Closing the Windows

For years I have been trying different Linux distros. At first it was out of interest in different operating systems. Then I began looking for an alternative to windows.
I have grown to dislike windows for a number of reasons. Security (or lack there or) is a huge problem. I now have a software firewall, an anti virus program, and 6 anti spy and adware programs running on my XP box. To say this is frustrating is a huge understatement. All of this software is using resources that should be devoted to the projects I am working on. Then there is the annoyance factor, windows pop up informing me that this or that program is updating, scanning, giving birth, or needing money. My computer is no longer my own. The only reason I have put up with all of this frustration is gaming. I am an avid gamer and the games I like are written to run on windows. To work around this I have been dual booting for a number of years, running XP and Linux on separate partitions on my hard drive. This is a workable but inconvenient solution. I have to reboot each time I want to switch systems.

I bought a Mac Mini this fall to take care of the rest of my computing needs and to eventually be my multimedia computer. I like OS X; it is secure and stable and is easier than windows. The Mini just doesn’t have the horsepower to do much and gaming is out of the question. This brings me back to my XP/Linux dilemma. I came across this blog the other night and it inspired me finally commit to running Linux as my main OS.

I am going to use this blog to track my experience and show others that it can be done. Tune in tomorrow for hardware specs and to see which flavor I Linux I decide to work with.