> [The Registry] is unprotected.
The registry is not unprotected. It is fully ACL’d, just like the file-system.

> If it becomes corrupted then you must repair it or re-install Windows.
Not completely true. This is misleading. If you blow away certain sections, that’s a problem. But most parts of the registry are simply program configuration. Blow those away, and no big deal.

> It can become large and fragmented, slowing your computer down.
Not true. Doesn’t slow down your computer by having more configuration data in there. Applications usually aren’t scanning the *entire* registry. They know exactly where to look. It’s like a phonebook — they look for “Anderson” and they find it.

> Linux has no central registry. It keeps its configuration files in individual text files in a protected area of the computer.
Windows used to do it this way too. Configuration files were not stored in a consistent location. OS X addressed this issue and came up with their own hybrid solution of the 2…using plists.

>If one becomes corrupted it would be rare since access is controlled and password protected.
Just like in the registry. You can protect individual subkeys, and hives.

> However, if it is damaged it would not affect the system, only one programme that can be removed and re-installed simply.
Just like the registry when you are mucking around in “hklm\software”

>It never becomes fragmented or slows your computer down.
Neither does the registry.

It is quite possible they have forgoten their 1rst interaction with Windows.

They too had to dig and learn how to use it
They had to search on how to configure windows apearance so they like what they see.

So is Linux. You can change it’s look, yes like Windows.

You can change Linux desktop behaviour THAT Windows cannot do. You have the choice of KDE, Gnome just to name 2 of the most popular desktop managers.

If you don’t like the look and feel of one, then switch to another desktop manager, you have the CHOICE, at no $cost$.

Linux is freedom of choice. The world is yours to discover

#2 The Command Line – Most people are put off it simply because they don’t know the commands to type to fix their problem. However if you ask for help in a forum and someone posts a solution using the CLI, often all you have to do is copy and paste a line or two of code. Not scary at all!

#5 My equipment is not supported – Out the box Linux supports heaps more hardware than Windows. Example: I had to fix up an old machine at work. The original motherboard disc has disappeared and I had no idea what type of hardware was on the machine. Windows detected next to nothing – no network (therefore no internet), no sound, lousy graphics etc. It was a big hassle figuring out the hardware, then searching the internet on another machine for drivers and finally installing and setting up everything. And all the time I just KNEW that if I’d installed Ubuntu it would have detected everything automatically. If you have all necessary discs, Windows may be easy to set up, but if you don’t, you’re in for some work. Linux knocks the socks off Windows here.

#6 Linux is hard to use – I would say Linux is different to use, not necessarily harder. And this only applies if you’re a power user and like messing with your system. If you only surf the web, email, write a letter or two etc. (i.e. a normal computer user) then Linux is practically the same as Windows.

#9 Microsoft has been good to me – Agree completely absolutely 100% with your comments on this!!

Whew, this has turned into a long comment

Nice post.

My daughter who uses a brand new iMac at school is wanting her own Linux laptop as the school computers are to much of a problem.

Linux only since 1999.

Why not make some 100$ back by formatting the drive, install linux, removing the windows install key sticker, and sell the windows cd with install sticker for whatever the price is for that version of windows.

I paid for windows on my dell laptop, but i made the money back on it completely selling it to a friend who actually needed it. Technically it’s refunding your own copy of windows that came with a computer. Why go straight through the computer manufacturer to get a refund on windows when you know people who will buy it from you in the first place because they actually need it?

#8 blown out of the water HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I’m a linux user, so i did that instead of sticking with windows which is fine for me, i saved my friend a trip to another city or needing to do a purchase off the internet for getting him windows.