At the time when GNU/Linux was in its infancy and slowly growing, Microsoft intelligently and silently crept into our home computers. They launched consecutive series of successful Windows Operating Systems, sidelining other operating systems available at that time, and took over all market share.

This got us hooked on use Windows Operating Systems persistently despite the fact that most of the time Windows failed us in many ways, such as repeated crashes, security flaws, viruses, spyware, trojans and hacker attacks. But we happily continued paying Microsoft for Windows as we had no other working alternative at hand.

Every now and then I see friends, colleagues and neighbors who are planning to quit or have already quit using Windows and they are having problems, mostly because they were so hooked upon Windows that they can’t cope with the stress of leaving it.

I was really worried when I saw my 6 year old daughter getting panicky when she saw that Windows XP was gone from our computer and some “new” operating system was running. She said, “Oh no papa ! What’s that? How am I going to play my games and use my painting software now?”

My wife was really worried when she saw that our computer had no Internet Explorer (IE) on it and she said, “how am I going to browse my favorite music websites now? “

So Windows Addiction is an unperceived phenomenon which has gotten a hold of us, and we get upset when we don’t do Windows anymore.

But what is the Windows Addiction? I think there is no proper working definition for it as yet but I feel it is an obsessive compulsive use of the Windows Operating System despite the fact the we don’t want to use it anymore and we feel miserable using it but we can’t stop using it due to various fears, false beliefs and myths.

Now what is so bad about Microsoft Windows and if one is hooked on using them in an obsessively compulsive manor?

I have two major arguments here.

1. Why should we support and promote Microsoft and pay them thousands of dollars each year by purchasing their buggy operating systems, when we can support Open Source Operating Systems like Linux & BSD where smaller, devoted groups of highly skilled people are creating a better alternative to Windows offered free to everybody?

Donating money to Open Source projects and purchasing Linux CDs at nominal prices from different organizations looks more like freedom to me than being held captive to a single money making corporation.

2. Why should we put ourselves at major risk of security threats that make our lives miserable when far more safe and secure alternatives are available that carry the spirit of Open Source freedom?

It is a documented fact that Windows can destroy computer hardware due to virus attacks. There are some Windows viruses that can damage the hard drive by speeding wear and tear, and others can turn off the fans, thus overheating the CPU. Some viruses make the CPU run too fast, and then make sudden halts, which not only affects the CPU, but it also hurts hard drives and fans.

Typical Windows Withdrawal Syndrome features

I am presenting the main features of a psychological game people play when they stop using Windows. Here are the symptoms:

Denial

Self reassuring thoughts that the person is just experimenting with a new operating system and not actually quitting Windows.

“I am using Linux just for fun and exploration. “

Feelings of being unfaithful

Years of compelled commitment and compromise when using Windows leads to a false belief that one is unfaithful when they stop using Windows. It is a false, but strong feeling which leads to Windows Addiction once again in many victims. And sadly enough, most of these people are not aware of this fact that they were victims of Windows no matter how many problems they faced but they kept living with it.

“So I have to quit an operating system which I used for years, it brought me viruses, spyware, trojans and blue screens of death, but I had to live with it. “

Irrational Fears

People suffer from irrational fears that if they quit Windows, will their computer ever run again? And will they be able to use their day to day computer accessories like web cams, printers and digital cameras ever again?

“Will this type of file system damage my hardware as Intel and others mainly support Windows?”

They fear that Linux will not fulfill their needs and requirements as home users which Windows could do.

“Can I write letters and drafts as easily on Linux as I could on Microsoft Office?“

Not knowing or realizing how much Linux offers them in regards to hardware support and Windows alternative programs such as Open Office, KOffice, Abi Word, Gnome office, Star Office as was in the case above.

“I am not used to Linux, I will be lost quitting Windows. It will take me ages to understand Linux.“

Feelings of Distrust

People don’t trust new things, or new operating systems, when they are hooked on Windows.

“Why Linux? What’s wrong with Windows? “

“I paid hundreds of dollars to get an operating system and they say this new operating system called “Linux” is free and better than Windows. Why would somebody offer me something totally free which claims that it’s better than Windows? “

Depressed thoughts

Some people might even feel down and sad thinking that windows was the only good operating systems they ever had.

“This is not Windows. Why did I choose something else? Now I am doomed! The world is at its end! I will not survive if I don’t use Windows!”

How to quit Windows

Now that you have decided to quit Windows for good and to switch over to a Desktop Linux Distribution, following these basic steps will help you a lot. Initially, a basic knowledge about GNU/Linux is important. What is it really and how does it differ from Windows?

There are many good websites which will help you learn about GNU/Linux and Open Source.   The GNU Operating system - the GNU project is a good place to get your all answers regarding GNU/Linux and Open Source Softwares. Another very good website "Get GNU/Linux!" which will also help you in learning many things about GNU/Linux.

I am also quoting few important facts from a recent article titled "Promoting Linux by Silencing Microsoft" By Steve Lake of Raiden's Realm.

1. Linux supports more hardware than any other operating system and also runs on older hardware. So you don't need the latest hardware to run it.
   
2. Linux is Virus and Spyware free.
   
3. Linux is Free. As in no cost and free as in freedom. You are free of overbearing corporate entities telling you what you can and can't do with your copy. You're welcome to modify it, share it, etc.
   
4. Linux gives you freedom of choice.
   
5. Several different distributions have made Linux very easy to install and use. So even a computer novice can get up and running on Linux in a short time.
   
6. Linux conforms to industry standards. There's nothing proprietary in Linux. There are some distributions though which include proprietary formats and programs for cross compatibility.

I will now present some working remedies for quitting Windows completely.

1.  Stop using Windows at once and altogether. 

The “I will stop using Windows someday” approach never works.

2.  Break and cremate the Windows CD’s.

It is highly likely that you will get urges to reinstall Windows at some point. This is called “Rebound phenomenon”. Aka, a craving to switch back to Windows. This can only be avoided if you have no Windows CDs. And thankfully, Microsoft never created a Windows Live version, thus we can avoid using Windows this way because only if it is installed can you use it, so no Windows CDs means lesser chances of switching back to Windows.

3.  Never Dual Boot Linux with Windows, it will lessen the chances of compulsively switching back to Windows.

4.  Back up all your important data and format your hard disk to one of the Linux Journaling files system. Kill NTFS and FAT 32 altogether.

5.  Install any of the Desktop Linux Distribution (DLD) for home users. There are many, read about them and choose any which suits your requirements.

6.  Stop accusing yourself for quitting Microsoft and their Windows. These “negative thoughts” and “negative emotions" will not earn you much other than a desire to go back to Windows. Tell yourself “ I don't care if other people choose to use Windows. It doesn't bother me, nor does it stop me from exploring and enjoying the beauties of Linux .

This is the time you should decide to get freedom from a closed source, money oriented and problematic operating system, and move on to join the Open Source Community of GNU/Linux, and enjoy the freedom of choice and opinions for yourself and your family and generations to come.