lattyware

Linux. If you are one of those people who just don't believe there is a reason why they should run it, you are at the right place. This is a post telling you why I believe Linux is worth using, addressing the issues as to why people do not use it, and then my challenge to you to see which you prefer. You stand nothing to loose, and a lot to gain. At worst, if you turn out disliking Linux you can then say 'I've tried it, I dislike it, here is why.' - and If you can say that, give a good reason, and have really done it – no one can (with any real argument) say anything against you – and everyone wants that! Of course, I believe that you will prefer Linux and I'll have helped someone out and added to the community (the more people using FOSS, the more support it gets, which means it gets better – so in the end, it's me being selfish :P).

EDIT: Note that Linux is a constantly moving OS. Ubuntu, for example, has a release cycle of 6 months. I'd say 6 months or so since your last try means what you know is out of date.

First of all, I'll start with something, there are generally three types of Linux user. The Fanboy/Activist, who believes they need to convert everyone in the world to Linux and that Windows should be destroyed forever. The mature user, who uses Linux, and will happily talk about it and try to encourage new users, but will not annoy people and will always give a valid argument. Lastly, there are the recluses – the group that believe that if you don't know what to do when you have only a command line in front of you you should not be running Linux.
The three groups can also be sorted as so: Runs Ubuntu, Thinks Ubuntu Is Fine, Hates Ubuntu.
I am personally trying to be in the second group, although can sometimes end up in the first, I admit freely.

If you are a currently a Windows user, I am going to try and tell you why every Linux user you come across tells you Windows is terrible – and that is not an overstatement. I think I have yet to find one Linux user who does not cringe/laugh/commit murder at the Windows boot sound. It is hard to state quite why Linux is better in my eyes. I think it is a combination of millions of small things, and a few big things - really, the best way is to try it out - but try it out properly (see later on).

So why is Linux so popular? People often state 'It's Free!' 'It's Open Source' 'It is more secure!' or even worse 'It is just better!' - Now, I agree with all of these things, but I doubt to you it is very convincing. After all, if you are running Windows, to switch may be free, but to carry on running Window is also free, you probably don't care if software is open source, and you are probably not that bothered about security. I'm going to try and give reasons that actually matter to you. John Smith the Windows user. For my examples, I'm going to show Ubuntu, seeing as it's the nice user friendly distro-of-the-now.

1) Package Managers / Free Software.
One of the things I hear most when people are saying why they do not want to switch is 'But I can't run my software!'. The thing people do not realise is there is nigh always a better, free alternative. Under Ubuntu to install software, you just head to System -> Admin -> Synaptic Package Manager, do a search, then click on install on anything that takes your fancy, then hit apply. And boosh, there you have some new software. It's very fast and easy. Sure as hell beats Googleing 'Freeware <thing>', then searching through a million pieces of shareware, then installing five to find one that works, then finding none do, so going out and buying something for £40.

2) New Exciting Things
With Windows, you get a new release every 3 or so years – Ubuntu has a release cycle at 6 months, and new software is constantly released. This means new features are introduces fast, and you get more out of your PC constantly. (Of course, if you are looking for reliability and stability, there are Distros with far slower release cycles).

3) Compiz Fuzion
Yes, the 5-year-old in us all wants to just look at cool effects. It may serve very little in the way of anything useful, but Compiz Fuzion looks so cool it is hard to fault it. If you have a powerful graphics card, why only use it for Gaming?

4) Customisation
With Windows, everything is pretty set. You get one thing to do each task and that is it. Whatever Windows does is what you get, unless you use some hack or workaround. With Linux, you get a huge amount of customisation – don't like your theme? change it. Don't like the icons? change them. Don't like your File Manager? change it. Don't like your Desktop Environment, change that too, you can change everything even up to which distro you use, and even roll your own distro.

5) Speed
Linux is a faster operating system. Windows, especially once it has been installed for a while, takes ages. Even once you are logged in, Windows tends to be loading for a while in which time you can do nothing. Other advantages like not having to Defragment your hard disk courtesy of the Ext3 filesystem is great.

6) Reliability
Let's face it. Windows crashes. A lot. XP seemed more stable than before, and Vista is OK, but I have never had a problem (that I have not caused myself) with Linux. It is nice knowing that you are not facing a crash.

That is by no means it, and the list is not exhaustive, but I think they are a few of the really important reasons why Linux is a better option. Now, I'll try and say a few things about what holds people back from switching.

1) I can't be bothered. Windows works.
This is true, and ignorance is bliss. While you are running Windows, it seems fine, but run Linux for a month or so, and you will never want to go back. People don't want to have to set everything up and I sympathise with this, but it is worth doing. Hopefully you are persuaded by this, I guess.

2) I don't want to loose everything!/I want to be able to play my games!
You don't have to! Dual booting is there – Installing Linux does not mean removing Windows. If you want to game, you can boot back and play, then boot into Linux for everything else. It's not a big deal.

3) I need my software!
Most likely there is a free alternative. I admit there are not in some cases, photoshop, for example, but the GIMP is fine unless you really need the features PS has that the GIMP doesn't. If you can use Elements, you can use the GIMP. Try searching the package managers and the internet to find if there is an alternative - more often than not, there is.

Here is my challenge: Install Linux, set it up how you like it, and run it for a week or so – and I'm talking really run it (this is the important bit) – do not boot Windows unless you really have to (so for games, or whatever). If you find that OK, continue running it for up to a month – then go back and try out running Windows again. Which do you prefer? I guarantee you will prefer Linux. The big problem is the first step, once you are running Linux, Windows is an unattractive offer.

Edit Note: Was away for a week, and had 4 reps and 5 pages of posts more than I had before :P I'm almost on a rep every 10 posts actually... Anywho, I have seen a lot of people asking what distro to use. In all simplicity, if you don't know, then I suggest bog standard Ubuntu, the latest (7.10 at time of writing) version. It'll be the easiest and best supported.

And that is it. If there is anything I have missed, or a reason why you are not trying Linux – do tell me and I'll try to address it. Linux is not perfect, but I do believe strongly it is the best Operating System out there.

Hints/Links/Useful Info/Whatever:
Wireless Networking and Linux: Wireless PCI cards are always painful. I suggest reading this thread on WAPs - they work great.
Sudo & Root Access in Ubuntu: See this post.
An extremely interesting post - worth a read. See this post.

Sig Messages:

I did Latty's Linux Challenge and I now love Linux!
I did Latty's Linux Challenge and I now run Linux!
I did Latty's Linux Challenge and I now have tried Linux!
I did Latty's Linux Challenge and I now hate Linux!

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Choggs396

If I have to boot into Windows for games, I'll be in Windows for most of the time I'm using my computer anyway. The rest? Emails, OCN, and typing papers for school using MS Word. Why would I switch to Linux for that?

No offense, and I'm not trying to flame, but Vista works great for what I do and the majority of what others do. So I think I'll stick with a single OS that does everything I need.

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AvalancheX

Couldn't of put it better myself, the most perfect of counter arguements.
+Rep.

Not that there is anything 'wrong' with Linux par-ce

Dezixn

Linux is awesome.

I just wish I could use it. No support for most games = a no go

I would put it on my parents' computers, but they can hardly make it through windows... Going to linux would be hell on them.

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RickJS

Its a good read, but you forgot the user who likes linux, and would use it BUT IT DOESN'T GAME and its stopping him.

...like me. Otherwise I'd use linux.

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Choggs396

No, it doesn't. I've owned Vista for over 6 months and its never crashed on me. Not once. Not even from overclocking.

Windows XP only crashed a few times when overclocking the FSB without enough voltage. This was an obvious hardware problem that I "caused myself". Other than that, not a single crash.

I just had to add those bits of information because I know I'm not alone. And saying "Windows crashes. A lot" seems misleading, at the very least.

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Je pense, donc je suis - Descartes

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick

Discussions should be conducted 'without fondness for dispute or desire of victory'. - Ben Franklin

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RickJS

I second this motion, the only problem I've had with vista is theres this one small windows update that won't install and its annoying.

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tUDJ

Same. If it supported games I would use it 24/7.

atm I have a dual boot setup; XP/Ubuntu but I havent loaded up ubuntu in over a month. I love linux, especially the amount of customisation but it doesnt offer me anything above windows to warrant me using Linux for everything but gaming, its just easier (and more convenient to use windows)

Nice post though

EDIT:

The bit in bold makes it sound like its Linux's fault that we can't game on it, its because the games are not developed to do so.

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Sistum Id

I downloaded Ubuntu the other day but havent got around to trying it out. I came across the Vista (Aero) Vs Ubuntu (Beryl) few days ago and I was very fascinated with Beryl. So I went and downloaded a copy of Ubuntu but havent got the time.

Why cant Linux run todays games? Whats the problem?

I made the jump to Vista month or so ago when I saw that Ultimate had this thing called Dreamscene (yes am a sucker for eyecandy). Is it possible for Ubuntu to have something like Dreamscene? (looped motion desktop)

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spice003

if somebody showed me linux and how to use it back when i started using pcs, i would be using linux now. But relearning the whole OS is hard, especially all of the commands. I mean u need to know the command just to install something, its just to complicated for me right now. They also need more driver support for simple stuff like Logitech mice for back and forward buttons, instead u have to configure files. I am not saying linux sucks cause i would gladly use it since its free but its too time consuming to learn it. But i got say with new releases coming out, i might switch in a year or two.