GNU/Linux Vs Windows: Myths and Realities (Page 1 of 1)
Written by
Dr. Saleem Khan
Posted on: Oct 05, 2007 at 04:45pm
Section:
Software
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After reading the feedback from our
readers here and at various websites around the world in regards to my recently published
article "How to Quit Windows &
cope with Windows Withdrawal Syndrome", I have identified a few more fears which
home users have when they quit Windows and switch to Linux.
I believe that Microsoft has gained a strong hold in our minds based upon many myths
and fears which I already discussed in my above mentioned article. These myths are fears
will haunt us for ages until we openly accept and adopt the freedom of Open Source, even
with some of its apparent shortcomings.
Following are a few myths and facts which play a role in whether a home user shifts
from Windows to GNU/Linux.
Availability of Linux CDs/DVDs
Availability counts here in Pakistan, if not abroad, where people have DSL and cable
internet at home. People find it really difficult to get Linux CDs from the market here
and they can't download it due to bandwidth issues. They prefer to purchase pirated MS
Windows CDs for less than a dollar, rather than looking for every newly released version
of the different Linux distributions. Purchasing customized Linux CDs is also a costly
option as, compared to abroad, the cost of broadband is too high here in Pakistan.
I am positive that this issue is also prevalent in other developing countries as well,
thus the best alternate to get Linux CDs, rather than to surrender to pirated copies of MS
Windows, is to consult ShipIt from Ubuntu and Free Linux Disks - Linux CDs and DVDs. They send
Linux CDs free of cost to your door step.
Familiarity
People take Linux as an alien operating system, compared to Windows. Average home users
seek an operating system which is the same at both their workplace and their home. They
find Linux incompatible with Windows programs and perceive it as a handicap.
This is a valid point due to the prolonged dependence on Windows, in the face of the
non-availability of a working alternative.
I feel we need to concentrate more in telling them that Linux will do both their office
work and accomplish their home computing requirements in far better way than Windows. When
people use Linux, familiarity will not be an issue any more.
KDE is a best alternate gui for Windows home users who have switched over to Linux and
feel nostalgic for Windows based programs.
Linux is hard to learn and handle
Most of the Windows users believe that it's just not that easy to quit Windows and
switch over to GNU/Linux. They don't like change, spending time reading about how to
install and operate a new operating system; they just want it to work for them out of the
box. They perceive Linux as too hard to configure and learn.
These perceptions have their roots in the Windows .exe, and "click, run and
install" type programs, though recent major Linux distributions have gone a long way
towards eliminating this problem.
Linux does not require a ridiculous amount of time to be installed nowadays. GUI
installers and system management tools on all the latest Linux distributions are very
good, making it easier to install Linux, as compared to Windows.
If we spend a little time learning few basic things about Linux we will live a more
peaceful home computing life, rather than fighting with swarms of security threats for
Windows, installing Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Trojan programs, updating them, and
then downloading the countless numbers of new security patches each day.
Linux Games
One of the major concerns that home users have is about games on GNU/Linux which they
could play on windows.
GNU/Linux distributions like SuperGamer and the
linuX-gamers Live DVD have solved this issue by
providing some of the latest 3D, Arcade and other type games. Other major Linux
distributions e.g. Sabayon Linux offer a huge
collection of games for home users.
Security
People believe that viruses and spyware are also an issue with GNU/Linux operating
systems. But the fact is that Linux is far more secure and resistant to viruses, worms and
other types of malicious attacks than Microsoft Windows.
The following precautions will add to the security measures needed to be taken by
GNU/Linux home users.
- Currently, nearly all Linux distributions are equipped with a firewall package and if
the Linux distribution in use lacks one, using the included package manager, one can
install the open source FireStarter firewall .
Only turn on the services you need and secure your Internet ports by activating a
firewall.
- It is mandatory that you keep up with the security patches. Make sure to click on the
update icon whenever it notifies you of a new security or software patch. (it's quick and
painless, so do it)
- Have a password management tool activated and a boot password required for the computer.
Only login as root when needed for system management.
- Antivirus and antispyware applications on Linux are available both in open source
projects such as Clam Antivirus and several
third-party tools such a F-Prot, AVG Internet Security, Avast
Antivirus and Vira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic
offer additional security to a home computer running any GNU/Linux distribution. (these
aren’t currently needed, but it doesn’t hurt to have them)
I am still very optimistic that GNU/Linux has much more to offer under the umbrella of
Open Source. All we need is to adopt Linux and preach Linux in order to fight the
indoctrination of the MS religion, as one reader stated in his response, and let Linux
prevail for our coming generations.
EDIT (10/08/2007): Made change to the link for "Free Linux Disks", changing it to the link for "The Tux Project" since the existing link is now invalid.
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