[clug] Why switch to Linux?

[Chris Smart]

Chris Smart wrote:
> Hi all,
> Now that I've finished traveling for a while I want to complete the 
> makethemove.net website.
> 
> A section "Why switch to Linux?" was proposed and I like the idea so I'm 
> asking people to make some suggestions on reasons why people should 
> switch to Linux. Can you help?
> 
> "My windows 2000 install works fine, why should I bother switching to 
> Linux?" is the angle I'm trying to tackle.
> 
> Thanks!
> Chris

Thanks everyone, I think I've covered most of those suggestions already. 
This is what I've come up with. Please let me know your thoughts!

"Why should I move to Linux"

Ok, so your installation of Windows 2000 or Windows XP "works fine" so 
why should you bother about Linux?
Good question.

There are many reasons why you might want to switch to Linux here are 
some of them:

Virus' and Spyware - Linux does not suffer from virus and spyware 
problems like Windows does. This is because of the secure way Linux was 
designed. Imagine not having to worry about getting a virus or opening 
that email attachment! Feel confident when using your computer.

Security and Stability - Linux is designed to be stable, safe and 
secure. Due to the nature of open source software, any security flaws 
are fixed very quickly. The world's best programmers and thousands of 
people contribute to the programs you use everyday and this means you 
get the best software available which are continually being improved. 
Security updates are always available and you don't have to worry about 
Microsoft no-longer supporting your version of Windows and paying for an 
upgrade (and probably a new computer!).

Compatiblity - Linux runs on anything. In fact it is the most widely 
supported operating system in the world! From brand new pcs to old 
computers you were going to throw away there is always a Linux version 
for you. With Linux you can browse websites all over the internet, watch 
movies, listen to your music and much much more. You can also send 
emails and create documents that are compatible with Windows users.

Free (as in freedom) - Linux is open source. This might not mean much to 
you if you are not a programmer but even if you are just an end user it 
means you can TRUST the software. See the section on "FOSS" for more 
information.

Free (as in cost) - Linux is also free. Forget worrying about pirated 
software, from fully featured office suites to media programs and 
internet applications, the open source software that comes with Linux is 
not only fullyfeatured, it doesn't cost a cent.

Easy and Intuitive - A single 20 minute install of Linux will set up all 
your software AND all your hardware in one go! You don't need to waste 
time searching for drivers disks and go through the frustration of 
installing all your software. Once your Linux system is installed you 
will find it is very simple and easy to use. Linux is continually being 
improved and made more intuitive because people have the freedom to make 
changes to the software and make it available for everyone else to 
benefit from.

Choice - Linux puts you in control by giving you choice. Choice about 
what software to run and how you run it. You don't have to worry about 
being stuck with one particular program or a set way of doing something. 
Indeed you can even customise the interface to your liking. Linux is 
flexible and lets your create a system that works for you.

Community - Everyone using Linux does so because they CHOSE to, not 
because they had to. People develop Linux because they have a passion 
for it, not because they do it for money or market share. This means 
things are done for the RIGHT reasons. Users are always willing to help 
others and Linux has a global collaboration effort. The Linux community 
is made up of people just like you and it's a great community to be a 
part of.

Fun! - Linux is also FUN to use. Imagine actually enjoying using your 
computer again!