8 reasons to choose Linux for your next OS

I've been using Linux for several years now on various web servers, proxy servers, home servers and more, but I've only recently started using it on my personal laptop (unless you count Mac OS X as Linux - which it basically is in many ways).

So far, I've been really impressed and it hasn't let me down. However, this weekend I've had to try and persuade several Windows users why they should switch to Linux. My rationale basically breaks down into the following points:

1. It's free
   Not only is the Linux operating system free, but there is also no $50 for a firewall, $150 for an office suite or $600 for a graphics package. Almost all software that can be run under Linux can be downloaded and installed 100% free of charge.
   
2. It's stable
   In the 9 months that I've been running Linux on my laptop, it has never crashed. Granted, some specific applications have been known to crash, but this is never anything that has brought my whole system down. And to be fair, this is usually only because I'm using bleeding edge, unstable and untested software. Many of my Linux based web servers have been up for over a year without needing a single reboot!
3. It's open source and follows open standards
   Linux is open source, and so is the vast majority of software that is written for it. This means that it is not only free to use, modify and distribute, but also that it follows 'open standards'. This means there are no proprietary technologies, no hidden secrets and no license fees.
4. Community driven
   Linux is primarily driven by the people who use it and not by fat cats that want to make money. When you commit to using Linux, you are joining a community in which you can become as involved or uninvolved as you like. Software is developed openly and honestly by people with a common interest. If more than a handful of people see the need for a new piece of software, or an extension of an existing one, the chances are that it will be created. And if you have the skills to evolve the software yourself, you are free to do so and welcome to submit your efforts back to the community.
5. Highly configurable
   With Linux, you are given the freedom to think outside the box and configure your system any way you want. Almost every aspect of the desktop can be fully configured and tweaked to your heart's content. But it doesn't stop at the desktop either - the sheer magnitude of software that's available to Linux users means that a Linux system can be configured for virtually any purpose.
6. Fast
   Linux is lightning fast and can be made to perform well even on ancient hardware. Aging PCs that have no chance of running the latest Mac OS or Windows release have a chance to be put to good use by installing Linux on them.
7. It's free
   Did I mention it's free?

In my opinion, Linux is the future, and the sooner other people start to realize this, the better. It would take a lot to convince me otherwise and I can't see myself switching operating system again any time soon - even to Mac OS X, which I also believe is a great OS.