Why I Use Ubuntu

It's no secret that I love Linux. Ubuntu, in particular. I've been using it on a newbie level without any programming knowledge for around three years now. I thought it was easy to use when I first installed it, and I think it's become a LOT better and easier since then. Ubuntu 10.04 was just released, and it clearly continues the tradition of steady improvement, hardware support, and feature additions. I've been so happy with it that I've decided to post an overview of sorts for people who have yet to try it.

I've stuck with Ubuntu for the last three years and I never want to go back to a Windows-only system. I can honestly say that it's an excellent operating system for the average computer user, and I'm going to share a few reasons why I think so.

IT WORKS

It works. It just does. Upon installation, it detects and configures all of the computer's parts and makes them usable instantly. It also comes with a billion and a half preinstalled programs. There's a torrent program, media players, a video editor, office programs, a photo viewer, a messenger program, a social networking program, a web browser, and even a dictionary! There's a lot more to be found in a typical Ubuntu system, and it wouldn't be a longshot to say that it's got everything most people will ever want to use.

IT'S EASY

Yep. It's easy. It's easier than Windows. There. I said it. This is contrary to popular opinion, I know, but in this case popular opinion is just plain wrong.

Setting up a system is easy, especially because it comes with a ton of programs and drivers preinstalled. As long as the user has supported hardware, it's a breeze. And trust me, the list of supported hardware is incredibly long, and it's still growing!

Notable compatible devices include 3G Modems like SmartBro and Globe Tattoo dongles, iPhones and iTouch units, Bluetooth dongles, generic webcams, and intel graphics (most laptops and netbooks use these). More specific hardware, like uncommon wifi devices, can be installed with a few clicks and the password.

Installing programs is also really, really easy. All a user has to do is open the Software Center from the main menu, look for programs (they even have descriptions), click install on each of them, and enter the password. Ezpz. The Software Center will queue the installations automatically. No more looking for junk all over the internet.

As a testament to Ubuntu's ease, I've installed several versions of Ubuntu on many computers with non-geek users. I've installed Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.10 on my girlfriend's EEEPC, Crunchbang Linux 9.04.1 on my Aunt's old laptop, Ubuntu 8.04 on a computer that two TOTAL NOOBS are using, and Linux Mint 8 on my brother's HP tablet notebook. All of them are doing quite fine on their machines, and none of them have ever had to face the dreaded command line (aka the black screen with text).

I'm convinced that only the close-minded and change-resistant will find Ubuntu difficult. It's really not – it's just a little unfamiliar.

IT'S SAFE

Windows viruses don't affect Ubuntu at all. They're harmless and irrelevant to Ubuntu users. It's difficult to illustrate how much better this has made me feel about using my computers. The ability to just stick in any USB device without fear, or browsing the web without getting worms just lifts a whole lot of weight off my shoulders. This is EXCELLENT for me, because I'm always the guy who's forced to install systems and fix them when they turn stupid. This is made even more EXCELLENT by the fact that users don't have to buy antivirus software at all.

It's also very safe against people who mess up their computers by changing settings and deleting system files. Random users can't change the vital system files and settings without the administrator password, so there's a lot less to worry about.

IT'S FREE

Free as in beer. Ubuntu users don't have to pay a single cent to use it and all the programs available from the Software Center.

Ubuntu also offers the freedom of choice. It has many, many different variations for more specific uses. Edubuntu, for one, is a variation that is meant for school use, both for teachers and students at varying levels of education. Mythbuntu is meant for home theater PCs. Ubuntu Studio is used for audio and video production. There are so many other versions of Ubuntu (and so many other versions of Linux!) that it's easy to find one that will fit a user's needs perfectly.

I really just enjoy using Ubuntu. It's a very different and liberating experience. I hope that didn't sound preachy or anything, because I just wanted to write about how I feel about it. I always choose Ubuntu over other operating systems, and I am sure much of the world would if they tried it.

For those who are interested, there are many easy ways to try Ubuntu without changing anything on your computer. The simplest among these is downloading it from ubuntu.com and burning it onto a CD. After that, you can just pop the CD into your drive and reboot the computer. It should load Ubuntu after a while, and you'll be free to test drive it from there. Have fun, and I hope you like it!