In April, my friend Elaina from junior high days called me because I “do computer stuff.” Elaina is a stay at home mom of three (kids ages 10,5,and 6 months) and had just received a free computer from another one of her friends. The new PC from the start would need some TLC and Elaina knew it. Her first question was “How are we going to wipe the system and install Windows?” This question is interesting to me for three reasons.
- Even though Elaina did not have a computer in the home besides this free gift, she knew that a Windows XP installation would have licensing issues (is it transferable? is this a “genuine?”)
- Would it be worth using a software configuration that led to the free computer’s availability? Would there be viruses, spyware, mysterious lockups, and blue screen of death?
- How much would all of it cost? Software licenses for Windows, Microsoft Office, and virus scanners would quickly amount to around $700. Hardware upgrades would be needed to meet Vista system requirements making this free computer sound scary.
I told Elaina that there was a better way: Linux. All concerns were handled with free licenses, no virus worries, no more blue screen of death, and no need to upgrade the computer hardware. We decided to install Ubuntu Linux 9.04 because it would meet all of her communication needs and it would cost her nothing. Overjoyed, Elaina asked me back in April, “Why isn’t everyone running Linux?” I told her I do not know. OK internet. Beth Lynn, Elaina, Mackenzie, and Nick want to know. Tell us why would anyone choose to run Windows over Linux given the same set of circumstances?
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An article in the recent Micro Mart asked “Why are people scared of Linux?” and countered it in the same issue with “Why people should switch to Linux (Ten Reasons)”. I have requested permission from the editor for reproduction of the articles in question and will let you know if they allow it.
Thanks Alan. I’m interested in both articles.
i always use free virus scanners on the internet coz they are quite good too’~:
@James Thomas: Sorry I disagree. Web popups that claim you have a virus are a scam. If you are in need of a real, good, free, and open source virus scanner for Windows, this site can help http://www.clamwin.com/
for me, the best scanner is avast antivirus and kaspersky. they can really find those annoying malwares,:”
~’, I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives useful information :`~