When most people use their Windows computer, it is usually for a small set of applications only. Not all computer users treat their computers as a laboratory of sorts where a lot of programs reside for testing and experimentation. For most of them, the computer is just a means to an end, a tool to get some job done--like getting a date on Facebook.
On top of this list of applications, most probably, is a Web browser for browsing the Internet and updating their Facebook profile. Another application might be a mail client for checking mail from POP and IMAP servers, though others might just use their browsers specially if they happen to use web mail. Some would also want an instant messaging client running in the background just to make sure they don't miss anything. Finally, there is the word processor and spreadsheet for the more mundane tasks (read: work).
If this type of user describes you, then I have some great news for you. You can do all of the above (and more) with Linux! In fact, even if you work with video or animation, are a hardcore gamer, or a graphic artist, Linux can still work for you. There are some animations nowadays that are being created using Linux boxes, and the Wine project makes games like Counter-Strike and others available on Linux. There are also alternatives for those who do graphic designs and desktop publishing.
But let's go back to the casual user, which comprises most of those using a computer. For all of you, Linux is a viable alternative. The only question now would be: "If I can do the things I usually do in both Windows and Linux, why would I switch?".
Well, first of all, everyone wants to be free and in the software world, Linux is freedom. There is no vendor lock-in in Linux. You are free to use whatever technology you want to use. In the Windows world, some things just go well together—specially if they belong to the same company or a deal between them is in place. Microsoft products, for instance, work well among themselves but does not play nice with other technologies.
Forced upgrade is another problem you do not have to deal with in Linux. When Microsoft decides to stop supporting XP, what would you do? Shell out more money for the latest Windows version, of course. In Linux, you can upgrade the whole thing, only the applications you use most, only the kernel, only security patches, or anything in between. You are completely under control.
Software quality and security is also great in the open source world. With all those developers having access to the source code, all bugs are shallow. Patches and updates are also issued at a faster rate compared to commercial software thereby ensuring that you are running the latest and most secure version.
Finally, there is the cost. Most, if not all, of the open source and free (as in freedom) software are free (as in cost=$0). You can't beat that, specially in this very challenging times.
These are only a few of the reasons why making the switch to Linux is such a good idea. You can use Google to find a whole lot more. One thing is sure; as a normal computer user, Linux can take you to places you never thought existed. And by the way, while I was finishing this post, my Digg toolbar notified me of a new article in Digg. It is titled: "25 Reasons to Convert to Linux". How timely; I might as well take you there.
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I never used linux I don't know why I keep avoid using it!
ReplyDeleteYour valuable post make me think of it
But I am really happy with my Mac
@Hussein, if you have a Mac, then you already have the power of Unix beneath the elegant interface. You're lucky.
ReplyDeleteof course am lucky
ReplyDeleteMy wife bought me the Mac in Valentine :p
Actually i didn't plan for switching to Mac,
I said once, I want to try this Mac people are talking about, and the next thing I had it:D
But wouldn't you loose programs as:
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft Office
iTunes
Spotify
These are all very important to myself. And what about the web browser? I don't think I'll be able to switch if I can't have at least Office.
Or is it that you can make Linux run Office. And iTunes. And Spotify? Sorry, but I'm a real newbie.. Still, I do wonder if I would switch..
Hi, Anders! If you ask your question to other open source advocates, the answer you would likely get is to use alternatives of the software that you mentioned above.
ReplyDeleteFor me, however, I'd say choose your software first then choose the operating system that could run it. If it runs only on Windows, then use Windows; if only on the Mac, then use the Mac. That's my approach but that's just me.
It is only when you really have no preferred applications that I suggest trying Linux. For example, if you do text editing but do not really have a preferred editor, you can try Linux which has a lot of editors you might like.
But if you have a specific fancy for, say, BBEdit which is available only for the Mac, then I suggest using a Mac. I won't use gEdit just so I could use Linux.
But since Linux is free and won't cost you money (except maybe a weekend for installing the thing and familiarizing yourself with it), you can just try it and simply return to Windows later if you feel like doing so.
Just remember this and you'll be fine: the PC and Mac, Linux and Windows (and Mac), Emacs and Vi, and other stuff that you can put a "versus" on, are all just tools that serve us. Let's use them not fight for them.
I see. Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteConventionally you made software to fit the OS. I thought that you could change Linux' OS to fit nearly every software. Sadly, I was wrong.
Hey! Wait, that's an idea:
Make an OS that change itself depending on the software you want to use.
That way, you could use the best from PC and Mac (possibly Linux as well).
If it is doable, that's the question.
I have to think about Linux or not for a while, I guess. I'm unfortunately quite bonded to both Office (school) and iTunes (iPhone).
One more question while I'm here:
Is it possible to make Linux look alike Mac, or PC. My impression is that you can change nearly everything. Is that right?
That's right, Anders, you cannot make Linux "fit" software not made for it although you can run virtualization software on Linux to run a number of non-Linux applications--MS Word being one of them.
ReplyDeleteBut you are right that if someone can make an OS that could run Windows, Mac and Linux applications, then we will have the best of those worlds. :)
As to making Linux look like a Mac or a PC, it is technically possible. It would be easier, I think, to emulate a Mac considering that the Mac's aqua interface runs on top of a Unix core called Darwin--a Mach 3.0 microkernel based on BSD Unix and related to FreeBSD, to be exact.
But to do this would mean changing the code of the window manager or building a new one altogether. It certainly requires more than just changing configuration settings like what people do in control panel.