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I moved to Ubuntu from Windows about seven years ago and I always regret that I did not start sooner. So, I installed Ubuntu in dual-boot beside Windows. At first, I was still dependent on Windows and frequently switched between Windows and Ubuntu since it was difficult to become adapted to the new software and environment. To overcome this issue, I decided to install and use most of the software of the Ubuntu environment in Windows 7 (those that could be installed on Windows). Consequently, I had to use the most common applications such as LibreOffice Writer, Calc and Draw for my daily work, and I accustomed to it very well. Then, I started to work with Gimp which is very helpful in editing images. For several years, I had heard that only PhotoShop can satisfy our imaging needs, however, I didn't convince myself to use it; I wasn't attracted to PS and I admit it was because it seemed to me very complex. For my mailing needs, I started to work with Thunderbird rather than Outlook – which I think was a pain. In other words, I created the habit of using Open Source applications in Windows, instead of moving to Linux suddenly – which might cause me to become disappointed; that’s what causes hardship for newbies – working in a new environment, and its first complex appearance.
After several months, I suddenly found myself spending the whole day doing my work and research in software that is common between Windows and Ubuntu, so I was ready to easily switch to Ubuntu without extra pain. A day changed to a week, then a month, and eventually, all my activities were now in a Linux environment! It became even harder for me to do my activities in Windows than Linux. I haven't worked with Windows 8 or 8.1, and I didn't even know their differences because I wasn't concerned. I also have little experience with Windows 10 which I don't need critically. I already have found my prefered platform.
After a period of working with Ubuntu, which applied Unity as their desktop, I transferred to Linux Mint with the pretty Cinnamon desktop. I tried KDE but found it too ‘fantasy’ for my activities.
I don't claim that I left Windows completely, I needed it especially for some Dot Net programming. Since I was tired of restarting and going to windows each time I needed it, I utilized the handy application, Oracle VirtualBox, for my programming goals.
From the scientific point of view, as I work in the world of High Performance Computing (HPC), Image Processing, and Data Mining, I found the Linux very profound and attractive in these areas. My first HPC system was a combination of a real Ubuntu, installed on my laptop, and a virtual Ubuntu installed on an Oracle VirtualBox machine. Utilizing this, I could install HPC packages and test some applications which taught me HPC for the least price. For data mining applications, there is the Hadoop platform for Linux which I am also able to install on Ubuntu
My whole master thesis was done in Ubuntu using MATLAB, and some some parts of it using Octave and Scilab. My thesis text also is written and edited in LibreOffice Writer. Actually, I forced myself to do my writings in LibreOffice to kill two birds with one stone: first, obviously doing my job, and second, become a master in LibreOffice writer which I appreciate very much. As my master thesis was related to image processing, the images were prepared for papers and documents using Gimp and Draw.
I started learning Python since I saw it was very popular in the Linux and Ubuntu world. Also, after doing some projects with Dot Net, I became familiar with the attractive Qt. I began coding C++ in it. I also have done some works with PyQt.
In Image Processing now, I use the OpenCV libraries for C/C++, Python, and Java – all on my Mint operating system. Even, I think, their installation process is simpler in Linux than Windows.
Currently, I teach courses such as Operating System (Laboratory) and Programming Languages at university, and always encourage students to use Linux as their main operating system if they want to gain a better understanding of how a computer works and what are the main concepts of a computer. They should do their assignments in Linux, and on the most convenient distro – which I think is Ubuntu or the distros that are based on it such as Mint.
In conclusion, I think it is a good idea to move from Windows steadily and patiently towards Linux, and to use an attractive distro such as Ubuntu or Mint rather than rushing in the switching process. This approach reduces the stress of a new environment, and also makes you learn so many things about operating systems as well as several applications.