I agree with alot you say in your last post Mystic.
Linux does not support all hardware. Each kernel update includes more hardware support. If you are planning to buy hardware and want to use linux a little research is in order.
Linux does offer many alternatives to windows programs. This is nice but most window's users do not want to learn how to use new programs and this is understandable. You can run window's programs in linux with emulators but this is not the greatest scenario.
I keep the best of both worlds. I cannot program my vhf radio with linux. The software is made for windows. Dual booting Windows and linux is easy and mostly automatic with linux installs.
You do not have to install linux. Live cds are a terrific way to try linux and check hardware compatibility. All of my installs are from live cds nowadays.
It all boils down to what you need to do with an operating system. Everyone's needs are different. For the mainstream user linux offers plenty of easy to use programs for all the everyday tasks.
Linux does not support all hardware. Each kernel update includes more hardware support. If you are planning to buy hardware and want to use linux a little research is in order.
Linux does offer many alternatives to windows programs. This is nice but most window's users do not want to learn how to use new programs and this is understandable. You can run window's programs in linux with emulators but this is not the greatest scenario.
I keep the best of both worlds. I cannot program my vhf radio with linux. The software is made for windows. Dual booting Windows and linux is easy and mostly automatic with linux installs.
You do not have to install linux. Live cds are a terrific way to try linux and check hardware compatibility. All of my installs are from live cds nowadays.
It all boils down to what you need to do with an operating system. Everyone's needs are different. For the mainstream user linux offers plenty of easy to use programs for all the everyday tasks.