Magnets Open All The Same

Over the course of this week, I’ve made the switch from both Mac OS X and Windows to Ubuntu.

Simply put, it’s been an intuitive, fairly easy and completely worthwhile expenditure of my time. Is Ubuntu for everyone? No. However, I’m quickly realizing that it is the way to go for those of us who are concerned with the impediments DRM, uncaring capitalism and the system of user content monetization that does not reward users.

Here’s what Ubuntu has shown me over the past week:

• Getting programs to work is not that hard. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Skype and wifi gave me the most problems, but all-in-all I’d say most people with a base level IQ could figure out how to get their favorite programs working in Ubuntu.
• There’s a great community of users out there which has made the transition even better. Using Ubuntu gets you into a community of caring and interested people you’ve never met, who want to help you have a great transition and successful experience. That’s powerful.
• You don’t need all the programs you think you do. Windows and Mac OS comes bloated with programs you don’t really need. Go minimalist with Ubuntu and see why.
• The alternatives to programs that you do need, such as Photoshop, are just as powerful (if not more powerful). Continuing with the Photoshop analogy, I’ve been using The Gimp photo editor this week. It’s free and easy.
• You feel better about yourself. That’s self-righteous, but it’s valuable in a world full of guilt.

I’ll continue the list of what I’ve learned over the coming days. Check out the Ubuntu website and forums and see what you think.

I just wish Microsoft and Apple would recognize how powerful testimonials like this can be. This is completely a from-the-heart statement about a product, service, platform and community that I’m rapidly falling in love with. Imagine if your company could tap into that kind of power!

Has your experience been similar?

posted: 06 December 3
under: Current Affairs, User Generated content, ubuntu, vista