What gets me, is that most people who run Linux ALSO have a windows licence as it is attached to the hardware they buy. Their decision to ditch Windows for Linux is often on this smug sense of superiority that they “get it” and the rest are sheep. I mean, great! I used Linux for a while, and here are some of the things you can’t emulate on Linux:

a) Reliable printer support. It’s basic at best, and only on the popular models. The rest .. require a 4 page instruction sheet on how to install.

b) DirectX or any native / decent 3D support. WINE is not the answer. Why emulate the software environment you vilify

c) Frikkin WiFi.

d) Most of the features on ANY piece of hardware are not supported, beyond it’s basic functions. This is rather sad for two reasons. It doesn’t let you use what you paid for, it doesn’t in any way promote development or innovation.

Linux (at present) has one function – to create a dead simple / custom OS environment for a machine with basic uses. It simply cannot replace the compatibility of a windows box without extensive tech support.

What are the arguments FOR Linux, vs “why it can almost be as good as..” (which seems the bulk of the arguments.)

Updates: COOL! They are seemless, integrated, and cover all apps. Seems like a great solution. But .. how much time do you really spend updating? Not a lot, compared to the day to day. Also, I have seen two (and heard of more) Linux distros (especially ubumtu) getting nuked by an upgrade. I’ve never had more than a minor niggle with a service pack.

Security: This really ought to be a non-argument. Really. If you’re smart enough to run Linux then you’re smart enough to avoid malware. Or at least you should be. The argument that no native security software is needed gets nuked by how flipping hard doing basic tasks is. You can protect a PC with ease using free tools. It’s not a hassle. I personally chose to just avoid the malware .. and I have been clean for 3 years. (double checked every once in a while using a stand alone scanner).

Speed: Seems better at some things (leaner) but again, the added time in setting up simple things loses it on this front.

Compatibility: Effortless when it’s there, for sure. However, it is rock hard / impossible on some hardware, and support is less than 100% on all kinds of devices. Also, OSX and Windows now cover most things “out of the box.” On a recent format the only drivers I needed to install were for the nVidea GPU – and even the basic drivers had it running in 1600×1200 @ 32 bit (I needed (1920 x 1200)

Cost? It’s about the only argument for it. But add to this the fact that most users already have a license (see above.)

Finally, how much is your time worth? Mine is worth more than the few quid an OEM disk costs.

The last, last point .. I actually like to use the APPS installed on my machine, not spend all day f**king around with the OS making it do what I need, or looking for limited functionality clones of windows apps. If windows is so bad, why spend so much time copying most of it?

There are always more than one way to do something, why should we always use windows. Plus, a lot of alternatives offer more functionality, plus some can be cheaper, which is always a big plus in my book.

It’s parallel to running a petrol engine on crude oil and installing a mini-refinery in your engine-space to turn the crude into petrol. It’s much simpler to drive into the gas station.