Why do you choose Linux?

[ReviewSpin]

This is not a specficially towards Ubuntu, but Linux in general. You see, I have to choose a topic that I am interested in to write about in my Engl. 122 class at my college, and I choose which OS is the best (the exact issue is still being worked on, and please, if you have any idea of what a controvesial issue in the OS world is -- then tell me). But, right now I need to know what people choose Linux: and any articles you know of that talk and describe your point of view(s). Also, any Windows/Mac users, do the same if you don't mind (as in, why are you a Mac/Windows user?).

:-D Thank you! And I will be checking back rather regually within these nest two weeks. If you want to discuss this more, my AIM is GuiltyGaming...so AIM me.

[Jussi Kukkonen]

Unix tools work logically in my opinion -- I just get things done faster in unix
Linux lets me do things other operating systems do not.
Ethics:
3a) The current software monoculture is a Bad Thing and I want it to end -- so Microsoft is never high on my "preferred suppliers"-list
3b) I believe free software is a really Good Thing that'll be a boon for all of us -- my first choice is always free.

[smcnally]

For me, it's all about the penguin...If the Linux mascot was a tiger or an elephant, I would have never even tried it.

[Bragador]

1) It's free yet modern like Windows Vista
2) No DRM or stuff like that

When I got interested in linux I was really into the ethics but I just don't care anymore. It's a free way to keep my laptop up to date and faster than when it had windows xp on it.

[rabid emu]

1: I don't like Microsoft, they make bad operating systems. Any alternative is good.
2: Linux is free of price and free as in freedom.
3: Linux is very secure, hardly need to worry about viruses.
4: Everything I need to do, with the exception of gaming (which is the only reason I still have XP on a partition), I can do in Linux.
5: Linux gives you choice. I can make my desktop look however I want. I can download or remove what packages I want. I can install different distributions based on my preference, not some company's.
6: Linux is just built better. The x server is great; if it hangs, I don't need to restart my computer like in other OSes, I can just restart X and be back up and running. The terminal is amazingly powerful. It's a really great collection of software. In fact I only need to restart my computer if I add new hardware (it's a laptop so that's almost never) or if I upgrade my kernel, and even then I can run with the old kernel as long as I want. I almost never am forced to restart, unlike certain OSes.
7: The community is great. Open-source software is a great philosophy which I support.

[Sunflower1970]

This is not a specficially towards Ubuntu, but Linux in general. You see, I have to choose a topic that I am interested in to write about in my Engl. 122 class at my college, and I choose which OS is the best (the exact issue is still being worked on, and please, if you have any idea of what a controvesial issue in the OS world is -- then tell me). But, right now I need to know what people choose Linux: and any articles you know of that talk and describe your point of view(s). Also, any Windows/Mac users, do the same if you don't mind (as in, why are you a Mac/Windows user?).

:-D Thank you! And I will be checking back rather regually within these nest two weeks. If you want to discuss this more, my AIM is GuiltyGaming...so AIM me.

The reason I chose to go with Linux was originally because of Vista. I was irritated that to be able to use it I'd probably have to upgrade my hardware which, although a few years old, is perfectly fine. XP runs decently fast (and Ubuntu flies on it). I also was angry about the DRM that was being placed in Vista. Read up on it (the positives and the negatives) and decided that I hated everything about it. I thought about getting a Mac at some point, but why, when, again, I have a perfectly good machine...and Macs are so expensive. Again, not worth it.

Began to do some research, and decided I'd try out a Linux distro. Ubuntu looked the n00b friendliest, so I decided to give it a try.

I loved it, and it's now on all my computers.

[FenrisAbraxas]

I've been on the Linux world since 5-6 years ago, i generally managed to get interested mainly because Linux perform faster on the same machine.

The main reason i keep Linux was that i never need an antivirus program, the tools are more intuitive than windows, i am FREE to choose what i am capable to do with my computer (if i want eye candy and easy acces to everything KDE/Gnome, if i want a fast and light computer englightenment/IceWM).

No forced license fees, Software THAT WORKS, almost no hang-ups (only when running on buggy hardware) NEVER HAVE TO REINSTALL (most important thing :) i keep a 2 year old installation of Gentoo like new :)).

I think i choose Linux because it satisfy my needs in every aspect of my computing life. I have a powerfull and flexible system to develop, do homework and play games with.

Cheers, Good Luck in your homework.

[barney_1]

1. I like to be able to control every aspect of my OS, nothing's hidden or locked away with Linux.
2. The availability of free applications. If you need to do something, there is probably an app in the repository for it.

[SlayerMan]

I use GNU/Linux (on x86) because I believe it's technically superior to all the other x86 operating systems (macs excluded),

I.e. it is better than Windows, Syllable, Haiku, Zeta, etc.

GNU/Linux today is also more user-friendly than e.g. Free-/Net-/OpenBSD (though one might take a look at PC-BSD which is quite user-friendly, too).

Also, I like the UNIX concept of small tools for specific tasks, which can be combined to "bigger" purpose tools, used in a fast way on a CLI, and in a comfortable way with nice GUI frontends.

[karellen]

I chose and use linux because:
1. it's free
2. it's efficient
3. it's very very stable
4. it's practicaly virus/worms/trojans/spyware free
5. it gives me choice. many, many, many choices and chances to learn
6. it's different from windows
7. I like change
8. I want to explore something new

[Baelfael]

I chose Linux because I'm a smart boy. Mostly the reasons stated above.
1. I wanted to do something new with my computer.
2. I wanted a challenge. Windows is too boring and easy.
3. "I'm gonna hax u" Oh no you're not. *boots linux*
4. Flexibility and stability.
5. It's very smooth and clean looking.
6. It's free.
7. The ports of software to it from windows are actually better than the windows version.

[doobit]

I like Linux because it's a lot of fun. My hobby is custom computing, so FOSS fits right in.

[muguwmp67]

As far as writing an essay is concerned, there are two general reasons for using linux:

Technical
You'll find lots of technical reasons that people use linux instead of windows. Primary reasons are stability, security and control. Your average english prof is going to find these to be pretty dry though.

Social
I think that this is the more interesting topic for the paper. Its the whole definition of 'free' thing. Linux is not just free, as in pricing. It is free as in freedom. Many Linux users switch to linux for idealistic reasons. Disgust with and fear of large corporations (Microsoft and media companies, for example) have lead some people to linux. For many, installing linux is not just a matter of hardware and software, but it is also about optimism, the 'power of the people' and 'sticking it to the man'.

[kenkun]

Personally I have no problems with Windows nor Mac.. I made the switch to Ubuntu because the possibilities are simply endless.. plus, with a large community support around it, if i were to mess things up horribly, i can always turn to you people :lol:

[Peepsalot]

For me, it's all about the penguin...If the Linux mascot was a tiger or an elephant, I would have never even tried it.
LMAO. Can I quote you in my sig?

[seuaniu]

Hi! You picked an interesting topic for your paper. I won't repeat what others have wrote about freedom and vendor lock in and such, even though they are absolutely at the top of my list for choosing Ubuntu over other OSs. Nevertheless, here are some of my reasons:

Ubuntu vs. Windows:

The gnome interface absolutely rocks compared to xp or vista. One of the major things that got me into linux back in 99' is that neat little desktop switcher applet. I was hooked because of that. the same goes for KDE, but I use gnome primarily.

Better out-of-the-box hardware support. This is, of course, countered by the lack of drivers for lots of popular devices, such as my webcam and external mpeg encoder.

Easy automatic updates for the entire system. Windows auto-updates some things, but every application has to provide its own update mechanism. Dual booters - look at your updates for norton, adobe, java, firefox, etc. The list goes on forever.

Easy configurability. Almost all unix configuration options are stored in text files which are straightforward to edit and backup, unlike the ungodly hell that is the registry.

The terminal. Most system apps are just graphical front ends to apps that can be run from the command line, offering unlimited flexibility for the unix power-user. MS has powershell, but its not mature enough to really use day to day yet, and ******* programs aren't usually able to run from the terminal


Ubuntu vs. OSX

Hardware support. Ubuntu supports more hardware than OSX

Available software. We got lots, and its free.

Configuration. OSX keeps things simple for the most part and doesn't give the user much in the way of choice.

Freedom. Apple would just be another microsoft if they had the market share they had back in the 80s and 90s. They make really cool products, but they support closed standards and drm, which i am opposed to.


Ubuntu vs. other linux distros

Polish. Ubuntu gets the closest to "just working" than any other distro I have used. That includes redhat, debian, mandrake, suse, slackware, gentoo and some more obscure ones like dsl.

The debian base. Apt is the best package manager available for linux, with the possible exception of portage on gentoo. Gentoo, however, isn't for everybody.

Lots of updates. The pace of development for this distro is astounding. I started with ubuntu back in the warty days, and it was really good then. Now, its near-perfect.



Good luck with your paper, you might get a real flame war going on here :)

[smcnally]

LMAO. Can I quote you in my sig?

Sure! I was surprised to see it took 15 replies before anyone saw the humor in that :D

[rolando2424]

I have been working with Windows for about 13 years... It can get pretty boring :D

So I wanted to try something new, but I didn't want to buy a Mac, so I installed Linux (Debian actually, only after that I switched to Ubuntu).

Also I was felling that the XP was kind of holding me back in terms of porn...

I has always afraid that I would catch a virus or something.

[lbyrd33]

I choose linux because I am currently a grad student in science. A lot of really good software for the analytical things that we need to do are easily obtained in linux. 3 years ago I used to have a dual boot but now linux has everything as I can now run a lot of different windows software in linux. Do I need to mention the cost?

[RChickenMan]

I use Linux for the same reason I frequent local eateries (as opposed to chains), watch films at my community-owned, non-profit arthouse (as opposed to coprorate theaters), listen to independent radio, etcetera. Corporate entities have way to much control over our culture, with respect to things such as food, art, communications, and yes, computer software.

In addition to the ethical issues, I love the amount of control I am given. I am currently in the process of building a Linux system completely from source, one piece at a time. Try doing that with a proprietary operating system.

Technical superiority? Yeah, I guess things seem to run smoother under Linux.

[Choad]

great community support, free, not microsoft, great development environment and *customisable*

i can make my computer work how i want to, rather than my computer making me work how it wants me to

[grte]

I use linux because I have always found command line interfaces to be more comfortable than GUIs. Maybe not as intuitive, but once learned, far more comfortable. I guess I'm an oddball in that, but there it is nevertheless. I'm so iconoclastic I'm clastic.

Now, I could also do this on any of the BSDs, but I've gotten used to Linux's quirks, and the BSDs don't offer me any compelling reason to switch. From the experiences I have had with FreeBSD, Linux works just as well.

[Peepsalot]

After much consideration, I've come to the conclusion that my reasoning for choosing Linux can be summed up in a single word: clippy.

[igknighted]

I chose to try linux because I wanted to learn it, but stuck with it and ditched windows because i think it is a much more robust user experience, and I enjoy my computer more with linux. I called my most computer knowledgeable friend one day and said what linux do you recommend, I want to give it a try. He said slackware, so I gave it a go. It was OK, my mouse wheel didnt work and thats what really bothered me (after I had spent a week trying to get into the GUI of course, slackware 10.2 doesnt start x at the default runlevel). So I eventually ended up with Ubuntu, and I was off from there I have since moved on from Ubuntu as my main desktop OS, but the community here cannot be beat, so I like stay in touch and help however I can.

[EmilyRose]

Honestly, I started messing about with Linux back when I got big into building MUDs and wanted to learn to code... which meant learning C and all that. I tried messing with cracked c compilers in windows for a while, and then found out that linux came with compilers so started trying it out. At which point I became fustrated with winmodems (still am). As a result of winmodem and sound card issues Linux was for several years an entirely side project of mine - I tried numerous distros (mandrake, redhat, slackware, college among others), but never found one that really worked for me... And then came Vista.

Vista is really what pushed me over the edge, and got me to switch entirley to linux. After reading about all of the privacy and DRM issues involved in vista, I decided it was time to really, truely give linux a try. So I downloaded Ubuntu (took 3 days - I'm still on dialup), and installed it. In the proccess I accidently (I swear, this is the very first time that has EVER happend...) formatted my windows partition... went to reinstall it at which point I realized that sometime during the past few years, I lost my CD key for XP. So I figured I'd just have to truelly give linux a try - and I got it working. I found that with Ubuntu 6.10, my modem and sound card both worked. Even my iPod was working (given that in the past I had lots of issues with meer CD/DVD/floppy drives this is/was huge!). Ever since then I haven't looked back.

My husband is using ubuntu with total success - of course, then again, all he really does is surf and check email, but still. Linux gives me what I want in a computer these days - freedom from DRM and the knowledge that my computer is free of spyware/adware/virus'. And that is what is truely important to me.

[ReviewSpin]

As far as writing an essay is concerned, there are two general reasons for using linux:

Technical
You'll find lots of technical reasons that people use linux instead of windows. Primary reasons are stability, security and control. Your average english prof is going to find these to be pretty dry though.

Social
I think that this is the more interesting topic for the paper. Its the whole definition of 'free' thing. Linux is not just free, as in pricing. It is free as in freedom. Many Linux users switch to linux for idealistic reasons. Disgust with and fear of large corporations (Microsoft and media companies, for example) have lead some people to linux. For many, installing linux is not just a matter of hardware and software, but it is also about optimism, the 'power of the people' and 'sticking it to the man'.

Thanks for that. Very useful.


Personally I have no problems with Windows nor Mac.. I made the switch to Ubuntu because the possibilities are simply endless.. plus, with a large community support around it, if i were to mess things up horribly, i can always turn to you people :lol:

Thats one thing I loved about Ubuntu back when i was waiting for a Mac.


For me, it's all about the penguin...If the Linux mascot was a tiger or an elephant, I would have never even tried it.

Do you mind if I quote you in one of my papers? I am not really sure if I will...depends on what I am required to write about, but thats just the best quote of all time. Really is. :-D (I will email you the paper that I quote you in, so you know it happened and you can read it).


Thanks to you all!!!! So much response....Thanks again!

[querent]

The idea of an independent, globally distributed network of programmers doing this work at least in part to counter the megalithic in nature proprietary software industry is quite romantic. I am an anarchist, after all, and this is one of the best and most functional anarchistic endeavors around.

[CCBalla10]

One thing i haven't seen a lot of ppl. mention about OS's is that with Linux, it offers you an option. I dunno about you, but I do not like to be told what to do...specially if it will cost me money...

[erwinquita]

I choose linux because I don't like the way microsucks monopoly business... It forces you to use their OS learn their language and eat everything they throw at the plate... You know what I mean... You just realize one day... Every job posting you see here in asia is classic ASP .NET MS admin... I don't want my son to not have the freedom to choose a job that does not force you to use Microsucks softwares if ever he ventures into the IT world.

[steven8]

Because the more I even think about Microsoft and the death grip they have on the world at large, the more it makes my stomach turn.

[SZF2001]

Because, as a kid who could only afford a $20 128MB Ram Pentium III computer, why pay anymore for Windows on a crappy box? If it weren't for this box, I would have never found Ubuntu or Linux. Freedom, man, freedom.

[hardyn]

1) subculture factor
2) its new, i like to learn
3) its requires me to get my hands dirty from time to time, i like to learn
4) windows and osX are kinda un-tweakable and are boring
5) removes alot of the smoke and mirrors of computing, you get a really good idea of how things actually work.
6) a tux decal on the lid off your notebook book gets looks than an apple or a flying window.
7) did i mention subculture
8 ) i truly buy into the open source philosophy, and still remember that Stallman meant free as is liberal not as in beer, i would probably pay a small fee for a Linux distro, saying that i probably should contribute to both canonical and OOo out of appreciation ;)
9) community, the ubuntu community is by far the best computing community that i have ever found, the community is what is going to drive the success of linux, people helping people, no borders, no race, and to a limited sense without socio-economic background and language

[Henry Rayker]

I started because I needed to use the gcc compiler for a computer architecture class. I figured I'd learn a little about linux because I knew it is very prevalent in industry. Once I gave it a shot, I was hooked. Now, I can't stand to be on a windows box. After I started actually paying attention to the ridiculous crap I used to put up with, I realized how lucky I was for the introduction.

[leech]

I'd have to say that initially what got me to use Linux was the fact that you could make your desktop look like whatever you wanted.

I started using Linux quite a long time ago, back when most distributions didn't even install X by default. RedHat 4.2 and Debian 1.3 were the first distributions I ever used. I even recall being excited when kernel 2.2.x was coming out!

It was Enlightenment DR0.13 that got me started in Linux. The UI looked like one from a video game. It was slick and sweet. Unfortunately back then there weren't a whole lot of applications for it, though a lot of what I did it handled nicely (ftp, telnet, etc)

This was back in the Windows '95 days. But my OS experience started with Atari Dos (Atari 8-Bit) and the Atari ST. To this day I haven't found as simple a OS as the Atari ST, though it wasn't quite as powerful either.

I did end up sticking with Windows for a long time, mostly because I played lots of video games, but every time there was a new release of Debian I'd give it a shot. Still do, even though I'm mostly an Ubuntu user now (well I have my Desktop and Laptop with Ubuntu Feisty and my Server and HTPC are running Debian.)

Windows XP hardly ever gets booted up these days. Only when I want to play a game, but I don't game as much as I used to.

My personal reasons for mostly switching is simply usability and a growing hatred of all things Microsoft, plus being an anarchist as someone else has also posted.

I believe that corporations shouldn't take advantage of people as much as they do. For example, look at the pricing structure for Vista! From what I've read, the only difference between the Premium, Home, Business and Ultimate versions is the CD key? So otherwise they can just press a billion DVDs that are all the same, then put different boxes and different keys in the boxes.

My initial hatred of Microsoft began with Word. I needed a word processor. I didn't need a spreadsheet, or a full office suite for that matter. I just needed Word. They don't sell Word by itself. So I ended up buying "Home Essentials" for 100 bucks. Not a month later, they came out with Office '97. Did they offer any sort of upgrade? Nope. I had to buy a whole new package.

This is one of the main reasons I chose Linux. Free upgrades, which is the way it should be. At least as far as "Oh, I just bought this software and there's already an upgrade? How much? 200 dollars!?!" There should be a certain time limit, because most people aren't going to know when a new version will be out.

Maintainability. It's about a billion times easier to maintain a stable working environment in Linux. It doesn't randomly corrupt your registry, or the registry doesn't become larger with each new program installed. For a Windows machine to be usable to most people, there are so many third party pieces of software that you NEED to have installed, yet are not free. If you really think about this for a moment, Windows has create an entirely new market of seedy, greedy software developers. By this I mean the Malware removal industry. This includes all of the Firewalls, Anti-Viruses and Spyware searchers. There are a few free ones here and there, but for the most part they cost money. Not only that, but they use a subscription based payment system that constantly drains the Windows users. Plus you need several different programs to catch them all!

This to me is like the Mob asking for protection money or breaking your legs.

I've always kind of thought more like a Hippy, and Linux, along with the FSF are kind of like the Hippies of the Software world. Instead of preaching Free Love, they're preaching Free Software. Stallman himself looks like a Hippy / Nerd anyhow.

Guess that's enough for now :D

Leech

P.S. If for no other reason, people should switch to Linux because Windows' print spooler is so broken that 90% of the time when you try to cancel a print job, you end up having to reboot because there is no way to get it to delete until then. Seriously, why can't they fix this? The Cups print spooler works amazingly well in this regard.

[ReviewSpin]

What you guys talk about is so interesting. I never thought about Linux as something that's idealistic in anyway, yet here you guys preaching a gospel I never heard. It's actually making me want to try Linux again (although I swear I never will put Linux on my Mac again). :-D Thanks for your guys comments. Keep them coming.

I have :popcorn: . So I will be here for a while....:lolflag:

[nu2this]

1) Linux loads faster, when I start up windows(dual booted) it now takes 4 minutes to start 3 months ago it took 3. That was after I installed a new printer. Linux still takes 1min 32 sec just like it when I first installed it even with the new printer.

2) The security I don't have to worry I about nasty things getting put on my PC at least so far. I had that happen to me twice in windows. Also, on this subject if a security problem in Linux does come up usually the fix is in in days, not months.

3) Free, as in choice,& as in price. I decide what apps I want to have, some apps in windows
require you to install stuff one does not need. An example: If one dl'ds Flash in windows you have to signup for the Shockwave.com newsletter if you try to skip it it keeps coming up until you do.
A lot of Opensource stuff is free but I pay what I can when I can. Windows one pays a huge price to please some Wall street bastard's expectations for the quarter. In Linux when one does have to pay the price is reasonable not outrageous. Example Codeweavers $39.95

Finally the ability to make this PC's desktop the way I want it priceless!

[Somenoob]

(If compraed to commercial/closed source operating systems)

1. Faster
2. More stability
3. More security
4. The helpful and friendly community

And of course the ethics and software freedom philosophy.

[tigerpants]

Some nice replies in this thread.

I switched from XP to linux about 18 months ago. Previously I had never used linux before, and my only experience of anything non-windows was Mac OS9. I never got on with Macs, and I don't like Apple at all as a company so finding an alternative desktop to XP lead me to linux. I started with Xandros, which is a great distro for a linux noob, but too restrictive. I was recommended ubuntu and its been my mainstay for nearly a year now. I play with BSD on a spare drive and also Slackware. The main reason for sticking with linux for me is it just works, and it just works for free. I don't want to spend £100 on an OS that is buggy, bloated and full of virus's. So its a no-brainer really for me really.

Linux gets the job done. :)