Linux users: why do you choose Linux and not Windows/Mac? how are they different?

Question

just curious,and bc i want to buy a cheap laptop that operates on Linux. i use Windows & sometimes Mac all of my life.

Answer 1

Just about everything is covered below



WHY LINUX IS BETTER

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/





LUg.

Answer 2

The main advantage to Linux is that it's open source. You can modify it to be anything you need. Writing programs is easier because there's nothing "unknown" or hidden about the operating system. So to the average user there's no advantage other than price. The main disadvantages are to the average user. There are many programs that don't have Linux equivalents, and the Windows programs don't run in Wine. Doing many things that are easy to do in Windows (because Microsoft has written a wizard for just about everything) are more difficult to do in Linux. And upgrading Linux to the next version, if you didn't install it properly (and there's nothing in the installation program, and almost no documentation, to tell you how to install it properly), will wipe out all your installed programs. (The virus question is a no-starter. In over 30 years, I have yet to download a virus, in ISIS, SOLOS, CP/M, Unix, DOS, MacOS, Linux or Windows. But the most destructive virus ever unleashed was a Unix virus. Virus problems are caused by computer illiterate users, not by operating systems, much as MRSA was caused by people who stopped taking antibiotics before they should have.)

Answer 3

I run Windows and Linux dual boot. I wouldn't have it any other way because I get the best of both operating system. What I can't do in one, I can do in the other. I run Linux 90% of the time and Windows only 10% of the time. Why Linux, I hate having to fix this, repair this, reload this, reinstall the operating system, fight all the crap virus, malware, trojans, worms and can't find this, can't find that and BSOD screens and crashing ect. ect.



But to advise some about Linux, get one that uses the KDE Desktop Environment so you will feel comfortable as you are using Windows. (MicroTrash because it is the dumpster of trash), but is does have some useful purposes and that is why I dual boot. I've been a Microsoft Hostage for too long, freedom feels good!

Answer 4

I use Ubuntu/Linux because it is more reliable and performant on my laptop than Windows was. As I mainly only do music playing, browsing, and graphics on my laptop, I can get decent options in the Linux world for that.



So, I can do what I need in any of those systems, but with Linux my system starts up quicker, locks up less, and runs quicker. I used to have Windows XP on this laptop, but dumped it 2 years ago for Ubuntu, and will not go back.



But I do have a Windows desktop. There's still some areas where you need 100% windows. Unfortunately.



Dell sell laptops, with Ubuntu instead of Windows if you ask. This will give you a set-up very much like Windows. Have a look at www.ubuntu.com

Answer 5

Well windows is really unsecured and no built in anti virus. Linux has it all built in anti virus spyware etc. Virus makers target windows because it easy to get into.



Linux also get free updates for life like for example say new version of windows come out you will have to pay a few hundred and linux gives you all updates for free.



Also there is not admin account to login to on linux just a password which you use when you are on your own account to access admin tools. this means that if for some reason you get a virus you will not have to reinstall the operating system and if linux crash which is exstreamly rare you can restart the graphics using a command line by press one off the F buttons at the top of the keyboard.

Answer 6

1. Linux is free, so the people uses this mostly.



2. There are some people wants to mess with the source code sometimes (including me). Linux gives them the opportunity as most of the softwares are open source.



3. Some parts of the linux is better than windows. But the truth is most of the present linux softwares are clone or semi-clone of the commercial windows or mac softwares. And sometimes they run better than the original. But the original is better and you understand this. Many linux fanatics will not agree here, well.



4. Linux is good for stable users, who know why they use computer or which programs they need, and they can limit their necessity for programs. But windows for new users, exploring always - sometimes this - sometimes that, unstable users.



5. Windows is good to start for program development, as there are many nice IDE there and less or no configuration is needed for the beginners. After learning the basics they can migrate to linux for development with less effort. But opposite is very difficult sometimes - starting program development on linux for the 1st time with no prior experience.



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Answer 7

Because Linux is free to try, and use.



OS X and Windows aren't free, and there's no TRIAL version.



I use all three, and I prefer Linux over Windows. And, I prefer OS X over Linux Mint 7, but they're almost neck and neck!!!



Your netbook likely uses a different Linux Distro, so your experience may be different. But, you can replace it with virtually any Linux Distro you choose, or, Windows if you buy it from the laptop manufacturer.

Answer 8

They are not so different to the casual eye.



You have to be careful when buying a netbook though! Why? Because some vendors make their own version of Linux that is rubbish. It's a stupid thing to do because they can take almost any version of Linux and use it so long as they call it something different. Legally!



Lots of people who buy a netbook change the operating system before they even use it.

The main Linux distros (distributions) supply a specially-for-netbooks version of their own Laptop Linux. This is to make sure all the buttons and the wifi, SSD etc etc work without doing anything. Sometimes you do have to fiddle around a little but not often and its easy because so many have already done it. There are tutorials.



There are even better choices to be made depending on which netbook you buy. In stores in the UK, right now, is an edition on Linux Format (or one of those Linux magazines) that recommends which netbook goes best with which Linux. Ubuntu for one and Mandriva for another etc etc. They have also reviewed each netbook for its battery power, weight, size, processor power and all the rest.



What you need to ask the vendor is "does this machine allow me to install new software AND does it allow me to access the command line" The answers to both questions must be "yes". Unless of course you would prefer that your netbook be more like a phone with certain apps available and that's all.



I highly recommend Linux but you need to be careful. You should email me with any questions and maybe tell me what you want the machine to do like: "can I use my ipod on it?"

You can even try the linux apps on your windows machine before getting the Linux laptop. iTunes is available, I'm sure, via WINE but there are better alternatives. I would list them but I'm not sure that you have an ipod.



Some of our best tools are:

miro (media player, torrents, you have to see this to get it!)

songbird (media player with internet browser! ipods)

boxee (lots streaming TV and media player)

scribus (dtp)

abiword (word processor)

open office (data base, word processor, spreadsheet, powerpoint-like-and compatible presentation app, draw)

inkscape (vector graphics - http://screencasters.heathenx.org/ http://www.inkscape.org/)

GIMP (photoshop-for-free with similar tutorials and books as Inkscape which makes them both very exciting for if yoiu ever need them!)

gnumeric (spreadsheet to go with scribus, abiword and inkscape if you don't want the heavier open office - all 4 are very quick but brilliant)

gnome-do (exceptional way of controlling everything from one place - its like predictive text - guessing what you will type eg you hit tab and whatever I type open you tube with that search title but it works on locating files, emails, writing emails EVERY app on your PC. You tube it (search for gnome-do and while you are there search for ubuntu))



Here are some more apps:

http://thedailyubuntu.blogspot.com/

Now look at this but look at Categories on the top left hand side too

http://www.getdeb.net/

And:

http://www.gnomefiles.org/



That's enough to keep you going, I think.



Please don't hesitate to get in touch

Answer 9

Linux is free--- as in doesnt cost anything, and no restriction on use/ modifications.

And there are 1000s of people out there who WILL help you (if needed) even the writers of the code you are using.



Windows isn't , and ever tried to get an answer from MS??????

Mac sorry never used it/them so can't comment.

Answer 10

Linux is free as opposed to having to pay for the others.

You can run both linux and windows on the same computer if you wish.

Linux does much the same as windows.

Answer 11

Because Linux is faster, more stable, less chance of viruses, cleaner and more elegant, much more customizable.



I absolutely hate dealing with Windows, it is full of bloatware.

Answer 12

Linux is a freeware opensource operating system and may not have a friendly user interface to you. You might end up with a laptop that just boots up to a fairly blank screen... and unless you know how to code you'd have to buy windows etc. and install it.