Why Ubuntu?

: Less Trouble, Less Money

If you are considering using Linux's Ubuntu operating system and are currently using a Windows operating system, here are some things that you may want to consider in evaluating why you should consider Ubuntu.

1. Security. Unlike Windows, I don't have to always be keeping my eye on Windows threats; I don't want to worry about being attacked while shopping online; and I don't want to be have to be always cautious to avoid clicking on a "bad" link in a malicious e-mail letter. With Ubuntu, I can be safe and use the extra time away from the Windows security issues to spend with my wife and children.

2. Cost. I can run Ubuntu on an older computer when Windows just runs slow. Why? Mainly because Ubuntu uses about 1/3 of the resources (maybe less if I actually measured it thoroughly) than Windows does. Why continue to spend hundreds of dollars in software and software upgrades (and hardware upgrades, if only because my new Windows upgrade runs slower than my last one on my same machine) while the cost with Ubuntu is and always be zero? In fact, with my free Ubuntu installation CD, I was able to try Ubuntu without ever installing anything on my computer.

3. Installation, upgrades and updates. An Ubuntu installation is easy and quick. About 1/10 the time of any Windows installation I have ever done. During the entire installation I counted two restarts with Ubuntu. I lost track with my Windows installation. Upgrades and updates are also just as quick and easy. In fact, Ubuntu upgrades can be done without having to get another installation CD, just by using my Internet connection.

4. Hardware compatibility. Ubuntu supports just about everything out there. Windows, not so much. For example, there was a recent issues with Windows 7 not supporting many HP printers. This is at a time when HP has 54% of the U.S. printer market.

5. Software applications. Certain software will only run on Windows. If I absolutely need this software, I simply run my virtual Windows session. How often is this? Not very, but it's nice to know I have the option.

I remember the days when you could purchase a new computer that came with software bundles of the full-version (not trial versions, then after 30-days you pay) of many helpful software applications. Those days are sadly over with Windows. but with Ubuntu, this is not the case.

Ubuntu comes with a free office suite, OpenOffice (which by the way, is compatible with most Windows office files I already had such as "doc", "xls", and "ppt" files. Ubuntu comes with Evolution as an optional email client. Ubuntu has its own online back-up service, Ubuntu One, with 2GB of storage. Other names include F-Spot Photo Manager (a photo editing suite), Empathy Instant Messenger (compatible with many well known IM programs), accessibly tools for various physical circumstances, and a Help Center for any questions you may have.

If I need a program that doesn't come with Ubuntu, I just visit the Ubuntu Software Center. This one stop applications store hosts thousands of software applications. It's all free.