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5 Reasons Why I Use Linux
🕑 Added 2021-08-03 00:27:16 +0000 UTCI had someone on that Windows 11 video ask me why I use Linux. My response was that Windows sucks, so of course, I use Linux.
But I think it really deserves an answer, even if it is only here for my supporters. So here are 5 reasons why I use Linux. (I may end up making a video about this, let me know if that's something you'd like to see).
5 - It's Open Source
Honestly, this is the least of the reasons for me. I do support the FOSS ideology, but as long as Linux was better than Windows and Mac, I'd still use it even if Linus owned it in a proprietary way. Though I may end up being less happy about it.
4 - It's Free
I know this is a dumb reason, but I'm a poor man. Or at least poorer than I want to be. So, not having to pay for a Windows license or the astonishingly expensive hardware for a Mac, is a big deal.
Not to say I don't support Linux and FOSS projects with money when I can, but I like that it's my choice where that monetary support goes.
3 - Community
Honestly, this could be number one, and probably should be. I love the community that surrounds Linux and Free and Open Source projects. Don't get me wrong, there are some douchebags out there, just like there are in any community of any respectable size, but for the most part, there are just a ton of awesome people here, and I love it.
Windows always felt like it was every man for himself. If you needed help, you had to go to Microsoft to get it. With Linux, there's the community to turn to. A bunch of nerds just like me who have all went through the same problems I've faced with my computer. It's awesome.
2 - Choice
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Despite my worry about Linux fragmentation, and Developer's losing focus on the real problems, I still love that there are so many distros and so many ways of doing things. It makes Linux fun for someone like me who likes learning new things. There's always something new here to learn.
1 - Customization
This one had to be number one for me. I customize the shit out of my Linux install, and I can't stop. If I had to settle for one look and feel, I'd be very upset, and not nearly as happy with my computer as I am now.
What are the reasons you use Linux?
Hope everyone has a great week.
Matt
Comments
EastCoastWeb
I use GNU/Linux now because it is free as in freedom. When I started in computing in the late 1980's it was a hobby for most people still. There was a community, we had in-person user group meetings and a lot of the software was free or shareware. DOS 3.3 was the OS and I hadn't even purchased a modem yet and felt my computer was usable without being connected to any type of network. Totally different than how we feel now, where a computer is useless without being connected to the Internet/Web. I fought in the early 1990s to stay on DOS and not use Windows 3.1, but eventually everything was for Windows. I've been a long time user of Windows and also Macintosh, of which I turned to in 2005 full-time when it was still a bit underground. Anything to get away from Windows. I went back for a little bit before turning to GNU/Linux full-time. At 50 years of age now I have no plans on ever going back to Windows. I am a Web Developer and Graphic Designer by trade and can do what I do in my career on GNU/Linux just fine. I run Fedora 34 with Cinnamon currently. I've been pretty happy with it but did a ton of distro-hopping in 2020/2021 and believe I am no longer feeling like I am looking for something better. I don't want GNU/Linux to hit the mainstream, the mainstream brings the corporations and proprietary things with it. It is what killed the Macintosh for me. Being popular is NOT good, there are too many bad things that come with it. I don't mind paying for software really, as long as it is open-source, can by vetted by the community, respects my freedom. GNU/Linux being customizable is also a plus.
