[clug] Re: Why switch to Linux?

[John Fletcher]

A few thoughts on this...

>My feeling is that "we" "need" to get out the message that Linux (and
>other OSS) is there and works and is not even remotely illegal to use
>(this, I find, is a major mis-conception - that free software is the
>same as pirated software and that somehow we have found ways to legally
>re-distribute pirated software - probably a lot of FUD put out by the
>players that stand to lose out to Linux and OSS).

I agree - I thought this too when I first found out about open source.  I
don't think that message is deliberately spread, but rather part of a
natural "there's no such thing as a free lunch" skepticism in people.

>Security updates are always available and you don't have to worry about 
>Microsoft no-longer supporting your version of Windows

Is this true?  Don't most distros stop offering patches for old versions
after a while?

>You don't need to waste time searching for drivers disks and go through the
>frustration of installing all your software.

I have had more driver problems with Linux than Microsoft.  Though that is
not so recent.  Regarding this and the robustness/crash issue it could be
that we consider that Linux is easy to run and stable because when we set up
our systems well and when we encounter problems we fix them. But we are
"nerds" and your average user often just lives with problems.  Potentially
experiencing problems and "just living with them" could happen with Linux as
well as Microsoft?

I don't mean to sound negative, but I prefer to err on the side of caution
rather than perhaps going overboard.

In regards to other positive points, I think there is something "cool" about
Linux, like you can boast to your friends at the office (even the IT guys)
that you run Linux at home.  We could mention that in a fun way.  Also
there's a skills issue - people conceive that open source is "the next big
thing" and we could suggest that it's a great idea to get involved now and
as a bi-product, build your skills in something that could eventually be
useful in your job or wherever else.

Regards,
Fletch