Why I switched to Linux & FOSS

Not long ago, a supervisor asked me to contact the IT department to fix the software the supervisor was using. The problem was the software wasn’t sending any error messages.
Although the incident still gives me a chuckle, the situation demonstrates how inaccessible technology remains for most users, and this inaccessibility has turned the information highway into an unmarked off highway road littered with potholes. The good news is you don’t need certification to pickup a few good pavers.

I found these software marvels after spending several hours cleaning viruses, cookies and  other flotsam littering the information highway off my home computer. Thoroughly frustrated with the amount of time needed for maintenance I vowed to stop cruising the net and stick to the sites I use regularly. Then a friend recommended Ad-Aware to clean up cookies and other spyware.

“Ad-Aware is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components. With the release of Ad-Aware SE Personal edition, Lavasoft takes the fight against Spyware to the next level.” quote from Lavasoftusa.com

Ad-Aware’s developer, Lavasoft Inc, promises the program cleans better and faster than other programs available, and offers the Ad-Aware SE Personal edition free at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/. Click on the left menu item “Ad-Aware Personal” to access the download page. The installation process was so simple and straight forward I completed without calling a single geek for help. After installation, the program quickly discovered and destroyed several trackers, spies, and a Trojan. Since I already use Yahoo spyware, I was surprised when the program found that much intrusive junk. Adding the anti spyware program was a simple and necessary step, but switching to a new browser well that’s not so easy.

Microsoft Explorer is the browser I am most familiar with using. The draw back to changing browsers is that with Explorer I know where to find the toolbars and other features I use regularly. For me the single most important aspect is that I know how to clean up the history, cache, and files so my pc doesn’t bog down with several byte-weights of useless files. The key to my happiness depends on whether Mozilla delivers user accessibility.
Netscape launched the “Mozilla” project in 1998 promising to provide low cost technology, all well and good, but does economically accessible translate into user accessibility?
“Firefox 1.0 empowers you to browse faster, more safely and more efficiently than with any other browser. Join more than 20 million others and make the switch today — Firefox imports your Favorites, settings and other information, so you have nothing to lose.” quote from mozilla.org

Mozilla’s Firefox web browser offers all the features I am familiar with like pop-up blocking, bookmarks, history, text zooming (it even has smart search with Google) and it keeps my pc clean of the really nasty spyware because it will not load ActiveX. The download and installation process was very simple and download remains simple because Mozilla downloads to my desktop and not some obscure file buried on my hard drive. Yes, I adapt quickly when it means I no longer have to spend hours cleaning up files because Mozilla keeps it clean for me. The free download is available at the top of the page at http://www.mozilla.org/.  Now that I am behind the wheel of a trim and sporty browser, with a great repair kit, I am back out cruising the information highway.

Then I swtiched to Linux
I don't have an awe inspiring story to tell you other than I just got fed up with The Biggest Commercial Software.  I am tired of upgrades, security breaches, and intrusive requests for information. Below is the last command I received

quote:

This must be installed to receive any further updates....
I did not do the install, and will not install a program to dig around in my computer.  I installed Xandros -- a friend gave me a trial disc But you can purchase almost anywhere -- here's a list from Xandros.  You can get Xandros Desktop OS Version 3 - Open Circulation Edition download online for $10 .  

It was easy to install.  First I saved everything:  Folders, Files, Pictures, Browser Favorites, email addresses and more onto a disc for reinstalling after the new OS is in place.
Xandros should install in 30 minutes, and it doesn’t take that as your cue that you will need to try another method for installation. After trying the two installation types in the basic installation menu, and still not installing correctly because of a user name code error 2007. My first user named had a hyphen, which I believe was the first problem on the standard custom installation, so I changed the user name and had to use the standard express installation to make the change.

Still did not install, and the system came up with the same error code 2007. I decided to jump over to the trouble-shooting menu. This comes up on the first screen of the Xandros disc; you will need to press the shift key to bring up the menu. I really did not understand the variables offered so I went with what looked like the best out come “256-Color Setup” which is the right one to use if there is an old monitor or video card; the whole box is old so it proved to be a good guess.

I am very happy; and Xandros is great because the Xandros Network automatically installs any program I think I need.  You may also want to check out CrossOver Office which will install your favorite windows based programs.  Oh you get a free trial program with Xandros.

See it's not a great story - it's a simple story and changing to Linux was the simple, easy thing to do.  I had help from some great people over at NewbiesLinux too.