Whats makes Linux so special?

Question

So I keep hearing stuff about the 'all mighty Linux' so whats so great about it? (And please keep your opinions to yourself)

Answer 1

Most Linux users like it because of freedom. Linux is an open source kernel with many different distributions that are radically different because it's open source. These distributions range from Android on phones to Fedora and Gentoo on computers. The most common desktop distro is probably Ubuntu. Also, Linux and Mac OSX are both descended from UNIX.



In my opinion, Linux is better than Windows or OSX, but since it isn't very popular, there isn't a good reason to use it because a lot of people don't make software compatible for it.

Answer 2

I don't understand running two Linux distributions that use exactly the same File Repositories. You can upgrade the 11.04 to the same files that Linux Mint uses. Even if your were using Mint Linux based on Debain, Ubuntu can use Debain files. There is no specific advantage when there is no real difference. If you choose something that wasn't a hybrid Remaster of Ubuntu, there might be a few different things that would make it different. PCLinuxOS based off of Mandriva has some files that Ubuntu doesn't even have. For me the constant push for running the New KDE, will definitely make me choose a distribution that does not use this and one that does not put Unity in it. I won't make my comment about Unity. It should have never been put into a main line Linux. But for the question itself just about ever Linux there is can use exactly the same files another distribution has. The Number One point is you customize the Linux you use to what you want it to be, what meets your needs and requirements and there is nothing that stops you from doing that. The point people probably miss is every distribution decides what Desk Top Environment will be the default and what programs and software will be the default install. Simply put it is what is on the surface that makes a difference and it is a personal choice, underneath nothing really makes any difference generally. What you see and what you don't see. There is no Best, there is no Better. It is all only a Users Opinion. I like the Linux I personally use and choose to be on four computers and I am not going to change them. Installing and removing 250 different Linux Distributions it make no difference, except to the users, what is on the surface, what programs it is using and whether they throw in all kinds of eye candy which every one can do themselves.

Answer 3

Someone recently asked a similar question: Here is my answer and why I no longer use Windows:



I don't have to put up with things breaking that are very difficult to fix. When something goes wrong with Windows, sometimes it is impossible to fix and you have to reinstall everything. If not, finding the problem can be very difficult and time consuming. With Linux, when something breaks, it is much easier to fix it than to fix the equivalent problem with Windows.



I NEVER have to reinstall Linux when something goes wrong, no matter how badly it goes wrong. With Windows, re-installation is a regular occurrence.



When something breaks, I almost NEVER have to reinstall a program or a driver. With windows, that, too, is a regular occurrence. "Reinstall" is the mantra of Windows techs.



I NEVER have the registry bloat or corrupt. Why? Because Linux does not have a registry. It simply does not need one.



I don't have to put up with bloated over priced software. All of my office and development tools, DB server, web server, etc. are free.



I don't have to put up with Word stopping working because it thinks I'm pirating it. Open/Libre Office does not have this problem.



I NEVER get blue screens. Linux does not do that. The equivalent is a kernel panic, and those are extremely rare. All you have to do to get Windows to blue screen is look at it cross eyed while passing gas: "stop 0x0000000c user farted while looking at me meanly."



If I change my mother board or other hardware, I don't have to reinstall Linux. I just power it back up and it boots and runs. Want to kill Windows? Change ide access to ahci and watch it blue screen.



I don't have to put up with finding hard to get or unavailable drivers. Linux has far more hardware drivers than Windows will ever have.



When I setup a new linux box, I copy my /home and /opt directory over, and all of my user settings and files and documents and programs and etc., are all there ready to run, and very few programs actually need to be reinstalled. Just copy the files over and run them. No registry bloat, no dll hell, just copy and you are off and running.



I don't have to put up with insane install times. How long does it take to get Microsoft SQL Server installed and running? Hours! With MySql, I can install a binary distribution in five minutes, and have it up and running. Today, for example, I wiped all of the tables in a MySql installation, copied over the ./mysql data directory from a working install, started up the server and by doing so all of my logins and user accounts and security was there ready and waiting. I then dumped my production database from box A and loaded into the new box in five minutes. Took a potty break. In less than 20 minutes I had a brand new MySql install up and running and loaded with production data. Try that with MSSQL!!!

Answer 4

Its free.

Its simple and easy to use- even for a newbie.

It comes with everything you could even imagine. anything else you want is just a click away.

Its secure.





Only downside- some software you use on Windows is not available for linux. But its getting better.

Answer 5

* freedom to edit the code

* freedom to make the system fit exactly to what you need for a work environment

* freedom to explore lots of alternative programs and graphical user interfaces (choice)

* system updates which include all other software on your computer

* more frequent innovation

* quick security patches

* available online tech help for free

* not stressing about defragmenting, antivirus (though that depends on who is doing what), constant restarts after system updates

* etc

* and because of this, it can be fun