Why Linux?

[D4n1s]

My question is simple and small:
Why Linux? What Linux?
From users prospective from constructors prospective, in depth things that google
is unable to answer.

[reed9]

in depth things that google
is unable to answer.

Such little faith in google. Look, there is no answer to this question. Everybody has different reasons. Some folks because it's free as in beer, some folks (like myself) because of the free as in freedom, some folks so they can hack on the source code, some folks because of better security.

If you like linux, use it. If you don't, use Windows or Mac. The fact of the matter is, the end user just isn't important in the open source movement the way it is with proprietary software.

To quote from a slightly outdated but still good article, Linux is not Windows

Increasing the number of end-users of proprietary software leads to a direct financial benefit to the company that makes it. This is simply not the case for FOSS: There is no direct benefit to any FOSS developer in increasing the userbase. Indirect benefits, yes: Personal pride; an increased potential for finding bugs; more likelihood of attracting new developers; possibly a chance of a good job offer; and so on.

But Linus Torvalds doesn't make money from increased Linux usage. Richard Stallman doesn't get money from increased GNU usage. All those servers running OpenBSD and OpenSSH don't put a penny into the OpenBSD project's pockets. And so we come to the biggest problem of all when it comes to new users and Linux:

They find out they're not wanted.

New users come to Linux after spending their lives using an OS where the end-user's needs are paramount, and "user friendly" and "customer focus" are considered veritable Holy Grails. And they suddenly find themselves using an OS that still relies on 'man' files, the command-line, hand-edited configuration files, and Google. And when they complain, they don't get coddled or promised better things: They get bluntly shown the door.

That's an exaggeration, of course. But it is how a lot of potential Linux converts perceived things when they tried and failed to make the switch.

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

You can check the following thread for some help with "which Linux?"

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...e-posting.html

[darkrose0510]

ozar, did you even read the thread? or title? or anything?

[oz]

ozar, did you even read the thread? or title? or anything?

Yes, several times... my apologies to the OP if I've misunderstood it.



Edit: Ok, I'm back after a few hours and have taken another look at the question and still see this":

Why Linux? What Linux?

...and what linux sounds like which linux to me. Either way, reed9 has pretty well answered the first part of the question so my response to the second part still stands, but again I apologize to the OP if I've misinterpreted the question.

[techieMoe]

My question is simple and small:
Why Linux?

In response to your simple and small question, I give a simple and small answer.

Why not?

[elija]

My question is simple and small:
Why Linux? What Linux?

My answer is why not Linux?

You'll have to answer the second one yourself as no one can tell you which one you will like.

[Rubberman]

It is better to answer the question "Why not Microsoft or Apple?". I own my computer. I am responsible for what it does, and how it behaves. Microsoft, and Apple, and other commercial software vendors have the mistaken impression that I have granted them permission to "own" my computer and what it does, or how it does it. I have not, and I will not allow them that privilege without reason. Hence, I am committed to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), because I am taking back ownership of my computing resources. They are MINE! They do NOT belong to Microsoft, Apple, IBM, or anyone else. I, and ONLY I will determine what runs on my system, what other systems it talks to, and when I will update existing software. Yes, it requires that one take some responsibility for the results, but at least I have some semblance of control.

[rokytnji]

Why Linux?

Same reason I ride Harleys of Course.
if I have to explain you wouldnt understand.jpg


For 0 posts and this is first one.

[jayd512]

Why Linux?
Cuz I like having control over what goes on my machine, and what doesn't... without having to pay exorbitant prices for product license keys!