Linux - the 1% Solution with 100% Satisfaction

Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Acer computer purchasers will now have the opportunity to have the Linux operating system installed on their computers. I have used Linux for years and have often wondered why more people don't use this free, reliable and generally Microsoft Windows compatible system. Perhaps this will open the way for more people to use this proven operating system. Others are becoming more attuned to the advantages of Linux as can be seen from the following.

The Globalization Institute, a Brussels based think tank has completed a report that recommends that computers marketed in Europe be sold without an operating system. Is that far fetched? The vast majority of computers sold throughout the world are already pre-loaded (called bundling) with the Microsoft Windows based operating system. The cost of the system is contained in the cost of the computer and consumers actually have little choice about their operating system.

It is convenient, but most consumers are then required to purchase follow-on updates and become Microsoft customers for life. According to the Globalization Institute, 94% of the world's computers use Windows based operating systems. No wonder Bill Gates is so rich! The remaining computers use Apple's Macintosh operating system and about 1% use Linux.

The European Commission for Competition is concerned about the lack of competition in the computer operating system marketplace. They cite the costs that are hidden from consumer view with the bundling technique used to promote Windows. They further state that the costs to computer users are substantial.

The alternative is to allow the customer to select their computer operating system. That opens the market to the Macintosh or the Linux operating systems. While Macintosh is not free, the Linux operating system is free. It can be installed by a professional, downloaded from home, or acquired through free discs and installed by the user. Many people seem to be fearful of Linux because it may require more computer knowledge than they possess. The truth is just the opposite. However, you must be able to read. If you've gotten this far, you are qualified to use Linux!

I presently use Ubuntu, a Linux based system that is easy to install and is updated periodically by simply clicking on an icon that appears when an update is available. I can access the Internet, view the latest movie dvd's, listen to music cd's, maintain my accounts on the spreadsheet, communicate via e-mail, write any letters or articles that I desire and complete the myriad of tasks that any home computer user or small business owner might want to accomplish. In fact many savvy large businesses use Linux. All of my data is compatible with Windows if I am communicating with a Windows only user.

The advantage of Linux Ubuntu is that it is free! There is no charge for updates and my computer has all the latest that is available. It is free because a community of computer programmers decided that there was an alternative to Microsoft and now insure that Linux is available and up to date. The history of Linux development is interesting and recommended reading for those that might not have heard about it.

That Linux will expand is a certainty with Europe moving in that direction and South American governments already using Linux based systems. It is also telling to note that Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Acer are now offering Linux packages on their computers.

The bottom line for this user is that the 1% solution has provided 100% satisfaction. This computer has been on 24/7 for almost three years with no viruses, no spy ware, no unexplained slow downs and no software malfunctions and most importantly no cost for having the latest that is available.