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There are many blogs, YouTube channels, and whatnot out there whose owners rave about the advantages and superiority of the Linux computer operating system. For years, I have attempted to share this amazing OS with as many people as possible.
Friends who wanted to "redo" their computers have placed them in my hands, and I have given them back clean computers that can boot to both Linux and Windows. And guess what? Every one of them now prefers to boot to Linux. The only time they boot to Windows is when they're forced by proprietary nonsense regarding some software they wish to use. But I have decided: no more. No longer will I take the time and effort to 'prove' to anyone something that they should already have the good sense to find out on their own. It's just too much like banging my head against a brick wall. What am I squawking about? Here are some facts for you: 1) Linux is the leader in mobile (smart phone) operating systems, beating out (now don't faint, Apple fanatics) iOS and all others. This trend will continue, as more people realize they get more features and a more stable OS for less money. But yeah, since Biff and Buffy have iGadgets, they sure look tempting. 2) Most devices that use embedded systems (microwave ovens, refrigerators, automobiles, etc.) utilize a form of Linux... which means you're already surrounded by Linux and you didn't even realize it. 3) Linux of 2015 is not Linux of 1991, not by a long shot. While in its infancy, Linux was only usable by super geeks; now, 24 years later, the installation process for Linux is simpler and yet still more advanced than either Windows or Apple. 4) Linux combines the best features of Windows and Apple, and adds many more robust features for both the single user and network user. Linux is easier to use than Windows or Apple. Let me say that one more time for people who are hard of seeing: Linux is easier to use than Windows or Apple. 5) Installing software on 'modern' Linux systems is as easy as one single mouse click. No "Next" buttons, "Yes" or "No" buttons, "I accept" buttons, EULAs to read... nothing but a single click. 6) The answer to "what can Linux do?" is: yes. That's not an exaggeration; if you want a computer to do something, and Windows or Apple can do it, Linux can not only do it as well, but in many cases does it better. Linux is also much more stable than Windows or Apple; many Linux users have never seen their computers crash. I personally crashed mine once, but the problem wasn't Linux; it was a limitation of VirtualBox regarding the unreasonable load I was placing on it. 7) Can I surf the Internet, play games, watch movies, get email, purchase stuff from Amazon.com and eBay, do my personal banking, use social media, etc., etc., etc.? See fact number 6 above. 8) Linux currently is the safest operating system you can use. One reason is because virtually all viruses and malware are written for Windows and Apple operating systems. Using Linux is like being born with automatic immunity to all cold viruses. You end up on some web page that infects a Windows computer and absolutely nothing happens to you in Linux, because the virus wasn't written to infect your file system. 9) Linux has many different kinds of desktop environments available, and yes, both Windows and Apple styles have been reproduced for those who are more comfortable with those interfaces. 10) In my skeptical wife's words, once she had used Linux for a while: "It is definitely a better mousetrap." You may keenly observe that in the last ten paragraphs, I actually did what I said I would no longer do. You caught me, but I didn't want to go out without taking one last swing. Why did I decide to abandon my quest to get people to pay attention to the best thing that's ever happened to personal computing, despite their uninformed bias? Because eventually, virtually all personal computer systems will be running some form of Linux anyway, due to practical considerations by manufacturers, software designers, and consumers themselves. So I'm going to stop wasting my breath on people who don't even want to get a clue in 2015, and just enjoy Linux's advantages myself... like someone who excitedly discovers a pot of gold and realizes he doesn't have to share it with anyone. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the most compelling feature of Linux that insures its dominance in the near future: It's 100% free of charge; a courtesy extended to you because the hackers (very smart computer programmers, for crying out loud, NOT PIRATES OR CRIMINALS, like the popular media has incorrectly characterized them) around the world who created and improve Linux do it out of love and pride... two factors that are typically rear-seated when a creative endeavor is motivated by money. |