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In previous articles, we've often dedicated time to extolling the virtues of Linux. However, as with Windows and Mac OS X, there are plenty of reasons why the OS with the penguin mascot might not be the best choice for your PC.
Here are our top 10 reasons why you should leave Linux to the geeks and stay loyal to your current OS.
1. Because you're happy with your current OS
Open source software is all well and good, but when you think of what we actually do with our PCs (reading email, browsing the web, listening to music), there are equally good solutions available for Linux, Windows and Mac. So, why change?
2. You don't need to know how to build a car if all you want to do is drive
If you can build, program and understand source code then you're highly-skilled and well done to you. But not everyone wants to do that, nor does everyone have the time to learn. If you can turn on your PC, click a couple of icons and access your favourite programs with no fuss, that's enough.
3. So as to not look like a geek
All those tech terms might sound cool to someone already using Linux, but let's face the truth: almost nobody in your circle of friends knows much about this kind of stuff, and you sound weird when you start talking about Gnome, Gimp and Synaptic.
4. Plenty of software, but what about quality?
There are hundreds of applications for Linux but at the end of the day, how many do you really need? We'd rather have one (easy-to-install) program that works perfectly than dozens of tricky, complicated apps that only ever do half of what they're meant to.
5. The terminal is the Antichrist and wants to destroy us
Linux has changed considerably, and in most cases everything is done via windows and mouse clicks. But the terminal is still there, lurking in the darkness just waiting for the moment when you'll have to use it, so it can respond with messages like "Incorrect command! I don't know what you're saying to me...install more packages while you still have space, I'm telling root! Mount point! Mount point!". Don't do it. You can lose your patience and your friends if you spend too long in the Terminal Zone.
6. Because getting it to run smoothly is a Herculean task
Some people install Ubuntu on their laptop and everything goes smoothly the first time around. Wi-Fi and webcam included. Urban myths aside, it's often very difficult to get Linux to work perfectly on your machine, because it doesn't recognise a peripheral, it's incompatible with your processor or simply because your video card isn't up to the high-powered graphical effects in the latest build of your distro. And they complain about Vista!
7. Because if you're in trouble, nobody will help you
The Linux community is large and has produced any number of manuals and tutorials to help out newbies. There are even distributions with technical support. But when you're in real trouble (a broken UI or mount issues, for example), you can bet that you'll be the only person who has ever had that issue. Advice in forums can be useful but it often consists of 'Read the FAQ', 'Please search before asking' or 'Right... open the terminal...' (see point 5).
8. Because at work, everyone uses Windows
Things can get even more annoying if you use specialised applications for your daily tasks. And if you're using Windows at work, why not use it at home too? Or at least a Mac.
9. Because Apples are cooler than Penguins
Apple has managed to sell products that we end up loving like a friend. Many pray every night for Steve Jobs to bring them a new Mac for Christmas. By contrast, Linux kinda lacks glamour.
10. To be contrary
You want to buck this 'free software' trend and stick to the most proprietary stuff you can get your hands on? Windows is your friend.
Oh and 11. Games
[Via: OnSoftware Spain]
can't say i agree exactly with number 6. yah, configuring linux on a laptop can often be a pain, but easy Ubuntu installations on laptops isn't an urban myth. i tried using ubuntu livecd on my new laptop and it worked fine without any tweaking, even arch linux was pretty easy
You forgot the most important reason to not move to Linux: Because if you are not completely fed up with buying extra software just to make your computer usable and living and dealing with the malware threat you should stay with Microsoft. And even if you are all you have to do is wait a little longer for Microsoft's latest operating system, they're sure to get it right this time.
1, 2, 3 and 10 are not convinced me not to use Linux.
I tried about 5 distros of linux and i disliked all. I have 3 pcs in home. Tried to use linux on the 2 old ones, and even that old peripherals are too much for linux... But the best reason is the 11. YOU CANT PLAY WHAT I PLAY, YOU CAN WIN COUSE YOU DONT PLAY, YOU NoO0B GO GET SOME TENDINITIS ON TERMINAL
Maybe most of you guys also like frozen foods and caned fruits... Maybe you like to swim in the pool beside the ocean...Maybe for you it's way better to see a movie then to read a book but I know one thing. Those 11 reasons are made for certain people that have no substance, no real drive and really no imagination. "I tried 3 distros and disliked them..." Linux is out of your reach and you are better to stay away from it. The rest of us will enjoy limitless possibility, speed and above all - fun with our Linux boxes. Cheers!
I'm a Windows & Linux user(Ubuntu at home M$ at work)and looking at your reasons not to use Linux i cant see one compelling reason to stick to M$ but reason:#7 is the BIGGEST LIE on ur top 10 list The Linux Community is one of the most friendliest and most helpful set of ppl who offer help an support FREE to Linux newbie's if u don't believe check out http://ubuntuforums.org/ or http://www.linuxforums.org/
i had this surgery and was in bed for a few months, and was when i first tried linux. ubuntu. i had to configure a few things and use the terminal too. (and i'm no geek just a regular guy). yes, it was strange but felt good. it was love at first date. i've seen ubuntu n other distros evolve. they're much better than wins n macs. i could counter every point above. except may be the 11-th. though linux has their own lot. the only thing it lacks is the BSOD.
I agree with most reasons, but most of all with no. 7. Yes, there are free forums for Linux, and yes, people are friendly. But the thing is, with Windows you don't have to go to the forums most of the times. Why? Because Windows comes with a damn good built-in help system which thousands of technical writers worked hard on, over the years. Regarding Linux ... ahem, try to push the Help button and see what you get - most of the time is insufficient info or outright rubbish (such as repeating what you can read for yourself for the GUI). Yes, this is true even with Ubuntu. Don't believe me? Try to join an Ubuntu machine to a Windows domain. You either have to edit arcane config files (with no guarantee you won't break the system) or use a crippled app produced by a French guy and not endorsed by Ubuntu. No sir, there is no such thing as FREE software. Usually the price you pay consists in lowering your standards to accommodate the *free* stuff. This is worthwhile many times, but most of the times it is not. And yes, I am using Ubuntu, Suse, Open Office, Pidgin, KeyPass and many other pieces of free software, but overall the benefits of open source applies only to the code. When it comes to interface, to help files and to the level of support the commercial way is definitely better.
"Linux is out of your reach and you are better to stay away from it. The rest of us will enjoy limitless possibility, speed and above all - fun with our Linux boxes" OK PhD, go have fun with linux boxes while i have fun on linuxmaniacs and with GAMES, GAMES and GAMES!!! No matter what good you are with linux, you will aways need windows, your doctor will use windows to get the name of the medicine to your tendinitis...
Hello from Spain. Sorry for my short english lenguage. I just want to tell you about a blogs: they will help you to install Adobe Photoshop CS2 in Linux. The first step, in their own words, it is to install CS2 in Windows. Then you export folders and strings from registry of Win to Free Software OS... Of course, Adobe Photoshop CS3 with or without Windows install is not avalable for Free Software OS. Greetings.
linux sucks
All the comments above reflect my attitude when computing was new - in the 70's. But, after 30 years of getting my hands dirty I eventually discovered that the simplest way of getting a job done is usually the best way. So, after fiddling with, and fighting against, more operating systems than I care to remember, I no longer try to reinvent the wheel. My computers are simply tools - no more and no less. Everything I want to accomplish has been coded for me by one Windows programmer or another - I don't need bells and whistles, just efficiency. If linux can give you that with the absolute minimum of fuss and bother, then go with it. Me, I get all I need from Windows. Still, the geek in me still has a sneaky liking for the command line interface.
>Still, the geek in me still has a sneaky liking for the command line interface. Luckily the command line in Windows XP is very extended. Mastering a command like FOR can be pretty tricky, but once you've learned it there's so much you can do with it. And then there's errorlevels, IF-constructions, piping, variables and lots and lots of commands with which you can manage and automate almost every administrative task you can find in the GUI. Happy geeking!
Yes, these reasons look true. However........ 1. How many times you had problems with Windows? From using Windows 3.1 , then 95, 98, ....XP, do you still remember how many times the system freezes? We think Windows is easy to use, because we have been learning and experiencing how to fix the bugs for the past years, when it freezes. 2. How many times you formatted and re-installed Windows by technicians (or by yourself)? I believe that every windows user has formatted the computer running Windows at least once (or many many many times). We were annoyed by that many many times. We've blamed on Windows many many times. 3. DOS and Terminal, which one is harder? Actually, terminal on Linux is quite similar to Command-prompt on Windows. 4. Most of the files can be saved as the formats which Windows can recognize. When the documents are done and saved on portable storages, they can still be open on Windows programs in your office's PC. 5. Last but the MOST: Linux is FREE!1 Have you calculated the cost? [Windows + Office(including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook, and Project) + Photoshop ] x Numbers of PCs = ???? In one of the cases, a organization saved about US$300,000 by using Ubuntu, instead of Windows.
if u dress linux down to a T to look like windows and give it to those who hate windows without them knowing, they would not have no fault with it when doing there everyday task that most not all home users do on a pc... internet.. office... etc. it is like using a cell phone... u have one for a year and use to it but the moment u get a newer one with more features u start to missed your old phone cause u cant bother to learn were every thing is or where to go to turn on bluetooth, but yet your old phone cannot do what the new one can.. it is the same with linux. after u take the time out to know where all the programs are located ( not because u dont see start, all programs and so on in the same order) then it will become simple for u to use.. i am not a geek and i dual boot (windows, linux) and it did not take me a week to easily use linux for my everday task. I too had to learn to use windows as a new user. i use windows for my high end games and linux for the internet and everything else. burning cd's, playing music, etc. cause with linux i dont have to worry about viruses or malwares that always slows down windows because all those Anti-programs have to keep running in the background and they use up memory and even processor time. what we all should do is stop wasting time saying that what a person wrote about an OS is utter nonsense because he is the one who is using it and he is speaking from his/her experience. what we should do is try to use the power of the two.. it is like having a car and a pickup truck for your personal use.
-Warning- The article above contains FUD. (Unless the article was originally written in satire, however I do not believe this to be the case.) 1. Because you’re happy with your current OS. This might be a good reason not to install linux, but there is no reason not to try other Operating Systems. Without this, how can you compare that you are in fact happy with it? Maybe you are happy with windows. Even I, what some people mistakenly call a linux zealot understand this concept. However I am not a linux Zealot, but rather an open source zealot. I pray one day ReactOS will set all windows users free to use their binary executable and drivers. 2. You don’t need to know how to build a car if all you want to do is drive Yes but you need someone with the knowhow to do maintenance. On your lonesome, GNU/Linux can present a frightening learning curve, but there is plenty of help out there. If you have a problem with windows, say installing unsigned drivers in windows Vista 64 bit, your pretty much screwed. GNU/Linux does not tell you no, ever, especially when you are root. And a user needs to understand the basic ways to maintain a healthy system. The same happens with cars. 3. So as to not look like a geek This is one of the more humorous ones. You can look like a geek in windows too. Start talking about how you replaced the explorer bar with things like Litestep. I remind you that Gimp also runs on windows, and you will get just a strange look if you say you use Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator. Even windows update is foreign to some naive users. Either way this point is completely a moot one. 4. Plenty of software, but what about quality? Now your confusing things. Do not confuse the Linux Kernel with the software that is distributed with it. I agree there are some rough around the edges open source projects out there. And depending on if (A) They are in your distribution, and (B) you can meet the required dependencies you may or may not be able to install them. I have been cut many times by bugs in open source, however it does not make me stop using it. Most open source projects are extremely happy if you report a bug, and will get on it as soon as they can. Now as for quality there are some very nice applications out there in the open source community. It's just a matter of doing research. The same could be said for windows. There are plenty of crappy programs you can download and bloat your system with, and even get a few Trojans or two in the process. 5. The terminal is the Antichrist and wants to destroy us Command line is a tricky thing for anyone not experienced in using it. However there is one command to save any user from trouble in most cases: man. In addition, help with describe any bash command as well. The GNU toolset is a very strong one. It's especially strong for maintaining a hive of files dependent on file naming criteria. Actually it's a myth that you must use command line for everything, but there are at times you would want to run a program with a certain set of parameters. Mount is one of them, however there are plenty of guis that will do the exact same thing. It goes without saying RTFM works in both windows, gnu/linux, and mac osx. 6. Because getting it to run smoothly is a Herculean task Here is the part that really bothers me about this statement. Even I, a fairly well versed user, have at times run into issues with my Distribution, Debian. I've had kernel panics in several issues of linux over my wifi drivers, and had to wait until a kernel that contained stable drivers for my wifi. Now I was safe and content for a good few months, with my finally fully working laptop (lenovo t61), now who's notification lights worked without crashing in 2.6.28; But suddenly my distribution pulled 2.6.28 from the repository ( that's where we keep our software stored for distributing it amongst users ). Now they replaced it with 2.6.29. This version runs perfectly fine as well with 1 cravat: The Nvida drivers will not build as is from my distribution. So right now I am waiting on having full 3D acceleration in my system. Let me make this clear: I can compile from source and install the old version, but I'd rather not. I'm sticking it out and using the free open source drivers, which to my pleasent surprise, now support compositing, which is mainly what I used my 3d accelerator for in the first place. Yes getting gnu/linux to play nice at times is an issue, however it is just as satisfying, even more so, when it comes together and works. Either way this is an argument based on opinion on both our sides. Oh and by the way Linux supports more processors than any other system. I cannot say that of Windows. And as for your gpu being weak and your distribution upping their requirements, perhaps it's time to change distributions. It doesn't sound like they have a wise user policy. 7. Because if you’re in trouble, nobody will help you Sometimes the information really is in the README file. Sometimes the solution is in a FAQ or a example file in your documents. But the issue of a bug is not solved by base users, and often to fix the issue you need to contact the root of the problem. You need to get in touch with the developers. It's often documented how to get in touch with the particular person in the documentation, or even in the source code headings. These developers WANT their program to work correctly, and your feedback is invaluable to them. I cannot say that about Microsoft, whom uses their users like a money machine, ignoring issues and dismissing beta tester's reports on even their newest system Windows 7. Try to do anything new or different on windows and you will get smacked down faster when you run into issue. Large sections of windows are poorly documented or even incorrectly documented. 8. Because at work, everyone uses Windows Wine compatibility and localized builds are a major issue for linux. However I disagree with your go with the herd mentality, this is a valid complaint. If you don't know how to use wine or a virtual machine, this can become a very difficult area. However there is a solution: Dual booting. I even do it, and it's fairly easy. 9. Because Apples are cooler than Penguins Apple produces software and hardware. Gnu/Linux also runs on Apple's hardware. Compiz fusion is definitely has a higher 1337 factor than any of Apple's software, so saying gnu/linux lacks glamor is invalid. Oh and I'm not one to forget GNU/Darwin either. To me, either are valid kernels. 10. To be contrary Free software is not necessarily open source. There is plenty of free software for windows as well, and being closed source to me is more a security risk than being open about how the software works. In addition, if a software company goes defunct, there is no one there to maintain it, save skilled hackers who link new binaries inside, a always risky and sometimes unstable task. Open source has never been a trend. In fact there are older open source projects than most for profit software companies have been around. I'll name a few: Latex, Maxima, and the gnu tool suite. With no one to maintain a piece of software, it becomes quite often abandonware, a legal quagmire of a copyrighted work without source. And even after publication of a software becomes public domain, there is no requirement of a software company to actually release their source code. In Essence they are robbing culture blind by doing this. But this is an issue altogether that is beyond the scope of this argument. 11. Games I've found that wine actually runs legacy games better than say Windows XP or vista. And for dos, freedos does a good job, which can be run through an application layer called dosemu, or you can use dosbox as well. For the newest games, using wine can be difficult, but this is not a reason NOT to use linux. This is more of an argument to dual boot. And more and more games are slowly to be ported over. Valve's Steam and source engine both has plans to be brought over. The doom 3 engine, and all previous ID based engines with source code available, Now Tom I doubt you will ever read this, seeing this is a necrotic post, but I felt it necessary to correct, or at least present a counter argument to these issues. You have a few valid issues, but next time cut down on the FUD.
@Robert Gladson - I've read and enjoyed your comment! I think it's fair to say that there was a certain amount of satire in my original post. I'm running Ubuntu Jaunty on my netbook (dual boot with Windows 7) and I should probably write another post about the very positive experience this is proving to be. Anyway, thanks for your well-considered response!
first of i'll start by sayin i'm currently writing this on a laptop runnin ubuntu 9.1 (karmic koala or my preferred name kinky koala), the reasons ubuntu was installed was A: i'm tryin to learn programing and Linux is a programmers workstation B: when i took the laptop out of its box an did the initial boot up i had windows recovery error ( i hadn't even played with it an windows failed an my laptop is now 1.5wks old) and to correct your point 11 windows games do work once you use the computer inside your skull! and you realy forgot to add point 12 some people may enjoy having their bank etc details nicked, having to fix viruses, malware and the many other dangerous items from the net. plus windows is just an Os made up of stuff that is readily available for free but they make you pay YOU SHOULD DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE SLAGGING OFF STUFF
Yes Linux is GREAT for the average user. But... I'm not average. There is no video editing software that compares to what you can use on windows. That being said I like Linux, it's just not great for stuff outside of the regular program use. ***More people use windows, so there are more programs on for it. (you could argue most is bloatware though)
Who chooses those stupid names anyway? UBUNTU? SUSE? GIMP? In what damn language are they??????? Give me windows 7 anytime go f**** yourselves and your linux. A pc with windows is like a nice groomed car, something fails sometimes,but looks good Linux is like those goddamn mexican pocho jumping cars, they used to be something cool that ended up looking ridiculous and that can only be fixed by the asshole that puted it together because every single thing in the damn car uis different from any other one.
Truthfully... I've used numerous Linux distros, more than I can count at this point. All I can say is its neat, its different, but truthfully... I am a gamer and mostly want to sit here and just enjoy my computer. When I had Linux on here for my main system I was constantly worrying what was gonna break cause the people in the IRC rooms are rude jerks and expect you to know all or tell you to go read a wiki. Linux has plenty of benefits but in my eyes... Stay the hell away from it. It is overly complex, took me forever to learn and I still couldn't fix it if it crashed cause I still dunno too many commands. Linux just gets ridiculous after a while. The more I've used it the more I've seen that the Linux community is a bunch of stuck up, self-righteous a-holes who seem to think they are kings cause they use Linux. That last point is what drove me off. I started off thinking it was cool and quickly learned otherwise.
Lolz. Those who can't figure out a computer probably should stay away from Linux. It's not difficult to use, just different. But those who like to stay within their comfort zone certainly should stay away. Whilst they're at it perhaps they'd be interested in these magic beans I have for sale.