Giving Windows the Boot

When I say “boot” I don’t mean boot as in booting up. Rather, I meant kicking out something, and in this case Windows. We’ve read how Linux has been the small guy that challenged the big Goliath, which is Microsoft and its ubiquitous Windows family of operating systems. However, while most enthusiasts and tech-oriented people have no problem with installing and maintaining Linux on their computers, the average Joe couldn’t even think of switching to an alternative OS.

The pre-conceived notions of Linu usually include ideas that that the system was difficult to install and use, and that it’s meant for server applications and for use by advanced users. However, one of the Linux distributions that have gained popularity recently is Ubuntu.

Here are some thoughts by tech journalist Max Limpag.

Installing Ubuntu is, in a way, a bit like circumcision in that your fear of it is magnified way out of proportion. When I was scheduled to be circumcised, my father recounted how, in his case, he had to endure not having anesthesia and how the cutter (a neighborhood quack doctor) just asked him to look up and then shhiikkk, he was circumcised and told to dip into the waters of a nearby beach. In my time, I was administered anesthesia.

Talks of how difficult Linux is to install and use as a desktop is about as valid today as being told to hit the beach after getting circumcised. That’s old school.

He says Ubuntu is easy to install and configure–in fact faster than the usual Windows XP installation process. Then once installed, even low-powered systems tend to run faster and more efficiently, free from the bloat that is usually associated with Windows. Max even mentions the use of Beryl as a window manager–it’s much like Apple’s OS X in terms of some functionality and aesthetics. This is something to look forward to.

Computer manufacturers are also reportedly offering Linux as an alternative to Windows for the bundled operating system. And this is not only for the server market, but also the consumer/home markets.