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Kick Linux To The Curb?

9/4/2008

Recently I found myself presented with the possibility of switching to Apple's OS X. Keeping in mind that I already have a Mac in our home in the form of my wife's computer, the idea of me using it did get me thinking. What would it take for me to completely abandon Linux and return to the world of closed source operating systems?

After much consideration, I have managed to put together a list of things I would need in order to subject myself once again to the annoying and often restrictive world of closed source computing.

1. Availability.

I have no problem paying a reasonable price for use of my operating system. This being a flat fee or even a monthly subscription. But when I pay the bills, I expect to have access to it as I see fit. This means access to download and burn DVD ISOs when I want. At the same time, being able to purchase it from a store would be nice, but is not critical for me personally. I can always order a copy of the DVD/CD online if I need packaging for that matter.

2. No activation keys or serial numbers.

Treat me like a person. The only time I should be asked for a key or a set of numbers is if I am subscribing to a support service. If you wish to ensure there is not a problem with piracy, then it may be time to check the prices set for the product or the product's availability. Generally one or both of these issues create an ecosystem where piracy flourishes to the extent where it is a threat.

3. Provide me with a simple, safe, accessible software portal.

Whether this software portal be online or off, allow me easy access to both free and paid applications. Application installation or removal should be as easy as checking a box -- not add/remove or dragging what you hope to be the right icon to a trash can. Those methods make mass uninstallation of software cumbersome and is totally unacceptable.

4. Value added software pre-installed.

Again, OS X is close with its iLife suite. But I am also looking for an MS Exchange ready PIM (personal information manager) that works well, along with a competent office suite pre-installed as well. While all of these things are available with some searching online, I find the process of locating these items to be a waste of my valuable time.

5. Allow me to choose my own desktop.

Depending on how I am feeling that month, I may go for something straightforward and simple, or other times more detailed in appearance with increased options for desktop control. Both OS X and Windows lock you into their own vision of what a desktop should be. I find this to be unfortunate.

6. Free me from horrible peripheral software installations.

If I had a dollar for every hideousness software install that appeared to be required just to get the drivers working for the device, I could buy the companies producing this junk. Give me the driver then leave -- I do not want your silly and often times sloppy, peripheral-usage applications.

7. Do not force OS updates that only serve to protect your assets.

I am speaking to you, Microsoft. I have heard horror stories of users who have gone so far as to actually disable their automatic updates only to find select patches were installed regardless of this setting. This type of behavior is unacceptable.

8. My hardware, on my terms.

I do not wish to be locked into one or two hardware form factors just so the OS vendor can maintain control. I should be free to use the notebook or desktop hardware that I choose; doing anything less is an insult to my intelligence.

9. Support interoperability with others.

I am so tired of seeing the latest browser or music management software designed to further lock the user into the world that the software creator envisions that user should be stuck with. My music should be DRM free and available on all platforms. I should not need to resort to paying the software patent trolls just for the honor of enjoying a DVD I legally purchased.

And lastly, I refuse to utilize email and browser applications that make migrating to alternatives a painful experience. I need an OS that provides all of these things.

10. I want a sense of discovery, not restrictions.

Even though I realize every operating system is going to have its issues, I still enjoy some mild sense of discovery from time to time. At this point, with the exception of OS X from a shell prompt to a limited degree, Linux (and the BSDs) are the best fit for me in this area.

So considering that OS X Leopard nor Windows Vista is likely to provide me with any of these demands, I guess this limits me to an operating system I can download at no cost, burn to a CD, and find myself productive out of the box.

For me, Linux just fits the bill. Not flawlessly mind you. But once you master how to accomplish what you need from the OS, there is really nothing standing in the way of a solid computing experience.

Some will argue that the same can be said for using both OS X and Windows. I could not disagree more. Speaking for myself, I grew tired of being told how I needed to be use my computer only in a specific way and out of utter frustration, took control of my own destiny by embracing the challenges and successes that Linux have provided to me. The rest as they say, is history ...

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