Why do you run GNU/Linux?

[BWF89]

Why do you use GNU/Linux?

Is it because:

1. I use GNU/Linux for pratical reasons like the fact that it runs faster, better, & longer than Windows, It doesn't crash all the time, It's more reliable, It's the bleeding edge, & theres so many distos to choose from I can get exactly what I want...

or

2. I run GNU/Linux for moral reasons. I believe that software should be free (as in freedom), I want to oppose Microsoft and their semi-monopoly on the software market because monopolies don't create competition which doesn't create new and better technology and I like the idea that I can be a rebel and not be like everyone else...
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Personally I like GNU/Linux for the second reason. I had allready decided that free & open source software was better than the proprietary software model weeks before I had even tried out my first GNU/Linux distro (Fedora Core 2). Even if GNU/Linux wasn't as good as Windows I would still run it anyway because I believe that if we don't support this thing [GNU/Linux] it's not going to make it and Microsoft would become a complete monopoly, and because I like being a rebel and running GNU/Linux is about as rebel as you can get in the software world...

[ubuntu_demon]

Why do you use GNU/Linux?

Is it because:

1. I use GNU/Linux for pratical reasons like the fact that it runs faster, better, & longer than Windows, It doesn't crash all the time, It's more reliable, It's the bleeding edge, & theres so many distos to choose from I can get exactly what I want...

or

2. I run GNU/Linux for moral reasons. I believe that software should be free (as in freedom), I want to oppose Microsoft and their semi-monopoly on the software market because monopolies don't create competition which doesn't create new and better technology and I like the idea that I can be a rebel and not be like everyone else...
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Personally I like GNU/Linux for the second reason. I had allready decided that free & open source software was better than the proprietary software model weeks before I had even tried out my first GNU/Linux distro (Fedora Core 2). Even if GNU/Linux wasn't as good as Windows I would still run it anyway because I believe that if we don't support this thing [GNU/Linux] it's not going to make it and Microsoft would become a complete monopoly, and because I like being a rebel and running GNU/Linux is about as rebel as you can get in the software world...
both for me.

reason 1 : I don't like the work you have to put into windows maintance. Programming under linux is also nicer. For games I have to run dual boot (but I don't do very much gaming). I'm a pragmatic guy. Only with the arrival of Ubuntu linux is usable enough to make the change.

reason 2 : I don't like the MS monopoly

PS I haven't switched over to Ubuntu completely yet. I'm going to do that soon (I need a lot of backupping and that takes a lot of time).

PPS maybe add a poll ?

[Rancoras]

Both for me too. There are still processes that it's just plain easier to do in windows, so I still haven't completely switched, and I've been playing around with many distros for many years. I guess one of these days those programs will come along that will make me switch for good. Either that, or I'll finally get off my rear end and learn to program, so I can write the ones I need myself, and finally give something back to the community.

[CowPie]

Both for me too. There are still processes that it's just plain easier to do in windows, so I still haven't completely switched, and I've been playing around with many distros for many years. I guess one of these days those programs will come along that will make me switch for good. Either that, or I'll finally get off my rear end and learn to program, so I can write the ones I need myself, and finally give something back to the community.
Windows 98 sucks, so I switched to Linux for us.

Plz reply to my cries of help!

[ubuntu_demon]

Windows 98 sucks, so I switched to Linux for us.

Plz reply to my cries of help!
did you already read http://ubuntuguide.org/index.html ?
that's a nice startingplace to read how to do some tricks.

[ubuntu_demon]

Both for me too. There are still processes that it's just plain easier to do in windows, so I still haven't completely switched, and I've been playing around with many distros for many years. I guess one of these days those programs will come along that will make me switch for good. Either that, or I'll finally get off my rear end and learn to program, so I can write the ones I need myself, and finally give something back to the community.
With both I meant "both reasons". But I will switch almost completely except when doing some games.

Learning to program can be handy. But what kind of simple things do you currently miss ?

Complex stuff/large programs tend to cost a lot of time :p. I'll spend some time of this holiday to learning python (I can program already but haven't used python yet) and plan to do some programming on :

easy GUI based custom ubuntu cd creation tool
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=5981

and / or

"Click And Run" firefox extension
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=7107

[Rancoras]

CD burning is a big part of it. I do a lot of video editing and burning to DVD and VCD, etc. Not even K3B can beat Nero and handling whatever I throw at it. (Donning flame proof underwear) I just plain refuse to install K3B because I don't want to have all the kde libs that go with it. I might as well run KDE then.

Video editing is another part. I haven't investigated much, and I know there are some tools out there now for this. Maybe I'll use the week of vacation that I'm currently on to do just that.

Gaming is the biggest part. (more flamebait) I steadfastly refuse to use Cedega. I feel that it promotes apathy among the game studios, ignoring a linux-native port because "Transgaming will make it work". I admit, gaming is getting better but I want to see the game section in the store at least get bigger than the MAC game section, ya know?

I guess that's enough ranting for now....tata. :D

[jdong]

1st reason... My Linux is longer than yours....

[ubuntu_demon]

CD burning is a big part of it. I do a lot of video editing and burning to DVD and VCD, etc. Not even K3B can beat Nero and handling whatever I throw at it. (Donning flame proof underwear) I just plain refuse to install K3B because I don't want to have all the kde libs that go with it. I might as well run KDE then.

Video editing is another part. I haven't investigated much, and I know there are some tools out there now for this. Maybe I'll use the week of vacation that I'm currently on to do just that.

Gaming is the biggest part. (more flamebait) I steadfastly refuse to use Cedega. I feel that it promotes apathy among the game studios, ignoring a linux-native port because "Transgaming will make it work". I admit, gaming is getting better but I want to see the game section in the store at least get bigger than the MAC game section, ya know?

I guess that's enough ranting for now....tata. :D
Programming video editing and burner programs takes a lot of timeIt's important. Let's hope some linux guru's think the same. (I'm just a student Artificial Intelligence and not interested in programming large programs that haven't much to do with AI)

Gaming on linux will only be solved by the manufacturers of the games. We can help by spreading ubuntu. Who knows maybe in two years 25% of the pc's will run Ubuntu and game manufacturers will start programming games that work 100% in windows and linux. A couple of years after that those games will be finished. So we have at least 4 years to wait to solve this one completely.

[jdong]

Well, then you better catch it before it gets away.......


I use Linux for both reasons. For me, Linux is a much more productive environment. Not just raw speed, I like the intuitive features the Linux desktop provides me, and I love the powerful command line that's good for something other than getting my IP (which I still do regularly)

I also don't believe big monopolistic companies should bully competitors.. so I've taken a Microsoft boycott.

[ubuntu_demon]

Well, then you better catch it before it gets away.......


I use Linux for both reasons. For me, Linux is a much more productive environment. Not just raw speed, I like the intuitive features the Linux desktop provides me, and I love the powerful command line that's good for something other than getting my IP (which I still do regularly)

I also don't believe big monopolistic companies should bully competitors.. so I've taken a Microsoft boycott.
The commandline is indeed powerful. That's very handy for programming and for remote control. The average-desktop-user doesn't want to use his commandline. So Ubuntu has to make sure all common tasks are possible and easy to do graphically.

[burlap]

I'm doing my PhD (law and economics) research on open source software, so I've decided to switch because I wanted to know what I was writing about... So it sounds more like the second reason.

I've switched almost completely (I have a windows partition, but for now it is empty), I keep struggling, but I try to convince my friends to use linux or at least some open source apps (my last succes was to convince my PhD supervisor to switch to firefox...).

The first reason does not seem to be fully backed up with performance (except for reliability and safety - these are excellent) of my machine. But: I did not really know that you have to be so careful with hardware. I was lucky enough to have my softmodem (smartlink) working, but not so lucky with my graphics chipset (no 3d, so long tuxracer!).

Still - cd burning is a huge problem (I don't want to have k3b). MS Office compatibility is, well, not perfect (some files do not even open - I do not mention minor inconsistencies, I can live with these). USB key works once per reboot. Configuring dial-up is beyond any newbies' capabilities (I got used to problems on my previous distros, but still it was a lot of pain) - it's the kind of problem very well described here (http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/cups-horror.html).

Anyway, struggling with linux is much safer than struggling with windows. And much more fun. I am not going to switch back. ;)

[jakeslife]

I would have to say that I lean more towards the first reason. I understand the work of large companies, and they deserve to be rewarded for their work, but they have done some ethically questionable things from a business standpoint in recent years.....

I would have to say that I use OSS because I am more comfortable using it. If I have a problem, I don't have to call a 1-800 number and wade through levels of automated recordings, I don't have to describe my problem to someone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, I go to a forum and the users help answer my questions. I would take this over a person on the phone who doesn't know what I'm talking about any day.

Secondly, the price is right. :-P This also has to do with my security as a user and as someone who sells technology services. I have control over my computers so that there are minimal surprises, I manage the security and stability of my units, and I don't have to pay a lot of money for new versions of software when they come out.

Of course, there is the media and hardware aspect of OSS that beats me down sometimes.....but overall it feels more intimate with that much control over your computer (mmmmmmm, sexy terminal). On top of that, I like being a part of a functional, healthy community of users working towards a common goal, not just in OSS but all around--this is the only way things get done in life.

[Zundfolge]

A couple of years ago I stumbled across this story (http://content.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20010409S0012).

I figured someday I should take the time to learn how to use that OS if it can run for 4 years without physical access to the machine then that's pretty freakin' cool.


I don't hate Microsoft, nor do I think they are evil or a monopoly ... I don't like their product and more to the point I don't agree with their EULAs so I choose to stop doing business with them (I frankly find much of the anti-Microsoft attitude out on the net to be childish pseudo communist silliness ... regardless of whether we like MS in their current form, or Bill Gates personally, we have to acknowledge that modern personal computers and the Internet would not be what they are without MS ... Steve Jobs wasn't going to make computers for us commoners and the GUI would have been simply a toy for Systems Analysts who still preferred the command line anyway).


Anyway, I have a piece of crap computer (PIII 450) and since upgrading isn't in the budget right now, I figured maybe I could squeeze out a little more out of my computer and learn something in the process.

MS is making a bunch of stupid business decisions, and enough people hate them (for both good and goofy reasons) so the way I see it, Linux is probably going to be a big part of the next big OS ... frankly if Steve Jobs wasn't such a schmuck I think Darwin could be at its core and he could dwarf Gates, but he insists on selling over priced hardware to leftist elites instead of taking a broader market approach and releasing the i86 version of OSX and putting a giant hole in MS's market share (possibly killing them in the proccess)... he's always done his best at keeping Apple from being #1.

Anyway, thats why I switched to linux ... oh yeah that and for the chicks #-o

[panickedthumb]

First off, I use Linux for both reasons mentioned earlier, and you just can't beat the price... ;) Now...

I frankly find much of the anti-Microsoft attitude out on the net to be childish pseudo communist silliness ... ...but he insists on selling over priced hardware to leftist elites ...
No offense, but that kinda sounds like childish pseudo neo-conservative silliness... you can't logically knock people who complain about Microsoft's business practices and then proceed to knock Apple's business practices in the same post. Regardless of the reasons, it's still the same at the core.

About what you're complaining about specifically... you remember when Apple opened up their hardware spec? It led to nothing but absolute crap. One main reason Apple computers are so solid is because they don't have to worry about hardware compatibility. They KNOW what hardware is going to be used (except for standard upgrade parts, things like that). Sure, it costs much more than getting a Dell, but Dells also use really cheap parts. I worked at a computer store for about 3 weeks over the summer and about 20 people brought in their Dells (not all the same model) because the heatsink locking mechanism had broken, so there was no contact with the processor. THAT is crap. Not to mention the slow-*** hard drives. And they sell it so cheap because they throw in "freebies" like printers that ONLY work with proprietary ink cartridges so that you have to order them through them. I'd rather pay more for Apple than go through the misleading practices of IBM-compatible companies like Dell. Apple may overcharge, but they have to make money somehow, and they're not misleading people. I'd buy an apple over a Dell/compaq/hp/etc any day. But I never will, I build my own.

And on to the "liberal elite" comment. Lets not go insulting half the population now. You basically just said that liberals want Apples because it makes them feel superior. No. In fact, PEOPLE, not just liberals, want Apple computers because they work, and they work way better than Windows, and have more corporate support than Linux, which they may or may not even know about.

[dataw0lf]

I use it for both reasons, but my main reason is because I prefer to develop in Linux, and love being able to truly get 'down and dirty' with my OS.
dataw0lf

[clparker]

I run Linux because I feel that Linux makes personal computing fun and exciting again, I remember years ago when Windows 98 was cutting edge, how exciting tweaking and configuring my setup was. I find myself on a windows setup and being bored and just no longer interested in working on on the computer. Linux is a challenge as nothing is point and click easy. Linux makes working on my computer fun again.

[JsPr]

Both reasons.

[jakeslife]

Anyway, thats why I switched to linux ... oh yeah that and for the chicks #-o

Dammit! I wish that works on guys too! Maybe that's why I'm single.....

[crun]

I agree with clparker - using Linux is just more *fun* than using Windows, probably because you have so much more control over what your computer actually does. It reminds me of my Amiga days, the fun of discovering all the little bits that make the OS tick. I've never had that kind of experience with Windows (don't know why though) or for that Mac OS up to 9.

At work I'm still stuck on Windows and while I'm content to work with XP, I can never wait to get back home and try the new goodies that I've been reading about during the day.

Also, it's a great experience belonging to such an active community who purposely chose their OS, instead of a faceless mass that just got lumbered with it. I like that when I discover a new app, I can email the developer(s) and expect a personal reply.

You have to like working with your computer instead of along with and it takes a bit more patience, but boy does it pay off.

[KiwiNZ]

Why I use Linux? Well computing started as a hobby for me , something I did when I got home from work ( sales). I started to build my own PC's , played games (damm I loved the original Panzer General) . I became hooked . Now IT is my career and I am now an IT Manager in a large organisation . I wanted computing to be my hobby again as well as my job. Problem is Windows is no challenge , its just too easy .
So to put the fun back into computing I turned to Linux . And yes Linux is fun

[ChrisP]

I switched to linux out of self interest.

a. Sick to death of trying to keep viruses and adware at bay on windows and figure I might as well learn a new OS as keep learning how to remove the latest coolwebblaster.exe from my system.

b. Laziness. Because I have learnt a bit about removing crap from windows I now end up spending too many hours fixing computers for friends and family; its beginning to eat into my fishing time and thats serious ;) . I have converted one friend to dual booting, and only using linux when online, and expect to get another couple converted before long: 3 less machines to worry about :) .

c. Given all the problems in the world today it seems just plain dumb to lock up the creative genius of a generation just to keep corporate lawyers fat. Not a moral thing as such, more enlightened self interest :)

[ubuntu_demon]

A lot of guys say something along the line "windows was too easy so I switched to linux".

Ubuntu is easy already and should be made more easier at the same time commandline tools and configuration files should always give you acces to its power(but should never be needed unless you're a linux guru or tweaking for optimal performance).

[Sniffer]

I resume this question in a simple phrase:

"I LIKE TO COMMAND NOT TO BE COMMANDED"

[Quest-Master]

I use it for every single reason you guys have listed above; but it's the little things that make me use it more.

gDesklets, uses little RAM and is just plain cool to show off to your Windoze friends.
Gnome, runs so much faster than Windoze's desktop.
All of the free software is great too. <3

[safecracker]

I run Linux for several reasons, I need a stable OS which I can control. It was created with the programmer in mind and I am a programmer. It is after all free so deployment in my professional enviroment is much quicker and cheaper (I hire Linux admins when I need more staff so training isn't a issue). Their are several more choices for base Linux installs then their are other OS's. I like to contribute to something worth while and hate monopolys. Linux is fun windows isn't. Open Source allows me to see that my system hasn't been injected with malicious code. Linux works on a backbone of world brainpower where as proprietary software is closed minded. Lastly Open Source has ethics.

[jdodson]

the gnu/linux system allows me to be more productive and creative in my everyday tasks. it allows me an upgrade cycle and product cycle that i can influence. i have choice.

[eBopBob]

Wow...

All of your responses are very different from mine...
I don't use Linux (Actually I dual/triple boot but use Linux more than Windows) because I am anti-Microsoft, or anti-Windows or anti-Bill Gates. Far from it in fact. Nor do I believe that Windows is unstable, useless or what have you.

One reason why I use Linux is really because I'm different, and like being different.
I'm also very patriotic, and therefore will try and use Ubuntu as much as I can.


To be honest, something I absolutely hate in the Linux community (and will probably be told to shove off for) is that many are very arrogant (Sorry, it's true - I've read a few posts here and elsewhere which to say the least weren't too welcoming to the non-Linux community). Another thing I absolutely hate is the fact so many in the Linux community are anti-commercial software. I've actually talked to (and you guess right if you guess that I didn't keep contact) quite a few Linux users who are anti-MS however anti-commercial Linux distros - Um, hello?!?! Anybody home?

Ok, I think enough ranting. :P

So, yes. Those are the reasons why I use Linux more than Windows. Not that I'm anti-Windows or anti-Microsoft. As to be honest, I've used SuSE before and really I didn't notice any difference in the stability of SuSE and Windows 98SE and Windows XP (Ok, I admit I know my way around Windows like the back of my hand and have used Windows so much that I know how to keep it stable, safe, secure and really enjoyable to use - and really for me it took no effort at all; however I gave SuSE no less effort than I do Windows although I give Windows very little effort at that!).

[BWF89]

In responce to the last post:
/pulls out pichfork
/lights torch
/forms angry mob
:D

[jdong]

I do have to agree that some members of the Linux community are extremely arrogant....

And a similar topic, recent harshness towards my posts on DSLR has resulted in me to stop visiting the Unix forum....

[ubuntu_demon]

Wow...

All of your responses are very different from mine...
I don't use Linux (Actually I dual/triple boot but use Linux more than Windows) because I am anti-Microsoft, or anti-Windows or anti-Bill Gates. Far from it in fact. Nor do I believe that Windows is unstable, useless or what have you.

One reason why I use Linux is really because I'm different, and like being different.
I'm also very patriotic, and therefore will try and use Ubuntu as much as I can.


To be honest, something I absolutely hate in the Linux community (and will probably be told to shove off for) is that many are very arrogant (Sorry, it's true - I've read a few posts here and elsewhere which to say the least weren't too welcoming to the non-Linux community). Another thing I absolutely hate is the fact so many in the Linux community are anti-commercial software. I've actually talked to (and you guess right if you guess that I didn't keep contact) quite a few Linux users who are anti-MS however anti-commercial Linux distros - Um, hello?!?! Anybody home?

Ok, I think enough ranting. :P

So, yes. Those are the reasons why I use Linux more than Windows. Not that I'm anti-Windows or anti-Microsoft. As to be honest, I've used SuSE before and really I didn't notice any difference in the stability of SuSE and Windows 98SE and Windows XP (Ok, I admit I know my way around Windows like the back of my hand and have used Windows so much that I know how to keep it stable, safe, secure and really enjoyable to use - and really for me it took no effort at all; however I gave SuSE no less effort than I do Windows although I give Windows very little effort at that!).

I feel most of the Ubuntu community has respect for everyone.

I'm a pragmatic guy so I wouldn't switch to linux earlier but I think we are now at a point that linux is a real alternative to most users. (I'm in the switching period to Ubuntu but I'll keep windows for games and stuff)

I'm not anti-commerical. I like open source and its ideology. And I think the OS of each user/pc should be open source if it's possible.

I would like all software open source (I like the ideology and I think paying for service is generally a good business model) But I think there could be exceptions where an open source business model wouldn't work as good. Like when you create a program specifically for one business or government or organisation or small group of people.

[BWF89]

But I think there could be exceptions where an open source business model wouldn't work as good. Like when you create a program specifically for one business or government or organisation or small group of people.
Exactly. I think atleast 95% of software should be open. The other 5% being for programs like SETI@Home. If you made a progam that records date from outerspace and scans it for ET you don't want someone messing with the program so every data packet contains info from an advanced civilization...

[ubuntu_demon]

Exactly. I think atleast 95% of software should be open. The other 5% being for programs like SETI@Home. If you made a progam that records date from outerspace and scans it for ET you don't want someone messing with the program so every data packet contains info from an advanced civilization...
Yeah

On other one is the backend of a popular website like google/gmail or hotmail. That should be closed source also because its used only by that site so only malicious users will scan the code for bugs (if it were open source)

[jdong]

Umm, 'secrecy' in code doesn't boost security... we know that security through obscurity doesn't work.

SETI should be signing data packets or verifying suspect signals.


No matter whose website, the best way to find bugs is to have a large number of developers looking through the code -- which happens a LOT more with open-source code than closed-source.

[poptones]

poptones@libertine:~ $for jpegs in `seq -w 1 10`;do mkdir $jpegs;mv /mydownloads/thissetof$jpegs-sequence???.jpg $jpegs;done

poptones@libertine:~ $for mp3s in `ls thisband*.mp3`;do artist=mp3info -a $mp3s;disc=mp3info -d $mp3s;trk=mp3info -n $mp3s;title=mp3info -t $mp3s;mv $mp3s /mymusic/$artist/$disc\ -\ $trk\ -\ $title.mp3;done

poptones@libertine:~ $for grabthese in `seq -w 1 120`;do echo http://www.leechthis.com/bunchastuff/thisone$grabthese.whatever >> fetchand.stepit;done;wget -i fetchand.stepit -P /mydownloads/go/here/

Every single cool thing you can do ootb in linux you have to find some piece of crapware to do for you in windows. Even if you want to DIY you still have to install a bunch of tools, most of which you have to pay for.

Linux is like owning your own shop; windows is just shopping.

[ubuntu_demon]

Umm, 'secrecy' in code doesn't boost security... we know that security through obscurity doesn't work.

SETI should be signing data packets or verifying suspect signals.


No matter whose website, the best way to find bugs is to have a large number of developers looking through the code -- which happens a LOT more with open-source code than closed-source.

Maybe you're right on SETI. I have to think about it.

sometimes I think secrecy is best. But most often it is not. Especially not in software that is used by a lot of people. All OS'es should be open source.

[burlap]

One of the biggest problems of OSS is misused ideology. I do agree with most of it, but I hate when people get fanatic. There comes arrogancy.

MS is not "close-minded" or "evil". In fact its business strategies have been quite successful (compare Xerox or even IBM) so why not blame "stupid people" who get manipulated? Or governments?

The problem with code: security is not that important (MS is closed source and how does it save its products from being compromised, misused, etc.?). It is property. Code is property and while you can fence your piece of land or lock your jewelry in a safe, it may seem normal to close your code. OSS is more important for the whole concept of intellectual property than many think.

[safecracker]

I will respect your opinion but what ideas that we as a community suggest to Microsoft actually get implemented? Greed makes ppl unwilling to recive new ideas (which is closed minded) Their marketing strategy involves being close-minded. To me when you can only see 1 side of a issue your closed-minded to that issue.

[zorba64]

I enjoy tinkering with it. "Tinkering is fun. http://www.ubuntuforums.org/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif
I don't have to "worry" about virii (viruses?) or malaware or my favourite "hated" word: shareware. http://www.ubuntuforums.org/images/smilies/eusa_sick.gif
Good communities, regardless of the distro I may be trying.
Plenty of free helpful hints, great people, fantastic software

I can build it myself or just download the sucker and install it.http://www.ubuntuforums.org/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif

Fantastic artwork available for the "artistically challenged" eg: me.

I really feel like it is MY O.S.. I am not "borrowing" or "renting" it for a time. I keep both pieces when I break it too. http://www.ubuntuforums.org/images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

[nocturn]

2 and 1 (in that order)

[BWF89]

I used to think it was normal to sign an agreement that says you don't actually own the software, your just renting it...

[G.I.Josh]

It's three reasons for me.

1. I'm a geek, and my goal is to learn as much as humanly possible about computers. Programming, hardware, networking, anything. Microsoft is not practical for that. Linux is. Open/free, access to the low level, and plenty of documentation.

2. Political. Though I usually agree with the Libertarian party on political things, IP rights just seems like bs to me. GPL rocks. I like the BSD license slightly better, but GPL is still good. Open source not just for all the practical reasons, but for moral ones too.

3. Practical. I'm sick and tired of the hassle Microsoft gives me when I just want to do something. I'm a geek, but I don't always feel like constantly checking processes and directories to make sure nothing snuck in there. I never feel like running spybot, avg, regcleaner, and defragger every single night.

Now I can install software in a single command; all the interpreters and compilers I need as a newbie programmer are there; and though my system isn't fort knox, I know that the average script kiddie isn't getting in. :)

[gheorghe_pop]

Because i don't get bored of it and got lot's and lot's of free development tools on it.
Because it's so stable and secure.
And oh yes i allmost forgot...because IT'S FREE! :)

[mark]

I used to think it was normal to sign an agreement that says you don't actually own the software, your just renting it... Actually, not even renting it but "licensing" it...I always wondered what happened if/when your license was "revoked" - does the distribution media go up in flames? Or do the magnetic regions where it's installed on your hard drive suddenly go north-north?

[socrazy143]

both reasons here.

Linux is easier to use on the command line and as we all know (especially if you used incarnations for Win98 or its evil twin WinME) it is far more stable.

On the monopolistic side, I don't want other people to get rich if I can't! ;)

[orion_114]

I dont like paying for software every two years or so.
I also got bored with windows and wanted a challenge and to learn new skills.
The coolest thing about linux is you can just fiddle and tweak the thing until you get it exactly the way you want it. Unlike windows where you have a plain vanilla system that is limited because you have to pay for stuff.

[HiddenWolf]

It can be as frustrating as windows, but things get fixed, and I don't have to pay to enjoy this frustration.

[machiner]

Because it kicks ***, is free, and doesn't give me any problems.

Oh, did I mention that it just kicks ***!!??

Also, I like that it's all on a disc, I can perform rescue (should I really need to) operations on another boot disk, the backup solutions are quick, reliable and painless -- installing software is about as easy as it gets.

If I need to reinstall -- bam -- it's done, and I'm right where I left off with my /home partition.

Gnome is beautiful, ubuntu is sweet, I can easily set up a web-server...and I don't have to install an anti-virus.

For me the switch was predicated by those last 2 items:

a web server
and NO anti-virus slowing my machine down.

Although, I never had a problem with windows (except those crappy shareware programs), but I'm not your average windows user either.

Oh, and how cool is this:

boot to the disc, a few clicks, easy partitioning, and bam - a fully working, robust, reliable, and damned complete OS and desktop.

Windows can kiss my hairy, expanding, linux-using ****.