This month marks one year since I decided to move from Windows to Linux on my main computer, and I thought it might be good to write a follow up on how I'm getting along.

Well the fact that I'm writing this follow-up, is proof in itself that I'm quite happy. As of now I'm running Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon on my main computer, and Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy Eft on my server. So that's two out of three machines now running Linux. The only computer not converted is Kate's laptop which still runs Windows XP Home (slowly). I'm trying to persuade her to at least give it a go, but so far she's having none of it.

Back in January 2007, I wrote about how I had previously tried various Linux distributions without a great deal of success. I'd always come up against some sort of hurdle and since I'd used a dual boot system, I'd then gone straight back to Windows. I mentioned that instead of trying things like that again, I would instead cut the Microsoft operating system out completely and purely run Linux meaning I would have to learn and solve problems.

That plan of attack really did seem to be the best one. I did come up with problems, the first being wireless networking but I did have glitches with new graphics cards, installing and partitioning new hard drives and general configuration when things didn't go quite right. For the most part I solved these with the help of the internet, and in specific, the Ubuntu forums and wiki pages. However, I don't currently use a wireless network with my main machines (the router is in the same room so there's no point) and that has simplified configuration somewhat. I certainly cannot vouch for any improvements that may have been made with wireless connectivity simply because I haven't tried it.

So over the past 12 months, I have learnt the basics of the Linux operating system and Ubuntu in particular. I have managed to use the command line (and now favour it for some operations such as quick software installation), use the NFS file sharing system, learn the structure of the file system and access permissions and understand how to add new software from repositories, DEB and RPM files and even in some cases, compile software from source. I feel though, that after 1 year, I have only just scratched the surface.

I could still learn to program, and make improvements to the system such as bug fixes. I could learn to recompile the kernal and customise it to my system. If I wanted to aim big, I could even start my own distribution (but I think that's going a little bit too far - at least for the medium term).

A lot of people who don't use Linux or who maybe have tried it and given up, like I have in the past, will simply write-off the operating system. I think that after a year of using it, with no plans to switch back to Windows, I can safely say that Linux does have problems but then again so does every other operating system. Linux is not Windows or Mac OS X and therefore requires time and learning in order to overcome any difficulties. It has a different way of working and people should not expect it to mimic their previous system exactly.

I would still maintain also, that Ubuntu is a good starting point. It's polished and works well. Assuming the hardware is compatible, it should work pretty much out of the box and it includes some nice visual effects which will please those coming from Windows Vista.

I still try other distros from time to time. Sabayon was nice and worked generally well although I couldn't get my Lightscribe software to work with it. I've heard good things about PCLinuxOS but to my eye it looks like it's trying to imitate to look and feel of Windows too much with it's KDE desktop and very blue theme. OpenSUSE I couldn't get to install. I liked Debian a lot, but there was something that I couldn't get too function (I forget what).

For anyone wishing to give Linux a try, download and burn a live CD (Ubuntu, Sabayon and PCLinuxOS all have live CD functionality) and boot from that. This will allow you to try it out (albeit slowly) without affecting your current system.

Anyway, here's to the next year of Linux for me. Hopefully I'll learn twice as much!

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