What caused you to consider using linux or other Open Source Software on your Computer?

[ballreward]

I have worked with Windows since 3.0, so I am experienced with Windows. I was frustated with Windows when for example I went to check my on line Bank account and Internet Explorer would not run and I would spent a couple of hours figuring out what was wrong and how to fix it. I would sometimes have to put off what I wanted to get done just to fix the problem in Windows this happened often. The final straw was when the new authenication software started being used by Microsoft, all of a sudden my authenicated copies of XP and Visa were considered no longer good. I recieved a message that my Windows XP and Vista I had been using for years could be a counterfit. The only solution offered to me by Microsoft was to buy a new copy or pay then $149.00 for new registration numbers otherwise they would start shutting down my Windows, and they did start they closed my background out to start. Up to this time I did not know they could do that! I also had a XP shutdown because I exceeded my reinstall limit. I did not know that that little bit was in the agreement that most people do not read.

I do not hate Windows software I do dislike how Microsoft handles their software it seems like even if you buy it you don't own it. Anyone have problems like this? I was suddenly without Windows unless I brought a new one so I started looking at alternatives. Mac was good but very expensive. So I tried Ubuntu it worked I have used it as a main desktop until Unity. I am not dissing Windows I signed up to help them test new Windows Betas on my computers. But I am upset to have my authenicated copies of Windows that were good for years. I was suddenly told that they might be counterfit, might be and they were shut down. That pushed over to Mac and Linux.
What got you to try Linux?