why Unix?

[Jesse Phillips]

On Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:10:38 +0200, Saaa wrote:

> Thanks,
> I really do feel impaired. Not so much as in that I don't use unix, but
> more in that I see software lagging behind hardware. I think maybe this
> lag is a bit less when using unix but only if I would start using the
> right tools (yes I'm a mouse fanatic and found it surprisingly stupid
> that 'save all' needed a plugin to appear as a gui button in eclipse)
> At least for my current project I don't see any advantage in using a
> unix based os. Mind you that I've never had the need to write a single
> .bat file for any of my projects.
> 
> Maybe I should simple start by using vim :)

Actually if all you are programming with is Java and Eclipse that might 
be the best time to switch. Since that combination is the same for both 
Windows and Linux, you be able to familiarize yourself with the OS 
without hindering your performance in coding.

You will find little things that make your life easier, I will state some 
here, but they don't sound very important and some you may not like. 
Multiple desktops (If you have tried this on Windows you have been 
cheated in how it really should work). The middle mouse copy/past (True X-
Mouse is a poor substitute). Sloppy-Focus (A window is activated for 
keyboard input, but is not raised when the mouse is over it.)

When I when exclusively Linux I had some relapse where I'd end up in 
Windows for months without touching Linux (Wanted quick access to games). 
This happened several times, and each time the initial switch to Windows 
was a pain, I'd get use to it. Then when I'd go back in Linux, no pain. I 
wasn't using the "little things" but it didn't hurt. (Now I only run 
Windows games on the weekends, if even that)

Linux's power really comes from how configurable it is, for many people 
Windows is configured to what they need/want, others not so much. There 
isn't any way to say Linux is good for you until you try and decide for 
yourself. Many people suggest Live-CDs for introduction, but this is only 
go to show that you have a browser in Linux. It doesn't give a true Linux 
experience. Also since Linux is so customizable there are lots of default 
setups that you will hate, which means there is lots of experimentation/
reading to find the right one. I say choose one, if you struggle at an 
early stage (installation) try another. Once you get most of what you 
want, ie not wine, stick to that distro.

Also, always place your /home on a different partition than /