As all Linux users know, it's easy to install software on Linux, because most of it is done via a package manager. For non-Linux users, this is akin to the iPhone App Store, except it's free. You select your software, and it will be installed.

It's like magic, because any related software is also installed.

Lately, I've noticed a new trend in my behavior for the past two years. I install and remove software from my Linux systems all the time. Sometimes, I'll even remove programs that I use occasionally, simply to "keep the system a little cleaner." Really, it's just to get rid of icons from the Applications menu.

In contrast, with my Windows installations, I avoid installing and removing software from my work computer. I do install, and remove, but it's on an as-needed basis.

On my servers, I avoid installing new software if possible.

The Linux installation system is a better than the Windows installation system, and it's caused me to learn new behaviors, to treat software differently.

The implications are interesting. It could become a lot easier to upgrade software if users regularly unload and reload software. It would close the gap between desktop apps and web apps, because the main advantage of web apps is that you're always running the latest, best code.