Linux or Windows? Which is better?

Question

I am curious who knows about linux, and what your opinions are on it? Is it better than Windows? How many use it in the US?

Answer 1

The good thing about Linux is that all of the software is free and the developers make it that way, and they intend for everything to be free at some point. Linux also has a large community where you can find personalized (free) technical help. Linux is becoming easier and easier to use, but you still need a bit of technical know-how.



Windows is good (and secure if you have decent software) if you use a PC for gaming or you just don't want to fool with a Linux distro. There are A LOT of Windows-based forums where you can find just as much (free) support as you can with Linux.





It just really depends on you. Windows is MS-DOS based and Linux is Unix/Bash based (like Mac...well, Mac is like Linux, but whatever).



Anyway, they're both good choices, but Linux, out of the box is more secure. You're much less-likely to get spyware/viruses with Linux, but you can make Windows just as secure with free programs, such as Spybot or Avast.

Answer 2

The question is not which is better the question should be which is more reliable and convenient. I say Windows Vista, because of its start button having a search engine to quick launch programs. However, Windows xp is much better towards speed. Linux on the other hand, Someone else can give you that info. The only reason if you want linux is if you want to be much more safe against viruses, because most viruses are aimed at windows users.

Answer 3

It depends. 1. Windows & Mac Both are paid. 2. Windows is most easy and flexible of operating system, more prone for Viruses. 3. Windows execution is much faster than linux & Mac 4. Mac is Suited for specific type of apple software. 5. Windows do not need much of skills to add or remove programs or change other settings. 6. Linux has many Variants most of them are free alongwith free stuff like open office, suite,Image Editor,CAD software but you need some skills to add removeprograms/softwares. Always you have to look for an alternative software in Linux as compared to Windows. Some time Hardware drivers are not availabe for Linux and Mac. Virus Infections are too less. I suggest for Dual operating system installation, Then you will be able to analyse yourself. Ubuntu is the most user friendly Linux variant.

Answer 4

Linux was around long before windows as most networks use Linux still for there main server. Linux is less problematic but you need to type instruction to it all the time

Answer 5

It really depends on what you are trying to do. (like another said here)



For running mission critical systems. I would choose Linux or another Unix variant hands down! Mail, web, VPN, Samba, FTP type stuff.



What do I use on my desktop? Well I use WindowsXP at the moment. I could use Linux for desktop, but just have not found a compelling reason to do it yet. I have enough skill to keep my system out of trouble with viruses, network attacks, etc....



Now if the world starts to embrace Vista and all support stops for XP, that to me is a COMPELLING reason. I suspect Vista will go down in flames much like ME did. Just seems to be taking a little longer. IF and When "XP64" comes out, then maybe I will take another look at Microsoft's offering for the desktop.



I do mostly Office stuff and business programming. If I were a "gamer", then I would have to rethink my position.

Answer 6

It all depends on your usage. If you are a gamer then definitely you'll go for windows as linux lacks in gaming. If you want to run any application server like web or php or mysql, linux is best. Every OS has its own advantages and disadvantages, I like linux coz in linux I don't really have to care about viruses. Good luck !

Answer 7

from the security point of view linux is much much better than windows but it is very easy to work on windows .

some points regarding comparison

1.linux doesnt affected by any virus while

windows need a antivirus softwares .

2.windows provide a fast g.u.i interface(graphical user interface ) whereas,linux is mostly support the c.l.i (i.e, command line interface).



atlast.......windows is much better than the linux

also ,i use windows (xp 2)

Answer 8

For the average consumer in the United States, Windows is better than Linux. (All innuendos and implied sarcasm that you may perceive here are intentional.)



Or, put another way:

Microsoft is like Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.



Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer are like Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler.



Microsoft Windows is like the cliff.



You and your computer are like the lemmings.



Linux is like the parachutes that those animal-killing liars on Wild Kingdom should have put on the lemmings before they scared them off the cliff.

Answer 9

If you like to tinker and experiment, Linux hands down. Especially if you want to graduate into "real" high-end systems.



If you don't really care, you'll be fine with Windows.

Answer 10

LINUX and other open source softwares!

Answer 11

linux... I personally find it has less bugs.