While I am getting more and more used to Ubuntu, I am inclined more to write about it. Though the posts might not be technically interesting or solving a problem that Linux users might be facing, I just want to share my thoughts and feelings after using Ubuntu exclusively without any access to Windows, the main OS that I was using a couple of days back.
It is natural for anybody to have questions when somebody asks him/her to shift from one system to another. This could be just similar to the paradigm shift of famous “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and do needs substantial fact-backing. I will now discuss some of the very basic questions that a new user of Ubuntu or Linux for that matter would like to pose.
1. What about Piracy–I have never heard OS coming free of cost?
The answer to this question could be pretty simple. Linux/GNU is based on open-source theory and there is no one who owns the propriety rights for its usage. Anybody can use, develop, change, modify or edit the OS according to their own use. This was one major question that rankled me for quiet a long as I was very much concerned about not using pirated software in my system. Because Ubuntu was made available free of cost, it gave me an extra impetus to leave my doubts aside and check whether I am technically satisfied with it.
2. What about Quality–I have no inclination to compromise?
The answer to this question could be that almost all the software, programs and applications run in Ubuntu and there is almost nothing that you won’t find in it. Apart from this, the upgrade of cycle of Ubuntu is 6 months, just like any other distro and it is being developed continuously. Though the appearance, placement of icons or customization of looks will be different, the quality of Ubuntu can be graded as at par with Windows. I could not convince myself trying anything new but my friends helped me overcome this barrier and introduced me to many new features that were absent in Windows. These new features sort of drew me to Ubuntu.
3. What about Security–I have no intention to be vulnerable?
The answer to this question is comforting actually. Linux is more secure and stable than Windows. Being a service provider, I was sceptical about the performance of this new OS, as I might end up my system torn apart by viruses and other online security threats. But Ubuntu does not entertain any of these threats and am merrily working on it for the 3rd consecutive day.
4. What about the Jet Lag–I have no time to waste to get used to?
The answer to this question would be rational. Though the interface of Ubuntu or any other Linux distro is very user-friendly, it does have many different features and a hardcore Windows user might find it difficult in the beginning. But the comfort lies in its simplicity–with a week or so, you would be knowing the waters and swimming like ducks in Ubuntu. You can customize your system as per your needs and there are many areas where you can implement these customizations.
5. What about “why”–I have no pressure or wish to switch?
This could be the first or the last question for anybody. Why basically I should switch to Ubuntu or Linux for that matter. The answer is there is no “why”. It is just a matter of choice and trying out something different. Linux users have no intention of decrying Windows but just opening new vistas for new developers and users. The main intention is to make it open and be more creative. If you want to reduce your budget or do not want to buy new OS, Linux would be a perfect choice. If you have a team and use networking, there can’t be anything better than Linux. So, Linux does have reasons where it silences the “why”. Rest, pressure and extra-nagging does not work and even if does and a user is starting with Linux, he/she might lose the interest quickly if he/she is not motivated to try something new.
I am a great Windows fan and owe all my computer knowledge to Windows and love using MS-Office, but being new to Linux and Ubuntu as its distro, I can easily declare that I am just fascinated by this concept and love the vistas it offers to almost everybody. I won’t stop using Windows, but I shall start using Linux on all my systems.
