Computer Crack Addicts Recover By Migrating To Linux, For Free

I remember troubleshooting Windows 3.1 as a PC tech. It seemed like not that long ago that I was working on a novel on a Tandy 1000, using Deskmate as a word processor. I programmed BASIC on a Commodore Vic 20.

Times change though, and you have to keep up with them. To be honest, I don’t miss any of those things. I’m a more productive creature because I adopt new technologies.

Ergo, I am better able to do my part in helping big corporations better utilize our scarce and limited resources more efficiently. Well, I wouldn’t go that far. But, I do manage to get in more games of Risk now that it’s available in a Java version. I no longer have to pick up all those armies afterwards…or even wait on someone to have some free time. But, I digress.

Are You Smoking Crack?

Now, a lot of people have been reluctant to put their addiction to “that other” operating system behind them. Maybe you know one of them—one of those poor souls that needs a Redmond version of computer crack to make it through the day. Well, there is hope. There is a cure, and it’s called Linux.

Now, I know a lot of people think Linux is just for techies and geeks. Perhaps it used to be, but no more. There are several distros (short for distributions) out that have done a great job of creating a suitable desktop operating system for those who have a phobia of command lines.

Ergo, it’s time for you to try Linux if you haven’t ever or haven’t in a while.

Try Linux Without Installing It

The best thing about Linux these days is the ability to create what are known as live distros. These are bootable CD’s and DVD’s that you stick in a drive, and reboot. It starts, detects the CD/DVD and loads Linux so that you run it off the CD/DVD without making any permanent changes to your PC.

You can surf the Net, check email, run programs, try it out as you see fit. And if you aren’t happy, reboot your computer with another live distro and try a different flavor. When you’re all done, take the CD/DVD out, reboot, and your old system is there and unchanged.

Free Linux For Redmond Refugees

OK, so maybe you (or your friend) do not want the whole computer crackhead stigma attached to you (or they), and you (or your friend) would like to escape the grip of your (or their) addiction. Which versions of Linux should you be taking a look at? Here’s a few of the most user-friendly ones that will make users of that “other” operating system feel right at home.

Mandriva One

Mandriva One is one of the most friendly examples for those looking to migrate from Windows to Linux. It’s also free. You can take a look at a direct comparison of its features at the community page for Mandriva One. You can find a good review of it on Lunapark6.com, complete with some links to downloads and screenshots.

A good place to start for those new to Linux, the new version for 2007 is much improved over the 2006 version. A major leap. Try it now and you may find yourself upgrading to the Mandriva Power Pack + in no time.

Ubuntu And Kubuntu—Simply Amazing

Ubuntu Linux is taking the world by storm. It’s a movement. Based on Debian Linux, it’s slick, and secure and pretty friendly as well. This distro has lots of financial support, a fanatical community of thousands of users world-wide, and even a certification system for professionals.

Kubuntu is a KDE based desktop version for those who don’t like the standard Gnome desktop included with Ubuntu and I personally like this one. You can request several live CD’s from the website and give your friends their free medicine as well.

They also have a Ubuntu Server Edition which will give you a complete LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) development platform in “15 minutes” according to the site. Really, there’s no reason to not try it.

SimplyMEPIS

This one is nice and friendly. It’s easy to install, it’s free if you download it, and it offers lots of options. You can download MEPIS by checking the list of mirrors and picking one. It’s not the slickest looking distro, but it makes up for it with excellent support for everything from Java and Flash to non-free software drivers.

Lots of cool goodies are preconfigured for you and run at setup that you would even have to go find and download if you were using “the other” operating system. Too, the auto-hardware detection is strong with this distro. Take a good look at this one if you have a bleeding edge system.

What About Novell’s SUSE Linux?

Unfortunately, SUSE had a moment of weakness and did a deal with the Redmond cartel. One of their top programmers, Jeremy Allison, even left the company in protest recently. We all make mistakes. Let’s hope we see SUSE in rehab. Say a prayer for their recovery.

A good distro, but now sleeping with the enemy as most of the Open Source community sees it. I certainly do.

XandrOS (Not A Live Distro, But Free To Try)

You can download and try XandrOS Desktop Professional for a free 30-day trial (it costs $139). It’s a great distro, includes office suite and other productivity applications, and has a fantastic software update system via the XandrOS Network. I originally installed the Open Circulation Edition which was totally free, however, you can’t find it anymore it seems.

The Premium Edition would be the best bet though for most home users. At only $79, it is still cheap, and includes the Versora Progression Desktop which allows you to migrate all of your Windows settings and screen names and bookmarks to XandrOS.

This distro is hands-down the most user-friendly. From my own experience, it ran from install to the day I reformatted my hard drive to install Debian and Ubuntu without a hitch. Beginners can’t go wrong with it. Sure, it’s only a free trial, but it will convince you that it’s worth the paltry sum they ask for it, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an Open Source lover in no time.

That’s It For This Session

Anyone with doubts about migrating to Linux should have those doubts quashed by the time they’ve tried a couple of these live distros. And if you (or a friend) feels the need to take baby steps, most of these distros play well with “the other” operating system and make for fine dual-boot systems. Breaking addiction takes time, and that’s OK.

Keep in mind that a large portion of the world that is economically developing can’t afford expensive commercial software licenses. That means Linux is the way of the future for the majority of the Earth’s population. You might want to wise-up and join the rest of us before it’s too late.

For your therapy session, you can send me $250 via PayPal if you feel so inclined (my email address is on the About page). But you don’t have to. Because like a proper Open Source advocate/therapist, I’ll see you for free.