Determining if Linux is right for you.

Along with narrowing down the choice of distributions, it is also important to determine early on if Linux is a good choice for you. Like anything, Linux has both its pros and cons, which I'll cover soon.

The first thing to consider is how you use your computer and what for. If you are an average user who just needs to browse the web,check e-mail, and do various other basic computer tasks, Linux is just as capable in these areas as Windows or Mac computers. If you have an interest in setting up a stable, reliable server for little or no cost, Linux is a good choice. On the other hand, if your computer use is dependent on specific programs for which there is no suitable Linux based alternative,or you are a gamer who likes the mainstream games, Linux may not be right. It is possible to run a computer with multiple operating systems, and have both Windows and Linux available on one computer, but that is another topic for another day.

Here are the pros and cons of Linux:

Pros:

1. Linux generally runs with less overhead and consumes less system resources. This makes it possible to use older computers and keep them in service longer while still having good performance.

2. Linux is much less susceptible to the kinds of viruses and malware that can infect Windows machines. A virus written specifically for Windows will not affect Linux at all. While it is available, anti-virus software is generally not needed with Linux.

3. Linux is generally more secure if confugured properly, as it is based on a different kind of security model than Windows.

Cons:

1. Linux does not run Windows programs natively. There are ways to run Windows programs via emulation, but this does not always work as well. If you need to run Windows programs at speed, it might be best to stick with Windows.

2. Linux does not support many of the main PC titles that Windows does, unless a Linux version of the game has been created. Here it is also possible to run games via emulation, but unless your computer has enough resources, game performance often takes a hit, and it doesn't always work well. Linux has many of its own games available, but if you favor the more poular titles, keeping Windows is your best bet.

3. Linux has a learning curve. Everything does. Linux is different from Windows, and therefore cannot logically be just like it as well. If you can run your Windows computer, you can learn to run a Linux computer just as you could learn a Mac, but they are all different and you will have to learn to do some things differently. However, if Linux does suit your needs, I feel the time invested in learning it will pay off.


In switching operating systems, regardless of what they are, it is important to do your research. Otherwise, it can turn what should be a good experience with an operating system that satisfies you into a frustrating experience with one that doesn't.