Linux vs. Windows xp?

[shadowjagans]

ok im totally noob, wats linux? is it better than windows xp or somthin?
(posted this in the Linux section, but there might b Linux fans in there =P)

 

[Zoron]

You're going to get many varying opinions... but this is the basic jist:

What do you do with your computer?

If you're a gamer, Linux isn't the OS of choice. (Of course this depends on the games you play, as some games are Linux-ready right out of the box). Most of the most popular games will only run in Windows... even when using Windows emulation in Linux.

If you do office / productivity work on your comp, then Linux becomes a much more attractive option. It may not be totally secure, but it is definately more secure than Windows. Very few viruses exist for it. Most Linux users say that it's more stable than Windows... though I'm not having any stability problems with my Windows install.

As Linux_0 would say, Linux is very easy to fix when it's broken... in a lot of cases, Windows requires a complete reinstall... depending on how badly it's messed up. Linux just requires restoration of it's configuration files to get it back up and running.

There are many advantages to Linux, but it does take some getting used to. It's definately a more "hands-on" OS than Windows. You may find yourself having to build modules or recompile the kernel to get some things working. Once your used to this, it's not a problem... but it can be daunting to Linux noobs. (Like myself).

Once you do get it up and running, it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. You'll never get that with a Windows install... unless you have a lot of problems with it.

 

[shadowjagans]

from how ur sayin it, linux doesnt seem to crap at all, but i know absolutely no one (besides ppl in these forums and whoever) who uses a linux OS, i mean i dont really see them in shops at all?

 

[Zoron]

Linux is free... you'll almost never see it on a store shelf. If you do, it will usually be Enterprise editions... and you're paying for the support package and documentation, not the OS itself.

The reason Windows is still more popular is because it's easier for most people to use. Linux updates it's kernels a lot more often than MS does for Windows; it's great for cutting-edge features, but drivers written for older kernels often won't work with newer kernels. You're foreced to wait for new drivers to support the new kernel or building the modules yourself. With Windows, when you want a new driver, you simply download and install it. A lot of the time, it is that easy with Linux... but it can be quite a task sometimes... it took me quite a bit of time to get my ATi card running with 3D support.

Until Linux becomes as easy as that, it won't be mainstream. Of course, if you set someone up with Linux and give them everything they need... they wouldn't notice a difference... but Lord help them if they have to update a driver or their kernel. Windows does exceed in ease of use... but that does come with a price.

 

[INeedCache]

Yes, there are many free Linux distros, but be advised most of the free ones have no, or very limited tech support. If you are a noob, that may not be your best option. However, if you want a full-featured Linux distro with tech support, you'll probably have to pay. Many of these don't cost much less than Windows XP. Also, you'll need to keep in mind with Linux that drivers and software may be an issue. All of this said, I like the Xandros Desktop Deluxe Edition. It's about $90.

 

[-Mithridate-]

I haven’t used linx (although I would much prefer to use that then Windows based on a lot that I have read about it) but if say you wanted to go over to linx, I think it would probably be in your best interest to do some research into the background of linx. Unlike windows most linx packages will require the user to do some tweaking (which might be off putting to some but for others it means they know exactly what’s going on ‘under the bonnet’ and can control the OS to how they please).

So yes that’s my advise really.

 

[shadowjagans]

thnx guys