subject: 5 Reasons for home users to switch from Windows to Linux [print this page] 5 Reasons for home users to switch from Windows to Linux
Looking to switch over to GNU/Linux, and confused if it is worth a try? Well, the answer is a definite 'yes'. Linux based distributions have slowly but steadily gained their market share among desktop users - the kind of not-so-tech-savvy people who use computer for day-to-day purposes like browsing, multimedia, creating documents, presentations and so on.
Let me tell you the 5 most important reasons why you should switch to a Linux distribution
1. Cost effective
Why waste your money on Windows whereas you have the option to chose from numerous rock-solid Linux distributions that have stood the test of time? Perhaps it is time that you start saving them or use it for a better cause. You are free to select a Linux distro of your choice, download the ISO from the Internet, burn it into a CD and install from the same.
You not only save your money, but what you have is the freedom to select which OS is the best for you. And trust me, my friend when I say that you will never be out of options in the Linux community.
2. Works on old hardware
With every new release of Windows, you are forced to buy new hardware, increase your RAM, replace the processor, motherboard and so on. The computer you brought 2-3 years ago might be lying in the corner of your house 'cause its just 'outdated'. This situation never arise if you are running Linux. Most of the Linux distros can be run smoothly in relatively old hardware and perform damn good.
3. Safe against viruses, trojans
I remember my old days when I always kept my Windows installation disk with me because I had to format the system once in every 2 weeks. The reasons were obvious - viruses, trojans, slow response, "This program has performed an illegal operation.." errors and so on. But I never had this problem since I switched over to Linux. Because of the difference in architecture, viruses written to function in Windows does not affect a Linux machine. More over, the user-level restrictions in Linux is far more superior than in Windows. So even if you run something (say, an external app) that you are not sure of, it is highly unlikely that it will cause any critical damage to your system.
4. There's an open source alternative
Most home users are reluctant to leave MS Office, Adobe Photoshop, Freecell, Solitaire behind because they have been using the same for years, and it is kinda difficult to switch all of a sudden. But the truth is, there is an open source alternative for almost all Windows applications that you use in your day-to-day work. One such list is available at http://www.linux.ie/newusers/alternatives.php
5. Free Support
You do not pay for the OS, nor for its support. All the leading Linux distros have huge user base, people who are willing to help newbies. They wouldn't tease you or make fun of you. Just go to the forums or irc, and drop in your questions.. I am sure you will be surprised to see the number of people willing to help you for free!
So what are you waiting for? Download a copy of Fedora or Ubuntu and get started today! Say goodbye to Windows. Besides, who needs Gates and Windows?
