Linux - a geek thread
So I installed Linux on my computer last week. It was a slow day at the office; I had been wanting to do it for years, so I just jumped right in and did it.
The initial install took less time than an XP install, but it wasn’t all easy, and I had to get help from a friend to get the resolution right on my screen. Even with all the experience he has, it still took the better part of three hours. Wireless was another challenge. And I’m still trying to figure out how this OS works. I keep having to remind myself that while Linux looks similar to Windows, it’s a completely different OS with different, but equally legitimate, ways of doing things.
But I love it. It’s a nice, crisp system. It just feels good. There are far fewer security issues than in Windows - no need for an antivirus program, for instance. And my computer seems to run better in Linux - now that the screen resolution problem is fixed, for instance, everything just looks better than in Windows. Plus, Linux is free and it’s not Microsoft.
But I keep wondering “why?” Why do I have this OS on my computer? Yes, I’ve always wanted it. Yes it’s fun and appeals to the geek in me (and memory is cheap). Really, the whole computer runs so well that I’m considering migrating my parents’ horribly slow computer (it’s a lemon; there’s a chance it’ll work better in Linux for them, too). But I can’t use Linux all of the time. This computer is mine, but I use it as my work computer, too, and the programs I have on it for the office are (grumble grumble) for Windows only; they’re expensive, platform-specific proprietary programs that rely on things like Internet Explorer, which I’ve long loathed.
So while I’m having a blast, I keep wondering about the long-term value. I’m sure there’s a way to get those programs working in Linux, but I’m not sure I’d want to risk it. Maybe I’ll just keep it as dual boot and stay on task more at the office. I don’t know.
I guess there’s no hurry in figuring it out.
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If you want to run windows application while in linux look into Wine [WINEmulator] (http://www.winehq.org/). you may be able to run a lot of those proprietary apps without booting to windoze.
I know I could try it. I’m just not sure I should when the almighty $ is at stake.
Of course I’m not sure what it’s all worth, taking that approach. Really, then, it’s just dilletantism. Which probably isn’t even a word.