I Decide to Go Open Source, by Using Elementary OS
My experience after ditching Windows and Microsoft Office
My two cent, going fully open source is hard. Going away from something you used to use in daily basis is not for everyone. But, I have privilege to do that worry-free.
A little bit disclaimer, I am not a developer or software programmer. I am a heavy spreadsheet user. I also frequently use Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint in my everyday activity. Very basic usage.
For all of those activities, I use proprietary software. What if I decide to go open source? Can Linux and its ecosystem fulfill my need?
I am a living proof that it can be done, with some adjustments of course.
I try using OS other than Windows. It is definitely hard to stay away from Windows 10. With the buzz around Windows 11, it will be more difficult to migrate to Linux. But, surprisingly it is not that hard.
For the record, I don’t use Ubuntu, the most used Linux distro in the world. Instead, I choose Elementary OS.
Why? because it is simple. I am not a developer or something IT-related guy, so simplicity is my number one priority. Elementary OS provides it “almost” perfectly. Apps are easy to install since there is AppCenter in there. You can just type the name of the app and install. But, this is the thing. The apps here are open source programs, the same programs on any other Linux distros. I don’t find Elementary-specific app yet.
The only drawback is you need some time to get used to it. I recommend everyone to do a little appearance tweak after installing Elementary OS. Elementary OS default theme doesn’t have minimize button, so it is so recommended to switch to other theme that has minimize button. Sounds silly, but it can be a productivity hack.
How about office suite?
Well, it is no different with other Linux distro. There is LibreOffice but Only Office is my preference.
This app has 90% similarity with the Microsoft Office I usually work with, and I am talking about user interface perspective. All you need to do is install Microsoft fonts and voila, you are good to go.
One little note from me. If you are a heavy spreadsheet user and frequently use Excel features and formulas, I don’t think Only Office is enough. Microsoft Excel by far is the most extensive spreadsheet programs, with compatibility with Bloomberg and Refinitiv add-ins for you who work in financial industry. Alternatively, you can run Microsoft Excel on virtualization machine, which of course require more workaround. Thank God there is so many tutorials on the internet that guide me pass through this.
To recap, move away from proprietary software is not as hard as you might think. But, it is also not as easy as switching from iPhone to Android. Using Linux requires some adjustments because your daily workflow might be a little bit different. That doesn’t mean it is a bad idea to use Linux, and open source software in your daily activities. It is just a challenge to be accomplished, and that is the beauty of it.
