Going OpenSource

Previously a Windows user . For a year and half now i have been using Linux (Ubuntu 7.04,7.10,8.04,OpenSuse 10.3 ,OpenSuse 11.0).
Initially on dual boot(Windows/Linux) and and now only Linux.

The reason of switch from windows was: -

0. Pointing out reasons for switching, i am not bashing Windows , its a gr8 software( without which people would still be suffering command line syndrome). It made Linux geeks realize that UI(User Interface) and ease of use is very imp. But for the following :

1. Excessive waste of time in windows management .( disk defragmenting, disk cleanup, registry defragmenting ) just to keep windows running smooth and fast. Although you can optimize some by automating but that requires professional versions ).

2. Too many virus and worms and to counter too many anti(virus,spyware........).
All running simultaneously and eating up PC resources..

3. Window slowing down over a period of every 4 months and needing a format every 8 months at least. If you can maintain it ,excessive Virus attacks will surely request you a format.

Thanks to the attacks, had almost mastered cleaning windows of virus and refacing the damaged function.

4. And above all not much of it is free. (Windows vista + office 2007 will cost you around (250$))+ anti(virus ,spyware ,adware,etc ) professional (for a year) will add another 100$ to your shopping expenses.
And all this are just basic necessity to get windows running. Outside enhancement will require more recurring expense.

5. I would use pirated (like 85-90% Indian home user do)software windows(OS) with everything pirated(all kinda software, rpg and strategy games to professional antivirus solution to entertainment solution etc. available, that the foolish people make so easy to crack) .

6. Hardwares can be charged for they need raw materials and human hand to it , so the cost is justified to a certain extent . In software the scenario is different, although Microsoft has all rights to charge for their softwares for they spend billions on research and people to get their product running , but when an free and open source alternative is available thats as good as Windows or better in some cases, then why not use it instead. Save you hard earned money for more beautiful things in life.


Had a guilt feeling using pirated softwares. And for the above reasons, decided to go Open Source.
The journey was of learning, of awe and frustration and i persisted. Now i can run Linux only.

This series of article is to encourage people to move towards a open world where software is not pirated. And Its open to all to use ,to contribute and to spread the word . Without any copywrites and DRMs.

Next Post will be a comparison of Windows to Linux, and rate it in several parameters for Readers to compare. Ill be fair to best of my knowledge.And then a general review on open source OS(s) and open softwares.
Link (http://animesh-opensource.blogspot.com/2008/09/comparison-windows-xpvista-ubuntu-804.html).