Seven Reasons to Switch to Linux

Sick of your system being bogged down by all that trial software Microsoft shoves into YOUR system? Here are 7 of my favorite reasons to swich to Linux, a COMPLETELY FREE Open-Source operating system.

1. Virtually Immune to Infection

    Ever had random reboot problems with Windows? What about those absurd pop-ups scribbled with jibberish? Linux is almost complete ridden of those pesky viruses. However, the keyword here is ALMOST. This is not to say that Linux can in no way be infected, just that the Crackers (malicious Hackers) who develop those notorious pests don't target Linux. Most companies and users are still in the Windows world, and thus Windows is the biggest target for anyone wishing to tear apart a company's computer systems.

2. Choice

   Ever installed a brand new Operating System, only to have IT tell YOU that you don't have the capabilties of installing certain programs or applications? Your computer does not own you. YOU should be calling the shots and running the system as you would like. Linux allows you to install a wide range of applications, most of which are completely free. You are truly in control of your system.
   
   Also, many of the free programs available to Linux allow you to create files that are cross-compatible with Windows systems also, so none of your work is lost in translation between two systems. For example, all Linux Word Processors can create and edit *.doc files, the filetype Micorosoft Word creates.

3. Breath New Life Into Old Machine

   Remember that old Gateway PC you've got in the attic that used to run Windows 98 so sluggishly? Fire that puppy up and stick Linux on it for a like-new system that's guaranteed to run faster and more efficiently than ancient 98. I ran Linux on a 350 Mhz processor for a few months (before getting my hands on a 500 Mhz clock) and it ran almost as fast as my 1.3 Ghz Windows system. Linux is small and efficiently developed, and thus faster and more efficient. This is also great if you're strapped for cash but need a computer fast. Find an old machine, install Linux (for FREE!) and you've got an entire system for only the price of the old machine ($50?). Or, if you ask around, most people have an old system they've had for years and are willing to part with.

4. Community

    Linux is truly community-driven. No matter what the problem, there's always a forum you can ask for help in, and users are always willing to help out one of their own. Nowhere else will you find such a group of people working together for the same cause.

5. Customization

    If you're like me, you grew up learning keyboarding on ancient 16-bit operating systems that *seemed* to be years ahead of their time back then. Learning on these old machines, you're almost guaranteed to be using Windows XP or even that wretched Windows Vista, and are surely comfortable with the layout of Windows or Mac. Linux is fully customizable, and if you look hard enough, there are several versions that mimic the Windows or Mac interface seamlessly while retaining the computing power of Linux. The switch is not hard at all!

6. Selection

    There are a variety of different versions of the Linux operating system, called Distributions ("distros" for short). All of these distros have been developed for specific purposes, and you're sure to find one that meets most, if not all, of your needs.

7. Security

   Because Linux is a community-driven effort, thousands upon thousands of eyes look for security flaws and bugs in the system's code. This leads to faster, more efficient code that's been checked and debugged over and over.

To get started or to learn more, visit Linux. For a great, reliable, flexible Linux distro, visit Ubuntu. I've been using Ubuntu for a few years and had virtually no problems switching over. It's fast and reliable and one of the biggest community-driven distros available. It's a great system for new and seasoned users alike.