Linux Suse -10.2 Advanage?

Question

I installed suse to try it out and so far i cannot see any advantage of linux over windows... can anyone name some advantage which a student like me would be interested in?
Also does anyone know any sites on which i can lean how to use linux properly?

Answer 1

Here are a couple of things that give GNU/Linux an advantage over Windows if you are a student:



1. Financially, GNU/Linux does not cost a thing. If you need software you can search and install without paying a thing. This includes Open Office for documents, spreadsheets, presentations etc. Use the gimp for graphics, you will not need to buy Photoshop. Saving money tends to be a priority for students.



2. NO VIRUSES! Let's be honest, it is only a matter of time before a Windows computer with internet access gets a virus or a trojan. As a student, you probably rather spend your time doing other things as opposed to troubleshooting your windows machine because it is running slow.



Keep in mind that GNU/Linux has a community ready to help you out. You simply have to go to the correct places. You should consider going to sites that focus on your chosen Distribution.



Sites that will teach you to use Suse properly:



http://www.suseforums.net/



http://susefaq.sourceforge.net/





You may want to start with a Linux Distribution that has a good record for new users (friendly user community):



http://www.ubuntu.com/



Congratulations on taking the red pill!

Answer 2

Linux is free and opensource, meaning you can start building your own programs and eventually sell them, while on windows you can only sell them if you buy a license for windows and/or the application you used for creating them.

Second, Linux implemented many innovations so it's one step ahead... For example Linux was running Eye Candy and Compiz/Beryl long before Microsoft even started to work on this... You'll find many more examples, i'm sure!

Furthermore Linux is more stable, and in case an error occurs, because nobody says they don't, you can easily find from where it came from and eventually debug it.

Last but not least Linux is extremely configurable, meaning you can make it run the way you prefer (even creating your own Linux distro in the end). The requirements aren't that high on Linux compared to windows... Just look at Suse Linux's requirements and at the new windows Vista, even XP. So you can do the same thing on windows, even more, and with less resources needed!

Suse it's a great distribution for startng with Linux but if you really want to learn what Linux is all about try either Debian or Gentoo.

As you know Microsoft and Novell (the company that designes Suse) has signed an agreement through which Microsoft and Novell will provide a series of solutions to make linux and windows work better together. The real reason for this is that Microosft wants a company to compete with, not an entire comunity! Take Apple's example :).

Answer 3

Billy,



I've used Linux as a desktop and I believe it is now way near as easy to use as Windows. Even old Windows 98 is still easier and more user friendly. However, I do use Linux as a server. This is where Linux has great power. As a Phone Exchange (PBX) or Web Server Linux has great power over Windows. You can easy (when you've learnt) Install and keep upto date packages that integrate with Linux. Thus Blogs, Plugins, Services are kept up-to-date along with the operating system. The desktop is a pain and also slower to load than Windows.



As for learning about Linux, you have to consider the disto. you are using and the desktop environment (kde, gnome..). This is one problem, that there are so many different solutions to choice from. I use Fedora Code 6 now. You'll have to search Google for the required information you are seeking. Or find a book in your local store.



Linux is a very low level based OS. You'll use many command line tools and edit configuration files though your complete experience of Linux.



If your just looking for an OS to use applications and browse the internet. Linux is NOT the answer. Either Windows or Mac.



Andrew

Answer 4

Whether Linux has an advantage is a matter of personal taste. Take the analogy how you like buy apples. Do you like apples from a store that are waxed and polished that always look and taste the same. Or do you like apples from a store, or maybe a farmers market, that irregular, blemished, yet sweet and natural.

Linux is the same, there is something about it many people prefer over Windows or another OS, the reasons are numerous. For me I like Linux because when something is going wrong I can always find a way to fix it. In Windows often problems are near impossible to fix without reinstalling Windows. Yet its desktop usage is still small, because it is usually only introduced through family, friends and and among IT professionals. Also because is not mass marketed through the media and preinstalled on computers.





Here is a good site to learn Linux.

http://www.tldp.org/LDP/intro-linux/html/index.html

Answer 5

For general use like typing papers or surfing the web. The only advantage is that you are doing it at no cost for the software it is all FREE. You cant beat free. Linux will not force an upgrade on you like Microsoft will. Linux has tons of software packages out there that are powerful and fee and work great. Microsoft does not.



You also do not have to worry about viruses and spyware. You can use file swapping applications like Limewire, Apollon that will ultimately doom your windows machine with no risk on Linux. Also the government (or anyone else) can not just back door into your system because they dont know how to get into a Linux machine.



You can browse the internet for any problem you are having using Linux.

Answer 6

250 Linux distributions later. Imagine that. Once you figure out how to muscle Ubuntu around and get the proprietary drivers installed and how to install programs it is fairly decent, I would not exactly say it is user friendly in the beginning, but well worth the efforts and time to install and get it set up the way you want it. Runs faster than OPEN SUSE does any day. OPEN SUSE tends to be boggy when doing things, but probably a lot easier to install and set up. Both will run as a LiveCD so you can check it out before you install it, naturally a little slow running from a CD and memory. Unfortunately after using Ubunt from version 4 up to version 9.10, it is not my choice of a Linux Operating system for personal reasons. Every one who runs Linux has a favorite distribution they swear by. Ubuntu by popularity and the fact they keep moving forward to improve the operating system, but they leave out backward compatibility.

Answer 7

I cannot see any advantage in using Linux. Have tried both

Mandriva and Red Hat and did not like them.



Am back to Windows XP again - much better.

Answer 8

I'm with you. I cannot see any advantage. I work with someone who uses Linux but i think it is only in order to appear more intelligent. (He hates Microsoft)

So many people want to knock Microsoft but if it does everything that you need why change? I will be interested to see the answers to your question.

Answer 9

whats the question?