[vox-if] Re: Next Installfest

[Christopher James McKenzie]

Ryan Mayfield wrote:
> My name is Ryan Mayfield, and I am considering attending the Installfest 
> scheduled for October 20th. However, I had a few technical questions 
> beforehand.
> I am not sure whether or not to partition my hard drive and keep 
> Windows. A friend of mine who runs Linux suggested I do this in case I 
> don't like it and wish to change back to Windows. What would you suggest 
> for someone who is at least somewhat computer savvy and not completely  
> enamored with Windows? I should mention that the computer I am thinking 
> of installing Linux on is a laptop. Should that play any part in my 
> decision making process as to whether or not to partition?

Hi Ryan,

If you want to use linux, and not just have it installed then the
best way of making this happen is to make a "lifestyle change".  This 
may sound dramatic, but it's really the only way to do it and not revert 
through something such as laziness.

For instance, to get exercise, one could get a gym membership or go 
everywhere on bicycle.  The latter is much more effective because 
someone will need to go places, although attending a gym is just 
something on the side.

If you want to get "into" linux - you really need to do the same thing 
--- allow yourself to only say, browse the web and do your email through 
linux.  Then, if you need to do these common things, you force yourself 
to use linux.

There is immense power in voluntarily limiting your options if you 
believe you lack the sufficient discipline otherwise.

----

That said, the best option is to own multiple machines - one linux and 
one windows.  I have heard very few dual boot success stories.  Usually 
the patron will get frustrated with the linux and then fall back on 
windows, or they will just continue to use windows and then have the 
intention of using linux at some unspecified time in the future.

But in the end, it's really a question of what you want to get out of 
it, and what kind of person you think you are.  I'm not here to offer 
solutions, and to be impeccably honest, I can't... only guidance to help 
you make a decision.

Hope this helps.

~chris.