I installed Ubuntu two years ago on my Laptop, made every upgrade (each half year) without any problems. I switched to KDE (Kubuntu) after some time for different reasons again without re-install or difficulties.

All taken together, the Laptop works like on the first day and I can really concentrate on what I want to do when using it, instead of having to worry about what funny worm is travelling the internet at the moment. Of course you would have to apply security patches as they are released, otherwise Linux is nothing more secure than any other unpatched operating system.

Two more suggestions for programs I use with growing pleasure: liferea (a RSS client, which does exactly what it is supposed to) and amarok (a great media player and for me the main reason to switch to KDE).

First of all thanks for your comments and I’m glad we agree on some things

The drivers that I need are available and I’ve tested them to be working, that’s why I mention that ‘My’ devices have Linux equivalent drivers. I do appreciate that not everyone will find the drivers they need so it would be best to look for Linux counterparts if people are considering the switch.

With regards to security, I agree that you should keep it regularly updated with the latest patches. Linux connects and checks for these as Windows does.

Thanks for the program recommendations I am getting good vibes from KDE users and may consider Kubuntu when I come to install.

Haris

With me the biggest problem was leaving behind Windows games Good thing I have two PCs.

Ubuntu is a good choice, it’s what I use on my laptop and upgrading to the current version is relatively painless. Except for the games (and lots can be played on Ubuntu, ‘apt-get wine’ is my friend) I don’t miss the transition at all.

Enjoy your switch,

Jan Dembowski

In the case of Linux, there is a myriad of open source software (especially with regards to software development). Hardware support is usually good too, unless you use some really obscure recent hardware with windows-only drivers.

In the case of Mac OS X, the hardware support is great since it is specifically designed for whatever Mac you buy it with. And there is a decent selection of software bundled in with the OS too, which is nice. And of course one cannot forget the straight forward “drag and drop” method of installing self-contained applications.

In the case of Windows, there is great hardware support (though newer versions like to drop support for legacy hardware). And there is a decent selection of software.

I have actually been using Ubuntu’s Gutsy Gibbon on my Macbook recently, and have been amazed at the level of hardware support. More or less everything works out of the box, although there are a few rough patches here and there (e.g. dodgy default trackpad config).

In any case, good luck with using Linux.

~ James

Welcome to the bandwagon

I’m a geek, so Terminal it is. The only problem right now is that my wireless internet card is not working (EVDO), and the hacks that I’ve seen around just don’t seem to work. Maybe submitting some reports for Hardy’s devs will help.

If the net card works, then I’m outta Windoze land forever.

Dugg and stumbled.

I’m finding more and more people are making the move.

I’ve just wiped another windows installation from a server I had and it’s now happily running Ubuntu and running faster than ever.

I’m now installing Ubuntu onto friends and colleagues computers after hearing complaints about Vista. My Microsoft days will be drawing to a complete close soon.

Patrick