Linux - Why isn't everyone using it?
Linux is the most versitile operating system. It can run on everything from ten-year-old laptops to iPods. It can make an "old" computer seem new again and bring new features to the desktop that others never thought possible. So why isn't everyone using it?
We all have to admit that there are some tasks that are just plain easier in Windows, particularly things like installing programs.
For example, look at Skype. There is one Windows download, get it and go. There are 6 Linux downloads. If you're not entirely sure which one to get, you may have trouble finding that one. "I think I need an RPM, but which one? Maybe I need a DEB... and what is a Dynamic Binary?" A task that would take seconds on Windows may take many times as long on a newbie Linux user.
But that can't be the main reason, since Distributions contain tons of software. Linspire has done a lot of work in this area, too, with CNR. I think the reason more people aren't using it is because they don't know about it. You go to BestBuy to get a computer, no matter what you get, it comes with Windows. The only popular retail store that has Linux computers is Wal-Mart (please correct me if I'm wrong).
But the truth is, Linux is easier to use in many other ways. For example, it is so much easier to maintain than Windows. Newbie Windows users (I'll call them "win-bies" from now on) probably turn on their computer only to be greeted with popup ads, excess icons in the task bar, and very slow speeds. To keep Windows running smoothly, you have to know how to do things. You need to have anti-virus that is updated to keep the computer virus free. You need to have an anti-spyware program installed. You need to analyze the drive weekly for defragmentation. And there are win-bies out there without administrator passwords.
So how can we get more win-bies on the bandwagon? Hand them a Live CD. Mepis, Kanotix, Slax, whatever. If they like it, explain that their applications on Windows probably won't work on Linux, but it is more than likely that there is an open source application out there that serves the same purpose. And if they like the idea but aren't ready to part with Windows, set up a dual-boot. A dual-booter is better than a windows user.
We all have to admit that there are some tasks that are just plain easier in Windows, particularly things like installing programs.
For example, look at Skype. There is one Windows download, get it and go. There are 6 Linux downloads. If you're not entirely sure which one to get, you may have trouble finding that one. "I think I need an RPM, but which one? Maybe I need a DEB... and what is a Dynamic Binary?" A task that would take seconds on Windows may take many times as long on a newbie Linux user.
But that can't be the main reason, since Distributions contain tons of software. Linspire has done a lot of work in this area, too, with CNR. I think the reason more people aren't using it is because they don't know about it. You go to BestBuy to get a computer, no matter what you get, it comes with Windows. The only popular retail store that has Linux computers is Wal-Mart (please correct me if I'm wrong).
But the truth is, Linux is easier to use in many other ways. For example, it is so much easier to maintain than Windows. Newbie Windows users (I'll call them "win-bies" from now on) probably turn on their computer only to be greeted with popup ads, excess icons in the task bar, and very slow speeds. To keep Windows running smoothly, you have to know how to do things. You need to have anti-virus that is updated to keep the computer virus free. You need to have an anti-spyware program installed. You need to analyze the drive weekly for defragmentation. And there are win-bies out there without administrator passwords.
So how can we get more win-bies on the bandwagon? Hand them a Live CD. Mepis, Kanotix, Slax, whatever. If they like it, explain that their applications on Windows probably won't work on Linux, but it is more than likely that there is an open source application out there that serves the same purpose. And if they like the idea but aren't ready to part with Windows, set up a dual-boot. A dual-booter is better than a windows user.
Written by Justin @ 8/03/2005 09:30:00 AM | Permalink
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home