Linux Religion in a Microsoft World

Last updated on: October 14, 2011 at 10:35 am by Star Foster

Linux Religion in a Microsoft World 2011-10-14T10:35:58-04:00 Star Foster

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I love Linux. I’m likely not nearly geeky enough to be a Linux lover, but I do generally know enough to customize things the way I need them. That’s why I love Linux. It feeds my need to tweak and customize. It helps me get my tinker on.

The thing about Linux is, it gets no love from the big boys. Microsoft products don’t work well with it, and even worse than not being able to use Word? No Netflix. Just rigging up World of Warcraft requires a level of geekery beyond my comprehension. If there was a presidential race for operating systems, Linux is Gary Johnson.

Now, it’s true I could dual-boot, but that just seems like more trouble than it’s worth, and a bit like selling out. Why should I cave to the restrictions Microsoft imposes on me? If Netflix and WoW want my money shouldn’t they provide services I can use on my OS of choice?

I find myself in a quandry as I look at the latest edition of Ubuntu. Code-named “Oneiric Ocelot,” Ubuntu 11.10 looks really sleek, stylish and fun. The small footprint and common sense of Linux with such a glam look has me salivating. I want it. I want my Word, Netflix, and World of Warcraft too, but I really want the new Ubuntu.

What makes my dilemma worse is this is a pretty decent analogy for being Pagan in a Christian-dominated society. Few accommodate us, people don’t get our faith and we’re essentially seen as nerds who have to make things more difficult. Rather than calling myself a Witch and steeping myself in lore I didn’t grow up with, it would be far easier to be a Christian and use the common religious language of my region.

Unfortunately, like Tina Turner, I never do things “nice and easy.” So I’ll spend this weekend playing with installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot on my system. Because like I insist on being a Witch, I’m kind of proud I love Linux. So yeah. That’s my analogy for today.

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