Linux at home

Stan Beer's column on using Linux at home raises some interesting points, but I'm still not convinced that Linux is right for most homes.

One of the compelling reasons for ditching Windows at home is security. There's no doubt about it, kids are the best way to get your computer infected with malware.

The stupid thing is Windows can be locked down, it's a simple matter of setting up the kids (and any music or porn obsessed adult) with a Limited User profile.

There's no doubt about it though; for the vast majority of users Linux and Mac systems are more secure simply because users don't have root access.

The problem for households going to Linux is compatibility. The very people you want to protect are those who are going to need Windows features for school and/or work. Stan touches on this when mentioning Intuit (an outfit guaranteed to get this tech cranky).

Another problem with Linux is that it's the OS of choice for tinkerers. Another of Stan's columns touched on this when he discussed moving from Ubuntu. He decided other Linux versions weren't as user friendly.

The comments were surprising polite, but still argued with Stan's view.

This is the big problem for Linux. It's supporters can't accept the majority of computer users don't care about the operating system or customising it.

It's like cars; a few people enjoy tweaking them and hotting them up but for most car owners it's a tool to get you and your family around in.

Personally I think Linux is great, particularly if you want to understand how computers work.

But for home users, I'd tell 'em to get a Mac before trying to get their heads around Linux.