[H-GEN] Going Open source

[Simon Cole]

For years, I've been trying to move over to the open source environment of Linux, not because it's cheap, but to participate in a cooperative community. I'm not a developer, just a user, but the way I see it, it's better than patronizing the copyright and patent-laden computer businesses.
Finally, it seems, it's time. I went back to the local Linux support group Humbug and found out that the system has developed to such a point that it (Ubuntu) runs on new laptops without too many compatibility issues. The guys (no women!) at Humbug were very helpful.  I'm keeping my old Windows laptop as a backup just in case, but I'm optimistic that I can use Linux for most of my fairly basic purposes; browsing, email, word processing, basic communications like Skype and video viewing and DVD burning/editting. I'm buying a Lenovo (IBM) ThinkPad which are on sale. It comes with Windows 7, which I'll keep as a back up OS on a small portion of the hard drive; it seems impossible to give over some support to Microsoft. However, I am really impressed with the number of Linux compatible applications and codecs that are now available.. all free and legal. Add this to the stability, speed and safety of Ubuntu or Debian, and Linux starts looking
 pretty good.
Yours,
Simon
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A reply from a friend:
I have used Ubuntu for years as your average user on a laptop. It isall freeware, open source and user friendly. I can verify it is betterthan windows without reservation. You will find there is a plethora offree online assistance and plenty of documentation to access to helpyou through any tricky or challenging queries you may have. TZM shouldembrace Linux.
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