I started using Linux on my home computer so that I could do my CS240
projects outside of the CS labs. The reasons that Linux replaced my Windows
partition centers around control.
In high school I used my Dad's computer to store all sorts of data. Now much
of that data is inaccessible to me. I don't own licensed copies of the old
software nor of the operating system on which it ran, the software packages
that I used are no longer supported by the vendor, and I can not write
software to read the archaic file formats because of restrictive software
licenses and laws like the DMCA. That data is lost and the time and effort I
spent entering that data into the computer is wasted.
With GNU software, I don't have to worry about this happening again. I will
always have a licensed copy of the software. I can always read the file
format. If I don't like one vendor's support, I can hire another. If I need a
feature added, or have a need that I want met, I can pay a Linux vendor, hire
a programmer to modify the program, or I can learn to do it myself. I am the
one who decides how my data should be managed. I can pay for advice, but no
one can force a "solution" on me, or require me to "upgrade". No software
company can limit the feature set that I can use. I am in control.
Now that I have tasted liberty, I wonder why anyone would trust their data,
or their business to the caprices of a software company whose best interests
often involve limiting your options and binding you to a subscription cycle.
It seems crazy!
All the other advantages of using Free and Open software is just icing.
Linux does have some minor disadvantages. I don't think that my Linux Desktop
is as easy to use as Windows (though it's getting better), and I'll admit
that sometimes I'm less efficient on Linux than on Windows (though it's
usually my own fault). In spite of these (minor) disadvantages, I keep using
Linux because I know that I'm the one in control of my computer. That means a
lot to me.
Richard Esplin
On Monday 15 September 2003 08:03, Evan McNabb wrote:
<snip>
> Q: What features or attributes of Linux led you to start using it and/or
> influence you to continue using it? Please be specific and descriptive
> as possible and as technical as you would like.
>
> Feel free to write as much (Halcrow) or as little as you want...
>
> -Evan
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