As an Indian user I was looking for fantastic software that would be reliable and which I could teach to my children if they were not to become just call center operators - and guess what, I was delighted to see the new Ubuntu based on Debian Linux - that even a PC and laptop computer manufacturer like Dell has decided to support and offer as a popular choice to its customers.
Who does not want exciting software that does not bind them into a corner and that their children can learn from without becoming zombies ?
Initially I was shit scared and thought that maybe my computer would explode or everything will come to a grinding halt. So I tentatively gave myself a target of 15 days to decide whether to switch from Windows operating system to Ubuntu.
Fortunately I was able to decide with confidence in a mere four days to take this important political step. Why do I call it a political decision ? Well because ultimately the choice between supporting a monopoly or freedom is afterall a political decision.
I recently took the all important plunge and upgraded from restrictive Windows operating system to Ubuntu 7.04 Fiesty Fawn and even though I was initially shit scared, whether my computer would just die or how I would survive with my emails, Internet and computing needs in a world without Windows the moment I had a CD with Ubuntu in my hands and with much hesitation installed it on my AMD computer, I knew that nothing would persuade me to go back to a world in which people write software and hide it so that no one can understand what choices are being made for them. No adult likes to be force fed.
The Ubuntu interface and approach is fantastic and has me drooling. What I like about the Ubuntu philosophy is that I can keep learning computing and software without some one giving me orders regarding what formats I should use for music and videos and on what to do and what not to do. Ubuntu is about freedom and respect - for users and developers.
To install Ubuntu, one does not need to change one's computer, hard disk, monitor or Internet provider - just one's mindset. And yes, my computer did not come crashing down and now I feel both I and my children can start learning proper software once again and being functional in a non Windows world.
Ubuntu philosophy -
1. Software should be available free of charge
2. Software tools should be usable by people in their local language
3. People should have the freedom to customize and alter their software in whatever way they need.
Getting Help with Ubuntu : www.ubuntu.com
1. Guides and Documentation - If Ubuntu is already installed on your computer, the Ubuntu help is also installed
2. Official Ubuntu documentation website once you are connected to Internet - no need to tear your hair just read through fantastic Ubuntu guides once you decide to switch to Ubuntu
3. Forums and Community contributed documentation
You can also obtain commercial support. from Canonical in case you are really hooked on support. I for one kept the Canonical phone numbers handy but once I gave myself 15 days before deciding to switch, I never had to call them.
Participate in Ubuntu:
The Ubuntu community is made up of people with multiple interests. It helps to know what you are.
Are you just the usual computer user in an office or home environment who would like to use emails, browse Internet and compose some documents, load files, images, videos and be able to chat with friends across the world ?
Are you a documentation writer who can help in teaching others about Ubuntu ?
Are you a software developer or a graphic artist looking to learn new skills or polish up old skills ?
To find out how to participate, visit Ubuntu's community participation page !
