Comments

I have made the switch from Windows to Ubuntu entirely for about a year now. I am very happy that I did and Linux (Ubuntu specifically) is right for me. It is not for everybody however. The rate that Linux is becoming easier, more reliable, and more user friendly is mind boggling, but it's not perfect yet. I feel that it eventually will be though. And the beauty of Linux is that it provides alternatives and really is the manifestation of a cause and a mentality, which I support entirely. I personally will sacrifice form for function and don't mind having to dive under the hood when things get hairy. Again, this is not for everybody, but is perfect for some. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Linux will eventually get to a very low "random problem" rate and that the complex, but very well designed, way of fixing problems (ie text based commands and component modularity) will be streamlined for the GUI dependent user. I think it is important to stress however, that the main difficulty with Windows or Mac users coming to Linux is that the way you think about using computers must broaden a bit. When users think about installing programs, they immediately are faced with the source code/compilation problem when it really isn't necessary. Getting software from a repository is not a normal way of thinking. Every convert wants to stick to what is familiar and use Microsoft Office, Itunes and many other programs not knowing what else there is to use. Linux is a different country compared to Windows and Mac, you need to observe the culture, learn the language, and try to assimilate. If you don't want to, use Mac (imho) it's the perfect hybrid of Unix based kernel and all the security that provides plus proprietary support and design. I feel that software for Linux, in genetic terms, has a very high population and very high genetic diversity; theres a whole lot out there and it ranges the gamut. Again, I'm confident that over time, the Linux flavors and all the software will mature and "winners" will be picked making it much more obvious what programs users are safe using. It's not perfect now, but the open source process is a process of perfection for perfections sake and is not driven monetarily. The people are creating a product and that takes time, but Linux is a bit of a lifestyle and a mentality. It's one that says, to me, that if there is ever a problem, you have the opportunity to teach yourself what you need to know, and you have full ability built into the OS to fix most any issue directly, or at least participate in the solution of that issue. I am proactive in problem solving and problem resolution. And while it takes time and effort to be Linux "literate," it grants me power and I feel like the operating system finally treats me like an adult.