Currently I use Ubuntu to do only internet surfing, and it is consider a lightweight OS. I recommend to my friends that use to do blogging and post forums.

Ubuntu loads faster than Windows XP or Vista, even 3 or 4 years old notebook can run it fast.

Cheers!

Existing software – nope – you will need to replace EVERY piece of software you use (even if you are replacing it with the same software written for the new platform)

Existing hardware – maybe – some or all of your existing hardware will work but some may not. Be prepared to spend time (maybe a little or maybe a lot) trying to troubleshoot or buy new, compatible hardware.

Existing knowledge – time to relearn – Most people underestimate how much they know how to do on a computer. Moving to a new platform means learning a LOT of learning and re-learning.

There is a reason most people still use Windows – switching platforms is a really big hassle. Doesn’t matter if Linux or Mac is just as good or a little bit better – they need to be significantly better for people to switch platforms. Apple has had some success with this, while Linux has not.

Darn shame.

I’d put myself at the bottom of the ‘enthusiast’ and/or top of the ‘everyone else’ list and definitely do not consider myself to be a ‘Linux expert’ of any kind. My 4 and 6 year old kids love Ubuntu as does my wife and extended family who are all using it now and enjoying the Open Source goodness. So far, no one has missed the yearly Apple or Microsoft ‘tax’ or all of the expensive software and constant expensive upgrades.

Viva the Cloud and Open Source!

Let me tell you, it feels great to be back on good ol’ stable Leopard.

The verdict? Don’t rush to get on the latest operating system unless there is a good reason!! Are there features you can’t live without, even though you have up until now? Will all your software still work under the new OS? Are you sure? Are you really sure? Can you make it if you’re wrong? If it’s working, don’t fix it.

‘nuf said.

I believe that unless you are an enthusiast, it is very hard to justify upgrading your operating system. To break it down – who provides your tech support? If you are paying others for tech support then the cost of upgrading just went WAY up.

Non-enthusiasts use their computer as a tool and it is all about the destination (the journey, not so much).

The amount of time / money needed to upgrade the computer makes it very hard to justify upgrading for most people.

Additionally, if you use your computer to make a living then you are freakin’ crazy to upgrade right after the new OS is released.

There is very little missing from older, modern OSes (I’m thinking of Windows XP and Tiger) to justify the expense / hassle of upgrading.