More than just Windows

How many people here use Windows (95/98/ME/2000/XP)? I'm sure that's most of you. This is for you (and even an Apple user or two).

As we all know, Windows is very very powerful in the computer world. It seems like all the neat programs are on Windows. But did you realize that instead of shaping their [Windows] operating system around people, they shape the people around the operating system. That is, they train people to accept whatever they're given because "There's nothing as good as Windows."

Windows (the company) bully other companies who try to make headway in the computing industry, because they absolutely HATE competition. They know if someone got popular enough, they could become a threat.. Deep down Windows knows that they're playing with their customers... they're using them because they're big enough that they can.

That's not to say that Windows is totally bad and useless. If you love to play computer games, it's an excellent OS. That's not, however, because Windows is a "gaming OS"... it's because Windows is so big that it's just easier for computer game designers to make JUST Windows games. (I feel sorry for Apple users, I really do. :( )

But outside of that, don't think that Windows is as great as it claims. Almost all the [non-game]programs you get for Windows, you could get the equivilent of for other operating systems. Not only that the other OSs that are out there are infinitely more secure and less "buggy" than Windows.

Most people know about Apple Computers. They are a wonderful alternative to Windows. They are sleek, and beautiful to look at, and they run just as well as Windows.

But Apple computers tend be expensive. You also can't really upgrade your Apple like you can a PC. Even if you tried, it would be very pricey, since only a few companies make Apple parts. Apple doesn't give you a lot of choices in how and what your computer is like, or how it performs.

However, there's a third option. It's called Linux. Linux is used by businesses. For servers and things along those lines. It's considered one of the most secure operating systems out there. It's highly customizable. There's just one problem:

It's a pain in the arse to learn. (Trying to just install something on Linux is enough to make a grown man cry in frustration.) Unlike Windows and Macs, Linux is for the "geeks". It's for people who understand what goes on BEHIND the "pretty face" of an operating system. These are people who BUILD programs, not just click a button to make them run.

Obviously Linux, though one of the safest OS out there, is not for the average user. In fact, it's not even for a middle user!

But I found something that recently changed all that. It's called Linspire. It's based off Linux (specifically, Debian Linux), but unlike almost every other Linux OS out there, the average person can USE Linspire. Linspire aims to be as easy to use as Windows, but more dependable.

Linspire can do just about anything Windows can, without having to worry about viruses or crashes. And to top all of it off: It's affordable.

Unlike Mac, which requires special parts and are expenaive, Linspire can be put onto a regular PC hard drive. It works with PC components, just the same as Windows. I should know, since my computer was "home built" and it has Linspire and WindowsXP (I had Windows XP first, if you're wondering why I use it.)

However, not everyone can build a PC. For those who don't build PCs, or who's computer is just too old and you need a replacement, Linspire is still a great way to go. You can get a PC for less than 500$. Out of the box it's internet ready, program ready, and even includes a flat screen monitor. Or, you can get a laptop for less than 850$.

Linspire is aimed for high internet speed, like DSL or Cable. But, if you're one of those people who can't afford that (or it's simply not in your area), Linspire can help you out with that as well. They have a special CD with most of the "big programs" (which are hard on dialup connections) on it.

Also, if you play games on Windows, there is still hope. Some games can be played on Linspire using special programs like WineX . Programs like WineX can not play graphically intensive games (like... Final Fantasy Online or StarWars Galaxy), but they can play games like SimCity 4 or WarCraft III.

In conclusion, I'm asking everyone to consider the fact that Windows is not the end-all for Operating Systems. There are choices out there, cheap ones, that are just as good, if not better, than Windows. So consider them when you think about buying a new computer.

And now I'm done being the sales person. ;)