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I have been using Linux as my main computer for only four years now, and love it. I do not have one regret about wiping my system of Microsoft and making the switch to Ubuntu Linux. Everything I used Microsoft windows for I can do faster on Linux. As much as I love Linux and and all the work I do to try and convert more users to Linux, I will be the first to admit Linux is not right for everyone.

For the most part I have found Linux to run smoother, faster and less problematic than windows. But the big issues not everything is as easy on Linux as it is on windows. Don't get me wrong their are a lot of thing Linux is super easy with but not everything. If your the type of person who uses computers for the simple things like browsing the Internet, chatting with friends and writing word documents than you may want to consider Linux instead of Microsoft.

Most major Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Red Hat can Surf the Internet, chat, and surf word documents with speed and ease. Chatting with friends and writing word documents is faster on the less cluttered Linux systems that don't have all the bulky useless software that comes with commercial computers no a days. To be realistic though speed usually isn't a problem when typing a word document though now is it? Speed becomes an issue on a computer when it comes to surfing the Internet. Linux flies on the Internet, because of the lack of annoyances and the great security Linux has to offer. I can barley remember that ad-ware ever existed since I have been using Linux.

Chatting, browsing the net and typing word documents are three simple things that most people use their computers for on a daily basis. If I were to add a fourth to that list it would be listening to music. Everyone loves listening to music on their computer and it is usually an activity that compliments chatting, browsing and word processing. Music users and Linux really depends on how you get most of your music. If your an Itunes junky and most of your music is from Apple, then Linux is probably not the best choice for you. The problem with Itunes music and Linux is there is not an Itunes version for Linux and most Linux music players can not play the DRM music from Itunes, its all protected. There is a tricky way to try and get Itunes to work on Linux using wine, buts its a bit complicated. If you still have most of your music collection on old fashioned CDs then Linux has some amazing music players.

The one group of people who Linux most definitely is not for are the gamers. Windows is the operating system to use for games, and the only reason for this is because its what most people have. Its not exactly a great business model to create games for an operating system that only a small but growing population uses. Some of the popular games may be able to work on Linux again through wine but it is not exactly an easy process nor is it guaranteed. There are a lot of great free open source games out there and even some that are very good. Although not all of them are easy to install, but the real gamers will miss out on the big titles if they completely switch to Linux.

Linux is a great fast, reliable, and free operating system. Linux is rapidly evolving and contently getting better but its still not the best operating system for everyone. If you use a computer for the basics and want a fast reliable machine then Linux is worth a shot. If your a gamer or someone who relies on special windows software then Linux is not for you....just yet.

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