Ubuntu: The Free Windows Alternative

A few years ago, I had a typical computer problem. My laptop, which was about two years old at the time, stopped working. It was through no fault of the computer itself, but rather a problem with Windows. As with nearly all computers with Windows, it slowed down tremendously over the course of the two years to the point of near un-usability before it finally refused to boot up altogether.

I was then faced with the expensive options of either buying a new version of Windows or buying an entirely new computer, both of which would set me back several hundred dollars. Searching the web for alternatives, I stumbled upon Ubuntu, a Linux-based operating system that is available for free. Having really nothing to lose, I installed Ubuntu on my laptop (warning: if you install Ubuntu on your computer, it will wipe the hard drive – be sure to back up your data first).

I was immediately astonished at how fast Ubuntu is, and amazed by the fact that the whole system is surprisingly intuitive and easy to use. And, unlike Windows, it has never slowed down: I used Ubuntu on that computer for the rest of its life (another two years after I revived it with Ubuntu), and when I got a new laptop, the first thing I did was to replace Windows with Ubuntu, with absolutely zero regrets.

It’s now been over three years since I started using Ubuntu. I haven’t lost any functionality or had any compatibility issues. I’ve never had a virus or any malware problems. Ubuntu comes installed with Firefox, Google Chrome, and LibreOffice (which is a free office suite also available for Windows, in case you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for Microsoft Office), and enough software to do whatever you want (If you have specific needs, like graphic design software or other such programs, there’s no guarantee that it will work on Ubuntu, but for everyday operations, Ubuntu is unbeatable). And all this for free. Try as I might, I just can’t envision Microsoft or Apple giving away their flagship products.

I’ve also installed Ubuntu on several of my friends’ and family members’ computers, and all of them have loved Ubuntu and the ease, speed, and functionality that it brings. And for us poor college students, it’s hard to be beat the price. I’m not saying that you have run out and install Ubuntu today. But look at their website, read it about it, and tuck it in the back of your mind for when your Windows computer eventually (and inevitably) crashes. If your experiences are anything like mine, you’ll be glad you did.