So why Linux and even better question yet is why Linux Mint? Let’s talk about the first question. Linux Mint is based off of or maybe a better way to say this is based on top of Ubuntu Linux. Most Linux distros as they are called are based on one version of Linux or another. A distro is really just a new spin on a operating system that has been around for a long time. And each distro has it’s own look and feel as well as many prepackaged applications. So why have I chosen Linux Mint? Really this is simple because it works as soon as I install it. I love the clean look and how easy it is to get used to using it daily.
So now let’s talk about why Linux at all? I tell everyone in the business that I meet that I have been a long time Microsoft User. I started with the early days of DOS (Disk Operating System) and have lived though all of the Windows 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x systems. Then there was the days of Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 2000 and now even Windows 10. I have also made a lot of money fixing and working with Microsoft Products. I am also a huge Apple lover and all things Mac. But with the prices they charge I can’t run out and buy a new Mac every time they come out with a new version. Now we come to Linux it just simply works! I can still run all of the applications I need on a daily bases and I can program using all of the tools I am used to using. I can even manage large scale networks as well as servers using my trusty Linux Laptop.
I will be doing a real life test starting today. I am loading a new laptop for my wife and I am installing Linux Mint to see how she likes it. She asked if there was a big learning curve and I told her if you can click an icon then you are good to go. She is not a big Microsoft Office user so I know she will be just find using Libra Office which also is FREE.
FREE? I forgot another important feature of using Linux is that it is 100% FREE. How do they do this? Well it is not owned by any one person and it is what is known as Open Source. Open Source means that many people can look at the code and add to it. So I guess you would say it is not owned as much as ran bu the people for the people. If you have never tried Linux I would suggest you do I think you might just fall in love with it as much as I have.