Linux User/Windows User

In my computing career, which started back when I was a senior in high school (that is when I knew I wanted to be a computer geek), all I have used are the different evolutions of Windows from 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, 2kServer, Xp, and 2k3 server.  Now that I am in college and have been through several computer classes which pertain to the Linux OS I have decided to give it a shot as a full time desktop OS.  Yes, I have played with Linux before,  I even have it on a separate box that cruise around the Internet with and do some assignments on.  My sweet Fedora Core 5 box, which I use to practice my 'hacking' techniques, learned in class, to better understand security and how to prevent attacks.  That being said, I have been using Ubuntu 6.06 'Dapper' on a laptop to take around to my classes and use for the classes that I am taking in order to see if Linux can be used in an educational environment.

So far on my Linux trek I have discovered for the most part Ubuntu has not let me down.  There are a few instances where Ubuntu and other Linux versions just will not be up to snuff.  For instance ever had a class strictly dedicated to Microsoft Office, or have a teacher say please use this software (which will only run on Windows) i.e. Microsoft Visio, Project, Publisher, or some other software.  Maybe you have had a visual basic class, the point is sometimes *nix won't cut it.  However, that being said, if you get into a class that is mainly papers, lectures, and homework without special software needed, a Linux distro shines. 

For the most part I have enjoyed my Linux experience.  Ubuntu being so user friendly has made it really easy.  Another distro that I like alot is Fedora Core 5.  I just can't get enough of that sweet Yum package manager.  It really is quite easy to use and install software with.

Anyway, the point of this post is to say this for those people afraid to jump from Windows to *nix don't be.  With Linux there will be small annoyances like mp3, mpg, and other formats having to have codecs to play on linux but with the new innovations from developers of the distros it is getting easier and easier to convert.  I have to say that there are still Windows annoyances too.  If your like me and have always been a windows person I would suggest trying out a Linux distro of course I would also either dual boot or use a different machine like me and take it to class to try out.  Windows will always be there as a fall back but for the most part I am diggin some linux and hopefully you will enjoy the experience too.

If you have had some good experiences with Linux or bad ones please leave a comment I love to hear stories!.