Is Linux Right for You?

Linux isn't for everyone, just yet. Is Linux right for you?

Linux is an easy choice for scientists, engineers and students. The breadth of commercial and free software packages written by and for them is nothing short of astounding. They and their colleagues have used Linux or its Unix precursors for many years. Linux is now entering the mainstream and rapidly becoming easier for everyone else to use. If it's not right for you this month, it might well be right for you next month.

Ease of Use

Linux has proven itself, again and again, in the demanding role of the enterprise server depended upon for network services by hundreds or thousands of people. Its shorter tenure on the office desktop (and laptop) means that some of the "ease of use" features that desktop users have been taught to expect are still under development.

What does this mean for you? Mainly, it means that customizing some parts of your setup will involve locating and making sense of written instructions, and editing text files. Each month sees more of the system controllable by "point-and-click" methods, but the text editor will always be needed. Still, millions of people manage their Linux computers with little difficulty.

Linux already excels at the subtler, more important aspects of ease of use. "Registry corruption" is unknown. You can install and remove software packages without fear. Bugs in one program do not damage others. Almost any problem can be solved without rebooting. You can customize system administration with simple scripts -- or have it done for you, remotely.

Compatibility with Other Systems

Because Linux is new to the office desktop, some familiar software packages have not yet been converted or duplicated. While more are converted every day, what matters is not the total number available, but which packages you need. In most categories, equivalents to software packages on other systems are already available, and in many cases the Linux "equivalent" is noticeably better.

Buying a Linux Laptops computer does not mean that you cannot run software meant for other systems. You can install other operating systems alongside Linux on your Linux Laptops computer, and choose which system to start up at any time. Furthermore, emulators enable much of MSDOS, Macintosh, and even Palm Pilot software to run on your Linux Laptops computer without even restarting. Because your computer can run any operating system, there is really no risk in buying a Linux Laptops computer.

Some programs on other systems store their data in proprietary ("secret") formats which Free Software cannot always read reliably. You may need to read documents published by your associates who use these programs. Because most of these programs can also save data in standard, public formats or in older, already decoded formats, if your colleagues agree to publish those documents in a standard format then your need to read their documents need not stop you from switching to Linux full-time.

The Wave of the Future

Linux is clearly the software of the future. Use it now, and you can reap its benefits immediately. If you are like us you will find its great power, flexibility, and openness intoxicating.

Next: Why Buy from Linux Laptops?