I have managed to migrate a couple of people away from Microsoft and saving them a couple of thousands of pesos. However, the migration is not often as smooth as one would expect. Anyway, here're some of the reasons why you need to dump Windows:

1. Windows is expensive. Unless you are a criminal who illegally acquires and uses software, then Windows costs more than Linux. Whilst some name brand computers come with Windows bundled, have you ever asked the reseller how much you save when you just buy the computer?

Linux is free. It may cost you the cost of a download and/or a blank CD/DVD, but you can install it in all your computers and even duplicate and give copies to family and friends. Something Microsoft will not allow you to do with their products. However, there are Linux distributions that are also not free (you mostly pay for support).

2. Upgrades are not free. Like Mac OS X, Windows upgrades are not free. This is very much unlike Linux -- all upgrades are free. Don't confuse Service Packs with upgrades.

3. Linux is stable. Count how many times have you encountered the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and compare it with the number of times a Linux machine hangs -- I am betting that you will be surprised to find out how often your Windows computer crashes.

Try running your computer non-stop for several days. I am betting that Linux will still be more responsive than your Windows computer after day 2. :)

4. Windows is prone to virus, trojans and worms. Let's not deny this -- Anti-virus companies are making tons of money selling you tools to rid yourself of these critters. Whilst there are free and open source
anti-virus utilities, you still need to run them every so often. Why do you think Microsoft invested in their own anti-virus tools?

Don't get me wrong - Linux is not 100% immune from these problems. However, statistically, you have far less viruses, trojans and worms to worry about in Linux. Some call it market-share, I call it secure-by-design.

5. Microsoft provides different versions for desktop and servers. With Linux, you use the same kernel and just add in whatever server software you want. Have your own server on your desktop, if you will.

With these reasons, I still do not know why people are stuck with Windows.

Linux, however, is not perfect, too. These are some stuff that Linux users will not tell you:

1. Linux does poorly in PC-based games. Compared with Windows, the greatest games do not always run on Linux. Whilst this is not the fault of Linux but of the game developers, it still is a deal-breaker if you are into games.

For the corporate environment, this is a non-issue. However, for some government agencies, this is important. Yeah, I know of a government agency that uses their computers for gaming! :P

2. Linux support requires internet connection. Whilst support is free, you need to have an internet connection to tap the vast resources available on mailing lists, bulletin boards and websites.

Unlike Windows, where everybody is an "expert", Linux still does not have that advantage. However, the Linux community is so open and accommodating that it is like you have you own tech support company backing you up.

Word of caution, though. If someone offers you a service to migrate your company to Linux, insist on bundling training and certification for your IT personnel. This will ensure that you have technical support people in your company.

3. Linux does not support all peripherals. Similar to #1 above, peripherals such as scanners, TV tuners, web cameras and some printer models do not always work on Linux. However, the same can be said of Microsoft's latest OS, Vista. :) It is always best to check if your peripherals are Linux compatible OR better yet, attach the peripherals and run a Linux LiveCD -- see if it will be detected and supported.

4. Linux requires command-line use. Contrary to what some people say that you can do everything using the GUI tools on Linux, it is often best to simply go down to the command-line and do it there. Whilst it may be cryptic, it is faster and often-times, easier.

5. Not all applications you need run on Linux. Whilst most functionalities of popular Windows applications are available from free and open source applications, there are still specialized Windows applications that do not have an equivalent for Linux.

Some people are stubborn enough to use this as a reason not to migrate. However, evaluating how they use the specialized software, you will easily find out that they do not use it to its full potential. The features they use and need are provided by FOSS applications already, albeit in a different workflow but they're there.

So there you have it. Why are you still using Windows then? I'd appreciate it if you can send me a note at mac.n.tux (at) gmail (dot) com.

Cya next week!