Probably more than ten years ago, I was getting increasingly frustrated with the Microsoft Windows operating system that came on all our several computers. Not only was it inflexible in some ways, but there were endless updates and at some point Microsoft quit providing updates, meaning that I had to buy a new computer to use their up-to-date software. I have problems with being controlled by a software company…..
So I started researching open-source operating systems and found Ubuntu, which is a Linux operating system. Note that I use Ubuntu and Linux synonymously, as Ubuntu is just a ‘variety’ of Linux. Ubuntu was available as a download and I could install it beside MS Windows and could switch between the two. I did this for a while, until I got familiar with Ubuntu and eventually installed it solely on my computer, overwriting and deleting MS Windows for good.
I can’t say that it was all easy going, changing over to Ubuntu. I’m am a bit of a techy to start off with, having taken computer science in university in the 80’s and worked designing software and databases for several years as an employee and as a consultant. I’ve always enjoyed learning more about computers, so taking-on Linux was just a natural thing to do once I had time.
Like everyone, I use my computer continuously every day for writing, spreadsheets, email, and internet. When using MS Windows, this meant becoming proficient with MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook. When I switched to Ubuntu, I found LibreOffice Suite with equivalents to MS, but called Writer, Calc, Thunderbird for email, and Firefox for internet browsing. The LibreOffice Suite, to me, is as good if not better than MS Office, and importantly, free to download and use. MS Windows-based software doesn’t work on Linux. I had to replace some software that I had used on MS Windows with software available for Linux, and have found over the years that it is mostly just as good if not better, but almost always free of cost.
I also found that my older computers were once again usable and could be updated when I converted them to Ubuntu/Linux, thereby extending their useful life. I’ve installed it on desktops and laptops. I’ve yet to find a way to install it on old tablets and cell phones. The computer I’m writing this on is about ten years old and works very well for all the things I currently spend my time doing – writing, research, programming, browsing, etc.
Having a bit of a computer technology background has helped me work through some minor issues now and again. I’ve found that Googling a few key words often leads me to someone who has already found and posted a solution. But for the most part, it’s just a matter of installing it and it’s ready for use.
I’ll write more about Ubuntu and Linux in the future. As always, do your own research before proceeding.
Thanks, Jim.