What are the pros and cons of switching TO Linux FROM Windows?

Question

For someone who's good with computers and uses a new-ish personal desktop for several hours a day, mostly on the Internet.
By "Linux" I mean whatever version is easiest for a newcomer to it and by "Windows" I mean Windows 7.
Switching and adjusting isn't an issue, I'm mainly referring to the pros and cons of the general operating systems themselves.
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Easiest Linux is Ubuntu, in my opinion. Software is made available very simply.



I tried to do what you propose, and found Linux too limited. It wasn't the OS, but all the channels I knew were to deliver Windows content. So I gave up too easily. I dual boot, and use Linux to repair whatever Windows infections I or neighbors get.



Linux is less prone to virus, at least until more people move onto it.



[EDIT:



Sorry, forgot cons...

- cannot (yet) buy software for Linux in local stores,

- cannot play your favorite Windows games without an emulator (which may require you to do a lot of tweaking),

- Linux is a console-based OS, with a windowed wrapper, so when you are tweaking, you will likely be doing this at a console,

- your office apps are usually not available, which requires retraining,

- cooperating between Windows (your clients) and Linux can be a bit taxing.

]

Answer 2

Although I like GNU/Linux, I will say that if you're just an average user, then there is no benefit for switching. I generally use Fedora for my programming. I have 3 OS's on my laptop, Win 7, XP and Fedora 17. Most of the time I'm in Win 7. The only time that I really go into Fedora is when I have some code to write and compile since I like GCC and emacs. Browser performance is generally better in Windows 7, plus most applications are compatible with Windows, where in a GNU/Linux distro you would have to use something like WINE to run Windows-only applications.

Of course if you are capable and have the knowledge to install and utilize a distro such as Gentoo, then performance would be superior to that of any other OS.

Answer 3

nicely in case you like a unfastened criminal OS, linux is super. And there are some makes use of for linux that are extra acceptable then domicile windows. however the undeniable fact that linux doesnt have any sturdy professional application or help for gaming, it doesnt make an extremely sturdy considerable OS, except all you do is browse the internet. linux is maximum suitable proper for working servers, or twin booting linux+domicile windows or run linux in a VM interior domicile windows. yet working it as a considerable OS, imo isn't sturdy.