Hello fellow Michigander's

[Kilobyte]

Hello all,

My name is Ben Reath. I live in the UP, and I am an avid Linux user (although not a developer, yet).
I am currently trying to expand the knowledge of Linux to my school and my community. My next project will be writing a review in my newspaper, and offering to install Ubuntu for free, and demonstrating Ubuntu to an audience in my community's auditorium.
However, at present I am trying to write my High School Research Paper, and if any of you can contribute their knowledge of why people should use Ubuntu instead of Windows, it would be appreciated, especially if you are a prominent contributor.

[insineratehymn]

Howdy. From Detroit, here.

Wanna reason? Its free.

[wolfger]

So many reasons, so little time:
It's free.
It can surf websites without fear of picking up viruses.
It comes pre-packaged with most of the software you'll need: no need to go out and buy other stuff.
Installing new software via Synaptic (or Adept) Package Manager is even easier than installing new software on Windows.
If you want to uninstall something completely, it's not only possible to do so, it's easy to do so.
Software updates are painless.
Can run with Vista-like features on older computers that Vista won't run on.
If you find a bug, you can actually talk to a developer about getting it fixed.
...

[kingfent77]

Hello Everyone!! I am also a Michigan Native, and must say I'm a little disappointed at the number of fellow linux users in this state. Ubuntu is 100 times better than any Windows OS, because you have as much control of your computer as you want. If you don't like to meddle, then the defaults are easy enough for a child. If you DO like to play around with your system, you can do so without fear of wrecking the whole thing! I'm especially impressed with the desktop effects that are available through compiz! That's another of many features that microsoft just can't hold a candle to!!

[rustybronco]

Hello kingfent77, There are a lot more linux users in this state than you realize. I have a cousin that administers windows servers using ubuntu on his laptop. he can't stand the company logging his every move so it's his way or it's his way (he did have to mess with them a while to get them to leave him alone). my son works at a local isp and dual boots linux/widows. just because people see others using windows at home doesn't translate to non use in the big world.
and if you come to my house...