Instead of Windows
I have nothing to do with any Linux group or company, I just looked into it and tried it.
Why change to Linux?
1. It's free. You could say that Windows came free with your computer but you paid extra for it.
2. Do it if you don't need a particular program. It has plenty of free software alternatives free from the internet, and comes with lots of stuff automatically such as a decent office package that competes well with Word, Excel and Publisher and an art program that is better than Photoshop or PaintShop Pro.
3. You won't miss Internet Explorer, because Firefox is better at everything. You can download a complete Firefox to try on Windows.
4. Stuff like sound editing, CD&DVD rippers, 3D and animation software is all free from the internet.
5. After fifteen months' intensive use, it's not crashed on me once. I can just about make some of Linux crash, but I have to deliberately spoil it first. I do not need to use Windows any more, many Windows games work in Ubuntu using WINE, which is a simple program to lie to programs that you are using Windows.
6. Companies and people have made software for Linux because everything is openly written and discussed. This makes it quicker and cheaper to write software.
7. Nerds and techies like me use it because it is less hassle to keep it going.
8. No more viruses and other malware, seriously.
9. It's faster than Windows on your PC.
10. Although Apple computers offer similar things, the machines cost lots and so does the software.
11. Everyone can use it now because they've made it so much more self-explanatory.
One style of Linux is called “Ubuntu” (African for “friendship and community”), the Ubuntu group have chosen what should be in it. Anyone who knows how operating systems work can make their own version, I might do a distribution myself one day.
Why Ubuntu?
It's a friendly, easy-to-use, version with plenty of sensible advanced features.
It's more relaxing, knowing that it's unlikely to crash gives you much more confidence when working on it.
I've tried other versions of Linux, I reckon this is best and easiest.
All of the trickier things I've wanted to do have been worth perservering with.
My friend Chris recommended this, he doesn't work for Linux either. Thank you, Chris !!!
To try it, you only have to put in the CD and you'll get a test version that won't affect your PC or Windows.
If you want free copies, I'll send them out postage paid and give some help via email. I'm that keen to get Linux established!
Although I know Windows well, I no longer offer help on it because Micro$oft have “fixed” too many things.
Soon I'll make a list of commonly used Windows software and its Linux equivalents. Please email suggestions for me to search out.
kevinmarkwell@gmail.com
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