My 30 year career has revolved around DOS/Windows, so there is little opportunity to use Linux on a regular basis, but I take every opportunity to play with Linux when I can. I have seen wonderful changes in operating systems and general software usability that today makes computing a joy to learn, instead of the daunting task that I faced all those years ago.

Unlike Windows it is not going to break the bank trying it out.

Much software developed for Linux also has versions that run on Windows, although the reverse is quite rare. So it is easier to go from Linux to Windows than the other way, where you often have to re-learn many apps.

Most problems I have faced over recent years have been resolved by answers found with search engines. I haven't even needed to post a question because someone, somewhere has faced the same or similar, and the answers are right there to be found.

The trouble is the lack of support for laptops. My company, like many, replaced most desktops with laptops, and at home, also like many others, I want a laptop that can be put away when not in use, not a desktop that clutters up the space. But I couldn't find a distro of Linux that will install on my laptop, and I see no reason to put it out to grass whilst it can give good service running XP.

So is Linux still archaic? Yeah, a little bit.