I have always been a big advocate of open source software, as demonstrated by many articles on this blog over the years. But one of the hardest transitions I had to personally make was the big switch from depending on Windows as my main operating system for my Laptop, and going the open source Linux route. Over the years I got so comfortable with the various nuances of Windows XP that it was hard for me to break away.

After several months of fighting with myself on whether or not to break away from Windows XP and make the leap to a Linux operating system, I finally made the leap of faith and completely wiped my Dell Vostro 1500 laptop clean and started over. I installed Ubuntu 9.10 “Karmic Koala” and needless to say, I have been enjoying my PC experience more than I thought was possible.

I should have made the jump years ago. And that’s my purpose behind writing this article. If you are considering going away from the Windows OS and going with Linux, I have 10 reasons why you should consider Ubuntu. I knew Ubuntu was a good OS, but once I got up and running these 10 things made me realize just how great of an Operating System Ubuntu 9.10 really is.

The Ubuntu Software Center

It’s ironic on many levels that with all the technology advances in the last 5-7 years, that many PC and Mac users still head to the brick and mortar store and purchase their new software in a box, take it home, then install it. Linux Operating Systems have been doing something unique for years and Ubuntu is no different. A simple tool you load up right from your system menu that allows you to quickly find new applications, and install those applications on the fly! Amazing!

The Most Visually Appealing Linux OS

Sadly, one of the biggest reasons many end-users have stayed away from Linux operating systems is because of how they look. And although you should never judge a book by it’s cover and should judge an Operating System more by it’s capabilities, the new Ubuntu 9.10 looks visually more appealing than any other Linux distro before it. In many ways you can compare it in looks to Windows 7.

A Social Media Friendly Operating System

This contributers behind this newest version of Ubuntu (9.10) have helped make this by far the most social media friendly of all the major operating systems. Not only is all the software open source so you can install and test various different applications, but Ubuntu has all sorts of cool menu items and shortcuts to easily access instant messaging, email, and other social clients like Twitter and Facebook.

Speed, Speed, and more Speed!

Can I take a minute and just explain to you how happy I am to be using Ubuntu instead of Windows in terms of speed and performance. I ran Windows XP on my Dell Vostro 1500 for the past 2 years, and after wiping it clean and setting up Ubuntu the speed performance improvement is astronomical. I can’t believe how fast Ubuntu 9.10 is performing for me. I have literally improved my ability to get things done during the day, and I have estimated that my new Ubuntu OS is saving me in the ballpark of around 2-3 hours per day.

So in closing, if you are considering taking the jump to Linux from the Windows or Mac operating systems my recommendation is to make that jump. You will be so happy you did it. And the long term effects of breaking away from a proprietary operating system to a free, open operating system are great. If you have any questions about Ubuntu 9.10 feel free to leave a comment below. I would be more that willing to answer any questions if I have the answers.