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Microsoft Windows, for all its warts and imperfections, is still the operating system of choice for the vast majority of PC users.  Computer users have come to accept occasional system slowdowns and crashes as a normal part of the computing experience.  Since most computers are sold with Microsoft Windows already installed by the manufacturer, many consumers never learn that there are many other operating system options available to them.  For many, particularly for those with older hardware or who desire more control over their computing environment, the open source Linux operating system is a viable alternative.

For years Linux has been known as a plaything of geeks and computer nerds, and not something for the average computer user.  However, many versions of Linux have been created in recent years that are designed to be used by those who have never experienced an alternate operating system.  The installation process has gone from a tedious technical affair that required the user to know intricate details about system hardware to a graphical setup program that automatically detects most hardware configurations.  The old Linux command line interface, with its arcane appearance and mysterious and obscure suite of commands and operators that once struck fear into the heart of many a computer novice, has been superseded by slick looking and intuitive graphical user interfaces.  Of course, the command line is still there for the hard core power users, but the average user can install and use Linux quite well without ever having to see a command line terminal.

So now we know that the average computer user CAN switch from Windows to Linux.  Of course, the fact that something can be done alone is not enough to justify doing it.  What does the average user have to gain by switching?  The first obvious benefit of running Linux is price.  While a single copy of Microsoft Windows can run more than one hundred dollars, and all of the application software that a typical user needs can cost one thousand dollars or more, Linux is free.  While some vendors charge for their specialized versions, the base distributions of Linux cost absolutely nothing.  On top of that, all of the software is free as well.  And business users need not fear the loss of popular word processing and spread sheet applications–the Linux equivalents are every bit as functional as their Microsoft based counterparts.  In fact, most Linux office systems can read and save files in popular Microsoft formats.  And, again, all of this costs nothing.

Another reason that someone might be tempted to switch to Linux is that most Linux distributions consume fewer system resources that Windows.  This means that older computers that struggle to even boot under Windows can become powerhouses under Linux.  In fact, many people who make the switch for the first time do so precisely for this reason. 

Those who are tempted to switch to Linux but are nervous about making the jump can take advantage of certain unique versions of Linux that can boot and run entirely from a compact disk.  Running an operating system this way is certainly slower than running from the hard disk, but running this way can give the user an idea of what working in a Linux environment is like.

It appears that Linux has finally progressed to the point that it can serve as a real and viable operating system alternative.  As with any software, there is a learning curve involved when one comes to Linux for the first time.  However, the learning curve is not as steep as many people think and is becoming shallower every day.  At long last, PC users have real options when choosing their operating system software. 

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Video games have been blamed for a host of societal ills, from attention deficit disorder (ADD) to obesity to violent behavior.  This is a simplistic view that attempts to neatly compartmentalize issues that are actually very subtle and complex.  While no one would suggest that children should be allowed to spend all of their spare time in front of their favorite gaming console free from parental oversight, parents would be well served to look critically at the type of games that their children are playing and observe what skills children are using to meet the challenges of the game.  They may be pleasantly surprised by what they find.

Studies have shown that even seemingly mindless video games such as stereotypical sports and racing games help children develop hand-eye coordination and visual processing skills.  A modern action game, for example, may have the character interacting with multiple opponents and varied environments.  The key to success in these games is the ability to quickly identify elements of the environment that represent threats and to make the character react accordingly.  This is a highly complex skill and one that we all require every day.  Many of the skills that are acquired and honed playing such games are the exact same skills that are needed to safely drive an automobile, for example. 

Perhaps even more beneficial than action games are games that require the player to solve puzzles and complete tasks to progress.  Role playing games such as the popular Final Fantasy series are an excellent example of games that require the player to exercise his or her mind aggressively in order to meet the challenges that the games throw at them.  A typical game in the role playing genre may require the player to gather clues by reading books or scrolls, talking to computer based residents of the game, and observing the behaviors of various elements of the environment.  Only by solving the clues and synthesizing the results into a logical whole can the character defeat the enemy or acquire a needed item.  The thinking skills involved in many of these games are more complex than any that are taught as part of a typical school curriculum. 

In no way does this mean that video games are absolutely harmless.  Just like with any other activity, video games should be played in moderation.  Parents should take care to observe the video games that their children play to ensure that the content of the game is appropriate for their age and level of emotional maturity.  Extended periods of play should be combined with physical activity to ensure that the child does not suffer the ill effects of leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Video games have changed a great deal in the past several decades.  The monochrome and blocky video games of yesterday have been replaced with fully immersive and cinematic interactive environments.  More important than the technical advances, however, is the fact that many parents of today are from the first generation of video game players.  This means that video games are becoming a family pursuit instead of something limited to the younger generation.  This allows parents to make sure that their children can participate in healthy and mind building ways.

Video games are often criticized in the media and, to some extent, these critiques may be justified.  However, a child who is allowed to play video games that require him or her to continuously use his or her mind and employ critical thinking skills has a lot to gain from the endeavor.  Of course, video games should be played in moderation.  Parental involvement is essential to ensure that children enjoy video games in a way that is both healthful and educational.    

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