What brought you to Linux?

[berks]

I am a new user to Linux, so far I have been going through various distributions "testing" them each. My first encounter with Linux was in high school where I attempted to use the CLI. That left me with a bad image, recently I decided to give it another go after researching how to develop a Web Server. So far it has been a wonderful experience, I am even beginning to understand the CLI.

How about you, why did you start using Linux?

[scotty]

My computer broke. I needed some way to get my data. I discovered the Ubuntu Live CD. Since then I haven't looked back!

[jschuhr]

I wanted to do some Node.JS development and I find the coding environment on Windows is lacking.

[Sinister_Diagram]

I would have to say my main reason for coming to Linux would be between aggravation caused by Windows (haha) and the freedom that Linux can offer. When I first came across anything to do with Linux, I was having some major problems with an old desktop computer. It was pretty darn old at the time, but despite it's age, I knew it could be better. I began looking up alternatives to Windows along with how I could have a "faster computer". After being overwhelmed with sites that offer 'free' software to speed up my computer, I came across an article about Linux. I cannot remember the Linux distribution that was being discussed, but I was very interested. It was a little while after that, that I used by first "live cd" and I was so impressed. Well, let's just say that now, it has lead me to be Pro Linux for life, I am sure. I see Linux as offering just as much as a Windows system and more, in many aspects.

[grim76]

I was tired of dealing with the same old things with Windows. I needed a new challenge and Linux presented that challenge. I literally formatted everything in the house one weekend and forced myself to figure out how to get back online with Linux.

[jschuhr]

I was tired of dealing with the same old things with Windows. I needed a new challenge and Linux presented that challenge. I literally formatted everything in the house one weekend and forced myself to figure out how to get back online with Linux.

Sounds like it was a "final straw" scenario.

[grim76]

You would be correct.

[scotty]

You would be correct.

I am getting there myself. I am sure this will happen to me one day, I am like 50:50 with Linux / Windows right now, mostly always dual boot, but my windows just keeps on crapping out its driving me insane!

[berks]

I was tired of dealing with the same old things with Windows. I needed a new challenge and Linux presented that challenge. I literally formatted everything in the house one weekend and forced myself to figure out how to get back online with Linux.

The only real reason holding me back from this is the fact that my computers are all really old, HDDs are full and i have no way of backing them up. I plan to buy a larger HDD during the summer to backup my data and make the switch.

The hard decision now is to choose which distribution I am to use, currently I am thinking CentOS or Xubuntu but I plan to also try mint and fedora in the near future.

[Sinister_Diagram]

The hard decision now is to choose which distribution I am to use

I can easily say this is the hardest part of making the final decision to become a Linux user, especially full time. There are so many distributions out there and many of them offer more benefits than anything. I definitely say to continue testing and check out Distro Watch - it is a valuable site to find a plethora of distributions. Plus, it allows you to see just how up-to-date distributions. When I become interested in a distro that was not familiar to me, I try to check it out on Distro Watch to see if it is still updating in any way, which is very important. The decision can be hard to make and you might even become a distro hopper - I can admit that I have been guilty of it at times, haha. Good luck!