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Open Source Software: Good for you!

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Open source software, whether it is an e-mail program, a web browser, or an operating system, is nearly immune to these kinds of attacks. If there was a way to keep this from ever showing up on your screen, would you try it? The reason I say “nearly” is because as more people start using them, others will begin to write viruses to attack them. Approximately ninety-five percent of users get a default operating system with every new computer purchased.

Most open source operating software comes on a Live CD which means, if your computer will boot from the CD, you won't have to install anything. Try it out and decide whether open source software will work for you. If you decide that it won't work for you, no harm done. Then reboot the system, take the CD out and you can go back to what you were doing before. If you like it, follow the instructions for installation and you will be able to dual-boot between Windows and your new operating system.

There have been many debates about the ethics of open source software and I don't want to get into any of that. Its too stressful. As in most “religious” discussions, these are some heated debates...and some get downright rude.

I happen to use Linux software and enjoy it, mainly because if I get an e-mail or stumble on some website with some virulent code in it, it won't affect my computer. Because they are written for Windows.

Most Open Source Software or Linux

1. Will cost hundreds of dollars less.

2. Has virtually no spy-ware or virus issues.

3. Has free and commercial support available.

4. Can still run on older computers that newer versions of Microsoft Windows won't run on.

These reasons are enough to convince some people about the virtues of open-source software (operating system). I have been using one version of Linux or another on my laptop and home system for about ten years. I usually try to collect my e-mail in Linux because of virus issues. Because no matter how up to date your anti-virus software is, there may be a new one out there which hasn't been diagnosed yet. What about my other software?

For about ninety percent of the useful software that most people use, there is an open source version or program which will accomplish the same thing. It may even have a bit of a learning curve but it will save you money and still do what is needed.

There are even applications included with a few versions of Linux which will nearly automate the installation of software for you. There is no real reason not to try a version of Linux. My two favorites are Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS. They are both easy to use and have forums which can provide answers to nearly any question you might have. The will even run pretty well on older machines, so if you can't afford the upgrade to a new computer these operating systems will make an older system seem like new again. See their links below.

PCLinuxOS Ubuntu All versions of Linux, regardless of the distribution, can be upgraded without cost over a fast Internet connection. This is a real cost saver since new features are added every time there is a major upgrade. Although, most of the time, you will be doing small updates which fix problems or security issues and don't take long, even on dial-up connections.

Most of the content on my website was written using OpenOffice Writer, an open source word processor. It can save documents in many different formats, readable on all computers. I use these tools because I have no need for expensive software and the accompanying security risks which comes with it. If you would like to learn about these alternatives or need help installing them, check out their links above or click here.

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