When it comes to computers, everyone seems to think “their” program, Operating System, or hardware is the best. These ideas are often formed from years of experience. Not being one to shy away from and occasional soapbox, I offer my experience here for your consideration.
First reason:
The first reason I enjoy Linux for computer work when off grid or anytime is that it has great hardware support and supports hibernation. My operating system of choice, Ubuntu, has new releases twice a year and keeps up with modern hardware as it is released. Many times folks confuse a suspended PC and a hibernating PC as being the same thing. They are not. When in suspended mode, everything is saved in memory and there is a small power drain. In hibernate, the machine is powered off with all of its state information stored on disk. When you power on, everything resumes where your were. This makes resuming your off grid PC work faster and more power efficient.
Second reason:
Linux is very CPU efficient and can either produce snappy results compared to is large cousin from the Northwest, or it can run well on old hardware. Part of the efficiency comes from the fact that Linux does not have to defend itself from 4 million threats in real time. That’s why computers keep getting more powerful, but M$ machines just keep up their defenses with that new power.
Third Reason:
All flavors of Linux have had a Journaling File System for many years. Your disk data is not lost if your power is suddenly removed (i.e.your is accidently turned off, someone trips over your power cord, etc.)
Bonus reason:
This is the best reason, can you spell F-R-E-E? With the dozens of high quality :Linux Distributions available you can complete your tasks on an OS with a great security track record. There are hundreds of free applications like OpenOffice that you can download and complete any computer related task with. Here is a handy {en: Linux distribution comparison} to get you started.
Ever heard of Linux, Ubuntu, RedHat, or other distributions? Ever tried working with different computer operating systems? Please share your experience, questions, and comment below!
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I am currently using Ubuntu but find the tech support somewhat lacking. Most Linux users are techno geeks with a slight snobbish attitude. If you do not know the techno jargon you get treated like manure. In addition most ISP cannot provide tech support if you do encounter a problem which may be related to connecting to the server or may be a software or hardware compatibility issue. My ISP flatly refuses to provide any support except to Microsoft systems and then only to XP and Vista. I telecommute to earn a living and when my link goes down it means I do not earn money. Last time I nearly went bankrupt before I got reconnected. As is we lost our home when the bank foreclosed on us. Don’t tell me to get a different ISP. up here in the north we have few choices all of which seem to be ruled by the Canadian monopoly system.
Did you have a support contract with Canonical the commercial entity behind Ubuntu? Or was this free tech support from somewhere?
Your point about a ISP monopoly not supporting anything other than Windows is unfortunately a problem. I can think of one possible workaround using virtualization in the windows only situation, but it would take a motivated person to figure it out, or some good tech help. Feel free to email me directly for the details at marshall [at] genverters.com
I do share your enthusiasm for Linux but not many people are adventuresome enough to give it a try. In my work I need to use AutoCAD which is not available as a Linux application. Being compelled to run a windows machine for my work is a liability since it leaves me at risk to virus attacks. I do use virus protection but lost a couple of computers to one especially nasty version. When I sent the damaged computer out for repair the infected drive destroyed the computer at the repair ship. burned out the eeprom BIOS and necessitated replacement of the mother board.
I cobbled together a working computer from some scrapped units and installed linux Ubuntu as a backup comm channel. this is what I am currently using until my repaired computer is sent back from the coast. Soon I hope!
I have become the local computer guru so when I am stumped where and to whom do I go to for help?
Unfortunately I was not in a position to purchase tech support and it would not be useful when my problem is lack of computer connection. We do not have a telephone link and rely on Skype for voice connection to outside world. Plus I had some unfortunate personal experiences with Linux proselyzers and evangelists. My but they can be arrogant and intolerant of older people like myself who are still catching up with modern technology.
Marshall your comment regarding virus immunity may soon have to be amended I recently suffered repeated problems with my UBUNTU machine and eventually a Linux expert I connected up with over the internet said he had noticed increased virus attacks from linux focussed virus. He considered it likely the problems I experienced was virus related not just operator error or software bugs. When I reloaded a spare HDD with a fresh copy of the same distro all the former problems disappeared. During the past week I have noticed an increase in suspicious emails containing possible virus. These immediately got erased. So far I’m okay. Only casualty so far has been my skype connection. Despite many attempts I cannot get the new Skype for Linux working with the original UBUNTU 8.04
What is the virus name? Has it infected millions of Ubuntu computers like Windows? No system is immune to malicious code, but its too easy to blame software bugs, or a corrupted file on a ‘virus’. To this day, I have not had a ‘virus’ on one of mine, or the many systems I manage.
Have not heard of a virus name. And until the other Ubuntu user suggested a virus I had not given it a thought. I also assumed Linux was ‘bullet proof’ but being open source Linux is easily decoded by a good hacker if they were so inclined. Apple ( MAC) users also thought they were immune but the number of users especially banks now makes them an attractive hacker target looking to break into bank accounts. Instances of virus or malware have been found I’m told by one knowledgable MAC user. Threat level is still quite low but no longer zero.
Marshall any thoughts on how or why the latest Skype for Linux will not work with my UBUNTU 8.04 DISTRO? An off-line reply is probably more suitable
Have you tested to see what difference there is in power consumption between the two O/S when being run on same computer?