Independence day always falls on the Fourth of July.  Christmas is always on the 25th of December.  Halloween is the 31st of October. Thanksgiving (here in the U.S.) is always the fourth Thursday of November.

We’re all familiar with these dates.  They’re set in stone and occur at the same time each year.

So, what other event happens on the second Tuesday of each month?

Answer: Patch Tuesday.

What the heck is Patch Tuesday? Patch Tuesday is the day Microsoft releases a new security patch to plug yet another hole found in Windows. You probably see your Windows computer download these updates on that second Tuesday of the month (or The following day).

The problem with Patch Tuesday is, once this security patch is released, malicious coders can analyze it and then build a new exploit. This usually happens the very next day.  Hence, this has become known as Exploit Wednesday.

So, it’s a constant back and forth between Microsoft plugging holes and malicious coders finding new holes to exploit.  And you, the Windows user, are right in the middle of it all wondering if your system has been compromised.

Why continue to risk the countless exploits, viruses, and malware plaguing Windows?

The solution is to get Linux.

I realize that it’s not easy for some folks to just drop one operating system and immediately jump into another.  And logistically, it becomes a challenge given the fact that most folks have documents and other data that need to move with them, as well.

So, it’s a better approach to build a bridge from Windows to Linux.  That is, build an understanding of the Linux operating system while you start to move away from Windows.

The best way to do this is to simply run Linux from a Live CD.

When you run Linux from the Live CD, you don’t risk losing any of your Windows data or documents.  All you need do is download a Linux ISO, burn it to a CD/DVD, pop it into your CD/DVD drive, and reboot.  When your computer restarts, it ignores your Windows hard drive and boots directly from the Live CD.  The Linux Operating system runs entirely from the CD/DVD and allows you to take it for a test drive!

This way,  you get a chance to see Linux in action, run the software, browse the Internet, send email, play media files, etc. without ever touching Windows.  You can do all this right from the Live CD.   And you’ll be learning about Linux a little bit at a time. Pretty soon, you’ll be familiar with Linux enough, that you’ll want to do a permanent hard drive install. (Make sure you always BACK UP your data!) And theneat thing is, you can install Linux to your hard drive right from the Live CD in just a couple clicks of the mouse.

Better yet, grab that old Windows system gathering dust in the corner of the basement.  You know the one. It has some sort of virus or malware on it and you pitched it to the side. (You probably even went out and bought a new Windows computer to replace it.)

Well, put Linux on that old system!

Linux will wipe the hard drive, reformat it,and install itself.  You won’t have Windows (or the virus/malware) on the hard drive anymore.  And, you can then do a side by side comparison of the systems.

I’m betting you use the Linux system more than the Windows system.

So, run a Linux Live CD, and you’ll see how much safer, secure and enjoyable it is!

Got a question about cartooning with Linux, or Linux in general? Email me at: georgetoon@gmail.com. If I use your question on my blog, I’ll send you an original, signed George comic strip