Why Do I Use Linux?
This blog entry is intended to serve friends around me, as I am getting more and more enquiries about this issue. Instead of answering you guys one by one, here it is. A very detailed writing from me, explain to you why do I use Linux as my daily production workstation’s operating system. If you do not know me, you might also find useful information about several issues regarding computer software market in Malaysia.
First of all, there’s one very basic knowledge that you guys should know. OS, as in Operating System is a software that lets you operate your computer, in short, without an OS, your computer is nothing more than a metal box. Due to the software piracy problem in our country, most of you do not know that computer softwares are generally more expensive comparing to computer hardwares’ prices. For up to date prices for computer softwares that a typical workstation to have, you can refer to following pages.
1. Microsoft Softwares
2. Adobe Softwares
3. Macromedia Softwares
So, let me briefly list out the softwares that I need in order to meet up my daily work production.
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional Retail = RM 1,088
- Microsoft Office 2003 Standard Edition = RM 1,450
- Norton Antivirus 2006 = RM 99
- Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 = RM 1,465
- Adobe Photoshop CS2 = RM 2,650
(prices might vary but I doubt there’s any big difference.)
With above softwares, I can deal with paper works(office), write php scripts and design web page(Dreamweaver), edit images(Photoshop) and protect my machine from viruses, that’s all. Forget about watching DVD, forget about games, and forget about everything else. It is okay though, this is what a workstation meant to be, right ? So what’s the cost ? RM 6,752! Okay let’s round it lower since there’s going to be promotions from time to time, but still, no way I’m going to spend RM 6k for all those, out of my budget, out of my hope, and not even in my dreams.
Maybe some of you will say, “why not just get the all-in-one DVD in pirated disc store?It’s just RM10 per piece!”. Well, this is what I’m trying to emphasize in this writing. Do you enjoy it when someone’s actually calling you a “THIEF”?I definitely don’t. All of you malaysians must be awared that you are indirectly stealing from a software company whenever you are using a pirated software. Our government has been working hard on this issue, but the efforts are focused on business and organization sectors. General public is not yet awared of this situation, software piracy is a crime.
Yes, you will say, “I’m not the only one, those big time software providers and authorities will have no time for me.”. Very true, the parties involved won’t have the time to deal with every each of the pirated software users. Instead of enforcing the law to the public, smart software providers invest their resources into something better, and effective. I’m not sure if you are experienced with this for your copy of Windows, friends which make use of the “Automatic Update” feature in Windows XP, actually installed a windows component called “Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications” automatically. This is a one way road, no turning back. This program will verify whether your copy of Windows XP is genuine(original) or not. You won’t be able to receive updates for your Windows if your copy is not genuine, and your computer will be vulnerable to any upcoming security issues. The only way out is, pay Microsoft on their website, then you’ll get your so called “genuine” copy of windows right after the transaction. Easy huh ?
Okay, back to the topic. So I do not wish to steal from anyone, I want my machine to be legitimate, I want to be a lawful citizen. But I am poor, I can’t afford to spend so much on softwares. This is how the twist began.3 years ago, I heard from a friend that his brother was a Red Hat Certified Engineer. I had totally no idea what is a “Red Hat”, so I came back home and googled for it. Bang! I was so amazed by the fact that some people are actually giving out an OS for free? So the journey started, downloaded Red Hat 9 installation cds, and jumped into an unknown world. Those days were contented, everyday a new thing to learn about linux. You will be amazed that how resourceful and helpful within this community. Those who know help those who do not, it is a very solid network.
Until today, I’m still using Linux as my OS, settled down with Debian distribution. None of the issues of software piracy has effected me, all softwares I use are under GPL license,
Including this blog software you are browsing. Shame of me to just grab something from others for free? Yeah, shame of me to only write about Linux after 3 years of usage. I’m not a very serious guru type linux user, until now I’m still learning something new everyday to follow up with this rapid growing open source community. By writing this blog entry, I wish to bring Linux to more people, especially those around me. This is how I show my appeciation to the community.
Conclusion here, why do I use Linux? Because in my opinion, technology is meant to make humans’ lives better, not making the rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer. I can’t afford the software retail price in Malaysia, I do not want to be accused a thief, and most of all I do not wish my country to be listed top on the blacklist of software piracy. I’ve found my alternative, what about you?
You should visit the following sites/pages if you wish to find out more about Linux.
1. Linux explaination on wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
2. Question you have about Linux might already have been answered there. http://www.linuxquestions.org/
3. Debian Home Page. http://www.debian.org/
Final note, I write this out of good will, correct my errors if you find one. Show me facts, but not flames. All personal opinions meant no offense to anyone or any organization or any business.