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| 07 February 2007
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| Linux or Windows? (Part II - Why Windows?)
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Why Windows?
For this part, I will simply put the "human factor" into each of the factors previously mentioned.
1. Free - You've just bought a computer for yourself. You didn't want to compromise on quality, because you don't want to get frustated later on. So, you bought the best you could (obviously within your budget). You insisted on original parts and expected warranty on all items, even though it would cost extra. Now you want to load an operating system. It's your call? Do you want to spend nothing and get something for free - something that has no guarantee? something that is an outcome of just a hobby of someone who has developed this in his free time? something for which no one is ready to claim any responsibility? Or you think sensibly and decide to invest a couple of thousand more on buying your OS from a 'reliable' source? which offers you regular and automatic updates? which has the backing of the world's richest man behind itself? which is tested and certified by millions others who are just like you? Operating System is the most important software on your computer, without which your PC would be just like a furniture. Please don't mess with it.
DON'T BE A SCROOGE
If you are travelling in a train and someone you don't know offers you a chocolate for free, will you take it? Atleast I wont.
2. Open Source - It's extremely good that Linux is open-source. Everyone can have a peek at the code and update it according to his wish. But on the other side, there is no "standard" linux. Every minute there is a new update available for what you have. And it's not always proven to be "stable". Or would you like to invest in something that is "standard"? that is updated only by those who are paid to do their job well? that which has a backup of thousands of full-time employees behind itself who are paid quite handsomely?
APPRECIATE ESTABLISHED REPUTATION
3. Powerful - No doubt linux if more powerful? But do I need a 7500cc/400bhp/16 cylinder vehicle with a maximum torque of 9500 Nm at 3500rpm to go from my home to my office? Think of the costs involved in its maintenance, and costs, not only in terms of money but hours per week to ensure that the car is in its best possible condition. Or would you rather settle for an average car that is not as better as the original but requires very little, if any, efforts for maintenance? What is the use of having a car that can reach 250 kph mark when you hardly ever cross 100? Why not settle for a 200 kph car instead?
BE PRACTICAL
4. Faster - Linux is faster because it has a strong text-based support? Let me ask you why are you using a computer? To make your life easier? So that what earlier took you hours and a paper and pencil can now be done in seconds. You want your life to be easier so that you can devote your time and efforts to other things in life. And what makes your life easier? A text console where you have to memorise a mammoth set of instructions alongwith all their subtler details or a graphical menu where you have to choose what you want to do by simply clicking on a set of buttons that are placed ergonomically.
LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
5. Virus resistant - The primary reason why linux has very less no. of viruses is not because it is more resistant to viruses, but because it is not much popular. If people like you and me start using it, inevitably the number of viruses for linux will also increase. Infact, since the source of Linux is open, the virus-maker can very easily make even deadlier virus. So, do you really want to take the harder route?
GET OUT OF THE TRAP
6. Large no. of softwares - A large number of softwares are available for Linux due to its open-source nature. But Windows has even more number of softwares due to the huge number of users. Also the softwares for Windows are properly documented and are developed in a proper and organised manner by handsomely-paid experts, not by an amateur dilletante who one day decides to make a software for linux and the other day itself forget what his software is supposed to do.
THINK BEFORE MAKING A DECISION
7. Stability and Regular Updates - Linux gets updated regularly. Infact, it gets updated so frequently that most of the time there is consistency-mismatch. Also, before a user is able to comprehend what the utility of the update is, there is an even newer update available. Also, a lot of time is wasted downloading the updates and installing them and resolving dependency problems.
SAVE TIME AND EFFORT, USE WINDOWS
8. Backward Compatibility - Who wants to run an operating system on a century-old processor when a microprocessor of more than double the functionality is available at less than half the cost?
MOVE WITH THE TIME
9. No fragmentation - Defragmentation of the disk is not a very big problem in Windows - leaving the computer on once a night solves the problem for atleast a month. Just switching to Linux for this reason would be a pretty lame excuse.
DON'T MAKE DUMB EXCUSES
10. Easily upgradeable - Who wants the hassle of upgrading every week when your system is stable and running satisfactorily? Why unnecessarily give yourself the pain and trouble?
DON'T BE IMPULSIVE, THINK LOGICALLY
Do you need any more reasons?
CONCLUSION :
"If you are the kind of person who wants to know all the details about the working of a car before buying one, go for LINUX. However, if you are sensible, practical and wise, go for WINDOWS"Labels: linux, pride, windows |
posted by Rohit Agarwal
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