Is Linux better than Windows 7?

Question

what do you think?
I've heard a lot of talk about how linux Operating systems gives you more freedom than Windows 7.
And if so which one do you perfer Ubuntu, Linux mint 10, red hat?

Answer 1

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a propietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a Windows partition to run specific applications such as Office 2010 etc.



Due to probability you would want to continue to run Windows applications I would suggest either Dual Booting Linux with Windows or installing Linux inside Windows (as described in the next paragraph)

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_linux_vista_installed_first.htm



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which are built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and Ubuntu 10.10 they are easy to install and easy to use plus they come with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Installing Linux as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



Linux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as the Ubuntu Windows installer so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



Linux Mint 9 LTS User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 LTS or Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 2

Linux is great if you know a bit about computers and don't mind spending time getting it to work with your hardware. The compatibility with hardware has got much better recently in my opinion and some of the features are just great. It looks good with the desktop effects, its really easy to install new software and lots of familiar software runs on it i.e. firefox.



I think that it does give you freedom in the sense that you are able to modify the code. However many users don't do this as it requires lots of programming knowledge. It is also free which is a big plus and might be a deal maker if budget is a problem.



I personally use Linux Mint and so far has been great. The biggest problem for me is that barely any games run on linux, but personally i have dual boot win 7 for games and linux for programming.



If you want to try it out then download the Live CD image and run it from the cd. You wont have to install anything and can test it out for yourself. I don't think anyone can answer your question "Is Linux better than Windows 7" Its a personal thing and depends on what you want to do with your computer.

Answer 3

Anyone who says linux is not a suitable OS for a desktop has no clue what they are talking about. The cold hard facts are that you have on your linux desktop almost all the programs you are used to using on your Windows desktop. And you don't need to know anymore about linux than you do Windows to use most of them. Office suite, email, internet, instant messenger. And a whole slew of development tools. And a lot of games. The only place where Windows beats Linux is when it comes to gaming. Many games run good on Linux, but there are still a lot that don't.

Answer 4

What are you trying to do specifically?



Both can do basic internet and office tasks just fine.



In terms of usability, while Linux has gotten a lot better, it still has its rough edges with regards to documentation. Also if you're interested in gaming, you're really better off sticking with Windows - or just buy a separate game console. On the other hand if you were trying to create an company mail server or other networked appliance, Windows is a poor choice.



Ubuntu is pretty good but for beginners, I'd probably go with Mint. Red Hat is really only intended for servers nowadays. I use it at work on my desktop since that's what we develop on but other wise I'd use something a bit more focused on the end-user desktop.

Answer 5

It depends what you're using it for. For example, Linux would be a poor choice if you are a gamer, or if you need to run proprietary applications.



If, on the other hand, you're doing Internet browsing, e-mail, office-type stuff, watching movies, and even professional programming or systems/network administration, then Linux is great.



I prefer Ubuntu, but Mint is just as good. I only use Red Hat for servers.

Answer 6

It is absolutely is better. I recommend Linux Mint 10

Answer 7

Linux users say so (Ubuntu is probably the most complete). Windows users disagree. What it comes down to is personal preferences plus computer knowledge.

Answer 8

Lots better, depending on what software you're using. It's possible to dual boot Win7 and Linux anyway. Trying using Ubuntu. Most popular software has now been converted to Linux now.

Answer 9

Give it a try. That's up to you to decide. If you play games, then stay with Windows.

Answer 10

lol no