QOTD: Have You Replaced Windows with Linux?
Like many here that read Tom's Hardware, we've all been using Windows for a long, long time. Myself, I have been using Windows since version 2.
Windows has gone through incredible changes since the early days. It's now capable of so much more than it could have done a decade ago. Remember Windows 95? That was one of the biggest operating system launches in history. I remember flying into Toronto and seeing a huge, long banner draped from the top of the CN Tower down to the street advertising Windows 95. Those were the days.
Times changes a lot of things, and it definitely changes the computing landscape. These days, there are so many good choices to use--particularly in the Linux space. One of the most popular distros is Ubuntu, and many are using that in a dual boot configuration accompanied by a Windows side-install. Despite some of its shortcomings, Windows has a nearly untouchable advantage with its hardware and application support--yes, this includes games.
There are many users out there however, who feel that they belong on a Linux installation. Whether it's for the sheer aspect of "power-using" a PC with a Linux-OS' comparability or just to try something new, Linux operating systems are definitely gaining ground. Many MIDs and netbooks are shipping with Linux operating systems.
The question of the day is: Have you replaced Windows with a Linux distro?
I mean, completely. Are you one of those who are running on pure Linux? Do you miss your Windows days? What made you switch?
With Windows 7 on the horizon, would you consider switching back?
Why limit myself?
Now I am a happy linux user, I know exactly how the system work, and it work exactly according to what I want. System take much better advantage of the system recourses. Everything I need to do with computer, can be done under linux, and in fact even done better than under windows. Now I simply can't stand the "bloatness" of windows!
Further, linux is generally much more secure, and never need to worry about virus. And it's under active development everyday. You will never stop being surprised by linux!
By the way, I started linux with Ubuntu, than Debian, than finally rest on Arch.
Why limit myself?
I have been running Windows 7 in a VM. It seemed good enough to use, but was not better than Ubuntu. It would be fine for my wife's computer, though.
I started using Linux just in March of 2008.
The one linux install I acquired was on 5 1/4 disks which vanished many years ago.
A couple of days ago I installed the new Ubuntu distro and it's running fine. My HD light hardly ever lights up after the program is loaded. Battery time has increased. I completely wiped the drive and allowed Ubuntu to have it all. It is fun (I am a geek) learning some new stuff. The 9.04 version fixed a couple things that held me back, after trying the live CD for about ten minutes I committed.
I still have XP on my big Q9650/GTX 285 gaming rig but use it for games, nothing like Far Cry 2 or Fallout 3 at 1920 x 1200. Must use a mouse and keyboard too, no kiddie consols for me.
Yep. Pretty much.