That was the subject line of an email that Ben Wright just sent to me:

I have installed Linux on 2 out of three of my computers, not because it is the most compatible operating system, not because it’s the “best” operating system, well it is in my opinion but that’s beside the point. Freedom is why I use Linux, not because it is free. I use Linux because I believe in the freedom to learn, the freedom to do what I want with the software. Linux was made for programmers by programmers, the whole purpose of Linux is to provide a suitable development environment for developers. Windows is a dead end, the general user may not want to use Linux, but the internet is 90% Linux. You may not understand this but 90% of the servers are Linux.

Linux is not a miserable thing, Linux is learning if you get a windows master and a Linux master, the Linux master is much more capable of solving problems, he is generic he is flexible or she I might add. So I am a Linux user, so what do I do with it? Browse the internet, Write Files, etc. basically everything, INCLUDING my Game and Project development. Why! 90% + of gamers are windows people. But I believe in freedom, and I think I should have all my projects available on Linux because of choice.

Linux will never take over windows but that’s not its purpose, well actually it might but let me get to this point in a second. Linux is developed primarily for highly technical users, it has a steep learning curve as far as OS are concerned but I and most Linux users actually like this, we like to learn otherwise there would be no developers. I actually like a challenge, if something crashes on an operating system that I know is stable and I can actually see the SOURCE for it, I can then go and find the problem in a completely open environment and be thanked for fixing the bug, I don’t have to report it to some box in Washington to get lost in the mailing system I can fix it myself.

Now with Linux being attractive to over 30 million users, most of which are the high technical level of society, the Linux community will grow more people who like a challenge will take it upon themselves to fix the problems you think are there, these numbers millions strong will be able to overthrow Microsoft. 1 Million + people working on the Linux distros for free? How will Microsoft be able to compete and continue to compete with that. I imagine licensing will come saying, this project is under the GNU with the exception of the Microsoft corporation who may not use this product.

I dare you to use Linux as your major operating system for just 1 day. It’s not a problem with installation being simple, it’s a matter with installation giving you all the possible options, to a programmer this is great I can control everything so I love Linux I have 100% control over my system and (IMO) I have about 25% control over my Windows Vista PC. :D

What about you?

• Ubuntu Videos

Ubuntu keeps generating buzz, and I don’t see enthusiasm subsiding any time soon. Seems to be the only distribution to capture “user” attention – beyond the enterprise.

First, a video covering MP3s On Ubuntu, the OGG Alternative – In this post, Matt shows you how to seriously migrate away from MP3 into using OGG Vorbis, while not leaving your favorite music at home when on the go.

Then, Ubuntu Gutsy With ExpressCard, Working Options – In a previous post, Matt showed Ubuntu users how to find and use wireless cards that are actually supported nativity in Linux – using PCMCIA as an option. This time with USB wifi devices, as wireless in the world of ExpressCard slots is not much fun with Linux.

• Ubuntu How-To Videos
• The Twelve Days of Christmas – Geek Style
• Ubuntu 9.10 Screencast
• Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?
• How to Build Your Own Linux Distro
• Live Calls Make the World Go ‘Round
• How to Run Linux on Windows (Ubuntu)
• Top Five Reasons to Love Compiz Fusion in Linux
• Ubuntu How To
• Reasons to Switch from OS X or Windows to Ubuntu