I came across a blog post listing things the author can do in Linux but cannot do on Windows. The post is pretty much straightforward and practical. But what hit me as very insightful is the following two paragraphs:
When you learn closed-source proprietary software like Photoshop or Office, you have spent your time indenturing yourself to a lifetime of spending $700 every so many years. And the same goes for every company you work for that you insist you need Office or Photoshop. And if you don't think that your company's expenses affect your salary, think again.
Conversely, if you take the time to learn open and free systems like Linux, Gimp, or OpenOffice, you now have given yourself a lifetime of perpetually free software. The value of that is quite profound. No more worrying about installing Office on more than one computer and running into activation issues. I have OpenOffice installed on all 5 computers I own, and my flash drive where I can run it on any computer I wish.
Of course, proprietary software shops will not agree. It is alright with me but only as long as they churn out good, reasonably-priced, standards-compliant software. And that they do not use their market position to edge out competitors.
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