The days of command-line-driven Linux operating systems are over. It’s never been easier, more convenient, and more beneficial to switch to a user-friendly, graphical-user-interface-powered distribution of Linux.
With particular distributions, often called “distros,” there is little-to-no learning curve when moving from a Windows operating system. There are numerous substitutes available for most of your essential Windows software, and the desktop navigation is very intuitive.
No More Viruses or Spyware
As for security packages, there is virtually no need. Linux is secure within itself. The open source operating system is built for the people, by the people, and maintained by the people. No need to be concerned- it is extensively tested and very stable- more so than Windows certainly.
The thousands of viruses floating around are Windows viruses, meaning they won’t affect a Linux system. Put spyware in that same boat. Do Linux viruses and spyware exist? Yes, but they are very, very rare. Eliminating Windows nearly removes all threats to a computer.
Unbeatable Price: FREE!
There is another major advantage to switching to Linux: it is free! Yes, there are a variety of distros that you must pay for, but the majority are free. A particularly easy-to-use and readily available distro is Ubuntu Linux. Despite the funny-looking name, it is a fine-tuned, clean-cut OS with a great suite of software available, including a complete replacement of MS Office called “Open Office.org”.
When the need for new software arises, simply go to Add/Remove programs, and search for available programs by keywords or titles. It couldn’t be easier to add software to your machine. If the built-in search doesn’t work, try Google. It’s surprising just how many people have worked hard to provide the programs the public wants.
You Can Still Run Windows Programs
For those Windows-exclusive programs that are simply must-haves, there is “WINE”. WINE, which can be quickly found and installed in the forementioned program installer, imitates a Windows OS for those programs.
While not guaranteed to work with all programs, it works quite well, and at times tutorials are available on the internet with instructions on how to make a program work that natively won’t run in WINE.
How-to
Make the switch by going to http://www.ubuntu.com/, download the latest version, burn it to a blank CD, and install it. Don’t fear, for it’s easier to switch that most realize. Ubuntu is just one of many distros, but it’s very user friendly and reliable, which makes it perfect for new users.
For instructions on how to back up files, look for software to do that, or use an external hardrive or flash storage device to drag-and-drop what you wish. Google is an excellent source for searching for tutorials.
