whats the advantage of linux over windows?

Question

i am thinking of installing ubuntu onto my harddrive and using linux to download files from the web because of its lack of viruses but apart from this is there any other advantages to using linux i am a home user of the pc and use the internet for everyday thing such as booking flights and banking but while i am willing to learn i have only ever used windows based pcs any advice would be helpful thank you

Answer 1

Personally as a programmer, I much prefer the Ubuntu distribution over any microsoft operating system. The Ubuntu distribution (while it may a little time to get the hang of) has many benefits. Firstly, as many people have pointed out, it is very difficult for any Linux distro (ubuntu or otherwise) to contract viruses. It is much faster than windows due to the fact the the operating system requires much less RAM and CPU time to run, allowing you to run more programs at the same time (my computer for example is a single core processor with only 4 GB of RAM and it runs much faster than my friend's computer running W 7 with quad-core processors and 8 GBs RAM). Some problems you may encounter though. If running on a laptop you should expect some problems including internet connectivity issues, problems with the fn keys for brightness, etc, and some users may encounter some graphics issues. These are quickly remedied though with a visit to the ubuntu forums on ubuntu.com. Since you are new to ubuntu, you may consider just using a portion of your drive for ubuntu, and a portion for windows 7 (called partitions), that way you can go to your windows partition if you have any problems with your ubuntu, or if you just don't like it. Over all, I much prefer Ubuntu or any other Linux distro over Windows dispite the bugs that may need to be knocked out.

Answer 2

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a proprietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming.



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 11. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled.



Linux Mint 11 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81



Linux Mint Installation Guide

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2009/12/03/linux-mint-8-installation-guide/



How To Dual Boot Linux Mint and Windows 7

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2010/12/08/how-to-dual-boot-linux-mint-10-and-windows-7/



Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 11 then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD for installation

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



Linux Mint 11 can also be run straight from the LiveDVD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 3

There is a huge, check that HUGE, library of software, some useful, some not, and most of it is available for free. But let me be clear, Linux is not immune to virus attacks, just like OSX is not immune, they are just less likely to be targeted, because they aren't as common. Normally, the goal of a virus is to be as destructive as possible, which you cannot do is you pick the smaller amount of targets.



From a usability stand point, it isn't much different once you are used to it. I'm posting this message from Linux now in Firefox!

Answer 4

geez how long have you got?

faster

smoother

more powerful

more customization

98% less viruses

can run virtual windows and osx through it

the list goes on and on, however you must know what youre doing as it has a vast amount of tech savvy community contributers who help make it amazing. Oh and its free to download too and put on your mac or windows PC in live mode

Answer 5

stability, logical language, and easy enough to rewrite any part of the Linux system to suit your custom needs.

Windows is about illusion, hence the name "windows". sometimes you get a reflection, sometimes a refraction, sometimes transparency, and occasionally everything goes blindingly white or blue, like when it crashes.