Why I switched to Linux
By Shasta
I converted to Linux in the past couple of years. It was an interesting switch. I still maintain a copy of Windows dual booted on my system for the few software apps that I already owned, but I do most of my work in Linux now.
I had my first experience with Linux quite a while back. I bought a copy of Madrake at Circuit City for 14 dollars. I was not too aware of what it was or how to use it at the time so I never really got into it. I eventually lost the cd and no longer use it.
I hit a rough patch for a while and when my computer went down I could not afford a new one. Somebody gave me a copy of Ubuntu and some parts to rebuild my system. Once rebuilt I installed Ubuntu and started playing with it. I fell in love with the setup almost immediately. The use of a fully functional command line to go along with the GUI was a early plus I found. The newer Windows operating systems do not generally have a usefull command line.
The biggest draw I had to Ubuntu at the time was the price. It is absolutely free. It did not cost me a penny to get a copy, install it, update it, or get new software for it. Some people may argue that the software available for Linux systems are nowhere near the quality of proprietary software. I have not found this to be the case. Most of the popular software apps for Ubuntu seem to me to be as good or better than their proprietary counterparts.
Switching over can be scary. Most people with minimal computer knowledge may be overwhelmed by the process. The difference is that Ubuntu and many other Linux distributions have amazing support forums where you can find help for nearly any problem that you may come across.
If at any point you decide that you are tired of Windows or just looking for a cheap solution to your computer needs, and you decide to give Linux a try, make sure that you are committed to switching.
