I have been using a Linux workstation exclusively for over 5 years and have first hand experience of how the Linux Desktop has evolved from a cranky, buggy nightmare into a genuine alternative to that other operating system that most of the world insists on using.

It is generally accepted that a linux server is stable, dramatically efficient and cost effective. Even installations that use MS as a server would have to agree that Linux is a real alternative. However, the debate still rages on (perhaps fueled by MS) as to whether Linux is a serious contender for a Workstation (or PC in the vernacular).

In my view there is absolutely no doubt that there is no technical reason why any user should not consider using Linux on their Workstation. However, there are two reasons why this is not the norm …

1. It is still almost impossible to buy a PC or laptop with Linux pre-installed; and
2. If you do “swim against the tide”, getting help is difficult because most of your friends will be using Windows!

In fact, it is no harder, or perhaps even easier, to install Linux on a PC than it is to install Windows! It is also a fact that no casual user expects to have to install the Operating System on their new PC. Hence, most new users, or buyers, end up with Windows.

OK, what is Switch2LinuxNow.com about? It’s simple really, it’s a place where I will document and discuss how I use Linux as a Workstation. The types of topics that will be discussed are –

• Installing software on a PC
• Configuring the Linux Workstation
• How I overcome the various issues which come up from time to time
• Gadgets that work with Linux PCs
• And whatever else crosses my mind!

At present I use Gentoo on my laptop, Mepis on a couple of PCs for others that I help and Centos on work systems. There are good reasons why I use three distributions, and there are no good reasons why I don’t use other popular distributions such as Ubuntu, Knoppix Mandriva etc. So, I endorse what I use, but do not imply anything about what I don’t use — the Linux world gives a plethora of choices.

Finally, if you have a question which you think I might be able to answer, feel free to comment on any post or use the Contact Me page.