If you’re a Linux enthusiast like me, you’ve probably tried to convert a few people over to Linux from another operating system. Even though you succeed many times, there are always a few ‘geniuses’ out there who need some real persuading to switch over to Linux.
So here are some quick and simple things about Linux you can point out to your potential convert.
1. Linux helps you get rid of viruses, worms, and other computer infections.
Although it is possible to get infected even with Linux (malware is mainly written for Windows), its system architecture, based on a server-client relationship makes it difficult for a virus to do any damage. See this post.
2. Linux is fast and will stay fast
Vista is a huge resource hog. XP isn’t too humble either. If you use Windows for a longer time and install lots of different programs, your computer becomes bloated with trash data, consequently becoming slower. With Linux, even a major distro won’t demand more than 256 RAM to run passably with all the bling and a maximum of 2 GB of space. And it won’t get slower.
3. Linux is easier to use than Windows. Using the Terminal is not necessary in most cases.
What could be easier than opening a package manager, selecting the software you want, and letting Linux download it for you? I hate it when people complain about how Linux’ hardware support bites. They probably aren’t aware of the fact that Linux supports more devices than Vista. I should know, I had my share of problems with three different versions of Windows with lots of pieces of hardware. Ndiswrapper-gui is fool-proof and you know it! You can’t expect a new user will know how to solve every issue.
4. Linux is free as in free beer AND as in free speech. Cost does NOT define the value of Free Software!
All of the major Linux distributions are free of cost. Yes, that’s zero dollars. Ain’t it great to have a whole operating system and not be afraid you’ll get fined? You can choose from a multitude of great open source apps which come under the GPL license, too. No need to worry about the
5. Your porn collection is safe with Linux
Don’t laugh. I’m not a big fan of porn, but it has a big market share on the Internet. On Linux, (which is trojan, virus etc. free), every user gets a password, and you can see the source code so you know that FBI isn’t checking you out, like on Windows.
6. Thousands of Windows-only applications (even Photoshop CS3) and games work with Linux through WINE just as fast. You can also find good alternative open source software.
The Linux experience may be a bit different for a user who needs some Windows-only software, because there is no good equivalent for it on Linux. There’s always WINE though. It’s a compatibility layer which can install Windows programs on your Linux Box, even games like Call of Duty, Unreal Tournament, Half-Life 2…
Search open source alternatives
Search the Wine application DB
7. Linux looks better than Windows Vista or Mac OS X
It’s a simple as this: Linux has got Compiz Fusion and a very nice default theme, normally. You can imitate ANY effect other operating system boast with. If a Mac user still thinks his Mac OS X or Vista look better, don’t worry. You can make Linux look exactly like it in under 15 minutes.
8. Linux is fun
People always tell me this. And why? Linux users have the power to expand their system for free, they are free to modify the system exactly to their needs. You learn something new this way every day with Linux and if you do things right it can reward you with the desired results.
9. You can help improve Linux
There are lots of jokes made about ‘teh 1337 powerz of communityz’!!! Sadly, they exist mostly because they don’t know any good arguments against community. In open source, you can actually speak to the actual developers, help translate, develop and improve the software you are using right now while not helping others make wads of cash.
10. Linux makes you give your computer a name
It’s possible on every OS, basically, but Linux demands you do it! Sheer coolness.
Additional links:
March 14th, 2008 at 11:53
[…] Greg wrote a fantastic post today on “Top 10 Responses to Why Should I Use Linux? - A Linux Evangelists …”Here’s ONLY a quick extractThousands of Windows-only applications (even Photoshop CS3) and games work with Linux through WINE just as fast. You can also find good alternative open source software. The Linux experience may be a bit different for a user who needs … […]
March 15th, 2008 at 18:57
[…] Top 10 Responses to Why Should I Use Linux? - A Linux Evangelists’ Reference […]
March 15th, 2008 at 21:18
Cool,keep rockinnn
March 15th, 2008 at 22:19
Nice Post. How about Linux comes in many different “flavors” Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.
March 16th, 2008 at 01:59
Thanks for your comments
I was thinking of putting that as one of the possible answers, but distributions are both a con and a pro to Linux, because they can confuse a new user (teh wealth of choice), so I don’t deem it a 100% positive characteristic which should be pointed out
March 16th, 2008 at 12:54
Keeping control over your work…
One important reason is that the free software uses well defined file formats. Take one example - the Open Document Format, it is easily readable - and will always be so. All you have to do is unzip the file and you can read the text, albeit in XML format.
I advocate free software to charities and voluntary organisations, some of whom will need their data in 5-20 years time. Using proprietary file formats is dangerous, as you can’t guarantee what arrangements the software vendors will have in place for reading their legacy file formats.
March 17th, 2008 at 02:06
From my experience:
1. Linux (speaking of only Ubuntu and Fedora) is not faster than win xp.
2. Linux is not so easy to use, especially when you have to install some drivers etc.
March 18th, 2008 at 07:32
Numbers 7 & 8 are true to my experience. Apps written for the Linux platform have noticeably more vivid graphic clarity than Vista, and that’s even using the same monitor and videocard. And best of all, even for n00bs like me, Linux is a lot of fun!
March 19th, 2008 at 21:05
[…] So here are some quick and simple things about Linux you can point out to your potential convert. 1. Linux helps you get rid of viruses, worms, and other computer infections. Although it is possible to get infected even with Linux (malware is mainly written for Windows), its system architecture, based on a server-client relationship makes it difficult for a virus to do any damage. See this post. 2. Linux is fast and will stay fast Vista is a huge resource hog. XP isn
March 23rd, 2008 at 07:32
Windows machines must have a name too. That’s not a reason to use Linux. How does Linux support more devices than Vista? Please give us a source for that info.
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:44
http://www.kroah.com/log/linux/ols_2006_keynote.html
I’ll find the newer sauce too.
March 26th, 2008 at 23:35
[…] GNU. Promote Linux. Just like open source made your life easier, spread the gift of Free Software to your colleagues, […]
March 27th, 2008 at 21:00
Try to install your wireless router and a wi-fi dongle on 4 computers with Linux. It takes a few minutes with XP, weeks with Linux. I did it. Read the forums. System administrators and software engineers can’t do it. The only option is to buy different hardware that fits Linux.
Linux is for geeks who want to spend more time screwing around with their computers than using them.
March 30th, 2008 at 14:01
Well, on my “designed for Windows XP” laptop I have to spend more time to enable sound under Windows than enabling PCMCIA wireless card in Linux.
Linux is for people who want to spend more time working with computer than fighting against it.
March 30th, 2008 at 14:53
I second this, adnd in addition I think that Linux is for people who want their computer to work like they want it to work.
April 24th, 2008 at 19:55
Great post
I totally agree. Look at my Ubuntu Linux. I have everything what I wanted from my computer and OS.
http://arturito.net/images/ubuntu.jpg
April 26th, 2008 at 14:45
wow, that’s a cool desktop you got there, Arturito.
April 29th, 2008 at 10:50
You are a liar on many points, but I’ll pick number 6. Wine works with SOME Windows programs, but it certainly isn’t trouble free. Sometimes programs run slower, take longer to open, or won’t run at all. Yes, if you spend enough time fiddling with it you can a program working, but even then in some cases it will only work to a point. Such as crashing when a particular function is used.
Then, when you install the next point release you find the hacks you used to get program working are broken again. Keep lying… one day you WILL pay for it.
April 29th, 2008 at 13:36
Excuse me? Did I state WINE works with every piece of windows software? Did I state it is trouble-free?
Before you make such an awful comment please keep in mind what was said in the article.
May 10th, 2008 at 01:33
I just plugged in my wireless card and had a wireless connection within a few minutes on a fresh install of Ubuntu, Mr. Roddy6667. I believe that you simply do not know how to use a computer.
May 13th, 2008 at 20:48
[…] Top 10 Responses to Why Should I Use Linux? - A Linux Evangelists’ Reference […]
July 3rd, 2008 at 06:00
[…] If you search the net for the answer to that question, you will find quite a bit of material. Here’s a good list that should give some interesting reasons to begin using Linux. Now, there many more […]