So I've been using Linux as my only operating system for a few weeks and I'm starting to wonder why people run Windows. Well, maybe I can think of a few reasons people are scared to stray away from their beloved monstrosity.
Linux is different: No shit. It's not Windows, nor does it try to be. That's like saying you can't drive a BMW 740i because you've been driving a Dodge Neon your whole life.
Emotional Attachment: I don't understand this at all. People get so attached to their OS that they completely ignore it's flaws, no matter how crippling. Why can't I directly mount an ISO file in Windows? Geez. if you like Windows so much, why don't you marry it?
Habit: So what if you're used to doing everything in Windows? Before I was potty trained I shat in my pants, but I adjusted and let me tell you, the toilet is a Hell of a lot better.
It's not user friendly: Have you ever tried to install Windows? What's so friendly about that?
Software Dependency: You don't need Microsoft Word. No, you don't. Dozens of programs can access Word files. Get over it.
It's Confusing: No, it's straightforward. No assigning partitions random letters and masking everything behind a shiny, but misleading interface.
Price Tag: Ever hear the phrase 'You get what you pay for?' It's a lie. Think about this: Are you going to drop $600 to buy Windows Vista?
Hardware Dependency: No Linux drivers for your [insert device here]? No problem. Linux will probably come with one anyway. Unlike Windows, Plug and Play actually works in Linux.
Security: Self replicating viruses are amazing from a programming standpoint. Not so much when you get one. You won't in Linux. Ever.
So if you still don't want to give Linux a chance, that's fine. Just don't run to me (or someone like me) to fix your Windows installation.
Half Assed Rant by Rich Moore
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7 comments:
Linux is open source, right, so don't you need a basic knowledge of programming to run it? I definitely don't. Then again, maybe this post was directed at people who know something about computers...
I don't have any programming knowledge either. Most of the modern distributions (especially Ubuntu) are incredibly user friendly, and almost everything now is automated to the point that it's easier to use (opinion) than Windows. Just because the source code is available doesn't mean you have to look at it.
And this article was aimed at average to average computer users without any special skills.
I start too many things that i'll never finish... like my blogs and this p...
Actually, I rather like Aero and the "professional quality" of Windows (semi-uniform UI and applications that are designed specifically to work together).
I also like games that run only on Windows (I don't think Dawn of War is available for Mac - and I don't have a real Mac anyway).
Oh, yeah. And I don't like Shuttleworth. Love Ubuntu, get annoyed at its dad.
And installing Vista is actually easier than Edgy's.
...And I know it's kind of a neat feature, but I wish there was a separate GUI option where I didn't have to boot a non-optimized system from a CD to install. It takes 5 minutes or so to boot the live CD!
It would be good if they implement an option to simply install from the LiveCD's boot menu and eliminate the need for the alternate install CD. One of the things I like best about the installer is the ability to surf the Internet while installing Ubuntu on the same computer. And I think the graphical installer is designed for people who get intimidated by the command line installer.
And yes, Windows has it's place. It's good in corporations where people with law and business degrees can't be bothered with the concept of learning anything outside Windows. Gaming could be accomplished without Windows if you want to pay a small monthly fee for updates to Cedega. But in the long run, it would be cheaper to buy a copy of Vista.
I disagree. A majority of businesses only need OpenOffice, and Firefox. Exporting to PDF without having to install a stupid patch is what got me into OpenOffice in the first place (the outdated interface is why I left it, though).
So really, Linux is the best and cheapest option, especially for small businesses.
I have always had to reconfigure xorg to support my screen resolution, and I've always had to connect to a LAN for updates because wireless support is still crap. Otherwise, if I was a normal person that left things alone, I would have no problem with it.
What I mean is that Linux distros, even Fedora and Ubuntu, always feel like a patchwork of applications, as opposed to a unified system. Maybe the Linux Foundation should establish a universal HIG?
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