I’ve written a lot and I figure it’s time to open up the mic to all of y’all who read this site. I use Linux because I love where Open Source Software is headed in terms of societal freedom and high-quality coding. I also love that I don’t have to either pay for or steal my software. Why do you use Linux? For those of you who are considering it but don’t use it yet, why might you use Linux?
The comment boxes are yours, go ahead and share with everybody.
I use Linux because I think its better. The security, integration, delivery mechanism, etc. I like putting in an install CD and having a full-featured system 30 minutes later. In Windows and Mac you have to hunt for usable applications, and pay for them. I use Linux because it is easier. I use Linux because I develop software and it has better development tools that are integrated. I use Linux because I love computers, and Linux brings out the best in them.
Some reasons I use Linux, in no particular order:
1. I admire and embrace the Open Source concept.
2. A 20+ year dislike of MicroSoft.
3. The fact that I can have a current, up-to-date OS and applications which are being supported and upgraded, yet can run them on hardware that would be obsolete in the Windows world. It may run slowly, but “slowly” beats “not at all.”
4. I can choose to support my preferred Linux distribution by making a small donation, by assisting in writing code or documentation, by adding a program of my own writing to the greater fund, by prosletyzing other users…or I can just use it for free. It’s MY choice.
5. An intense and long-standing dislike of MicroSoft.
6. The knowledge that I can, if I choose, explore the innermost workings–down to the programmers remarks in the code–for both software and OS.
7. I like it that Linux allows the user to run as a full-fledged CLI, with a high-end GUI such as XFCE, KDE or GNOME, or a minimalist GUI such as FluxBox. Or, the user can install and run all of the above, selecting their “flavor” according to mood, whim, lunar phases or state of the economy. It’s OUR choice, not the choice of some nameless clod in Redmond.
8. Linux has fewer maintenance issues. Virii and spyware? Not a significant issue. Want to format a few dozen gig of drive space? Zip-zap…it’s done. Let’s not forget a biggie: “Linux File Systems” means never having to defrag your drives.
9. Ever try running WindowsXP on a Macintosh, SPARC, or other non-Intel compatible machine?
10. Did I mention that I utterly detest MicroSoft?
11. In the last 6 months, I’ve had 2 full system lockups under several distributions of Linux including two “bleeding edge” distros. I can easily equal that number in one hour with Windows.
12. It’s not that often that Joe Everyman has the opportunity to stand up and shout his defiance to a multi-national monopoly. Even if I had no particular complaint against M$, I would still feel obliged to act in a contrary fashion, just out of general cussedness.
13. Linux distro– $0
Linux software– $0
Linux support– $0
Having Linux running on my computer and seeing a friend’s “What the %^#$% is THAT???” expression– priceless.
14. The fact that I now have a computer with only one MicroSoft product on it, the mouse…and it was a gift.
First off I have to say that I’ve only used Linux for a few weeks. After saying this I would never go back to using Windows. I like the options that Linux provides. I like having a tweaked system with every ounce of performance squeezed from my hardware. I like being able to constantly customize my system. I like having up to date, fast, secure software for free. I don’t mind going through documentation to find solutions to problems. I like the satisfaction that I felt after successfully getting my usb mouse to work.
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