First off, I’m a Linux user. Proud to be one. Before that, I was a Windows user, I was proud to be one. Before that I was a Mac user, and you know what, I was proud of that too. (None of this new age mac stuff, like straight up Macintosh user. Yeah, that’s what they used to call it, Macintosh. Google it.)
I think there is a ridiculous amount of hype concerning what operating system people are using. Every day on Social networking websites, blogs, forums, etc. people are flaming each other over the same stupid arguments. I think fanboys and elitists are the worst in this department. Linux, Windows, and Mac.
The only thing that should be considered is this. ‘What is going to suit me the best?’ Think about it, Price, Efficiency, Entertainment, All of the things you use your computer for. What OS is going to work the best for you? What OS you choose is based largely on personal taste. Why do I use Linux for instance? I like it, it presents a challenge on occasion, and it’s fun for me. Also, I spend a lot of time on the command line. I find things are easier for me in Linux. That’s just me.
Obviously things have to be considered like pricing. Windows Vista for example is an expensive OS. There’s no way around it. Do you want to shell out the money for that? Or Mac for instance, you get a whole new computer with it. Also expensive. Linux is mostly free, but comes with a load of headache for some. Is that worth your time and effort? The point is… it doesn’t matter what anyone else says. It’s gone so far beyond a casual friendly recommendation. It’s an all out war and its ridiculous. Does running a certain OS boost your street cred? Does it make you any less nerd or more geek? Does it even matter?
In short and long, the answer is no. Run what you want, because you want to. And quit fighting, there’s room for all to play. And if you really feel like your cheating on your favorite OS, get a virtual machine. I run Linux, but I run Windows XP in a virtual machine because I can’t live without certain applications. So what. It’s all about what works for you and what you like.