First of all, why Linux?

Learning new things is time consuming and difficult. So, why should you spend time struggling to learn how to use a new operating system, when most of the world seems steadfastly, lazily loyal to Windows?

Here are 9.5 reasons why you should have a go at adapting to Linux and why should start indoctrinating your children to use it too.

You want an operating that has a fast boot-time

You want to use an operating that is as sleek as Apple's but easily customisable and not as tyrannical

You want a more secure operating system

You want to try something new and have a natural curiosity and a love for tinkering with novel technology

You would like to reuse an old PC with a light-weight OS

You're now Earth's Emperor and your viceroys will have to run the governments of France, USA, Spain, Macedonia or Mexico City

Your boss says so

You're pondering home automation

You want a free OS

1/2 reason - You're an idealist who believes in Richard Stallman's world of software that is completely Free (as in Freedom). Your personal sacrifice is appreciated.

Reasons not to use Linux:

So you can be like this guy

Operating Systems - What they do and when they can't do it.

Operating Systems

The distance between your computer's user interface and the trillions of bit processes that enable hardware to display this manifestation is vast. Think of your computer as a sandwich.

Your operating system consists of the kernel, which translates commands between the software/applications and the hardware. The kernel and applications/software allow you to control and use the hardware with precision (in theory) to achieve your aims (for better or for worse).

Now, you will notice that the various 'teeth' in the diagram line up nicely, that's simply theoretical, the reality is a lie. More often than not, it is this:

Some of you may find that your new operating system doesn't fit snugly in with your existing hardware. There will be kinks, for example, Linux distros are notoriously hostile towards facilitating the installation of proprietary firmware, even though that means you have to install custom firmware anyway to get your inevitably proprietary wireless card running.  A lot of Linux troubleshooting is going to involve you trying to perfect the latter image, and you probably won't, but we can try.

Hello Procrastinators.

I have decided to teach myself how to use and understand the Linux operating system and explore its features. Throughout this journey, you will get a chance to follow me as I tinker and toil with my new Ubuntu Mate distro. My aim is to use this blog to codify the extent of my understanding. By understanding my new (and at times, frustrating) device better, I also want to develop a record of useful problem solving heuristics that we can use to solve our unique problems. No one can understand everything, but we will try to learn something. I hope that you will find this blog both fun and educational. Learning anything new is difficult (no one wants to feel stupid) I will suffer first to limit your suffering. So, follow me and have fun.