6 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

like Macintosh), you will remain as clueless and ignorant as ever. You stick with the easy way to work, and usually this way is slow. Your machine will be largely the same as the guy sits next to you in the office: professional, but impersonal. You will be isolated, since you are not supposed (in some cases, allowed) to share any findings with your system with others. You will spend huge amount of time doing repetitive tasks, and your system will be full of crap, since you have no idea to clean them up.

Now, half a year in GNU/Linux world is totally different. I learned a lot in that time, and I am sure you will, too. You will understand to some extend how components of the system work with each other, albeit in a pretty high level. You will figure out some productive ways to accomplish your tasks, since this is the default interface anyway. Furthermore, chances are that your system will be personalized: it will soon reflect your taste, since you will have to make many choices on how your system works and looks. You will now have a "home sweet home" feeling with your computer, and feel really comfortable with it. Better yet, you will gradually build an identity with your community, and feel connected. Your work will be productive, and also fun.

In short, GNU/Linux empowers you; Windows sells you. GNU/Linux aim is to give you power, so you will help yourself and others; Windows' aim is your money, without which Microsoft cannot survive. Oh, GNU/Linux also wants to to be knowledgeable about itself, so that you will help bring out the next version; Windows needs you to be as stupid as possible so that you will buy the next version.

Here is your choice: do you want power? Seriously! Power comes with responsibility: to yourself, to entity that empowers you, to other people. Can you bear the responsibility? Are you willing to learn, to grow, to involve? Granted, these activities take time, but so is watching TV, or wasting your time in using the computer the boring and stupid way. Given that an American spends 4 hours to watch TV everyday (or surfing Facebook, it's the same), everyone should have enough time for power. The issue is mostly willingness: TV, and Microsoft, they are the same, flatters you, concentrates on making you feel some momentarily pleasure. Can you sacrifice these feeble pleasures for a more long-term one?

Remember, GNU/Linux is not a better Windows. You want security? Privacy? Safety? Well, remaining in Windows and paying for these are also an option. With appropriate protection, you can go a long way. Switching to GNU/Linux, however, means accepting responsibility. It's fun, I guarantee. It's how your parents think about you, and you will think about your children: the machine is YOURS. Not perfect, not professional, but it's yours. You design it. You will feel good working with it, productively. However, that comes with a price. Are you willing to accept that price?

Each person has a different situation, so it is thoughtless for me here to say, "take GNU/Linux, or you are a sucker." You may not care enough about the computer to do that. You may be extremely busy. However, just remember this: switching to GNU/Linux is not about a product, it's about how you use your computer.

Learn more about this author, Lam Luu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Deciding between Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux?
We want to hear your view. Write now!