[clug] Re: Why switch to Linux?

[Chris Smart]

John Fletcher wrote:
> 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.
I think I've countered this in the "why" section, but will re-visit it.
> 
>> 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?
Yes, but I guess the difference is that there is always a new version of 
your software (like apache) available. Unlike Microsoft who stops 
supporting your entire operating system with Linux you can usually 
connect to the new repository and keep updating. That's what I'm trying 
to say I guess.. does that make sense?
> 
>> 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.
Always a good thing. But I do believe Linux is more stable, full stop. I 
have many fewer issues with Linux than when I ran Windows boxes. Either 
way the issues are certainly more fun on Linux ;)
> 
> 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.
True, I've tried to re-word the "Fun!" section of "why?", and also added 
the skills point to the "open source" section of "why?". Cheers.

-c