HJ Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 The other day a friend of mine asked me "Why do you use linux?" I told him because it fits my needs, it looks nice, works the way I want it to, and that I can put it on my computer and no one can tell me I can't. Then he ( he isn't the brightest fellow...) started saying that I only use linux because I hate Microsoft, that I'm a hippy, and that I think everything should be for free. Basically he labeled me what many Windows users that no nothing about linux label us as. But I, and you, know that most of us linux users aren't like this. While I do strongly dislike M$, I'm sure as hell not a 'hippy' and I don't think everything should be free. This got me curious.... Why do _YOU_ use linux? What interests _YOU_ about linux? Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? What made _YOU_ start using linux? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlc Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? It's FREE, highly configurable, stable, fast and I just love it. What interests _YOU_ about linux? Were to begin? Just about everything I guess. Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? Don't like M$, use it at work, but not often. I would get a new Mac G5 If I had the money, but I would put Linux on that too. :wink: What made _YOU_ start using linux? Got into some security, realize M$ had none and found Linux, Solaris & *BSD and the rest as they say is History(kind of like SCO) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JaseP Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 I use it because M$ ticked me off with their licensing schemes and I wanted to be beholden to no-one for my data, and my OS. I didn't want to be forced into upgrades, nor did I want to permit cyber-spying on my system, which IS after all my property. I have PAID over $190 on Linux software over the last few years, so it's not about the money. By the way, I got a lot more for that over $190 than I did for any money I paid to M$. To me Free doesn't mean Free Beer it means Free Speech. Now I'm satisfied because I like to tinker. Linux satisfies that need. M$ was always crashing. I now use SuSE. It hasn't crashed one time yet. I am virus free, with little worries, and my e-mail & etc. are easily configurable with firewalls and filters. It's just plain better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aRTee Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? Why do moviestars date photomodels Why does a dog lick its balls? Because they can. Why I use linux? Because I can. What interests _YOU_ about linux? I'm a control freak. I don't like others to control my stuff. Linux gives me all the control I may need/want, without any obscure stuff. So, freedom goes first. I just call it control. Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? Who says I don't? I use MSwin and hp-ux extensively at work. Given the choice, I wouldn't, but that's another question. Although hp-ux isn't that bad. What made _YOU_ start using linux? I got started at Uni, when some students used linux bootlfoppies and hp-ux to run linux on lab pc's. For me it was a way to have a cool environment that could be configged the way I like it (and I hate the standard behaviour of windows, see my website). Virtual displays etc. The only way of life.. ;) I spent more on linux and linux related software than on windows/MS stuff. But I do like the idea of paying after being satisfied. I only started paying Mandrake after liking and really using it. (Clubmembership, 2nd year now) The real reason to use and keep on using Linux/FLOSS and shunning anything MS is that in the end, that is the only sane choice to make. The only thing lacking for FLOSS is the userbase, with enough users all necessary software and hardware support will follow. (This is happening today. With the motherboard I got one year ago, I got linux drivers on the cd for the onboard audio. I recently got a pci nic, which had 'linux compatible' on outside of the box. Etcetc.) MS has ruined more than we can know. They have not invented anything useful as far as I can see. They are piling up money which is not good. Imagine, more than 45Billion dollars in the bank, doing nothing. Without MS monopoly, loads of that money would (have to) be invested in research and development. The total research costs for the audio cd (arguably one of technological inventions that benefits mankind the most -- it allows us to enjoy music / art at an affordable price - well maybe the cd-r.. ;) ) are nothing compared to 45Billion$... So, the only way to stop this, is to get rid of MS monopoly. Who are the usual suspects? GNU, Linux, FLOSS. By using (even without paying) MS products, they have marketshare, they have userbase, they manage to keep their monopoly. Uninformed people doubt what I just said, but everyone else agrees that the MS monopoly is BAD. Since it is a monopoly, and since politicians are politicians, there's no way out. Many people don't understand, but there is no free market. This leads to the communistic regime with MS in control, that they like to pin on FLOSS/GNU/the FSF and Stallman. Someone has to do something. What can I do? Use linux. Use something other than MS stuff. Make sure no penny goes to MS. None of mine do. The bad thing is that many people misunderstand, they say: I got my own white box, no OS, and installed a pirate copy of Windows. So I'm not guilty of supporting MS' monopoly. Wrong! Besides being illegal, just by using it, they get to up their statistics by one. Even without your money. It's like voting. Well, voting in a democratic country anyway. So, choose for yourself, in the long run, don't use MS stuff. Which is the best alternative? Hmm, let me see, what runs on the same platform, for which hardware is fast and cheap, with good hardware support? Not MacOSX. Not bsd, although it's close (not same driver support). Linux! Ok, this was the story from one angle. I have a couple more, but I'll save those for some other time. Time for bed... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrebird Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 "Why do _YOU_ use linux?" It does everything that we need, and then some, been using it off and on for 8 years now, and finally decided to make the 2 computers tools again, and not products, running Mandrake 9.1 on both, and both running great. "What interests _YOU_ about linux?" Ever since the first Linux I tried, Slackware (something) with a Linux book I bought in 95, I've been curious about it, and where it's been, and where it's going. "Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)?" MS - Have used MS since DOS 2.1 on an 8088 20 years ago, and got tired of the viruses, spyware, adware, EULA, and given the "Honor" of using the product, instead of purchasing it. Mac - Never owned a mac. Other OS's - Since the book I bought in 95, I've liked linux, and what it's doing. "What made _YOU_ start using linux?" The book I bought about linux 8 years ago, was on sale for 5 bucks, ran it on a 486/75 Laptop for over 2 years before the laptop died. have used a few others since then, and have seen it come a long way, and can only image where it is going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjc Posted August 21, 2003 Report Share Posted August 21, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? To try and wean myself from windows What interests _YOU_ about linux? Stability because it's related to UNIX, Secure because it's related to UNIX, because I can, related to my independence. Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? I use them too. I hate M$ OS but there are some really well written, powerful software packages that I like (which run on M$). I have an old world Mac (G3 upgrade, OS 9.1). For a long time MAC applications for graphics were way ahead of Windblows (did the first version of my web site on a Mac)...but I would need to buy a new Mac to run OS X.x and buy all new software... I can't afford it. What made _YOU_ start using linux? Corel bundled WP 8 with a Linux system, thought this was a good trend, decided to get onboard...then Corel dumped Linux...by chance I tried MDK (free download 8.1), found this board (old one) purchased 8.2, 9.1 and club membership...the rest is history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bvc Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? In most cases it gets the job done while being more stable and secure. What interests _YOU_ about linux? I'm also a control freak :P Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? I use Win98 for games, but could live without them. Not into the newer fantasy/kill stuff, and never have been....I just don't get it :wink: . The wife went back to Win98 after a short time with ML9.1-kde, and kids have games on it. I use Win95 at work on an old IBM Aptiva because of a program I have to use :roll: . Ocationally use Mac because that's what everyone else has for Graphics. Never tried anything else.....if it ain't broke_don't fix it :wink: What made _YOU_ start using linux? Security and tweaking. Got bored with Windows and no need to comment on its Security :P . My wife, knowing I was interested and reasearching linux, bought me Mandrake7.2 for our anniversary, 2.5 years ago. It barely ran with my hardware so 10mths later I checked the Hardware Database and whahoo went and bought 8.1....and here I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fubar::chi Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? because i really f******g hate microsoft What interests _YOU_ about linux? i can do anything i want Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? because i really f******g hate microsoft What made _YOU_ start using linux? microsoft f****d me over as you can see, i hold a grudge and i hold it long and hard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ab2ms Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 I don't want to "rent" my software I like the freedom I am forced to use M$ at work (no choice) Got sick of M$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ (did I mention the $ part?) and saw linux on the shelf at Staples, so I figured I'd see what it is all about so I've been on the wagon since 7.1 (if I recall correctly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoulSe Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 The answer to all three is: 'It is the best Operating System in the World.' I too hate M$, but I have a 'thing.' The thing: Linux came from Unix which was designed for servers. Because of this, the server software is more developed, stable and better. Desktop software, on the other hand, is slightly behind on the development side of things, because Linux as a desktop solution (especially in a graphic environment) is a relatively new thing (RELATIVELY). Therefore: Linux is the best OS for a server, hands down (because of the server software available). WE know that Linux is also the best solution for desktops, but because most of the applications still require some work (Open Office, Gaim, etc.), it is not currently considered by the rest of the World to be the ideal solution for desktops. Conclusion: As soon as more software becomes faster, stable and has adequate documentation (I am refering to products like Open Office, Gaim, etc.), then the rest of the World will be convinced that not only is Linux the best OS for a server, but for your desktop as well. IMO this will be happening in the next two years. This is my opinion, feel free to disagree :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoegoo Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 I use Linux because the only limits to what I can do with it are the limits I set myself. If I want something changed I can change it, if I dont know how to change it, I can learn. With the alternatives, you can't change everything you want, not even if you know exactly what you want and how to do it. I also enjoy the open source community. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyme Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 http://www.geektyme.org/linux.html second question ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liquidzoo Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? Configuration abilities, security, stability, wide variety of apps to suit every need What interests _YOU_ about linux? I like to be able to control exactly what goes into my system. Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? I use Windows 98 and 2000 at work because of programs that I have to use everyday, I also have (but rarely boot to) Windows XP Pro on my desktop and XP home on my laptop. I used to use the Macs all the time in the computer lab I worked in on campus. (old IMacs, OS 9.1) I would use a Mac now, but I can't afford one. What made _YOU_ start using linux? Curiosity. A co-worker of mine (at a casino, no less) gave me a copy of Mandrake 7.0 and RedHat 6.0. I really liked the Mandrake installer (even then) and the way KDE looked. I didn't like the RedHat installer (coming from Windows, I liked the graphical install rather than a text based one, and NAV gave me all kinds of fits when I tried installing RedHat) so I stuck with Mandrake. I have used every version (I think) of Mandrake since then; sometimes with a break to go back to Windows. When 8.0 came out, I liked the improvements that had come out since 7.2. I started using Linux as my main OS around then. I like the fact that it is available both in a free and purchase format. The manuals that come in the packaged distros are easy to read and there's all kinds of help available if you know where to look ;). I have purchased a few distros from the store (Staples or more recently Borders) so it's not about it being completely free. If there's great software out there that is commercial only, or games that are designed to run on my favorite OS then I will put down the money to get them. I guess the best reason that I use Linux is just because I can. I like the freedom that it allows me to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtweidmann Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 Why do _YOU_ use linux? Why not? Its stable, easy to use, and does everything I need. Plus being free I don't have to pirate it. What interests _YOU_ about linux? Control is nice, and the ability to tinker. Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? I don't like pirating software, but have no money so that MS out (plus I do rather like my OS not to crash). Mac out because I use a PC. And generally I think Linux is better. What made _YOU_ start using linux? No real reason, just curious. I installed MDK 7.0 on a spare hd to find out what the fuss was about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gowator Posted August 22, 2003 Report Share Posted August 22, 2003 Before I start, this is really question for a book, not a quick response Why do _YOU_ use linux? Its stable and it does what I want. It enabled me to get out of slavery to M$ where I was constantly paying for new software or using ripped off software. Linux allows me to choose which package and all of the basic things are included. I usually pay for a box-set so it isn't about it being completely free its about all the basic parts are free or included. I can customise it how I want it or not. IT works logically and its lain out logically, not like M$ crap. Every time you learn one thing it builds into a general knowledge of the system. Everytime you learn some M$ trick it is worthless outside the context and probably lost in the next version.... Very importantly, linux gives me the power I need and very important to me is the network transparency of linux. I can run from a CLI or not as I choose and as is most efficient for the task Im performing. One demonstration of this is when new users start asking about utility software to do things which linux just does. If I want to run a program on one host and display it on another I just set the DISPLAY variable, no third party software is needed. If I want to direct output from a priogram elsewhere I just redirect it, the other place could be a printer, someone elses screen or a disk... it doesn't matter because its just a file. But thats just UNIX, not linux especially wide variety of apps to suit every need Well not quite yet but its getting there. What interests _YOU_ about linux? Well all of the above but more where its going. We might not have every app and need filled yet but were hgetting there. I like to think of it as a parallel development to Windows.... Look at Windows 95 and what linux was at the time. Now look today at Windows XP and linux. Which has come the furthest over this time period ??? ITs not by a small amount, linux is developing exponentially whilst Windows stagnates. Hasrdly surprising becuase like someone else said M$ have never designed ANYTHING worthwhile. They ripped off a lot of ideas but they didn't conceive them. They founded a company by ripping off CP/M and QDOS and haven't looked back since. They ripped off Windows from DEC (other window systems existed but Windows 2 was pretty much a clone of the DEC one) Microsoft killed Lotus and Wordperfect and Netscape not becuase they had a better product but becuase they had more money. Thus Microsoft is actually ACTIVELY HOLDING BACK DEVELOPMENT wheras Linux is pushing it forwards. Microsoft copy a product, make an inferior one and then through a mixture of FUD and market domination lever the other product out. They tried to hold back the Internet but failed then made a 180 degree turn to include IE in windows. Linux achieves everything via open standards wheras M$ seeks to make its own propriety standards. When it cannot get rid of something pervasive like TCP/IP it seeks to corrupt the standard. If anyone hasn't read the Haloween documents yet then do ..... Is that enough reason ??? Why don't _YOU_ use a Microsoft, Mac, or other OS's (including *BSD, etc.)? I do. Just not M$ Therefore: Linux is the best OS for a server, hands down (because of the server software available). I'm not sure this is 100% true. It depends on what your needs are. Again its getting better but stability isn't as good as Solaris. If I were looking into interfacing directly with scientific equipment then HP_UX is better. Not all of the linux stuff works as well on real workstation and server class computers. However its getting there! Also, outside of calculation machines and things that rely only on CPU/mem workstations are superior. Linux has an answer in clustering but a single Intel/AMD board (in their current design) will never have the I/O bw of a true server. Mac design rocks, they look really cool. If I had money to burn I'd go and buy a Top of the range powerbook. For home users linux is propbably the best OS in terms of the future. For companies however many commercial OS's have the edge. If I could afford it I'd give my mum a Mac. Why???? For all she wants to do its the most stable and usable system. She want to type a couple of letters, email and internet.... perhaps she'd get so far as using it to watch a DVD or iTunes. If I wanted to run a commerical ISP serive I'd use BSD. Why, the TCP/IP stack is far superior to linux. You could say netcraft propmote BSD because they use it. OR you could say ythey use it becuase they know what theyre talking about :D If I want to make a NFS server then I'd probably use Solaris ... and if I wanted a mainframe I might use AIX. Don't knock mainframes for internal I/O. Even the low end Sun ones like the E10000 (just under a million buck's) Linux will probably take over this market too but not on Intel/AMD boards as we know them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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