Which is better? Linux or Windows?

Question

Have heard about Linux operating system but don't really know about it. Which operating system do you think is better?

I did hear from someone that Microsoft "has a back door. They can look at everything including passwords, and that is where hackers can get in. Apparently Linux doesn't have that"

Do any of you know if that is true?

Answer 1

Of course My answer would be Linux as it seldom gets corrupted virus infection is nil and the most important thing is that it is an open source and as far as security is concerned HAckers can easily sneak into Windows and not the same case in LInux

Answer 2

Better is all a matter of opinion. For the average person, Windows will probably be better since most people are familiar with it, but if you don't mind learning something new then there is nothing wrong with Linux.





As for the backdoor thing, that's a conspiracy theory made by the fact that the NSA has an involvement in developing Windows. No one but the people who have access to Microsoft's source code can know for sure whether it is true or not.



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Personally I believe the backdoor theory to be true because it would give the United State tactical advantage in gathering Intel on foreign nations, both allies and enemies. It might also be the reason why some countries (like Russia) are trying to remove Windows from government use.





This is from The Wall Street Journal.



"The move (to Linux) will save billions of dollars in licensing fees, but Mr. Putin's motives are not strictly economic. In all likelihood, his real fear is that Russia's growing dependence on proprietary software, especially programs sold by foreign vendors, has immense implications for the country's national security. Free open-source software, by its nature, is unlikely to feature secret back doors that lead directly to Langley, Va."



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The NSA helped developed SELinux and nothing else (that I know of), and what they did is open source so other people can actually SEE what they did. The same cannot be said about their involvement in Microsoft; all anyone has is their word and Microsoft's word that no backdoor was made, but no one outside of either of those two can double check.

Answer 3

It relies upon. a million. abode windows & Mac both are paid. 2. abode windows is maximum straightforward and versatile of operating gadget, extra companies for Viruses. 3. abode windows execution is way speedier than linux & Mac 4. Mac is suitable for certain style of apple software. 5. abode windows do no longer choose a lot of skills to operate or eliminate classes or replace different settings. 6. Linux has many variations maximum of them are loose alongwith loose stuff like open place of work, suite,image Editor,CAD software yet you want some skills to operate removeprograms/softwares. continually you may want to seek for an selection software in Linux as compared to abode windows. a at the same time as Hardware drivers aren't to any extent further availabe for Linux and Mac. Virus Infections are too a lot less. I propose for twin operating gadget setting up, then you actual will be ready to research your self. Ubuntu is the most consumer pleasant Linux version.

Answer 4

I think Linux, Windows, and OSX (Mac) are all very good.



I use Windows because everything works with Windows. With Mac and Linux, you always have to stop and go, "Does this work with it?", because a lot of stuff either doesn't, or it's complicated to make it work or find an alternative that will work.



The big thing about Linux is that "everything is free and open source". Thing is, your time has value. Sometimes it's worth it to pay for stuff, to not have to waste time trying to get free stuff to work. That's the main reason that while Linux has been free and reliable and polished for years now, it's never taken off.



If you are broke and have a lot of spare time, Linux.

If you don't want to worry whether something will work on your computer, Windows.

If you don't care about cost, want everything to be simple, with limited but reliable choices, OSX (Mac)

Answer 5

Better depends on what you want from your system. Yes, Windows has many security flaws do to its nature, to say it has a back-door is an under-statement. Linux, and other Unix-Like systems are much more secure... but for some uses the added security is a trade-off for compatibility... gaming, for instance is for the most part still a Windows OS domain. If you are not into gaming a Linux Distribution like Ubuntu, or Fedora may be a great choice. I so dislike it when people tag Linux as "harder to use"... they are so short sighted. Many Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Mandriva are every bit as user friendly to learn as Windows... actually in some respects easier.

Answer 6

If you're curious enough, then that's a good reason to try Linux.

The most user friendly Linux right now is Ubuntu. It will do almost everything with a few mouse clicks.

There will be some obstacles, but with a little curiosity and googling I'm sure you can manage it. And you can try the Ubuntu forums... if you have any doubts about something please ask there instead of yahoo answers. They're always ready to help.

Answer 7

Not true at all. Microsoft does not have any sort of backdoor. Ironically, there were legitimate rumors of a UNIX/Linux backdoor for a while. So far, code audits haven't found it. (Thanks, Bill Clinton)



Linux is just different than Windows. Neither is "better." You ahve to evaluate things on a case by case basis. Linux has its own set of security problems, and user problems. You are limited in available software. Hardware is not always properly supported. On the other hand, Linux offers direct hardware access, not a big deal for most users. It's secure enough, and it's known for speed and stability. It is incredibly customizeable and has a huge amount of free software readily available.



Properly configured, Windows is more secure and more scalable. For a home user, this is not an issue. I use Windows for most of my desktops. My laptop dual boots Windows and Linux, and I have a few dedicated Linux machines. The average user is usually better off with Windows until Linux can catch up in terms of package installation, driver management, hardware support, etc.



If you want to try out Linux, there are numerous live cd's that willa llow you to use Linux without installing it. Ubuntu is a common choice for beginners.



EDIT: The NSA has had a hand in the development of many operating systems, including portions of the Linux kernel; providing the primary means of enforcing security policies. The fact that the NSA did something is not a bad thing. They are highly trustworthy, everything is openly and cleanly evaluated. One of their primary duties is to develop security frameworks and evaluations for commercial products.

Answer 8

Both OS are good but there are things that Linux does better. It really depends on YOU! If you like Windows, fine! Or if you like Linux, fine!

Answer 9

define better

If you mean uptime/security/stability/usability, then linux is the answer



The only time you should need to use windows is if you need to do flashy video editing, or play a specific game that they don't have support for. Also, if you need to use 3dsmax and Blender isn't an option.



I use linux full time, printers and basic stuff like that work fine, and i have a hp printer that's far easier to get linux to recognize than to get windows to start printing on it. The games i'm interested in (Steam games) work just fine. I can do basic video editing like chopping up videos and changing audio.

Answer 10

Hello,

A good graphic editor program is GIMP. It works like photshop but it's free. Download it here: http://bit.ly/1zbm9vK

It's the best choice.

Have a nice day

Answer 11

If you are really computer literate, Linux is fine. For the average user, who can barely turn on a computer, let alone do any set-up, Linux will be too much work.

Answer 12

Linux and Viruses

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/items/viruses/index.php?lang=



Linux and Security

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/items/security/index.php?lang=



Having read the information above this does not mean Linux is immune

http://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/284124-myth-busting-is-linux-immune-to-viruses



Overall a Linux based platform can certainly perform most of the tasks equally as well as a Windows based 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 alongside Linux Mint I retain a partition with XP on to run specific applications which cannot be adapted through a Windows compatability layer such as Dreamweaver CS5, Office 2007 etc.

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



If you intend to continue to run a number of Windows applications I suggest Dual Booting



Installing Linux as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



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 10 Download

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



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



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

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



Linux Mint 10 as can most distros. also be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive







LUg.

Answer 13

Well you see Windows is WAY easier to use and linux is.... Not so much. You can't enjoy your favorite programs on linux unless if you install this weird thing. I dont know what it is since I don't use linux. There is a way hackers can't get into your data. You Can use a free antivirus like AVG, Avast, and a few other kind of antivirus's.

Answer 14

Linux is technically way better and way more secure, but for the common user you should use windows. For instance, you will not be able to use many printers, other hardware or microsoft products with linux. If you do nothing but web browsing and nearly nothing else, try linux.

Answer 15

if you want stability then its a mac you need.

if you want to customize everything then use linux

if you want to play games and ensure compatibility with all software then use windows.

Answer 16

Windos 7 all the way!!!!