Why do people switch to Linux?
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Any minute now... :) I vote for the hobbyist option right now but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget. This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations. Consider it a marketing tool like the MSDN events where they get the kids, teachers, etc. hooked on the free stuff and then they are likely to use it at home for a NOMINAL fee. Or, has this been thought of already? :~ ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:21 Friday 28th October, 2005
ok, here's why I used it: 1. Wanted a server that didn't cost me a bunch of $$$ because it's for home use and I don't have a bunch of $$$ anyway ... I own a home (aka money pit) 2. Needed the OS to run on an Old machine with not a lot of memory (fairly much kills off using Windows Server) 3. Wanted something simple to run a web server, mail server, etc... on my intranet 4. Needed to be stable, because I don't have time to manage it on a day-to-day basis. I think that sums up why I use it ... I didn't "switch", mind you, I just use it.
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Any minute now... :) I vote for the hobbyist option right now but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget. This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations. Consider it a marketing tool like the MSDN events where they get the kids, teachers, etc. hooked on the free stuff and then they are likely to use it at home for a NOMINAL fee. Or, has this been thought of already? :~ ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:21 Friday 28th October, 2005
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
Any minute now...
Uh oh. Time to run for cover!
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget.
Interesting you mention that. It's actually a reason I encountered a lot when touring private high schools.
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations.
Well, I'm of two opinions on that. Yes, it'd be great if MS put out a free "educational" OS and tool set, or at least some attractive licensing terms. On the other hand, the bigger picture, that of the constant drone of "our poor school budget" really needs to be addressed. Of course, I can see that licensing copies for a computer lab can escalate to the ridiculous. Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
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Nicholas Wigant wrote:
Any minute now...
Uh oh. Time to run for cover!
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget.
Interesting you mention that. It's actually a reason I encountered a lot when touring private high schools.
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations.
Well, I'm of two opinions on that. Yes, it'd be great if MS put out a free "educational" OS and tool set, or at least some attractive licensing terms. On the other hand, the bigger picture, that of the constant drone of "our poor school budget" really needs to be addressed. Of course, I can see that licensing copies for a computer lab can escalate to the ridiculous. Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
Marc Clifton wrote:
Of course, I can see that licensing copies for a computer lab can escalate to the ridiculous.
This is the primary reason why my wife (Spanish teacher) has to fight among all of her colleagues for use of the computer lab. It's not all due to software licensing mind you but as cheap as computers are now (at least for what a school would use them for) it has to be the main reason they don't have more than 30 computers in a school of 400 kids. It kind of saddens me that my wife has to fight to get any time in the lab and she doesn't even use it more than once or twice a semester. I can't imagine how the graphic arts and math classes deal with each other:sigh: X| Guess this might have been more soapbox material;P ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:53 Friday 28th October, 2005
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
I don't understand why "It's what I'm comfortable with" isn't a convincing reason-would you deliberately wear uncomfortable pants just because other people do? Steve. Asynes yw brassa ages kwilkynyow.
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
Quote from the responses: * I changed to Linux because of the fiddle factor... Exactly why I drive a classic car. I would stop short of saying it would be suitable for someone who makes a living from driving... (Somewhat tortured analogy but you get the general idea) '--8<------------------------ Ex Datis: Duncan Jones Merrion Computing Ltd
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I don't understand why "It's what I'm comfortable with" isn't a convincing reason-would you deliberately wear uncomfortable pants just because other people do? Steve. Asynes yw brassa ages kwilkynyow.
viaduct wrote:
would you deliberately wear uncomfortable pants just because other people do?
No. But look at the shoe analogy instead. New shoes are often uncomfortable until they are broken in--either the shoe changes to fit your foot or your foot changes to fit the shoe. Either way, comfort level is great, but then again, I'm not satisfied with "comfortable". And for that reason, when I get the time, I'm itching to try out Linux. :) Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
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Any minute now... :) I vote for the hobbyist option right now but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget. This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations. Consider it a marketing tool like the MSDN events where they get the kids, teachers, etc. hooked on the free stuff and then they are likely to use it at home for a NOMINAL fee. Or, has this been thought of already? :~ ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:21 Friday 28th October, 2005
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Nicholas Wigant wrote:
Any minute now...
Uh oh. Time to run for cover!
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget.
Interesting you mention that. It's actually a reason I encountered a lot when touring private high schools.
Nicholas Wigant wrote:
This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations.
Well, I'm of two opinions on that. Yes, it'd be great if MS put out a free "educational" OS and tool set, or at least some attractive licensing terms. On the other hand, the bigger picture, that of the constant drone of "our poor school budget" really needs to be addressed. Of course, I can see that licensing copies for a computer lab can escalate to the ridiculous. Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
I think for universities it's useful to teach something Operating Systems with an OS you can actually open up and look inside. Which is why i first installed RH 6 For me it's about variety, the cost, and having full control. There's a long way to go, but things like SuSE, Ubuntu, SymphonyOS, WINE (and Cross-Over) and Looking-Glass will keep me interested for a long, long time.
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
If piracy was not so easy in countries like India, 99% of home-desktops would be running Linux. People making USD 300 a month won't be able to afford XP, Office etc.
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
I have not made an official switch from Windows to Linux. I do find myself using both. Most of my clients run their business on Microsoft so I go Microsoft. When a client wants a website done where the host is on a Linux/Unix server, then creating the website locally is when Linux becomes useful for me. I am also a master's student at Cal State San Bernardino and 2 out of 3 labs are Linux labs. Basically, I just go with the flow with either Microsoft or Linux. I have many pro's and con's for both :) Paul
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Any minute now... :) I vote for the hobbyist option right now but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget. This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations. Consider it a marketing tool like the MSDN events where they get the kids, teachers, etc. hooked on the free stuff and then they are likely to use it at home for a NOMINAL fee. Or, has this been thought of already? :~ ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:21 Friday 28th October, 2005
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viaduct wrote:
would you deliberately wear uncomfortable pants just because other people do?
No. But look at the shoe analogy instead. New shoes are often uncomfortable until they are broken in--either the shoe changes to fit your foot or your foot changes to fit the shoe. Either way, comfort level is great, but then again, I'm not satisfied with "comfortable". And for that reason, when I get the time, I'm itching to try out Linux. :) Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
I tend not to buy shoes if they don't feel comfortable from the start! That said, I used SuSE at home from version 5 or so up to 9.1, then changed to Ubuntu and wouldn't go back - it's smaller, quicker, and supports my hardware better. Plus it has a warm brown theme so it much be good... :rolleyes: Still use Windows though for games and to make a living. :( Steve. Asynes yw brassa ages kwilkynyow.
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viaduct wrote:
would you deliberately wear uncomfortable pants just because other people do?
No. But look at the shoe analogy instead. New shoes are often uncomfortable until they are broken in--either the shoe changes to fit your foot or your foot changes to fit the shoe. Either way, comfort level is great, but then again, I'm not satisfied with "comfortable". And for that reason, when I get the time, I'm itching to try out Linux. :) Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
You could also look at "it's what I'm comfortable with" as meaning "it's what I'm USED to". Maybe they "grew up" on *nix and even though they went to windows never got "used" to it. So now they went back to *nix (ala Linix). So, it's more like putting on some old soft slippers that have been lost in the back of the closet all these years... It could also have to do with the price: free. Perhaps they're not "comfortable" shelling out $200+ for an OS.
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
Interesting enough.... because a customer requested it. I hate to bring in real-world non-hobbiest type reasons. But they do exist. However, mine doesn't count because we haven't permanently switched, therefore the answer doesn't count in such polls. We are investing time, machines, and development efforts/tools in building both Windows and Linux based machines, at the customer's request and on the customer's dime (sorta - the customer gets the dime from elsewhere). _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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Interesting enough.... because a customer requested it. I hate to bring in real-world non-hobbiest type reasons. But they do exist. However, mine doesn't count because we haven't permanently switched, therefore the answer doesn't count in such polls. We are investing time, machines, and development efforts/tools in building both Windows and Linux based machines, at the customer's request and on the customer's dime (sorta - the customer gets the dime from elsewhere). _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
Jeffry J. Brickley wrote:
dime from elsewhere
yeah, the taxes I pay. :-D;P;P;P;P;P
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Any minute now... :) I vote for the hobbyist option right now but I can see how some groups such as schools and such need the ability to work with little to no budget. This to me would be easily fixed by MS if they offered a (gasp) FREE copy to these organizations. Consider it a marketing tool like the MSDN events where they get the kids, teachers, etc. hooked on the free stuff and then they are likely to use it at home for a NOMINAL fee. Or, has this been thought of already? :~ ------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. -- modified at 10:21 Friday 28th October, 2005
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Jeffry J. Brickley wrote:
dime from elsewhere
yeah, the taxes I pay. :-D;P;P;P;P;P
ahz wrote:
yeah, the taxes I pay.
my taxes too. :) at least they pay me very little. ;) _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
I switched to gentoo linux on my main rig at home since May of 2004 for several reasons. 1) I am sick and tired of having to deal with antivirus software, spyware, worms. It is highly unlikely that any of these will affect a linux system especially if you compile everything from source and the source is digitally signed by the authors. 2) I like to play free games. It is so much easier to install them via a simple emerge command in liunx. 3) I have my main rig setup as a MythTV box which is basically a more advanced Tivo system with no subscription at all. 4) I am sick and tired of being bitten by licences that are in my mind unreasonable. If a software program I pay for has a critical bug I want the company not to charge me anything to download the fix even if it is found several years after the product was released. And then there is backup software. I have always found that I as a single user need most of the options(remote backup, database backup, disaster recovery...) that come with backup software so to be legal I would have to shell out thousands of dollars just to keep my systems backed up and I am a single user with 5 or less pcs. This is plain nuts. When I moved to linux I installed bacula which is in my opinion better then Veritas and it offers all the features I need (and more ) for free. 5) Cost. No need to pay for any antivirus, spyware, dvd burning, office applications, backup software... 6) Upgrading software in linux (including the operating system) is soo much easier than windows since all applications are upgraded via a simple command that can be scheduled to execute in the background with no user intervention and no need to reboot (unless you add hardware or build a new kernel). John -- modified at 12:32 Friday 28th October, 2005
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
Short answer: Job requirement. Long answer: I didn't really "switch" to Linux - at home I don't use it at all. At work, however, I joind the team that develops a CAT (computer aided translation) application where the server runs on Linux, and therefore I am busy porting our existing libraries to Linux. If it was my choice, I would still pick some other OS, either Windows or Solaris, since Linux does not scale that well, but it wasn't my choice and I am enjoying vim and gcc now ;).
My programming blahblahblah blog. If you ever find anything useful here, please let me know to remove it.
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It's interesting reading the responses.[^] None of them strike me as particularly convincing. It's more like "it's what I'm comfortable with" and "free tools" and "I'm a hobbyist kind of guy". Is this really the best people can say about Linux? Marc My website Traceract Understanding Simple Data Binding Diary Of A CEO - Preface
But they forgot about the real reason to switch... ...Beowulf cluster of atomic supermen!
George Carlin wrote: "Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things." Jörgen Sigvardsson wrote: If the physicists find a universal theory describing the laws of universe, I'm sure the asshole constant will be an integral part of that theory.
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