When I switched to Ubuntu 14.04

After experincing issues with my previous operating system which is Windows 7, I considered switching to Linux, not only due to it being free while being legitimate and continiously supported by updates, but for its freedom-centric open-source solutions for several Windows-based program counterparts.

The only thing I am skeptical about is Linux's support for games. After a hours of research, I was baffled when I found out that Linux has support for games, which consist some known games played on Windows. At that point, I was sold in using Linux on all of my computers. But there is a question that remains: Which Linux should I use?

There are large numbers of Linux distributions, excluding there variants and versions, making my task of choosing one even more difficult. A lot of my attention went to Fedora and Kali Linux, apparently too complex for me at the time. When I searched for simpler, user-friendly, and general accessibility, I discovered some Debian based Linux distributions. Then I narrowed my choices to the Ubuntu distributions: Ubuntu, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Gnome, Ubuntu Mate due to them being well-known, ease of use, and actively supported by their developers. In the end, I opted for plain Ubuntu distribution for its longer update support, which is five years for my Ubuntu 14.04 compared to the shorter support for the other distributions which are three years at most for the Ubuntu 14.04 counter-parts.

I was satisfied on how easy the installation process was and surprised on how fast it got finished installation for older, lower-end computers. After installation, there are a few things I had to do in order for it to be as secure as it can be, without spending money, using “helpful” free-to-download software that would either not do anything helpful, or cause problems to the computer instead, and doing overly complex methods.
   
Updating the operating system: A required step not only to make it secure, but also to make the system function better. I can be done via graphical user interface, like using any other programs we use today, or via terminal, or some Windows users call the “command prompt”. Depending on the time between you are updating a newly install Linux OS and the time the Linux OS became available to be downloaded, your update time will vary. So far, I never experience an update the downloads more than 600MB.

Settings: Checking the settings for privacy and security is easy. It would only take a few click at toggles and other selections.

Firewall: By default, the operating system's firewall is turned off. As of this time, the plain Ubuntu does not have a default GUI for its firewall, so the only way to interact with it is via terminal.

Clam virus scanner: A free scanner, but unlike most known anti-virus in Windows, it does not actively protects the system. It only scans directories when you activate it. Like other scanners, it updates its database at least once a day.

These things may not make the OS unbreakable, but combined with discipline, common sense, updated, and research it is enough to make it more secure unlike other computers reported to be victims of exploits.

For productivity, the OS can do basic office tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, slide shows, etc. Image editors can be downloaded like GIMP. Wacom tablets, drawing tablets known by graphic artist and animators, can be used. There are a few choices for CD burning. Recording audio is easy and efficient with audacity.

Playing games is satisfying when the game itself is optimized for Linux operating systems. During December 2016, I Find it hard to work with AMD gpu drivers for my R7 250. Nvidia drivers works well with my GTX 750. Unless you are downloading from official sites, Ubuntu reposetories only offer the latest stable driver. While you can download games in the Ubuntu software center, I prefer downloading games from steam. Here are the game I played in Ubuntu:

DOTA 2
Counter Strike: Global Offensive
Half Life 2
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Borderlands 2
Transistor
Bioshock Infinite

All mentioned games run well on my system. Although most of the time, Linux versions of games are more or less inferior to their Windows counter-part, you can still enjoy the games at higher settings if your system meets the requirements.

Since I'm a programmer, obviously I require my computer to have tools to develop software. Setting up developer tools and environments in Ubuntu is most of the time easy. Some, like LAMP stack (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP) can be tedious, but put in the right notes and patience, it is manageable.

When converting to Linux coming from other operating systems, it is a common problem that there is a particular application that you need to use but cannot be installed or does not have an alternative in Linux. What most Linux users do is to install the required operating system along with the application they need in a virtual machine. The virtual machine I installed is called Virtualbox. Ubuntu runs Virtualbox smoothly with Windows 7, and other Linux distributions I used. I have never experience any issues with it even if I run it in my Ubuntu system everyday.

Once I installed the applications mentioned along with other tools I found needed in the past, I still need to overcome the learning curve for my new operating system. I have to be updated to Linux Kernels, software versions, and other things needed to keep my computers in good shape. I also have to memorize terminal commands I realized I needed everyday.

Even though many Linux users in the world are not satisfied with Ubuntu, I find myself enjoying the features it has and appreciating how easy to troubleshoot and find solutions to my needs due to its ease of use compared to other distributions in my opinion.