In previous articles, we’ve often dedicated time to extolling the virtues of Linux. However, as with Windows and Mac OS X, there are plenty of reasons why the OS with the penguin mascot might not be the best choice for your PC.

Here are our top 10 reasons why you should leave Linux to the geeks and stay loyal to your current OS.

1. Because you’re happy with your current OS

Open source software is all well and good, but when you think of what we actually do with our PCs (reading email, browsing the web, listening to music), there are equally good solutions available for Linux, Windows and Mac. So, why change?

2. You don’t need to know how to build a car if all you want to do is drive

If you can build, program and understand source code then you’re highly-skilled and well done to you. But not everyone wants to do that, nor does everyone have the time to learn. If you can turn on your PC, click a couple of icons and access your favourite programs with no fuss, that’s enough.

3. So as to not look like a geek

All those tech terms might sound cool to someone already using Linux, but let’s face the truth: almost nobody in your circle of friends knows much about this kind of stuff, and you sound weird when you start talking about Gnome, Gimp and Synaptic.

4. Plenty of software, but what about quality?

There are hundreds of applications for Linux but at the end of the day, how many do you really need? We’d rather have one (easy-to-install) program that works perfectly than dozens of tricky, complicated apps that only ever do half of what they’re meant to.

5. The terminal is the Antichrist and wants to destroy us

Linux has changed considerably, and in most cases everything is done via windows and mouse clicks. But the terminal is still there, lurking in the darkness just waiting for the moment when you’ll have to use it, so it can respond with messages like “Incorrect command! I don’t know what you’re saying to me…install more packages while you still have space, I’m telling root! Mount point! Mount point!”. Don’t do it. You can lose your patience and your friends if you spend too long in the Terminal Zone.

6. Because getting it to run smoothly is a Herculean task

Some people install Ubuntu on their laptop and everything goes smoothly the first time around. Wi-Fi and webcam included. Urban myths aside, it’s often very difficult to get Linux to work perfectly on your machine, because it doesn’t recognise a peripheral, it’s incompatible with your processor or simply because your video card isn’t up to the high-powered graphical effects in the latest build of your distro. And they complain about Vista!

7. Because if you’re in trouble, nobody will help you

The Linux community is large and has produced any number of manuals and tutorials to help out newbies. There are even distributions with technical support. But when you’re in real trouble (a broken UI or mount issues, for example), you can bet that you’ll be the only person who has ever had that issue. Advice in forums can be useful but it often consists of ‘Read the FAQ’, ‘Please search before asking’ or ‘Right… open the terminal…’ (see point 5).

8. Because at work, everyone uses Windows

Things can get even more annoying if you use specialised applications for your daily tasks. And if you’re using Windows at work, why not use it at home too? Or at least a Mac.

9. Because Apples are cooler than Penguins

Apple has managed to sell products that we end up loving like a friend. Many pray every night for Steve Jobs to bring them a new Mac for Christmas. By contrast, Linux kinda lacks glamour.

10. To be contrary

You want to buck this ‘free software’ trend and stick to the most proprietary stuff you can get your hands on? Windows is your friend.

Oh and 11. Games

[Via: OnSoftware Spain]