 bandwidth requirements, but don't let that stop you from using it.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you

The X11's wedge-shaped body is 13mm (0.5 inch) thick, tapering down to about 6mm (0.23 inch) at the front.

ENGADGET: Gigabyte X11 review: slim and powerful but not without flaws

For all its good looks, the X11 causes a fair share of headaches when you actually get it in your hands.

ENGADGET: Gigabyte X11 review: slim and powerful but not without flaws

Both the X11 client and server can run on a single machine.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you

Gigabyte really talked up the sports car stylings of the X11, but this machine is clean and sleek rather than loud and gaudy like Acer's Ferrari-branded range.

ENGADGET: Gigabyte X11 review: slim and powerful but not without flaws

Despite the FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) being spread about X11, there are plenty of organizations that use X11 over 10BaseT with great success, so it isn't at all unrealistic.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you

X11 looks like "windows" to the uninitiated, but the basic structure is fundamentally different, just as the basic structure of Linux as an OS is fundamentally different than the DOS that MS Windows 9x still runs on today.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you

X11 runs applications in two pieces.

CNN: Opinion: Linux doesn't do Windows -- and neither should you