- Top 5 best reasons why you should switch to Linux now!
By: Marius Nestor, Linux Editor
Like everybody else, I've started my computer experience with Windows, and from the beginning, I was also attracted to Linux, only that 7 years ago, Linux was not so friendly at all, as it is today. Back then, I did not even have broadband Internet to download distributions, the only sources were some magazines with Linux OS inside, like Mandrake 9.0 or Red Hat 6.2. Well, after about 5 years of using Windows and Linux in parallel (I tried about every distribution I could put my hands on), I've finally made the big step and dumped Windows over Linux. Ever since, I am trying to convince as many computer users as possible that Linux is a very good choice for a Home/Office Workstation. Let's have a look at the best 5 reasons why you should choose Linux over Windows:
1. Stability
Well, I can assure you that Linux is a very stable operating system. I know that Windows can also be kept alive for days, but in time, it will not be so fast as it needs a defragmentation of the hard drive. Linux doesn't need any defragmentation due to the advanced filesystems it uses, so after months or years of usage, it is still as sharp and fast like it was when you first installed it.
2. Security
Imagine that you will ride the Internet without any fear of spyware, viruses and other things that may ruin your online experience. You don't have to check your computer everyday for viruses, you don't need to install an anti-virus solution that eats over 40% of your computer memory and you don't need any anti-malware software at all. In conclusion, just imagine yourself fearlessly "driving" your PC!
3. Freedom
Imagine you are FREE! Well, you are, but imagine you can do anything you want with an operating system, imagine that you have the freedom to change it in any possible way so it can suit your needs.
4. Cost
99% of the Linux distributions around the world are FREE and all the software you will use is also FREE. Need I say more? I am pretty sure that you don't want to stay with pirated software and search for cracks and all that nasty stuff everyday, neither to pay a lot of money for every piece of software you need. Also, Linux systems can be installed on any number of computers in an Office environment.
5. Hardware
There are Linux systems made especially for old computers, like a Pentium 1 that runs at 200 Mhz. So, if you are wondering whether your computer is supported or not, I will tell you right now that it is and you'll definitely find a Linux system for you!
I must warn you though that getting to learn Linux requires patience and you must have a strong learning curve, to figure things out on your own, rather than having everything done for you. But this is the only "price" you will have to pay for using a Linux operating system. With this in mind, I want to wish everybody out there a Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you closer to Linux.
Hahaha , the OLD "try linux cuz` it's better then windows" scheme. USELESS.
1.You forgot the important MULTIMEDIA section bub. Linux sucks ass @ multimedia. ~ 0 modern games release for the OS , very few programs for semi/profi audio editing - remastering etc etc
"Well, I can assure you that Linux is a very stable operating system. I know that Windows can also be kept alive for days"
I can assure YOU my good man that windows has OWNED Linux in the uptime contest. I suggest you take a look at the http://ro.uptime-project.net/page.php?page=toplist Yeah along with those SunOs 'es there is a Windows 2000 Os with an >5 year uptime.
So much for the Linux fans huh ? :D
I agree with clocky 100% - maybe Linux is suitable for you, or for newbies, but for people who work with certain programs that have support only for windows, there's no question about it. So what you people do is write articles like these for newbies, people who don't know very much. So keep your Linux to yourself!
Great article. Not all of us play games, and those of us that do every so often have thousands to pick from under linux (try Nexuiz and Warsow if you don't believe me). Even so, if you want to play games, play with Windows... if you want to be productive and not worry about viruses, you'll find all of the desktop productivity packages you need with linux.
Linux uptime doesn't get recorded... if you took the time to read the Netcraft FAQ, you'd see: "Additionally HP-UX, Linux, NetApp NetCache, Solaris and recent releases of FreeBSD cycle back to zero after 497 days, exactly as if the machine had been rebooted at that precise point. Thus it is not possible to see a HP-UX, Linux or Solaris system with an uptime measurement above 497 days."
Linux has full flash, mp3, dvd, etc. etc. support. Multimedia is no problem.
Ubuntu linux is, according to many beginners who are using it as their first system, very easy to use. With Windows, if you want to install a program, for example, to rip DVD audio, you can google it (and you'll get bombarded with dozens of spyware infested programs), go to download.com and try to find a program that you can use for a week or so before you need to register it, or crack/pirate a full version. With Ubuntu, you click "Add/Remove" in the Applications menu, and then just search for whichever terms you are interested in (eg. "dvd audio"). It's free - and you're not pirating anything.
If you're a windows fanatic, fine. But don't try to spread misinformation so other people won't try a new operating system out for themselves.
I am a newbie on linux, I first tried 2 years ago with ubuntu. I really enjoy my experience but I wasn't satisfied because there was a big gap (compatibility issues) between XP and linux (and also like my girlfriend said, it looked a little bit like a desktop of the 80's).
So two years later, I decided to give ubuntu a second try. I must tell you that I've installed beryl with ubuntu. My impressions are simple: A-MA-ZING! The gap between the 2 OS is gone (thank to linux of course). My girlfriend who have a Mac is really impress (it takes a lot to impress a mac user!). It took me 1 week on dual boot and after I got rid of xp. To all of my friends that I've showed ubuntu, everyone is impressed and want to try ubuntu.
I feel like breathing again no more viruses, no more spywares, no more cracks for programs I can't afford. I am free, bye bye Mr Gates, if I have a problem the ubuntu community is there to help FREE!
Linux has come to a turning point, and the future looks bright! I' m pretty sure windows will launch an advertsing campaign for Vista (you know the childish looking new OS of Mr. Gates) when many of their clients will take their freedom back but that's obviously too late and those campaign will profit linux (that how I was tempted to switch to linux).
" It's going to be a good year for the penguins" - PC WORLD May 2007 -
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