I used to be an owner in several of the computer help chat rooms on msn chat. I thought MS Windows XP was the greatest thing. I would knock people who used linux because I had no idea about it. Then I got ahold of Suse 8.2. I installed it, but I couldn't even install a video driver. I had no idea what was going on. I tried to learn it, but it was hard. I had no idea about the man command, or any command line at all. I could surf the internet, but that was about it.

After having helped Windows computer users with every conceivable problem imaginable, I was very excellent in XP. I had found ways to do everything. I used Visual Studio.NET for programming, and it was so cool. I really didn't want to give up Windows. I had to humble myself to the fact that I might not know everything.

I ordered a copy of Suse 9.1. I installed it. It was pretty much easier than Suse 8.2. I found out, linux is like a Corvette with a 350 V-8 and a five speed manual transmission. Windows is like that, with a four cylinder automatic. You might look cool with Windows, but those who know what is really going on choose linux. Windows is really for women, and children. Linux is for men, especially Gentoo. I never used Gentoo, but I've heard it is awesome.

Now I have used Suse 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 | Fedora | Mandrake | debian

I have a linux network at home. I have a Smoothwall firewall machine, which does nothing but act as a firewall, web cache, and DNS server. The cable modem goes into this machine. If you have an old pentium II or Celeron, with a 1 GB or more HDD, two network cards, and a CD drive; you can make your own dedicated firewall. This baby is secure.

Behind that I have three linux boxes, two with Suse 9.3, and one with debian sarge. I know linux pretty well after a year or two. I am so glad I switched from Microsoft. It was hard, at first, but I just kept at it until it came to me.

I love the power and freedom you get with linux. It's just plain fun. I've never had so much fun, well, maybe not never.

I have a confession to make. on one of my machines I still have an XP partition. I can't remember the last time I booted it, but it's there for security. I think of it as a trojan more than an OS now. I just keep thinking I might need it. If you don't fight for your freedom it gets taken away by the powerful. Linux is a beautiful thing. Fight for it.

Good Story

I like the comparison to a Corvette.
If you have a spare test machine, try gentoo...my distro of choice

I like your style!! I too converted to Linux about 2 years ago on my own bedroom computer after getting mad with XP and all its popups and weird virus like behavior, I tred it before that but it was crappy Mandrake 8.1! Then one day I got so mad with XP I threw the pirate CD out the window!! I then grabbed that SuSE 9.1 and installed it. Since then I never looked back and have gone through Fedora Core and more recently Ubuntu. I am getting strange thaughts in my head about installing Debian or FreeBSD but I'll try them another day.

My family and their computers all run the Windows XP operating system and even worse, with wireless!! Not good when my dad blames me when his wireless goes down he still has the nerve to have a go at me even tho all the networking equipment is owned by me GRRR!

When I want to escape the hell of Windows I return to my room and my powerful Linux system!

Nice story! I remember the time where I thought Windows XP was the only OS that counted. Everything else sucked, although I never ever tried anything else. The first time someone said the word "Linux" I got the image of a primitive Dos-like OS and said: "It can't be as good as Windows, can it?" The guy instantly said: "Actually Linux became really really good, really secure and solid system.." That was the first encounter.

After some time I kept thinking about it, checking out sites and reviews and decided to give Linux a shot. A friend of mine had some Red Hat 9 CDs left over so he gave them to me. Enjoyed every moment of using RH. Some time later I downloaded FC3, enjoyed it even more. Then I got hit by the urge to try out more distros. I got FC4, Ubuntu 5.04, Mepis 3.3.1, Knoppix 4.0.2, Slackware 10.2, and Solaris 10.

Although I couldn't use Solaris 10 more than half an hour because of some problems that came up afterwards (Internet, dual booting with Linux), it helped me get rid of Windows. I wanted to install Solaris in Linux's place (on an extended partition) but that wasn't possible. So Windows had to go. After the problems came up, I removed Solaris and Fedora, and reinstalled Fedora on hda1. The windows CD I had went to a friend of my brother who needed it. I told him he can keep it for good.
-A

This is the same for any windows head out their.

they think they know computers in side out

until they use linux

their is another world to conquerer

one that will not be easy for them?

I would knock people who used linux because I had no idea about it

you must be Joking?

I'm using Gentoo myself (then i guess i'm a real man, huh? :P ), and i do not in any way doubt that a woman would be just as capable of using gentoo.

Kind Regards Bjerrk

Just FYI:
The Corvette never shipped with a five-speed manual.

They originally came with three (through 1962 or so if I recall correctly), then a four speed, then a "4+7" speed (a manual transmission with an automatic overdrive available for use on the top three gears) and since 1989 a six speed.

--Kim

Hahaha, nice Kim! Got your vettes down.

I should. I only own two (Well, it would be three only I don't have the title for the third yet)

I admit, without prejudice, if a woman be fine enough, she too will use linux. And a worthy woman she will be. Not contented with bangles and baubles, she would display the truth with her quiet and gentle spirit. Her jewels would be kindness, hope, faith, and charity. She would be a woman I should like that we meet. For a woman who knows linux is an exceedingly rare gem, of which diamonds pale by comparison.

A capable woman is more precious than jewels, and a woman who knows linux, especially gentoo, is the most capable of all.

I know she seeks truth, and finds it. Linux is a male operating system, suitable to a man's woman. Probing the heart of linux prepares her to be the finger God will use to massage a very special heart that will be all her own. This heart will belong to her, as her own, but willingly committed to hers by an act of free will. Her longing shall be over. She has found real Truth. Linux was just practice.