The topic of switching to Linux came up via comments on a recent post. Coincidentally I saw this article this morning titled “Warning: Five Things to Know Before Switching to Linux”.
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I basically agree with most of the article’s tenets except for some nits with the section “5. Technical Skills Required”:

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Linux requires a higher level of computer knowledge to make things work. That isn’t to say that ordinary users can’t use Linux, but to perform more advanced functions–such as setting up peripherals that aren’t plug-and-play or installing non-packaged software–you’ll need those higher level technical skills. Setting up Linux workstations is relatively simple, but Linux server services require a very skilled technical person to enable and configure them. If you’re the type that likes to tinker with computers, to learn new things, and to celebrate a victory when you’re successful, then Linux is for you.

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If you have supported hardware I would maintain that setting up a Linux workstation is far easier than a Windows one. How many of you have installed Windows? I’d guess not many. If you have you’d know that after the install of the base operating system you don’t have much. You have to install drivers for every piece of hardware you have – printers, cameras, web cams, mp3 players, etc, etc – with many of the installs requiring a reboot. You don’t have any photo editing, music editing, or office suite. You have little more than a web browser(Internet Explorer), a simple text editor(Notepad), and a music/video player(Windows Media Player). When you install Linux – everything is there when you’re done. Install, one reboot, and you have a tremendous wealth of open source applications:

• Office suites
• Web browsers
• Audio editors
• Video editors
• Software development tools(compilers, programming editors, IDE’s
• Music players/management tools
• IM clients
• Internet telephony progrmas
• Image editors
• Photo management tools
• The list goes on and on and on and on

It is very true that if your hardware is not supported out of the box, it can be difficult or impossible to make it work with Linux. If it is supported however, it will be as easy or easier to get it working than Windows. It is also true that if you are setting up a server, you will need some technical chops or a lot of perseverence – but setting up a server under Windows is no picnic either.
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I think the article had a slightly more negative tone than I would have liked but I think it sums up moving to Linux nicely:

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If you want stay with the familiar and comfortable pitfalls that you’re accustomed to, use Windows. Or, to really dumb down your computing environment, you can pay the extra money for Apple products. You can also choose to suffer a little pain, make a few exceptions, use Linux to power your desktops and servers and experience a new level of computing freedom.

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Linux for kids
Once configured – Linux is easy to use. Here is an article titled “10 reasons why your kids should be using Linux”.

2 Responses to “Before you switch to Linux”

1. Ebenezer Attaquin says:

   July 30, 2010 at 10:42 am

   It’s not so much that Linux REQUIRES more technical knowledge, but that it ACCOMMODATES those who do have it. I have installed Linux on a ‘grandma’s’ computer and she went about her merry way, surfing and writing her diary. If something went wrong, she called me, the same thing she would do with Window$.

   For those of us with knowledge, Linux is a bottomless toolbox. I can automate tasks with shell programs, perl, C, etc. Remember .bat files and GWBASIC? AUTOEXEC.BAT? Where are they now?
2. bumpkin says:

   July 30, 2010 at 11:30 am

   You’re right of course. People who call in the calvary when their WinDohs computer misbehaves will be in the same boat – except maybe calling in a different calvary.