My Year With Linux

[KBD47]

My Year With Linux
http://kbd-thinkingoutloud.blogspot.com ... linux.html

[xenopeek]

I've asked myself recently, "Would you recommend Linux to others?" If so, "What would you tell newcomers about Linux?"

I think my answer is best said in this way: Linux is free software, but what it costs you is time. If you have neither the time nor the patience to learn a new operating system, then you had better stick to Windows. But, if you are willing to give it a shot, and are not afraid to take some risks with a new operating system, I think in the end you will not regret leaving Windows behind.

Good article I think I agree with you on the above, mostly A new Windows version can be a pain on older hardware (or indeed newer hardware ), as drivers have not been updated or released yet by the manufacturers for that Windows version. Some of your programs may also no longer work due to compatibility issues with the newer Windows version. Buying hardware per-installed with an operating system seems to be the best advice for users not wanting to invest time, so replace hardware & OS at the same time.

[Monsta]

I think my answer is best said in this way: Linux is free software, but what it costs you is time. If you have neither the time nor the patience to learn a new operating system, then you had better stick to Windows. But, if you are willing to give it a shot, and are not afraid to take some risks with a new operating system, I think in the end you will not regret leaving Windows behind.

Well put indeed. I think this quote would be a nice addition to the first post of this thread, for example

[xenopeek]

Well, a lot happened since 2007

[KBD47]

Good article I think I agree with you on the above, mostly A new Windows version can be a pain on older hardware (or indeed newer hardware ), as drivers have not been updated or released yet by the manufacturers for that Windows version. Some of your programs may also no longer work due to compatibility issues with the newer Windows version. Buying hardware per-installed with an operating system seems to be the best advice for users not wanting to invest time, so replace hardware & OS at the same time.

Thanks Vincent! What you outline is the only fair comparison between Linux and Windows--trying to install both on either very old or brand new hardware that hasn't been configured for either. In that contest Linux might come out ahead I've read some comments from those who have bought Linux systems from zareason? with matched hardware to Linux and have been very happy with their Linux computers.

[KBD47]

Well put indeed. I think this quote would be a nice addition to the first post of this thread, for example

Thanks Monsta!

[xenopeek]

Yeah, I'd probably buy a Linux laptop from System76 or Zareason if they weren't so far away A good set of links to vendors offering desktops, laptops and tablets already installed with Linux is Linux Pre-loaded.

[KBD47]

Yeah, I'd probably buy a Linux laptop from System76 or Zareason if they weren't so far away A good set of links to vendors offering desktops, laptops and tablets already installed with Linux is Linux Pre-loaded.

Thanks for that link! I hope we will see more OEMs putting Linux on computers.

[xenopeek]

I hope nobody missed it, but you can now buy a Linux Mint branded computer, pre-installed with Linux Mint

Read more about the mintBox: http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2055

[KBD47]

I hope nobody missed it, but you can now buy a Linux Mint branded computer, pre-installed with Linux Mint

Read more about the mintBox: http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2055

That is pretty cool

[Pilosopong Tasyo]

I think my answer is best said in this way: Linux is free software, but what it costs you is time. If you have neither the time nor the patience to learn a new operating system, then you had better stick to Windows. But, if you are willing to give it a shot, and are not afraid to take some risks with a new operating system, I think in the end you will not regret leaving Windows behind.

Whenever a Windows/MS-Office user ask me, "Is it hard to learn and use Linux/LibreOffice?" I tell them, "Let me put it this way: did you learn how to use a Windows system and Microsoft Office in just one sitting?" Naturally, they shake their head, and I continue, "Well, the same goes with a Linux system and Linux-based programs. Just as you invested a lot of time in learning Windows and Microsoft Office, you also have to spend some time learning about Linux and LibreOffice, being mindful of the differences between Win/MSO and *Nix/LO. You do not need to unlearn everything about Windows/MS-Office, though. The nice thing about this is you already have some foundation on how things work on a basic level, and all you need to do is adapt what you already know on a Linux system."

[Netherfox]

I'm jealous that you guys even get to have conversations about linux. I don't know anyone who's interested in it.

[KBD47]

Well said Pilosopong Tasyo!