different computer operating systems

A comment on one of my previous posts asked what the benefits and drawbacks were in using Linux.

Well, everyone has their own needs, and what suits one person may not suit someone else, so here are my personal views.

Drawbacks of running Linux include having to wait for drivers that handle your particular computer hardware (or writing it yourself if you are capable), transferring data to/from proprietory programs used by your colleagues, and generally perceived as a bit awkward by those who use a different, more widespread system.

Advantages are the cost and the feeling that I am contributing in some small way to freedom of choice. I have a full database system, web server, accounts package, UML diagramming, music package (MIDI interface and notation editor) and office software all free.

I have made offerings to some of them mostly in the way of documentation and whilst appreciated this is not obligatory. But it is this sense of community, and helping each other that initially drew me to Linux all those years ago.