Linux VS. windows......?

Question

i was thinking about trying linux so could you give the me the pros and cons of linux over windows.

Answer 1

The pros are price and geek creds, a host of enthusiasts willing to advise you, and no copy protection schemes like no full backup software and a host of enthusiasts willing to advise you.



The cons are sharing word processing documents and spreadsheets with MS Office users, especially those with macros. Most other file formats except those dominated by Microsoft are OK, i.e, html, pdf, mp3, etc.--normal .doc and .xls files can be shared OK. OH yeah, transition is a pain but no more difficult that XP3 to the latest MS OS.



As a transition, I recommend that you first get familiar with Linux application menu styles and idiom by using Open Source applications for Windows. There is an open source for windows CD that you can buy or download.--spend three to six months doing this.



Next step is to run linux in a virtualbox "emulator" under windows. This will enable you to learn the Linus system menus and idiom.This will be a short transition.--a month or two



Next reverse this. Use linux as your OS and run windows in virtual box. Install Wine under linux and get you old Office 2000 CD and install Word and Excel and Power Point under Linux. --three to six months.



When you find yourself not needing the windows under virtualbox delete it. If you are willing to pay for support you can. One way is to use Xandros which, although the OS is free, includes proprietary add-ons and menus in the box price and for-pay telephone support.



Look for application software for both windows and linux on www.sourceforge.net.



Keep a journal and I'll help you write up your experience to share with others.

Answer 2

Apples and oranges. The pros and cons are highly debated to this day. Windows is a virus laden, closed source, OS that is only good at crashing. Linux is an obscure operating system that no one owns, few people use, and no one writes software for.



Windows you already know. If you want to know more about Linux, the best thing is to give it a try. There are lots of different distributions out there. Each one specializes in their favorite desktop manager too (imagine what Windows would look like if there were a lot of different companies producing their own versions of Windows...). What you get is a lot of choice. Choice=freedom.



Head on over to www.ubuntu.com and get yourself a free copy of one of the easiest to use and install distros available. Try it out. If you like it, just click the install icon on the desktop and it'll install permanently on your hard drive (without needing to reboot 4 times).

Answer 3

For gaming there is XP



For everything else there is Linux



WHY LINUX IS BETTER

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 6 Main Edition which is Ubuntu based. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled.



You would be best off RUNNING IT LIVE so you can get the feel of things.



Linux Mint 6 Release notes

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



Linux Mint 6 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31



Once you have got the feel of things you may wish to consider an installation



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia



The above tutorial also outlines the features of Linux Mint 6



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 6 then you need to create a Bootable CD from the ISO. This can easily be done using Nero Burning ROM or similar software. Linux Mint can also be run straight from the LiveCD you have created without touching your Hard Drive.





Remember you can RUN IT LIVE !





CURRENT PRIMARY DISTROS.



Linux Mint 6 ext3 with Compiz 0.7.0



Ubuntu 9.04 ext4 with Compiz 0.8.2



CUSTOM LiveDVD DISTROS. (created using Remastersys)

http://www.geekconnection.org/remastersys/remastersystool.html



Linux Mint 6 with Compiz 0.7.0



Linux Mint 6 with switchable Beryl 0.2.1 and Compiz 0.7.8



Linux Mint 7 with Compiz 0.8.2



Ubuntu 9.04 with switchable Beryl 0.2.1 and Compiz 0.8.2



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 7 (Gloria)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-7-gloria



The Perfect Desktop - Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-ubuntu-9.04



DISTRO. HISTORY (* denotes were fully installed)



Ubuntu 6.10

Ubuntu 7.04*

Ubuntu 7.10*

Ubuntu 8.04 LTS

Ubuntu 8.10

Ubuntu 9.04*



Linux Mint 3.0

Linux Mint 3.1*

Linux Mint 4.0*

Linux Mint 5 LTS

Linux Mint 6*

Linux Mint 7



Numerous other distros. have been run from a LiveCD



Most notably various releases of Fedora Mandriva Sabayon etc. which remain on discs. and every now and again I will fire up and have a LIVE session which is one of the great advantages of Linux



Currently running Linux Mint 6 ext3 with Compiz 0.7.0



Compiz Fusion/Compiz

http://wiki.compiz-fusion.org/





LUg.

Answer 4

pros:linux is more secure and you can choose what version you like, and its free. cons: you will be considered a geek/nerd pros: (wndows) you will blend in with everyone, more software is compatible cons: overpriced, a lot of viruses,malware, etc... for me: linux wins