Linux newbie question

[Shemmi]

Hello forum,

I wish to try out a new OS (because I am a curious person) I had my go with Windows (a while back, no going back!) and currently I swear to iOS. I wish to try out Linux - but I have always been curious as to what makes people switch? What makes Linux great?

 

[McHenryB]

If you are currently running iOS then you are using an iPhone or an iPad. Linux is not an option for you.

 

[Shemmi]

Whoops - yes I have both an iPad and iPhone, I am running OSX. Also have an old PC lying around somewhere.

 

[Alabalcho]

OSX and Linux have a lot in common (ideologically), as "descendants" from Unix. If you ever went beyond the mouse on your OSX and explored the command prompt, you'll be at home at Linux (although some things are done differently).

The primary difference is "openness". You can run OSX on Apple hardware only. Linux runs on almost everything, and kitchen sink. If you want to try it on your spare PC - download a distro like Ubuntu or Mint, put it on DVD/USB, and try.

As to what makes people switch - it depends on what and why they switch from. I use Windows and Linux on a daily basis (either by dual-booting, or having separate machines), so I could not say I've "switched".

 

[Shemmi]

Thank you for the reply Alabalcho. What made you decide that you wanted both? I assume you've started with Windows and turned your attention to Linux at some point? However, decided to keep both?

 

[My Username]

Hello forum,

I wish to try out a new OS (because I am a curious person) I had my go with Windows (a while back, no going back!) and currently I swear to iOS. I wish to try out Linux - but I have always been curious as to what makes people switch? What makes Linux great?

Linux dominates the cloud and the Internet.

Also, Linux gives you a great deal of power through Bash, and its often the OS of choice for scientific computing, and engineering. You can tailor your OS to whatever you need it to be as well.

On the casual user end Ubuntu or Mint are fine choices, as they are pretty easy to learn.