I have already discovered one good reason to switch from Windows to Linux. Seeing that document (see link) convinced me that Microsoft does not respect their users’ liberty at all.
To further alert me of that point, I learned about a secret Windows component known as “_NSAKEY”. For the uninitiated, NSA stands for National Security Agency. Microsoft says that the NSA does not have the key to _NSAKEY; it was merely called that because it conforms to NSA standards. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. (Please note that purchase of said bridge does not grant you legal ownership of such, and that you may not rent, sell, lease, or offer access to the bridge to any third party.)
That might be, but Linux is very poor for the games I am interested in playing. Until Linux can woo developers away from MS, it’s SOL in my mind (and yes, I know about virtual PC. And no, it doesnt work that well)
As someone who hardly games at all, and uses the PC mostly for productivity, I have to say I am very close to switching to Linux, except that I have a lot of legacy software I cannot easily replace.
I have a dual-boot laptop. Windows is inferior in (almost) every way, but I still use a few programs in windows (hence the need to keep it for now).
Windows uses NTFS, and linux uses ext3. I mounted my NTFS drive in linux, but windows cannot see any of the files stored in ext3. That means if windows gets hacked, all my personal files are safe.
Not that that would ever happen, since I only surf the web under linux.
Well that’s part of it for me as well. I thought about switching to Linux a few years but decided against it. God knows the XP → Vista switch already caused enough legacy problems.
You don’ t need to substitute to linux. Just add linux, and use windows only as needed.
Linux mint works best, with out-of-the-box functionality. You can run it off a CD, or install it.
Linux will save you money. Not only is the software itself free, but also lets you download free software (often it will find what it needs in the ubuntu repositories). Plus, you won’ t have to spend $60 each year to renew your firewall/antivirus support from Norton, McAfee, Webroot, etc.
There is one other problem with changing. There is an investment into learning Linux and adapting my Windows usage models. As time goes on, I have less and less free time (or rather time I would invest in this).
I have 4 computers at my desk. I will have to switch one and start playing with it to slowly get comfortable. In fact, I think I will start today.
Linux Mint is an operating system for personal computers. While Mint is mostly based on (and compatible with) Ubuntu, the design of the user interface is considerably different. Design differences include:
A distinct user interface, including a simplified bootloader, desktop layout, theme, and the custom Mint menu.
A strong focus on full functionality out of the box (E.g.: Wireless drivers included, plugins required to play common media formats installed by default, screen resolution automatically set, etc.).[1] Linux Mint 6 also includes or features a free Flash player so users can view sites such as YouTube without having to install anything else.
The Mint Tools, a collection of system tools designed to make system management and administration easier for end users.
Linux Mint is available for download in the form of ISO images, which can be used to create Live CDs or Live USBs.
If you need any help installing, just open up the IRC client and it will connect to the mint channel. The people there will help you piece it together. That’ s what I did.
Running windows in a virtual box is illegal (violates the EULA) and makes your computer run slower. Wine works, but I think dual-boot is the best option for people who can’ t give up windows.
Remember, a world without walls doesn’ t need windows. [:P]
I have already discovered one good reason to switch from Windows to Linux. Seeing that document (see link) convinced me that Microsoft does not respect their users’ liberty at all.
Why should they? They want your money, not your liberty. Microsoft is a company, not a charity.
There’s also the problem that it’s a pain in the ass to get most software to work on Linux, and everyone already knows how to use Windows. And for many people anymore, it’s free.
As people trend to using the net on PDAs more, it’s obvious that what most people need are a couple simple apps (calculator, word processor) and a browser ( for surfing, webmail, interactive apps).
As people trend to using the net on PDAs more, it’s obvious that what most people need are a couple simple apps (calculator, word processor) and a browser ( for surfing, webmail, interactive apps).
Computer gamers are a smaller segment of the buying public, but they are still a huge group and spend vastly more money. This is one of the reason Microsoft has done so well - customizable PCs, DirectX and an OS that can handle several major programming languages. Linux can do all this, theoretically, but usually it doesn’t.
It’s a mistake confusing the state of modern computing with the need or capability to play video games.
There are people like me that play the odd online game to kill some time but generally use my computers for productivity and income generation, not to mention communication and education. The client side needs of the average user are very low, and the days of cramming dozens of apps in your start menu are done.
You can email, create spreadsheets, design graphics and create music online, and that trend is going to continue as we move more and more to androgynous thin clients.