Introduction Someone posting on the Ubuntu Forums asked if there was an article around that honestly compared Windows with Linux in a way that’s not anti-Microsoft. Honestly, I couldn’t find one. And, as someone who has no loyalty to any operating system (truly… in our household, we have one computer that dual-boots Windows XP and… Continue reading A Linux/Windows Comparison
Category: Linux
Linux is ready for the desktop—but whose desktop?
Whether or not Linux is “ready for the desktop” or “ready for primetime” often shows up in technology news these days. It’s also a frequent topic on Linux forums and message boards, regardless of distribution. I often find these debates pointless because there’s an assumption inherent in these debates that there is a real-world-applicable concept… Continue reading Linux is ready for the desktop—but whose desktop?
Mac Zealots, Linux Zealots, and Windows Zealots
Mac Zealots For a while, I read with interest a site called X vs. XP. After a while, though, I got sick of all the zealotry, particularly on the part of Mac users. Now I understand that people like their OSes—that’s generally why they use them. What bothers me most is that some Mac fanatics… Continue reading Mac Zealots, Linux Zealots, and Windows Zealots
The Linux Guide for Windows Users
Why Linux? Some people come to Linux because they’re sick of spyware and adware, and they want something more secure. Some people just want to try something different. Some people love the idea of “free” software (free as in cost-free and/or free as in freedom). Some people have old computers that can’t run any version… Continue reading The Linux Guide for Windows Users
Linux for Others
As you could probably tell from the recent turn my essays have taken—from feminism and antiracism to Christianity to education to computers—I’ve become a big Linux advocate, mainly because I’ve noticed how Microsoft Windows has ruined the computer-using experience of so many people I know. Ironically, my own installation of Windows XP actually serves me… Continue reading Linux for Others
Linux Review: A Comparison of Ubuntu, Mandriva, and Mepis
Disclaimer: I have used these three distributions only on my particular desktop computer for my particular needs. My assessment of each one is biased because of what hardware was recognized and the types of things I was trying to achieve. Your experience may be very different from what I describe below. Right now, the top… Continue reading Linux Review: A Comparison of Ubuntu, Mandriva, and Mepis
A Windows User’s Guide to Linux
Three disclaimers: 1. I’ve tried various Linux distributions but only on my system, using my hardware. Mepis may not work well for you. If so, find something else. 2. This is written with an intermediate Windows user/novice Linux user in mind. Others may benefit, but this is the target audience. 3. I’ve spread out the… Continue reading A Windows User’s Guide to Linux
Linux LiveCDs are Great!
This is a sequel to my first account of my adventures with Linux: Linux v. Windows. Many of my original conclusions remain. I still find much of Linux more troublesome than it’s worth, even to intermediate computer users like me. The quality and/or functionality of various distributions is iffy—they could work extremely well… they could… Continue reading Linux LiveCDs are Great!
Linux v. Windows XP
Disclaimer: I wrote this essay almost an entire year ago, and a lot has changed since then, including my verdict. Linux has gotten a lot better over the past year, and I now use it as my primary OS. Please read my other, more recent Linux essays for the true state of the Linux desktop… Continue reading Linux v. Windows XP