If you need a new computer, can easily afford a Windows XP system or a new Mac and you don’t mind spending the money, then that’s what you should buy. Based on the many negative opinions expressed by computer savvy Windows users I’d recommend against purchasing a new machine with Windows Vista installed, at least for the time being. If you’re a Windows 95/98/NT user who’s concerned about the diminishing availability of compatible software and/or vulnerability to malicious content on the web but you can’t afford a new computer, this may be a good time to consider Linux. If you’ve never owned a computer and don’t have a lot of money but you know where you can get a used one for little or nothing, Linux may be the way to go. If you’ve decided, like many other Windows users, that Vista is simply the last straw and you’re determined to have an alternative ready when support for your Win2K or XP machine ends then learning Linux now makes good sense. If, when the time comes, you still aren’t comfortable with Linux, fine, you can spring for a Mac. If you simply cannot afford a new computer and all that’s wrong with the one you have now is that Vista won’t run on it, Linux is your answer. If you have the hardware, the time and you’re curious about Linux, stop waffling, this will cost you little or nothing so why not go for it? The last time you bought a new car did you just buy the same old brand you’ve always bought or did you test drive a few different brands before making a decision? How about your TV set; did you just go buy another of the same brand you’ve always bought or did you go in the store and look at a few few different models, evaluating their picture quality and cost? Most of us, given a choice, are shrewd comparison shoppers. Linux has matured enough to offer some of us a choice. Don’t take anybody’s word about whether or not Linux is a good choice for you, find out for yourself. How? Well, that’s the next installment so stay tuned…
Don Crowder
Buchanan Lake Village
served by the U. S. Post Office in Tow (rhymes with "cow"), Texas
These words were written in gedit
on my 800 MHz Debian Etch computer.

[tags]Why try Linux[/tags]