No Recovery For You!

When consumers purchase personal computers, they should be given the means to restore/repair their operating system via an included LIVE CD/DVD, in NOT doing so by the OEM is just plain stupid. Bear in mind that as a Microsoft Windows licensee, meaning YOU, the thing with a Windows license is that you DO NOT OWN the software, you DO NOT OWN the product, that you are paying for and by receiving a license to use that software under the terms given, you must abide by them, whether you like it or not. That doesn’t sound to user friendly does it?

What you typically have included with you computer, is a recovery CD (best case), perhaps a recovery partition that just re-images your partition setting everything back to the way it was originally or nothing at all (worst case), none of these truly do fix anything. Normally the best way to accomplish this feat is to boot from a Linux LiveCD to recover your files. (more…)

Linux deters computer viruses

Linux is an alternative operating system, such as Microsoft Windows or Apple OSX. However, it is far superior as Android, which is built from Linux, is surpassing Apple’s beloved iPhone and all the while, Windows Mobile phone looks on wondering what is happening. The open design of Android and Linux is becoming readily apparent.

Computer experts say that Linux has much of the same applications, it not more then what the other operating systems currently offer. All of the major Linux distributions come by default with a word processor and internet browser of course, but the advantage is it gives you a decreased footprint to catch a virus or have a some nefarious piece of malware hose your computer and work.

There is one characteristic of the Linux operating system that stands out. That is, because Linux is open source software whose source code is published and made available to the public, enabling anyone to copy, modify and redistribute the source code without paying royalties or fees. Open source code evolves through community cooperation. These communities are composed of individual programmers as well as very large companies. No one single entity has control of Linux and it’s kernel base.

Linux is completely free, no gimmicks. All you have to do is download one of the popular systems like Ubuntu or Linux Mint and burn it onto a CD, then install it onto your computer. If you have an old computer laying around, or one that has been rendered inoperable form an infection of some sort. Go ahead and try it!

Everyone is using Linux and you are not, you are missing the boat! http://jet-computing.com/who-uses-linux-everyone-does/

As time moves on, it is imperative that you make some changes. This is especially true in the computer world. Sadly, many people do not welcome change and insist on continuing as they are, even when it is apparent that change is sorely needed. Which is fine with me, I will continue taking in their money.

When someone gives me a computer to repair, very often I will demonstrate Linux to them after I repair what was wrong, which typically is software related as Windows becomes a mess at times. However, even shown the benefits and advantages with a short personal tour, there are still those that will not budge.

Here are five reasons why people do not change, this can be used in any venue.

• Fear - Most people are happy in the situation that they are in. In fact, they often presume that making a change could turn out to be worse than they had been expecting. This is basically fear of the unknown. When not conquered, it keeps people stuck with what they know however painful it may seem to someone on the outside.

• Assumptions - People assume many negative things when they think about making a change. They think that they may not be able use a new operating system, or that it would be way too hard to relearn everything all over again. If you have done your research well, then there is no reason to assume anything negative. Assume the best until and unless you are shown otherwise.

• Time - Many computer owners are willing to accept change – but might think that the time is not yet right for the step. Unfortunately, this is a symptom of procrastination. In its most pervasive form, it results in nothing getting done.

• Trust - As a computer user, you might not be ready to trust anyone who is advising them to change. The point is — if a suggestion is made by someone, consider the source. It they are a credible professional, colleague or family member, you would do well to at least consider their advice.

• History - Anyone not wanting to change might cite examples from the past to prove their point. They might point to previous ideas that have not succeeded, and convince themselves that history will repeat itself if they go ahead with the change.

Refusal to accept change is a computer user’s worst enemy. Change is a part of life — you can either accept it, or watch as people surpass you.

For more about Linux, or for a wider selection of Linux distributions, visit http://distrowatch.com/

Switching Operating Systems

The best desktop operating system to use depends on what its intended use will be and who will be using it. There is no specific operating system which can be called “the best” overall, and since most current operating systems share most common and advanced features there is much debate on the topic.

Every now and then the opportunity to re-evaluate exactly which OS is best for a given user comes along, this can or may come into play on a number of factors: broken/new computer time, easily confused with existing option, unable to avoid malware despite your best efforts. Sometimes this means going from OS X to something else, from Windows to something else or even Linux back to something else. This is simply not black and white situation. Remember, what is annoying and unusable to you, could fit like a glove for someone else. So please remember this before expressing extreme dislike for any platform in front of non-geeks.

A few of the most popular operating system, their pros and cons, and some of their best uses are described below.

OS X advantages

Macs are said to be easier and with the abundance of software and resources available from Apple these days, I’d say there is a lot of truth to this. For the most part I think that we can all agree that using a Mac is “different.” Whether or not this is a good thing, really depends on the individual. In some cases, it’s a natural fit as you can get an all-inclusive iMac, where everything they need comes in one box. Well, perhaps minus the printer. Even if the individual is just looking for something with a bit of a minimalist appeal, maybe the Mac is a good fit.

In the past, a big selling point was the fact that Macs really were unaffected by malware problems affecting Windows. Note, I DID NOT state that there isn’t malware available on the OS X platform because this is nonsense, there is indeed malware (and it’s growing) becoming available to affect users of this platform. But thus far, going so far as to getting security software hasn’t really proven itself to be needed. However, if the user is someone who downloads and installs everything emailed, Googled and so forth without a second thought…then I would say the bundle of switching to Mac with security software, might be a good idea. Yes, say it with me — Macs and Linux both, can be affected by malware. Understand this.

Yes, there are other advantages as well such as the work flow for designers, etc…but I’ll leave this to the commenters as they’d know more about it than I would.

Who’s it best for?

Folks needing to limit the malware threat a couple of notches. Also fantastic for those needing access to plenty of mainstream software from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft (Office) and others.

Windows advantages

Familiarity is a pain. I can count equal people I have had to switch BACK to Windows from both OS X and Linux, because of the fact that nothing worked as they expected. Then there was the fact that they had a couple of hundred worth of software that was near useless on the other two platforms as well. Generally speaking, Windows needs fall into one or two of the following categories.

• Enterprise software compatibility. This means the software at work, needs to work at home too. MS Office, other legacy stuff that just isn’t going to be cutting it with alternative software on other operating systems.
• It’s what they know. I cannot stress just how powerful this can be. Mac, Linux, don’t care. I have seen plenty of instances of “what the heck” on the faces of people trying to switch away from this platform simply because of its familiarity factor.
• PC Gaming. While not something I bother with anymore (I have other hobbies now), gaming is a huge driving force for the Windows platform. Mac and Linux don’t even remotely touch this. Not even close. Windows owns the market here, period.

Who’s it best for?

I’d say anyone with the needs described above. But I’d also bundle this need with the ability to keep software running like Microsoft Essentials, not installing software without a little commonsense and opening up stuff in email like “MyNekedPhoto.exe”. I mean come on, that last point is not even a conversation. If this cannot be avoided, you in my opinion lose the right to choose your OS. Sorry, there, I said it.

Linux advantages

Is Linux really harder? Well, for a Windows user trying to switch a friend or relative…my goodness, yes. If I blasted back to early 2003 and tried to switch people over to Linux with the understanding I had back then, it would have been a mess. But like being the “support guy” for any family or group of friends, it can work and most DEFINITELY has its place. The key is to be the support guy who knows how to use it in the first place. You know, much like Windows or OS X.

Best usage cases are for those with compatible hardware, unwilling or unable to go OS X, while being in position to move away from Windows. The reason to switch to Linux is different for the folks you’d be helping than it would be for you. For those other folks, it’s about avoiding malware (although some still exists, be it limited), making software available in a freely available container without fear of them breaking something, or perhaps it’s to be installed on an old XP box not really best suited for Windows 7.

I’d say 95% of you are in no position to suggest this option though. Remember, you need to understand what you’re doing! I mean, would you start offering health advice like a doctor without your MD? I tend to doubt it and the same applies for tech advice. Become proficient in it or stick to the platforms you understand. It’s really simple. But for those 5% who have been using Linux for at least a year full time, understand that there is a reason why Flash and DVD Codecs are not provided out of the box and that if the sticker on the box says “Made for Windows”, there might be a reason behind that sticker, you could be in a position to suggest and support this option.

Who’s it best for?

Assuming you meet the criteria above, I have found Linux is a brain-dead fit for small businesses needing a kiosk computer, completely locked down so folks can use software/surf/work on office docs, without installing tons of malware. Another good situation is like I suggested above, with the user who has a compatible machine, but is not wanting/needing to go OS X. As with any OS, a good idea is to sit them down and show them the basics. From there, let them surprise you. And by the way, I’ve done this in retirement communities. Limited computer experience and they took to it in less than 20 minutes. Apparently supported by outside help, it’s viable enough for people/places on a budget.

Dispelling myths across the board

Windows is a virus magnet – False. Malware creators are simply looking for maximum impact with as many users as possible. The market dictates Windows. OS X has recently begun showing signs of malware infestation and as Linux adoption grows, the same applies here. The fact is that if the end user either opts to run as a limited user or simply uses some sense when running their computer, malware can largely be avoided.

Macs are for “creative types” only, no good software titles available – False. Truth be told, since the move to the Intel CPU, Apple computers have countless software titles available. And due to the success of their mobile devices, the concept of the software store is coming to Mac to further illustrate this point. The buttons on the keyboard may be different and installation and uninstallation of software is different, but quantity of great software is definitely not lacking at all.

Linux has terrible hardware support – Mostly false. To give the best example possible, let me say that brand is everything with peripherals. Here is a partial list of what I have that works out of the box with zero configuration from me. Two brand new Logitech HD webcams, one HP all-in-one printer, a Wii guitar, USB headphones with noise canceling, USB speakers for secondary audio, USB DVD burner, three new external hard drives, one video Firewire capture card (in PC), five USB 802.11g dongles, two reasonably new digital cameras, one no-name Bluetooth dongle. I am likely forgetting some stuff, but you get the idea.

Now the Linux networking stack is very strong. Sadly though, dongle manufacturers are caught up with something called “revision numbers.” This means one model may have one chipset, while another has something completely different. No biggie for Windows users…they have the driver CD. Mac, has it’s own Broadcom wireless built in to most of their machines. And due to the diverse nature of the Linux universe, a solid working list of wifi devices is a joke. Dated, flat wrong or otherwise broken best describes it. This said, distributions like Ubuntu have limited this problem by providing two options: TONS of support for natively supported chipsets and a Windows driver tool that detects the device, installing the Windows driver using a special tool with about three mouse clicks.

Which software is best?

These days, Windows and Mac tend to provide the best looking stuff. Selection is becoming transparent across the board, but Linux lacks proprietary titles. For most things, I think OS X has a great model of how software should look. But many open source apps I use on OS X or Windows run like snot, while running very well on Linux.

“If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.”

–Bill Gates, Microsoft

The takeaway for each of you is this. When finding a new OS for someone, it’s not what YOU prefer. Stop that right there, open your eyes and accept that despite your feelings about the alternatives out there, thousands are making use of these options each day. Might as well give others a chance to experience these alternatives themselves.

I believe that advising someone to use a specific OS should be based on their needs. The frustration with trying to get people to look at alternatives is their flat resfusal. I have friends that simply refuse to try a linux live cd (even after explaining to them that it makes no changes to hdd or current setup). My response to them, “then stop complaining about Windows”.

Revive an old computer with Puppy Linux

There’s no doubt Canonical’s popular Ubuntu Linux distribution gets the majority of attention in the Linux world these days, but there are myriad others equally worthy of consideration.

I looked at Linux Mint long ago, as well as a few key Ubuntu derivatives, but today I’d like to focus on Puppy Linux, a new version of which was just recently released.

Puppy Linux began life as a really cool small-sized Linux distribution designed primarily for lower specification hardware while still providing most of the amenities that make Linux fun and usable. It included lots of original utilities and tools for completing tasks and configurations without a lot of resource overhead. Best of all, it was blazing fast. Well, the little puppy has grown up some and branched out, but is still that same light-weight wonder in spirit.

The latest release, 5.2, codenamed Lucid Puppy, is a result of branching out of the project in new directions. In late 2008 Puppy developers designed a new build system, Woof, that can take binaries of other popular distributions and incorporate them into new Puppy builds. One of the most commonly used, and probably most popular, is Ubuntu. Underneath, the foundation is still the independent Puppy we know and love, but many components come from Ubuntu such as shared libraries and some applications. As a result, Puppy Linux 5.2 is compatible with many other Ubuntu packages. Whether this has increased Puppy’s popularity could be debated, but according to Distrowatch.com‘s Page Hit Ranking, Puppy has been moving up the chart each year with the biggest jumps seen since Woof has been used to make Ubuntu compatible versions.

Small and fast

Puppy Linux’s primary distinguishing feature is that it’s tiny, taking up roughly 100MB of space. Also remarkable about it is that it loads into RAM, making it extraordinarily fast. Boot time is 30 to 40 seconds on most systems.

Similar in some ways to Damn Small Linux (DSL), Puppy is ideally suited both for older hardware and for usage situations where minimal resources are available. Whereas most LiveCD versions of Linux must go back and forth to the CD, Puppy’s RAM-loadable size means that applications are lightning fast to start and to respond to user input.

The full-featured but free Linux distribution can boot off LiveCD or DVDs, floppy disks, internal hard drive, zip disk, LS/120/240 Superdisk, flash drives or any USB memory device. In fact, it can even use a multisession formatted CD-RW/DVD-RW to save everything back to the CD/DVD with no hard drive required at all.

Booting from DVD or CD, Puppy can save all work back to the same medium. Booting from USB drive or other flash media, Puppy will minimise writes to extend its life.

In short, if you have a PC with a broken hard disk or that will no longer work with newer technology, Puppy Linux on a CD or USB is a way to keep that PC productive. Not insignificantly, it’s also a perfect example of a Linux distribution that can be used to rescue a Windows PC infected with malware.

Compatible with Ubuntu 10.04

Like both Ubuntu and Linux Mint, Puppy is extremely easy to use, it automatically detects most hardware, for example. Included with it is also a wide range of applications for productivity and other purposes.

Lucid Puppy 5.2 adds to the popular Lucid Puppy 5.1.1 distribution with a raft of upgrades and improvements to all of the main programs as well as many of the other programs in the menu and system. Based on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS “Lucid Lynx” binary packages, the latest Puppy is also compatible with Ubuntu 10.04 repositories.

Included in the latest release are QuickSet for point-and-click desktop configuration, QuickPet for updates, diagnostics and package installs and several alternative window managers available through the package manager, including Xfce and Fluxbox. The software features version 2.6.33.2 of the Linux kernel. Language packs are available for 11 different languages.

No commitment

A fuller list of the version’s features is available on the Puppy Linux site, where it’s also available for download as a 127MB .iso image file. Meanwhile, you can find a testing video of the release below on YouTube.

Perhaps the best part of all, of course, is that as with most Linux distributions there’s no commitment involved in trying it out. Particularly if you have old hardware lying around, it will be worth your while to take Puppy Linux for a tour.

Specifications

• Compatible with Ubuntu packages
• QuickSet for point-and-click desktop configuration
• Quickpet for updates, diagnostics, and package installs
• Alternative window manager
• Language packs for 11 different languages

So if you have an old computer setting at home not being used, or know of someone tossing one out that is still usable, then try out Puppy Linux on it. You will be amazed on how fast it works. There is no good reason to toss out a 5-year old computer, just because it is slow from using Windows.

Emergency Booting Windows PCs: Another Use for Linux Live CDs

Can there be still more to add to the list of useful functions a live Linux CD (booting without modifying your existing windows) offers? Linux as a boot OS is fairly common today. For instance, DELL often ships its servers with Windows driver disks that actually use a micro-Linux boot.

Live CDs are one of the best innovations of the Linux world. To be able to load a complete desktop on any computer by booting it from a CD or USB stick is a great way of using your favourite distro away from home, demonstrating Linux to yet-to-be-converted friends, checking hardware compatibility or fixing a broken Windows system.

A live CD or live DVD (also called Live Disc) is a CD or DVD containing a bootable computer operating system. Live CDs are unique in that they have the ability to run a complete, modern operating system on a computer lacking mutable secondary storage, such as a hard disk drive. Live USB flash drives are similar to live CDs, but often have the added functionality of automatically and transparently writing changes back to their bootable medium.

The term “live” derives from the fact that these CDs each contain a complete, functioning and operational operating system on the distribution medium.

While a live CD typically does not alter the operating system or files already installed on a computer’s hard drive, many live CDs include mechanisms and utilities for altering the host computer’s hard drive, including permanent installation. This is important for the system management aspect of live CDs, such as removing viruses, drive imaging, and system recovery.

The default option, however, is to allow the user to return the computer to its previous state when the live CD is ejected and the computer is rebooted. It is able to run without permanent installation by placing the files that typically would be stored on a hard drive into RAM, typically in a RAM disk. However, this does cut down on the RAM available to applications, reducing performance somewhat. As of 2007, certain live CDs run a graphical user interface in as little as 32MB RAM.

While some live CDs are designed to “demo” or “test drive” a particular operating system (usually Linux or another free or open source operating system), there are live CDs made for many different uses.

Although some live CDs can load into memory in order to free the optical drive for other uses, loading the data off a CD-ROM is still slower than a typical hard drive boot, so this is rarely the default with large live CD images, but for smaller live CD images loading the filesystem directly into RAM can be highly practical. Loading the filesystem image into RAM can provide a significant performance boost as RAM is several orders of magnitude faster than a hard drive. Also, since RAM has no moving parts, a system running from a live CD loaded into RAM can run with improved power efficiency. Experienced users of the operating system may also use a live CD to determine whether and to what extent a particular operating system or version is compatible with a particular hardware configuration and certain peripherals, or as a way to know beforehand which computer or peripheral will work before buying. Users may also use a live CD to troubleshoot hardware, especially when a hard drive fails, and more generally as a recovery disc in case of problems. Some live CDs can save user-created files in a Windows partition, a USB drive, a network drive, or other accessible media.

A few additional uses include:

• installing a Linux distribution to a hard drive
• testing new versions of software
• testing hardware
• system repair and restoration
• high security/non-invasive environment for a guest
• cracking/stealing passwords
• network security testing
• being the primary or backup operating system for any computer
• quick and simple clustering of computers
• computer forensics
• playing video games
• providing a secure server platform where crucial files cannot be permanently altered
• providing a secure, reliable platform for the performance of high-vulnerability tasks such as internet banking;
• Internet kiosks, which can be brought back to their original state by a reboot

I always advise my friends and customers to keep a copy of the Linux Live CD. The reason is that in the event that your Windows crashes (Well, they often do), you can boot up the Linux Live CD and rescue all your data.

Most Linux distribution comes with a Live CD. The purpose is to allow the user to test drive the OS before installing on the PC. This bootable Live CD contains the entire Linux Operating System and it doesn’t require any installation. Thus, if your Windows has died, crashes, or refuse to boot up, there is no need to moan over the loss of data and blame yourself for not backing up. You just need to pop in the Live CD and you’ve got a simple, user-friendly Linux OS that you can use to access your data and even surf the Internet.

Getting a Linux Live CD is free. You can download the Ubuntu Live CD ISO file from http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download. Once you have finished downloading, you can burn it into a CD (with a ISO burner) and there you have a bootable Live CD.

In the event that your Windows malfunction:

• Boot up your PC using the Ubuntu Live CD. On the boot up screen (see the screenshot below), select Start or install Ubuntu. Don’t worry; this will not install anything on your PC.
• After booting into the Ubuntu, plug in a USB drive. It will be auto detected, appearing as an icon to your desktop.
• Double click on the icon. An explorer window will open up.
• On the menu bar at the top of the desktop. Click on ‘Places‘ and you can see a list of other drives in the PC. Select the drive that contains the Windows OS. Another explorer window will show up.
• Navigate to the folder that contains the data you want to rescue. Copy and paste the files (or drag and drop) to the USB disk explorer window.
• To shut down the Ubuntu OS, click on the power button on the top right of the desktop. A window will appear and ask you if you want to Suspend, Hibernate, Restart or Shut Down. Click on Shut Down.
• Done.

20 reasons you should switch to Linux

Summary: Why it’s time for you to ditch Windows.

1. Linux is free

No matter how many computers you install it on, the cost of Linux remains the same: zero.

In these days of multi-computer households, this can be a massive saving, especially when you consider the cost of all the programs you have to add to a standard Windows installation.

2. Software repositories

Having all the software you need in one place saves you having to trawl the web to find the program you’re missing. It also means the software has been independently checked and digitally signed by the distro’s developers, making it almost impossible to pick up a root-kitted version.

The same developers also keep track of updates and add them to the repository, providing you with automatic updates without every program needing a ‘phone home’ feature.

3. Live CDs

Live CDs are one of the best innovations of the Linux world. To be able to load a complete desktop on any computer by booting it from a CD or USB stick is a great way of using your favourite distro away from home, demonstrating Linux to yet-to-be-converted friends, checking hardware compatibility or fixing a broken Windows system.

4. Rapid evolution

Windows Vista took five years to appear, and was seen by many critics and users alike as a big step backwards, if not a complete flop. Since Windows 7 would take another three years to come along, that was virtually an eight-year wait for an operating system upgrade!

In contrast, most Linux distributions have an updated release every six to nine months (with the obvious exception of Debian). If you don’t like the upside-down menus or whatever features Ubuntu decides to add to its current release, you can skip it – the next version will be only months away.

5. Linux is free

Didn’t we already mention this? Yes, but this is a different free: it’s the freedom to do whatever you want with the software. This isn’t restricted to copying, but also hacking.

Even if you don’t have the skills to do so, you can take advantage of the efforts of others. In fact, you probably already do so, as most distros use a modified version of the standard Linux kernel.

6. Powerful shell

While some criticise Linux for its use of the shell, this really is a powerful advantage. Easy GUIs are good, and we need to be able to carry out standard administration and configuration tasks using a GUI, but sometimes a shell can be so much faster and more flexible, unlike a DOS box.

7. Multiple desktops

Have you ever watched a Windows user trying to juggle several programs and windows on screen at once, assuming they have enough resources to run several programs? Multiple desktops makes it easy to have many programs and windows open all at once, but only have to deal with the ones you are using right now.

For example, you could have your email and internet on one desktop, a game on another, and the work you’re supposed to be doing on another. A flick of the mouse is all that’s required to switch between them.

8. Independent distributions

Distributors are responsible for selecting and packaging software. Even if the distributor employs some of the programmers of a particular program, it isn’t obliged to use that program irrespective of any shortcomings, unlike the situation with a certain large, monolithic software company. Software evolves because the distros only include what they feel is the best or most appropriate.

9. Drivers included

Some claim that Windows 7 supports more hardware than Linux. In fact, the reverse is true. Windows 7 supports very little hardware – most hardware requires you to install drivers from the manufacturer.

On the other hand, the majority of hardware is supported directly by the Linux kernel, so you can just plug and play – this is one of the reasons live CDs work so well.

10. Runs on any platform

Linux runs on just about any hardware you can name, from mobile phones to supercomputers. The open source nature of the kernel and software means it can be ported to another architecture by a third party if the existing developers see no need. The end user doesn’t need to care about the underlying hardware.

11. No commercial deadlines

The release of a commercial operating system requires much planning in terms of coordinating marketing and promotion, so release dates are adhered to, even if the software isn’t ready.

Linux distros have no such pressures, and tend to adopt a ‘release it when ready’ approach, which means there are fewer post-installation bugs to deal with.

12. Interoperability

Linux plays well with other systems. It recognises that there’s a place for Windows and Mac OS X and will install alongside them, share files with them, and generally be nice to them. This is very different from the Windows view that multibooting means choosing between Windows 7 and Vista.

13. Community support

The community support of Linux is unparalleled, mainly because there is no clear demarcation between developers and the rest of the community. Web forums and mailing lists are frequented by the software developers themselves, giving prompt and authoritative help, as well as the opportunity for users to give direct feedback and discuss suggestions with the developers.

14. Any colour you like, except brown

Everything on Linux has an alternative, from the desktop you use to the package manager and even the filesystem holding it all. You can pick what’s best for your needs, whether you want impressive eye candy or fast and light for older hardware.

15. Pick and mix

With Linux, there is no commercial vendor trying to lock you into certain products or protocols. Instead, you’re free to mix and match and choose what works best for your business. If you want to run KDE programs on a Gnome desktop or even the other way round, you can. If you want to cherry pick the best bits from each distro, you can. There are even DIY distros, such as Gentoo, that enable you to build a custom environment.

16. Security

Linux is inherently more secure than Windows, because security is a feature of the core system, not a boltedon afterthought. With a firewall at the heart of the kernel and the virtual impossibility of slipping malware into the software repositories, a Linux computer can devote all its resources to running your programs, rather than being bogged down with security programs running all the time.

17. Lack of malware

Malware is virtually unheard of on Linux. This is mainly down to the open source nature of the software. If you install from your distro’s repositories, you know the software has been checked by them.

18. Thousands of programs included

A Linux distro is not just an operating system; it comes with thousands of free applications. While other systems consider a desktop, web browser and mailer to be all you need, a typical Linux distro includes everything you could possibly want: internet tools, office software, multimedia and games. If it’s not on the installation disc, there are thousands more available for download.

19. No reinstallations

When problems occur in Linux, they can be fixed directly. You don’t even need to reinstall when you want to update to the latest version of your distro.

20. Pick a distro

And if you don’t like it, pick another, and another. Most distros keep user data on a separate partition, so you can flit between distros like a hyperactive butterfly, and still keep all your settings, emails and so on intact.