On Becoming a Deep Water Sailor

[wyzwyk]

     For the past several years I've been dabbling around with Linux distributions, a few dozen in fact.  There wasn't anything I wouldn't give at least a passing look at.  Initially my distro hopping was born out of simple curiosity but as time passed I started to look at Linux as a possible alternative to Windows.  Yes, the ultimate goal became casting off Microsoft' s always leaky operating system for good once I found a viable replacement.  I knew this wasn't going to be a short term goal because I was still far too dependent on Windows 7, and no distribution clearly emerged from the masses as a clear favorite.  Enter PClinuxOS KDE.  At first I didn't fully appreciate all of what I was looking at.  The distribution hadn't released a new version in a while and was still using KDE 3.5.10  when most all other distros were several versions into KDE 4.  Was PCLinuxOS one of those small "one man band" distros that would forever be behind the times, or was there a savvy mental force holding the distro back until 4 was truly ready?  As we all know Texstar was the force and he was correct, the first few versions of KDE 4 were not better than its predecessor.  When PCLinuxOS 2010 was finally released I started to look at the distro closely, and it was soon apparent there was a lot more positive about it than I first saw.  A lot more! 
     I was first struck by how compatible all my hardware was with PCLOS right out of the box.  Everything worked, and that was fantastic.  It's difficult enough for a newbie to learn the ways of Linux let alone having to hunt down and install drivers.  This is often a major turnoff for those new to Linux.  I found that not only did it run well with all my hardware but the distro didn't hang up, slow down, or crash with anywhere near the frequency of Windows.  While there are a number of distributions that include more software on their install discs I found the programs offered by PCLOS of quality and more than adequate, and if the software I wanted wasn't on the disc I could in all likelihood find it in one of their 12,000 program repositories.  Sweet!  For me one of the best features of PCLinuxOS is the rolling release.  While it is not a totally unique feature there aren't many distributions that have it.  Who wants to reinstall their operating system every 6-9 months in order to get driver and software updates?  This was a major selling point for me, but it wasn't the only one.  The PCLinuxOS forum would have to be included as one.  I can't speak highly enough of the folks that comprise this forum; truly first class!  It strikes me as being more akin to a family than a group of users who congregate online.  While I don't actively participate that much I do assiduously read and follow what's going on in the forum.  When I do chime in to ask one of my stupid newbie questions I'm never made to feel like a leper to be shunned.  Often a slew of knowledgeable people are ready to help me through my problem.  Nothing will ever make me feel more at home in using PCLOS then knowing I have an army of fellow users willing to help me up when I've fallen.  Thanks to all of you.  When you list all the great things PCLOS brings to the table you can't forget the magazine.  Parnote and his staff put together a monthly release that would be the envy of all other distributions.  Every month I look forward to its release as there are many interesting, informative, and diversified topics covered.  Simply put, the magazine is first rate.   While I love the KDE desktop I know it's not for everyone.  No problem, PCLOS gives users a choice as they can try out one of these: KDE, Gnome, Zen mini, Enlightenment, Enlightenment light, KDE Full Monty, LXDE, LXDE mini, Minime, Openbox, Openbox bonsai, Phoenix mini, and Phoenix XFCE.  Does any distribution offer a better choice than this?  If all this wasn't enough Texstar is about to come out with a 64 bit version also. 
     It's pretty easy to extol the virtues  of PCLOS but all this gets me away from my main reason for writing this testimonial.  For the past year and a half I have been pretty consistently using PCLinuxOS on a dual boot system with Windows 7.  The other day I decided to take the step to become a deep water sailor ..... I removed  Windows 7 from my computer.  While I'm not quite ready to circumnavigate the Linux world it feels good to sail out of Microsoft's mill pond and seek open water.  I know I sail on a great ship and have an experienced crew.  Anchors away!

[Rudge]

Excellent post!

Anyone that started out on Windows and now uses Linux exclusively probably remembers the day they stopped "using".

I have been MS free for years now but I still remember the feeling. Your description pretty much fits.

Welcome to "open waters". 

[She_Devil]

Welcome aboard the "Good Ship Lollypop", mate..  Seems we've all wondered at our 'sanity' when taking the final plunge.  I've been Windows free for, ohh,  dog... can anyone remember the year?  I know it was August... Oh, I know.. when MM08 came out, I liberated my laptop from M$.  Was the last I've seen of those seas...

Sailing in magnificent blue waters with the sun shining brightly and the  sea breeze gently caressing my face..   

[Crow]

I still have Windows installed but at work never use it and at home is for games (a toy OS you know) .

Beautiful testimonial wyzwyk

[Wildman]

I hope parnote see this post! 

[wyzwyk]

Thanks Rudge    When I initially contemplated doing this I was filled with feelings of trepidation, but the more I thought about it the more I remembered the extreme feelings of anger and frustration with Window's instability.  Then the decision became easy.

[wyzwyk]

crow ....   When I removed Windows I thought the ONLY programs I would miss were a billiards game and an eBay sniper program.  That's a pretty sad testimonial about Windows!

[Crow]

crow ....   When I removed Windows I thought the ONLY programs I would miss were a billiards game and an eBay sniper program.  That's a pretty sad testimonial about Windows!

Sad indeed, I don't play as much today but once in a while my kids and me enjoy a LAN party with different games, I keep windows just for those occasions.

[OMSkates]

Deleted your Windows 7, 'you the man'!!   Welcome to PCLOS!  Your billiards game may very well run fine with PlayOnLinux.

[jaydot]

wyzwyk, weloome home.  your post describes exactly our aim on this forum.  everyone welcome and everyone willing to do whatever they can to help out.  enjoy yourself.

[Sproggy]

this is awesome ... and is the whole aim ... make people part of the family ... they first look ... then test the water ... then finally dive in ... and finally contribute ... welcome to what i consider my computing home ... and now yours 

[wltdwiz]

your in for smooth sailing matey 

[exploder]

wyzwyk, you made a good choice! PCLinuxOS lets you enjoy using your computer. 

[menotu]

Wonderful tribute to PCLinuxOS - and lovely to have you with us on the forum wyzwyk, please don't be a stranger (we have enough of those already    )

[nok]

Great post wyzwyk.

  I had only been looking at Linux for a month or two, and had only just discovered PCLinuxOS, when MS crashed and ate all of my IP settings. I very clearly remember that "should I, shouldn't I" feeling, before hitting "format disc." Never looked back.

                     Welcome aboard.