What is the coolest thing you can do using Linux that you can’t do with Windows or on a Mac?
Someone asked me this recently. I don’t have just one answer. I compiled a list of things I thought of and emailed it to my friend…then I thought I would post it here for future reference. Feel free to add to the list! There is also a forums thread on the same topic, that I remembered as I complied my thoughts, so I stole some of the ideas posted there.
1. Upgrade to the newest version legally and without paying money
2. Have the latest version of the operating system run faster than the previous version on the same hardware
3. Easily install and run different graphical interfaces if I don’t like the default setup
4. Install twenty programs with one command
5. Have the system automatically update all my installed programs for me.
6. Install the same copy of my OS (Ubuntu) on multiple computers without worrying about license restrictions or activation keys
7. Give away copies of the operating system and other programs that run on it without breaking any laws, governmental or ethical or moral, because it was all intended to be used this way
8. Have full control over my computer hardware and know that there are no secret back doors in my software, put there by malicious software companies or governments
9. Run without using a virus scanner, adware/spyware protection, and not reboot my computer for months, even when I do keep up with all of the latest security updates
10. Run my computer without needing to defragment my hard drive, ever
11. Try out software, decide I don’t like it, uninstall it, and know that it didn’t leave little bits of stuff in a registry that can build up and slow down my machine
12. Make a major mistake that requires a complete reinstallation and be able to do it in less than an hour, because I put all of my data on a separate partition from the operating system and program files
13. Boot into a desktop with flash and effects as cool as Windows Vista on a three year old computer…in less than 40 seconds, including the time it takes me to type my username and password to login
14. Customize anything I want, legally, including my favorite programs. I can even track down the software developers to ask them questions, contribute ideas, and get involved in the actual design/software writing process if I want to
15. Have 4+ word processor windows open working on papers, listen to music, play with flashy desktop effects, have contact with a largely happy community and have firefox, instant messaging, and email clients all open at the same time, without ever having had to beg someone for a code to make my os work, and without the system running so slow it is useless
16. Use the command “dpkg –get-selections > pkg.list” to make a full, detailed list of all software I have installed, backup my /etc and /home directories on a separate partition, and you are able to recover your system any time, easily
17. Run multiple desktops simultaneously, or even allow multiple users to log in and use the computer simultaneously
18. Resize a hard disk partition without having to delete it and without losing the data on it
19. Use the same hardware for more than 5 years before it really needs to be replaced…I have some hardware that is nearly 10 years old, running Linux, and still useful
20. Browse the web while the OS is being installed!
21. Use almost any hardware and have a driver for it included with the operating system…eliminating the need to scour the internet to find the hardware manufacturer’s website to locate one
22. Get the source code for almost anything, including the OS kernel and most of my applications
I could go on, but that’s long enough. 
EDIT on 11 March 2010: This post is now quite old. My friend Popey has a newer post with more current thoughts at http://popey.com/blog/2010/03/11/why-ubuntu-is-better-than-windows/
great list
I just love X11Forwarding
ssh -X -C1 mydesktopIP -l username
means I can run any app on my new EeePC that’s installed on my desktop and it will open/save on my desktop.
Don’t even type a password if you use "ssh-keygen -t rsa". So if I lose my laptop I wont lose any important data.
Also great documentation with the man command.
The article is lame, that’s all I can say.
manfred, it’s hysterical that you decided to post that. I’m truly amused. You always were a joker!
Good list. I would add:
– a powerful command line
– a desktop and application translated in my favorite language: Esperanto
"9. Run without using a virus scanner, adware/spyware protection, and not reboot my computer for months, even when I do keep up with all of the latest security updates"
It was recently revealed that a large portion of the Storm botnet is running on rooted Ubuntu boxes. Good luck…
Windows runs for months on end without reboots, and I have not found an adware, virus, or other malware in over 5 years. All of my programs, even expensive corporate editions, are updated automatically all by themselves the instant an update is available. I could, of course, download a free program to do it like Linux, but that’s slow and illogical. Multiple desktops, multiple simultaneous users, easy as pie. Run live from pendrive? Yep. Delete software without a trace left behind? Of course. There is a free Windows program to do everything you have ever done on linux – Plus 500,000 programs you can never have. Basically, your list comes down only to the fact that Linux is free. If it was as stable, useful, and enjoyable to use as Windows, you’d have a good point. Does Linux automatically move particular files from any location to the location of your choosing? How about move files to another partition is it gets crowded? Can you buy any piece of hardware, electronics, or software in the free world and use it right out of the box with no help from anyone? If Linux os so wonderful, why is it that (a) most people who try it (like me) can’t find a reason to keep it, (b) in 15 years of constant use, it’s still nearly unused by the public and business, and (c) you have to keep making these pages to promote it?
I’m sure Linux is a fantastic OS deserving much praise, but from your list… at least these, and probably others, are also possible on a Mac: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 21
Don’t forget cron. It is just the greatest. Oh by the way Dwindle. You are talking to people who have run Windows for years, and I am insulted that you think I could believe that drivel.
Nice list.
I often get asked why I use Ubuntu/Linux and I find it difficult to articulate it quickly. Maybe we should get that list up to 52 and get a deck of cards made with these on the back. Then when people ask we can just give out one of the cards
Hmmm, this comment has been fuelled by red wine. My apologies if it’s full of crack
unfortunately, until that list says "play all the latest games" it’s pretty much useless to me.
Dwindle
Many of your points are true, There is a huge base of software and devices that run on windows. This is a result of the dominance Windows has had in the market place. But I think you have to admit that Linux and BSD have come a long way without the money machine Microsoft and the tactics used to make it the dominate OS.
I will argue the point with you that software never deletes from Windows cleanly and if you are the type of user who likes to try and delete you are doomed to restoring the OS in a short period of time.
Over the years many of the things that Linux thought was once in just their domain has moved into the windows domain and I think that is from the driving force of Linux and the OpenSource movement.
In my opinion and only in my opinion I feel there is more freeware Opesource programs for Linux than for windows. The quality is a tad better on linux as well. But your point the boat load of COTS is in the windows ring.
As you point out, FREE is the key. While linux is "free" to use and share and do what you want, many people know that we often "pay" for a version of Linux so we can get some support, like RedHat, Suse and Mandriva. I pay for mine and I think the cost of $60.00 is a lot better then the cost of Windows.
Your comment of "it’s still nearly unused by the public and business" is dead wrong. You can find that every enterprise ready application runs on linux and you can not find a single fortune 1000 company not running linux to some degree. I work for a large software company (5B revenue) with 17K employees and I can assure you we are moving all windows and Unix applications to Linux where it can. Sure we are not going to replace our AD with Linux (yet) but 90% of our datacenter applications can run on Linux as the vendor supports them there and that is where we are headed. The money we spend to the Linux Distro we use is pennies on the dollar to the cost of Windows servers. Support contracts are cheaper as well and the amount of knowledge found in the pubic domain really helps drive the support issues to the point where we can not ignore that linux has moved into the Datacenter and it will also slowly drive to be a place on the desktop. But I do admit that the desktop is a much harder area to get a foothold and will be a challenge.
But I believe if you look at Linux over the past 5-10 years you will have to admit it sure has come a long way and is growing up FAST. windows is already an old dog that Bill is try to teach new tricks to. Oh sure, it will be here for a long time, but do not poo-poo linux to the side lines.
Robert
Dwindle: "I have not found an adware, virus, or other malware in over 5 years." – Bullshit. Unless you paid VAST sums for expensive anti-virus etc, In Linux you just don’t think about such things…
Multiple desktops – Since when? Vista? Enough said…
"Delete software without a trace left behind? Of course." – Bullshit again. Some may not leave any trace but plenty do.
"Basically, your list comes down only to the fact that Linux is free." – So what if it does? That means I can afford to own a computer…
"If it was as stable, useful, and enjoyable to use as Windows, you’d have a good point." – It is in fact MORE stable, useful and enjoyable than windows…
"Does Linux automatically move particular files from any location to the location of your choosing? How about move files to another partition is it gets crowded?" – If that’s what you want, yes… Personally I don’t want that so mine doesn’t do that, but if I wanted it would…
"Can you buy any piece of hardware, electronics, or software in the free world and use it right out of the box with no help from anyone?" – No. But neither can you with windows – I’ve had more trouble getting stuff to work in windows than I have in Linux.
"If Linux os so wonderful, why is it that (a) most people who try it (like me) can’t find a reason to keep it, [EVERY single person I have convinced to TRY Linux has stuck with it, but then they can all use computers to start with...]
(b) in 15 years of constant use, it’s still nearly unused by the public and business, [A simple matter of most people not knowing what it is, once I explain it to most people and let hem play with my Linux they're pretty much converted...]
and (c) you have to keep making these pages to promote it? [See b)]
Well that’s dwindle dealt with… Next?!
P.S. Dwindle, how did you miss the one shortfall of Linux?! Tip for next time: There’s not as many games
great post!
Thanks for writing this article.
I’ve been running linux for 4-5 years, and wouldn’t switch back.
I’m sure a lot of the things I can do with linux can be done with windows, but when it comes to installing hardware/updates I have to reboot XP every time.
I have a backup drive that uses rsync to hard link files, and every day it backs up every major portion of my drive in less than an hour, shoot usually 15 min.
I know you can use rsync on windows, I know you can run apache, mysql, bind, and every other program I run on a .com -from home-
It’s nice to know that you get all that power under the hood for free.
It’s nice to know that when you get a 3 ghz machine you’re going to use 3ghz for whatever you’re doing, and not 1 ghz for whatever you’re doing because the other 2 ghz are busy scanning for viruses.
A friend of mine once said, M$ may have the money, but they don’t have the talent – as far as coders.
I feel in the end people doing the code for these open source projects are doing it because they love it. It’s a lot like eating a home cooked meal made out of love vs something from a restaurant. Both accomplish the same thing in the end, but the meal made with love is a little better if you ask me.
One thing is sure with Windows:
Failure is not an option, It’s built into the operating system.
Long Live Linux.
@ s565rj32
That vulnerability was in no way Linux, or even Ubuntu specific. You need to check your sources.
Sorry, Linux just doesn’t offer the compatibility I need for the software I enjoy.
If it did, Windows wouldn’t be around, period.
That’s a great list. My one addition is. You can get the software localized into your own language if you’re willing to do the work.
For the indigenous and endangered languages need the most and MS and Apple are the unwilling to do it because there isn’t a market for it.
Windows prevails because it’s not a steaming pile like Linux is.
Sure, linux is good for some things, but time has told that it’s not the best operating system for the masses.
Bottom line, if linux was as good as these douche fan-boys say it is, windows would have been out of commision YEARS ago… IT ISN’T.
1million linux guys who hate windows and their shitty websites cant change that.
@Neosapience:
If Linux was superior in every way to Windows, Windows would still be here.
Its Marketing, shitty products exist because their marketed better, more people hear about Windows and Macs and the few who do hear of Linux are bombarded with the stereotypes associated with it (Ever hear the joke about Linux users rate of getting laid?).
If Windows is marketed to people as the best choice out there people are going to buy it.
I myself think Macs are worse than Windows (I’m not arguing my point, its personal experience through Mac interface that make me despise it including other experiences.) but you try arguing with the people who buy into the Mac Marketing Campaign, its also like the Ipods, sure the Ipods are decent pieces of technology but their overpriced and not nearly the best out in that market, yet for Years now MP3 has meant Ipod to the general public, I’ve had people ask if my Creative Zen is one of those ‘Cheap Ipod MP3 knock-offs’.
Also, great Article
In This Discussion: Windows Fanboys who don’t understand how the real world works.
Its like saying Mp3 players are superior to radios so why do radios exist still.
I can look at the source code ….
I’ve got to learn commands?
Where do I find drivers for my hardware peripherals?
http://www.floors4u.net/
Linux is for people who miss dos.. why would i wanna use a command prompt when I can click a damn icon to do something
I tend to agree with dwindle on the point he raised about viruses. I have not had any adware, virus, or other malware since I changed to Firefox and Thunderbird over 18 months ago. I also do not execute programs that I am not completely sure are safe. I do not use any paid for anti-virus programs and regularly sweep with any number of free substitutes (although they never find anything). The main issue with viruses under windows is that the vast majority of the user base is not computer literate (for both valid and invalid reasons) and I am quite sure that if the Linux user base had the same demographics then the virus, malware problem under Linux would be significantly greater. Furthermore a lot of the advantages that are expoused require a considerable degree of knowledge ("dpkg –get-selections > pkg.list" and "ssh -X -C1 mydesktopIP -l username" are hardly intuitive).
I buy windows because that is what I program and it has made me a lot of money over the years. How many real world programs have you written TwilightSerenade?
Can’t we all love each other and each other’s OS ?
There you go d4ve, fanning the flames again.
I love Linux. I would never go back to just Windows. I can do nearly everything that I could do before better in windows in Linux. Linux is a more powerful system.
The reason Linux has not replaced Windows yet is not because it wasn’t as good before. In many ways it wasn’t designed with everyday users in mind until the last few years. The reason that there is so much buzz about it now is because of some of the more user friendly distributions like Ubuntu have opened up the market to the average user. Until recently it was more a OS for programmers then for normal users.
What is astonishing to me is that Linux has taken so much of the market share so quickly. It has had years of technical background but once it was installable and as easy to use for grandmothers as windows then it took off.
I know that there are plenty of people out there that are afraid to try anything that isn’t the mainstream most common thing. Some people don’t want the choices and power of linux. That is why there is a Mac.
There is nothing that Windows does that Linux doesn’t do better. HOWEVER not everything is ported over to Linux yet. The high end games companies haven’t created patches or version for Linux for all of those games yet. This will change in the next few years. This doesn’t mean that Windows is doing anything better or more correctly. It is just the default at this point. It is the Game Companies that are the focus of the game portability issues NOT Windows.
That is like saying if a bunch of famous people lived in Siberia then Siberia would be the best place to live. The games are just living on Windows for the moment.
Give it a little time and don’t be afraid of something new and different.
I am a mac girl. I have watched my boy friend mess with linux over and over again {ubuntu}. Personally, I have seen him have more problems than I ever want to deal with. Firefox crashing all the time, MAJOR issues with flash and java, as well as the simple fact that there is a lot of software that is not released for Linux.
I use Ubuntu exclusively. Great post, I do disagree with the hardware bit on point 21; that said, I buy hardware that I know is Linux compatible so its a non-issue.
To those who claim they "know someone" who has trouble with Linux, yeah okay whatever, to those who think that a happy community that promotes this free and liberated OS some how diminishes its usefulness… no worries mates, go ahead and give MS all your money, I’ll spend mine on twin Nvidia 7950gt cards (hehe I did, and yes, it rocks).
Anyway, great blog man.
Well MrGrogg I just did a scan using Spybot (downloaded setupxv.exe and ran it). It said it picked up 188 viruses. Damn, looks you might be right!!! Fortunately closer inspection reveals 4 registry entries for GameSpyArcade (installed as part of a freeware game demo available for windows only
) and 184 tracking cookies (which aren’t really and anyway I am not fussed about).
This computer has been almost continually used to access the internet and is hardly ever switched off. I also have installed numerous prorams all of which probably have ports open to internet(includes MySQL, SQLServer and Apache).
Do you really believe that you are the chosen one and that ALL windows users are incapable of accessing the internet without their machines becoming virus sodden book-ends? I wish I was that sure of myself.
Discussion becoming boring.
I think I might go and have a game of Oblivion.
Bye.
ummmm guys? are we forgetting that there are application layers that allow you to run Windows programs on Linux? so there goes another point for Linux. The fact that most business oriented servers, routers, and switches run Linux? I work at a restaraunt and know for a fact that their workstations use a version of linux. (to reitterate a couple business points up there) I’m currently learning the ins and outs of Linux and yes it is a bit stressful to have to learn a whole new OS but in the end it’s free, there’s A LOT of support (IRC is my favorite so far), If anything is worthwile it’s worth learning about. No we’re not bad-mouthing WIndows users (most if not all of us were one at one point or another, we’re just happier with Linux which is why we decide to share our opinion in the hopes that others would join us and learn that Windows and MAC are not the only choices for OSes out there. BTW Mac OSX was built off of a fork of Linux just so you know. It’s in wikipedia somewhere.
(as a newbie user of Linux that’s just my 2 cents)
I showed this to my girlfriend, who is new to Linux, and she understood every argument. This article is excellent and well written.
games, too much of typing confusing terminal commands that i have no idea what they mean, and the fact that most people dont even know what a linux is, are the only reasons i duel boot my ubuntu with my windows XP. But the only thing i use my windows for now is games and photoshop. thats it.
p.s. you people fight too much about this, but then again its amusing to see all the trolling that goes on XD lmfao at some of this stuff. its a computer, not a religious experience people
@t5
Windows doesn’t play all the latest games either:
Halo 3
Super Mario Galaxy
GTA4
Hey look! We have open source too!
http://www.apple.com/opensource/
It even includes the kernel!
developer.apple.com/opens…
Thank you for the post!
*yawn*
Interesting post. I think people should concentrate less on the back-and-forth "fan-boy" nonsense and more on the basic idea of what the open-source movement is really about. I use Windows (XP pro & Server 2003), various Linux distros, as well as Mac OS’s (Tiger & Leopard). In all honesty, were it not for the MS monopoly, I would have little use for Windows personally–but as it stands, they maintain dominance in the market, which results in widespread use….keeping me gainfully employed maintaining system functionality and security for multiple departments. I run virtual Windows systems on Ubuntu for testing purposes, but I also got MS Streets & Trips for my b-day last year, which I used frequently, so I keep it around for that too. The power of marketing and "user friendly" interfaces have been MS strong points for a long time. The downside is they release an OS as what is essentially a "beta"….but it’s supposed to be the "stable" release….so we pay the big bucks for this "great new software", only to run into the inevitable bugs that result from pushing out a system with inadequate research and development. We as end users are forced to assume that role, forwarding our complaints to MS. They slowly apply patches and bug fixes over the years, and eventually you get the stable system you should have had years ago. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate Windows–every OS has its strengths and weaknesses, and I’m a geek who plays with as many as I have time for. I just think in terms of giving and taking, that MS has done a better job taking customer dollars (and taking advantage of their market share by placing the burden of product development on its customers) than giving us what we paid for up front. Garrowolf made some good points. Open-source operating systems like Ubuntu are released as alpha & beta versions, revised, and when the stable versions come out, they are labeled as such. The point is, if you want to contribute, you download alpha & beta….if you just want the end product, you download the stable release, for free. While some here have indicated that Linux requires a vast knowledge of commands, or that it lacks a GUI, users of Linux systems know different….because they actually use it! The increasing demand for Linux and Unix admins isn’t because businesses "don’t use Linux" either, I assure you. I admit that although distributions like Ubuntu have made great strides in bridging the gap as far as ease of use is concerned, there is still work to be done–and they are hard at work (Hardy Heron alpha release)–but honestly, the average user has difficulty doing what many computer literate users deem trivial, so it’s no surprise that a great deal of ignorance and fear of Linux exists. If there was less OS bashing and more OS sharing, more people would be aware of what Linux is becoming; if more people began using Linux, SW manufacturers would target that market as well–then there’s no reason to argue about anything. Give a live cd to a friend this week, contribute when you can.
@Dwindle:
Why aren’t people using hydrogen-fueled cars, while they were already available in the seventies? The answer to this question is exactly the same: because of monopoly force of some companies (oil companies, Microsoft). Most people just can’t switch because they need one application that is only suited for Windows.
Also; Linux IS already in business. Perhaps not on the places you are looking for, but Linux is used a lot on web servers; also look at companies like Adobe, they have some of their applications (Flash plugin and Adobe Reader) for Linux, and if you went to see the Shrek movies; well, they are entirely made on Linux (if you won’t believe me, take look at the extras on the dvd).
I’m currently using 95% Linux since 1 year, the other 5% is Windows to get some high-end applications to work. So I know Linux first-hand. I also think little of this list: it mainly goes about how free it is, what the legal side of it is; but frankly: most people don’t care. Most people have used Windows and other programs from pirated copies. For propaganda, it’s even better to include some pictures; Windows/Mac side by side with KDE/Gnome. Most people don’t care to read such a long list; especially if it contains such a lot of non-interesting information (to most people).
The choice for Linux is one that every individual has to make for himself.
@dwindle:
"Windows runs for months on end without reboots",
If that is true, why do my Windows servers insist on a reboot every month on patch Tuesday?
"and I have not found an adware, virus, or other malware in over 5 years"
Sorry, I find that hard to believe, unless you have no internet connection (maybe that is why windows never asks you to reboot?)
We run an enterprise level AV and AS, which finds and destroys everything so far, unlike one of the better known (and more expensive) ones we used to use, which let us down quite badly about 4 years ago.
"All of my programs, even expensive corporate editions, are updated automatically all by themselves the instant an update is available"
and of course, they never ask you to reboot….
And another missing entry on the list "update software WHILE IT IS RUNNING"
Most companies websites, Amazon, Virgin, Google, etc,etc.run on Linux. 85% of the world’s supercomputers run Linux. Even the Toshiba photocopier in my office runs Linux!
As for Linux not being a pleasure to use, I support a mixed Windows/Linux/Mac network, but at home, I, my wife and my 9 year old grandson all use Linux only and enjoy doing so, it is a breath of fresh air after troubleshooting windows problems all day
(note:It is the windows part of the mix above that has the most problems)
Ok,
Windows is made by Microsoft, a multi-billion dollar international corporation with thousands of /paid/ programmers.
GNU/Linux, made by volunteers all over the world, with the exception of a handful of paid programmers spread over the entire communtity.
Linux /is/ better. If the same amount of effort that has gone into Windows, went into Linux, Linux would be perfect for anybody.
But all of Linux’s problems are due to business, not technology.
Games is a big issue that is raised quite often, well Unreal Tournament 2004 onwards is compatible with Linux. The market for gaming is the largest OS, therefore, until Linux can grab a bigger share, games wont take off for Linux.
And from a server view, the only reason that there are /any/ Windows servers left is ASP. A rapidly declining language that is being push out of the market by… Linux.
Yes, Microsoft’s web-child is being killed off by the open source movement. Including a semi-bloated open-source language (PHP). Any decent server is run by Linux. Go to Surf Speedy, one of the largest hosting companies in the world and see what servers they offer. Most will be Linux.
I am happy using Linux for what I do. And is having the regular user being able to use a computer a /bad/ thing? I can use the terminal with ease. But to be honest, for what the rest of my family do (web, email, simple office stuff) everything is 1) installed 2) have a GUI. If you want to install more software, use the "Add/Remove" entry or synaptic package manager.
People saying that drivers are an issue obviously have never used Linux. I installed Windows XP on my machine, had to install graphics drivers, network drivers, sound drivers. I installed Gutsy Gibbon, I get a warning about proprietary drivers, I enable the driver and reboot. There all drivers done.
Hello all. I came to this page via "stumble". You know what you are talking about, I know what you’re talking about. Just about everyone else doesn’t. They don’t care either. They just want their computer to play games or run their office. They go into the shop, they tell the "man" what they want, they get windows, their game or whatever with their computer and thats the end of it. Blah Blah, yep fair enough, but the bottom line is that people just done care, they’re going to get the computer that does more stuff.
Anybody who thinks they’ve run a Windows machine regularly for a year or more and hasn’t ever gotten any malware is simply dead wrong – they haven’t looked for it. I challenge anybody with a Windows machine that been running a year or more malware-free to go to http://www.safer-networking.org/ and download, install, and run Spybot Search & Destroy. I absolutely guarantee that if you’ve been using that box regularly for internet access, you’ll find a whole slew of junk installed on it that you had no idea was there.
Oooh! A windows/linux flame fest! Me too!
Whether or not "linux is better" really depends on what it is you are trying to do.
A few inaccuracies in the list:
2) "the operating system" does NOT run faster in the latest release if you include more than just the kernel. I really doubt that a default Gnome 2.x runs faster than a default Gnome 1.x on the same machine.
3) Easily? Easily? Really? Configuring X is easy? (I know you meant Gnome/KDE/etc, but surely you see my point.)
5) Only the ones it knows about.
9) I end up rebooting my linux box much more than my wife reboots her vista.
9) Only true because you know what you’re doing: stupid users on linux are still stupid. None of my windows machines run regular virus/adware checks; when I do, nothing is ever found.
11) Again, only true because you know what you’re doing. I’ve had numerous linux programs litter my /etc and .* files with crap that does not get removed on "uninstall". Luckily I know how to remove them, and leftover windows junk.
15) ? I’ve not noticed a difference on similar hardware for similar programs.
16) Only if you only use debian packages. Any third party programs will not be found.
21) Really? I usually have to do much detective work to get my various cameras working, sometimes patching the kernel even.
*) Nearly everything on the list is far beyond regular users’ capabilities. So, they are not really advantages over windows for mere mortals.
Note: I only use linux at home, and on nearly all machines at work. I do like linux better, but I understand that its "advantages" aren’t "advantages" for most people who just want to do some work. I can’t image some people I know EVER understanding why X won’t start (or what it is), or why twenty programs need to be installed (one of which fails because a file in /etc needs can’t be merged) when the only need 1 word processor (which doesn’t have all the features they need).
MrGrogg: The malware detectors only ever find cookies on my work laptop (Windows XP). Malware comes from installing stupidly, period. I’ve also never had a virus because I update my software and don’t run every file that implores me to.
(Note: longtime Linux user here, currently Kubuntu, previously Gentoo, previously etc, etc, etc).
While I agree with most items, I also have the feeling most people just do not care. They use a computer as a tool, to get something done, and they are not the least interested in how it works. To reach these people, you need a short list, and you need to start with a strong argument.
In fact, number 15, 14 and 11 pretty much cover it for these folks. Plus the point about viruses, but that is something you want your computer not to have, so it is a bit of a difficult argument.
#17 is possible on windows XP.
I think the real winner is that you can actually get involved with its progress, windows and mac are stuff from companies to consumers, instead Linux and GNU, gnome, KDE are projects from the community for the community, it is our project, remember.
I was just about to translate this post to Arabic when I remembered that trolls will always try to find exceptions and special cases to erect and argue about, I stopped
yes i do agree with you LInux Ubuntu make us more secured and free in this world.Bravo my friend of your share.
good list.
I agree with you and i’d add a few more things, such as nice linux programs i got used to that don’t have a win or mac version ( quanta plus, amarok, kmail, etc).
Still i have to disagree on something:
"12. Make a major mistake that requires a complete reinstallation and be able to do it in less than an hour, because I put all of my data on a separate partition from the operating system and program files"
And you CAN’T do that on a windows or mac? Weird, because that’s what I do with any OS i have… the main data goes on one partition, my data is stored on others… Windows takes a very short while to reinstall. The fact that it screws up my bootloader (which ubuntu also does, but other linux-es don’t)… well that’s another story…
cool
I’m not a Microsoft hater, but I like to see innovation and software that makes sense. Ubuntu makes a lot of sense for at least 80% of all computer users. Good job on illustrating some important features and differences in Ubuntu vs. Apple vs. Windows.
I am really tired from all this crap about how well linux runs and how you should fix windows all the day. I do not know, may be this is true in another universe, but here where I live it is a bit different. I used linux for a year and I love it. However, I used windoes too – both XP and Vista on different machines. And I must tell that to this very day I have never had any problems with those mythological viruses, spyware and what not. Most apps work on both systems and there is no need to fix the OS all the day. And about the same goes for linux. Though at some points one needs to dig in to get some feature to work and as a consequence to spend more time on tweaking. Windows is still more simple in many ways.
It is a myth that you do not need to defragment harddisk on linux as it fragments anyway. Not that much as on Windows, but it does, and OS becomes slower.
And I do not see what the advantage of not rebooting a system is for a desktop. It makes sense for server, but not for desktop. As a matter of fact, I had to reboot my linux all the tiem due to kernel updates anyway. And may be more frequently than my XP box.
And it is a myth tha linux is created just by community. The truth is that most part of the linux kernel is writen by the help of the big companies such as IBM, Novell and so on and it is all about really big money.
Linux is good in many ways, but the fact is that still there are too many things that an average user can do on a windows or a mac. That’s why I still use Windows and have a respect for Linux.
But the list is a fanboy crap and nothing more.
@Eudoxus
"And it is a myth tha linux is created just by community. The truth is that most part of the linux kernel is writen by the help of the big companies such as IBM, Novell and so on and it is all about really big money."
But isn’t IBM, Novell part of the community, moreover _can_ IBM and Novell "contribute" to the development of the Windows kernel
However I do agree with you that most people don’t care as long as they can read email, create documents, surf the web view photos.
redbeard: "BTW Mac OSX was built off of a fork of Linux just so you know. It’s in wikipedia somewhere."
Nope. It is a fork of BSD, which is an entirely different code line, different FOSS model and license. The both share the gnu suite though, and there is some pull from BSD into linux (ie ssh).
Also, Wine is very cool, yes. I have gotten some pretty difficult programs and games to run. But very very few of them run "out of the box" or run identically. Usually there are an incomprehensible set of options of which dlls to choose and settings to tweak and fake drives and fake registry entries etc. NOT something most users are going to know how to do.
Linux is the best OS for a basic non-gamer who surfs, mails, chats, wordprocesses and occasionally edits photos etc. You can easily survive without messing with the command line. I use Mac for heavy-weight music creation and image editing. I have noticed that OSX just beats other platforms in professional creative work. Until Linux has most of the major commercial software available, it will not succeed very well. Games are the most important factor, just check how the game industry has developed over the last 10 years. And then check their favorite platform. If you could 100% use all of the mass-entertaining and creative software on a Linux, it would definitely be the no. 1 OS. Until then…
Unix-like operating systems offer more flexibility without the nonsense restrictions (baptized as features) that exist on Windows. I’m not sure whether most users will care to make use of this flexibility or be directly bothered by those restrictions, but those that are honestly attracted to the related technologies, most definitely will.
I understand that most users prefer that their computer takes as many decisions for them as possible and bothers them with technicalities as little as possible, even at the cost of freedom, machine-time efficiency and flexibility. In other words, computers and IT are not in their hobby-list but merely a tool for a very specific job. Computers are on my hobby-list, so I can’t speak for those people -even though I can understand them using simple analogies.
The list contains some nice examples of the flexibility provided by Unix-like systems. It also contains some subjective arguments that can be doubted. What can not be doubted is that Unix-like operating systems are more straightforward and allow their users to do more advanced things with less obstructions than windows.
Basically, what Windows luck and GNU/Linux does not -besides freedom/openess-, is a serious non-programming interfaces that will allow their applications to interact, each being able to extend the functionality of the other. In *nix this interface is the shell and about every important application can utilize and be utilized by it. Windows severely luck both such an interface AND, most importantly, the CLI applications that would make use of it.
So, quite obviously, there is a never-ending list of things that can be done easily in Unix-like OS, using freely available software and documentation, but can be done very difficultly or not at all in Windows. Of course, people that don’t really care about computers will not bother to implement them anyway, but, for those that DO care, they are there.
PS. Notice that I’m not referring specifically to GNU/Linux, there’s a whole lot of other free operating systems that can do as much as GNU/Linux, in some cases and ways better. The flexibility and no-nonsense approach is common to all of them. Also, there is a great difference between Windows and MacOS. MacOS, being based on BSD, has a great amount of the flexibility that is present on Unix-like OS.
> Basically, what Windows luck
Of course I meant "lack" instead of luck.
I’m an ‘ordinary’ Linux user (RedHat EL4). Can the author of this interesting article reply with some more details (only a sentence or two, and if possible the relevant URLs) on…
4 (is it /bin/rpm?), 8, 10, 13, 18, 20 ?
Many thanks in advance and regards…
A Linux fan.
Friends, in the real world we have more than a a single OS, but we also have different kind of users. We all can coexist together. Windows is for the dumb user, who has exhausted his intellectual capacity and is only able to continue doing the same exact task he has performed for years. Mac is oriented to users with a serious lack of self esteem, those guys are always in a hurry to show how different they are (no mater that now uses PCs hardware and a BSD ‘UNIX’ based operating system) -Maybe the only difference they have left it’s it’s stripe less apple-. But for a small group, those who enter a plane not to travel has simple bags of watter but takes control of it and guided safely to its destination is available Linux. Yes everything in Linux needs more effort the first time but when you have done it It rewards you with control and power.
Recently my neighbor came to me with a brand new laptop and asked me if I can help him with an issue. I notice that we was running Windows Vista. I have to told him that I never used Vista and have no intention to do, so I can’t help. Few day latter he came again and tell me what he have to do to continue receiving my help, he have to change to and OS that I know. I recommend him using Debian Lenny with some Sid packages. He agrees and now runs on Debian. I realize, those windows lovers depend on us (the geeks) just don’t support them and let windows die. In a matter of fact, as advisor of server of the largest organizations in my country I have to say that in the past year (2007) I convinced 2 of the largest to change to Linux, with more that 25K PCs in those organizations now running Ubuntu or Debian, and at least 100 Servers running each and every service over SUSE or Debian Etch.
And last but not less important is: Linux is everywhere.
In every computer in the F22 Raptor.
In the Global Aviation Traffic Management
In the International Space Station
In all BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Nissan recent models.
In many other automobile brands, including several from USA.
In almost ever screening technology used by TSA, has ETDs EDS etc.
In many of the most powerful MRI and CT scanners in hospitals.
And the list goes on even to some mobile phones.
Windows is death, but haven’t realized of it yet.
Great list! Just SAID NO to Micro$oft!
Because this post was linked on Digg.com, the site went down for a while. I put up a static html page for about 24 hours to get my server back up and running…sorry if you wanted to comment during that time and were unable to do so. In less than 48 hours, this page had over 145,000 hits!
Now that this is off of the Digg front page, feel free to give it a digg if you are so inclined. digg.com/linux_unix/Doing…
I was particularly amused that the post got labeled as "potentially inaccurate." Thanks for brightening my day! I had a smile over that for hours.
I will address one comment…I know that all of these do not apply equally to the Mac and Windows platform. That is why I used the word "or" in the title. These are things that can be done using Linux that cannot be done by one or the other. Sorry that I didn’t express that as clearly as I could have done.
Author! Please learn more about the situations in win and mac worlds – you will notice, that 98% of your pros will vanish, because you are incorrect.
I dual boot Windows and Linux. If 1 fails, I can use the other so all my files are safe. Usage wise, I use my windows for video games, Linux for everything else (tho I have some games there). I do play console games too. I’m not a Mac fan, it seems like a shittier more expensive annoying of linux with a very annoying gui. There gui pisses me off.
Except point 1, the same for Mac OS X (if you want the cocoa interface… XNU is open source and you can run only X window on the top if you want) and AIX, HP-UX, SunOS, IRIX…
With the point 1, the same for FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFly BSD, PCBSD, Haiku…
GNU is out there, and Linux is just another Open Source kernel…
I’m a developer, and develop primarily for the Mac, but also do a lot of coding on Windows and Linux, and from what I have encountered in my experience is that the 3 systems fundamentally are the same, just focusing on different things. Apple seens focused more on the design and ease-of-use (I will say security and stability, but these come more from its BSD and Unix origins). Microsoft seems more focused on reaching as many people as possible and (apparently) keeping up with both Apple and the Linux distros. Linux seems to vary with each distro. I’ve used SuSE, Ubuntu, Knopix and RedHat, all seem to focus on different aspects of end product.
ALL the systems have their pros and cons. ALL the systems have their weaknesses and strengths. People will use what best suits their needs at that time.
In my experience developing software; most people simply do not care for all the latest technologies. My mum does a lot of photography and illustration. If I was to tell her that she could switch to Linux and use GIMP with 64-Bit, or could hack Photoshop CS3 to run at 64-Bit on her MacBook Pro she wouldn’t have a clue as to what I was talking about nor really care. You can apply the same logic to most things, I use my car a lot to get around, but do I know how it works? Hell no. Do I want to? Nope.
Anyway, this is just my experience. Thats not to say its what everyone else has experienced.
But for me, if you want a truly comprehensive setup, you’ll be using all 3 side by side taking advantage of what each does best, and not go around claiming your personal favorite is the best at everything.
Linux is not for everybody. Linux is only for cool people. Do you think most people are cool?
LINUX *rude comment removed*!
thing you can do on linux that you cannot do on windows:
work and play with your computer while experiencing true software freedom. (as in free speech and beer)
so suck on that!
windows loving sheep… baa baaaa.
another thing u can do, insult windoze lovers with blogs before going off to play Savage! <actually i feel like some quakewars>. i guess you can do that from windows as well but you see the thing is, I dont support jo’
i use Linux , and i pleased with it. i use windows in the office, and i’m displeased with it. So it just a matter of taste..
The coolest thing about linux is ubuntu. There are basically no problems. You dont get virus’ and non-geeks (like me…im only a geek in training) can use it easier than with windows. Oh and unlike windows, you can set-up a dual-boot so you can have unlike with windows, where they restrict what you can do with your computer. I am actually going to remove my windows partition and go completely to ubuntu.
wow, my DISHONEST BLOG POST meter just went off the scale…
…with another futile "my OS is better than yours" wankfest.
yes, there are innumerable ways that Linux is better, and lets ignore the reality of Windows’ almost decades-long momentum & marketing muscle & brand recognition, but if you’re gonna compare, AT LEAST DO IT HONESTLY. _many_ of the features you make out as being unique to Linux are imminently available, albeit often for a cost, for Windows.
Linux zealots have been clinging to this hoary old "when the revolution comes" chestnut for years, but it’s far from taking the domestic or business-client-PC world by storm, for obvious (to most other than Linux zealots) reasons, but most of all because you all live in denial of the fact that – like it or not – capitalism rules most of the world.
i got to agree with one guy who posted above or maybe more, i’ve tried to see whats the thing about linux, so i’ve tried like 3 distros already and still cant find a reason to use them, ive tried ubuntu, suse and mandriva and yeah they pretty and easy to use but idk… didnt found a good reason to keep them, btw had to search for like 3 hours how to get my gfx card to work + that fx thing i dont remember the name.. i had to install all those repositories(i think thats the name) thing i would never be able to figure out by myself.. but i guess thats why the linux community is there for… but yeah maybe when a newer version comes out ill give it a try again.. Excuse me for my bad english
I have been a Windows user from the start. I am very comfortable with it. Over the years I have done a lot of reading about the progress of (GNU)/Linux with interest but never had the opportunity to try it out. A few years ago I did try it, but being a newbie I had problems understanding it and many of the cryptic program names and all of their switches.
Last year I finally bought a Gateway duel core laptop and decided to give it another try after reading how much Ubuntu had gained in popularity. Everything worked great "out of the box" except for my wireless card. I switched over to Mint Linux. Same problem. I could see the card, I could see the wireless network, I just could not connect. Since I left Windows XP Media edition on the laptop (after all, I paid for it with the laptop) if I needed to connect someplace wirelessly, I would switch over to XP.
THen I goofed up my Mint Linux partition and had to reinstall the OS. I gave Ubuntu 7.10 another chance and to my amazement the wireless card that had not worked properly before, now began to connect like it should.
Now I have a partition that does almost everything I need it to do (there is still one web site I have to access which is spcifically written to be used only with MS IE. For that site I have installed IE4Linux but the sight still does not display everything properly. For that one site I do not mind using my XP partition.
For everything else I do, I can use Ubuntu. I have the 3D desktop that can whirl the cube, paint fire on the screen (still can not figure out how that is useful except that it is just cool to do), I watch DVD’s, I burn CD/DVD’s I watch video’s on the internet, I have email, I do my spreadsheets that I can save in MS compatible format to communicate with others that have not expanded their horizon of options (I usually am cheeky and send the first file in .ods format, "Oh, your MS Excel can not read that international format standard? OK, I will send it to you in a format you can read with EXCEL. He, he, he!)
I also give free tech support to all of my personal friends (it will cost you a meal at your house). For every one of them that I have moved over to Linux, I have no more problems with tech support. I set up the computer, I show them the menu, set up a few bookmarks in Firefox, set up their IM on MSN using Pigeon or GAIM, make sure they can play movies and MP#’s and they are as happy as pie. No more calls because they did not update their virus definitions or anti spyware programs and their computer is working weird or not at all, no more problems at all.
I find that many computer users (mostly Windows users because there are just more of them) do not know how to copy a file or install a program on their computer unless there is a pop up window that asks" Do you want to install this program? Yes/No?"
They are no more competent using Linux than with Windows. Computers are just their tool to communicate with their friends/family using email or typing a letter. They may have a DVD burner in their computer but can not understand how to use it other than as a CD/DVD player.
Why do so many people then buy a PC with Windows? That is mostly because that is all that is available in the stores. This is changing. Walmart could not keep the Linux PC’s they were selling before Christmas in stock. They sold out twice in record time. Sears is now getting into the Linux/PC market. Dell is now offering computers preloaded with Linux.
What is happening in the world? The US military just announced that they are going to move completely away from Microsoft and go exclusively with Linux. NASA uses it, the CIA uses it, the French Police force is using it. More and more, governments and government agencies are dumping Windows and going with Linux. More and more companies are offering computers preloaded with Linux. More and more devices are going with Linux as their OS of choice. More and more and more…….
Will Microsoft be dislodged from their "King on the Mountain" position overnight? I think not. It will be interesting to see the balance of power in 10 years from now though.
The Linux march goes on, steady as she goes……
I can do all that and more in tijuana
Can you define "Personal Friend" for me plz… lol
People, people, people! Does it really matter? You buy a PC, you decide Vista is not for you, you install XP or Linux. You buy a mac, you decide Mac OSX is not for you, you install Vista, XP and Linux because you can’t decide. At the end of the day, we all have a choice of what OS we use, we are not stuck on one vs the other. I use MAc OS X becuase I like it. I could install XP, Vista or Linux on my iMac, buy why? I like using Mac OSX at home, XP at work. Does that mean I prefer one or the other? At work, I am required to use XP but I choose Mac OSX at home.
And remember Mac OSX and Linux are based on the same UNIX kernel – They are (in theory) from the same blood family
@Pat – roflmao!!!! dos?!?! really!?!? For everyone else….vi or emacs!!!!!!
The coolest thing you can do using Linux that you can’t do with Windows is to make your Linux screensaver show random parts of the Linux kernel source code. Really cool
Congratulations!!
Me parece genial, imagino que no te importa si hago una traducción/adaptación al castellano en mi web.
miguel: yo no tengo una traduccion en castellano, pero si lo quieres traduccir, esta bien.
That’s really great list. It shows many added value we can get by using Linux. I never used Linux before. But this list can be my consideration to start using Linux. Thans for the info.
There’s something I really like about the linux install process that windows just gets wrong and that’s that you can install and be up to date in just one boot.
Last time I checked, it took about 5 boots with windows before the install would be up to date with the current service packs.
It’s nice how all that happens in just one boot with windows.
so lame that i felt compelled to say so.
Question for those who boasts of never finding a virus on their windows machine:
Can you plug in your friend’s USB stick into your computer
without any second thought!?
sanju: We are not BOASTING that we have never found a visus on our Windows XP boxes. We are merely stating the situation as we see it. Furthermore, it is only said in response to some of the more ridiculous rants that have been posted here. How can you with a straight face accuse us of boasting of that fact after:
the arrogant (and silly) MCGROGG: I absolutely guarantee that if you’ve been using that box regularly for internet access, you’ll find a whole slew of junk installed on it that you had no idea was there
the superficial SARAH: Ubuntu doesn’t get virus’ and non-geeks can use it easier than with windows.
just plain wrong ROHAN: In Linux you just don’t (get viruses); Rohan, see the post re the storm botnet
This whole blog is just one big (at times irrational) *nix BOAST
PS. Sanju: In 99.99% of cases the only way you can get a virus on your computer is if you, the user, runs an executable of some sort (yeh, I know Word macros, script files etc). If USB’s present a danger, turn off autorun.
valkyria: I think he means that when you have your home folder on another partition you also have all you applications data. So when you reinstall you don’t have to configure IM, Mail, background picture etc. It just looks and works the same as it did before you reinstalled, without any configuration.
How about being able to play mp3′s, do modern word processing and internet on a 200 mhz computer?
In GNU/Linux.
1, Setting up as many client PC’s to my server as I want.
2, Turning a very old PC into a state of the art firewall.
3, Not having to use propriety CODECS.
4, Not having to pay licensing fees.
5, Using O.D.F. on an open-source platform.
6, Not having to constantly update the OS with service packs that are over 100MB (This is more like upgrading the OS.)
7, Being able to run an old dual PII 350MHz PC as a Video/Music media server.
8, E.T.C.
Oh and buy an ASUS Eee Sub-Notebook that’s a little bigger than a DVD case with Linux on it for £299.00 or less if you hunt around.
It has WIFI, Ethernet, Open Office and loads more.
This reason are not valid for me.
I don’t use computer for install program, defrag, still free of virus, animated flash, GUI, not be monitored, still in law, and other, ALL OF this list is useless. (write an computer engineer) I don’t know a person that have a car for work in maintence in this, and know thousands and thousands of buy a car for use to travel.
I use my computer for work, I use my computer for comunicate, I use for entertainment, I don’t use my computer for configurate and loss time. Linux by what good reason is better than windows and other OS??? or other OS free or open code?
Linux not make me my work, Linux not make me comunicate with persons, and don’t make fun, linux is the better way to loss time in configurate, still working in OS, …
I don’t think anyone is saying GNU/Linux is better than Microsoft Windows OS’s. It’s horses for courses. GNU/Linux is superior in many ways over Microsoft Windows IMO but in many others it’s not. You pay your money you take your choice…. Or not LOL
matthew, hice la traducción aproximada:
http://www.inforactiva.net/index...
saludos
P.S.: ¡¡Me sorprendió que sepas español!!
Ayenack is good that you wrote.
But the post is "what is the coolest thing you can do using Linux…"
And in this scenario, all of this list is so bored, nothing is COOL, or your point of view of cool is still in front of computer doing nothing usefull or fun, all of this list is for person that work mantienence computer, nothing for that person that use the computer.
Cool is defrag or not defrag, cool is still in law or not still in law, cool is have a computer old o new, cool is upgrade OS??? what know of "cool"?
Well I don’t work as an Computer Engineer. It’s just semantics to pick the word "cool" the word could have been best, most fun or whatever. And yes I do enjoy computers and technology in general but, I also enjoy a world of other things.
It’s perfectly possible to do constructive and fun things in front of a computer also like, using Skype to talk to members of my family or keep in contact with a friend in India or Australia or my brother who works and lives in Thailand, I can pay bills contact utilities without having to waste time on the phone and of course post here. I think all of these things are pretty cool.
And of course all these things can be done on Ubuntu as well as Microsoft Windows.
Well, yes, Windows is the place for gamers. But guess what? Some of us use our computers for USEFUL things, and data integrity and longevity of the system is important to us. For those who ask why Linux isn’t popular in business, I ask this: why do ALL the major websites use Apache LAMP? Because it’s Linux and it just works. For the serious computer user, there is no other choice.
If Windows is so "bad ass," why is it that 90% of all viruses and spyware will only work on Windows machines running Internet Explorer?
In short, for anyone who really cares about computing, Linux is the way. Period. If all you want to do is screw around and play games, fine. Use a "regular" OS. If you want to do any real work with a computer you need to leave the crowds and use Linux.
Oh yeah, one last thing. If Linux sicks so much, why is it that the mew Mac OS is based off Unix? What does that say about it’s security and stability?
Dindle said:
"Basically, your list comes down only to the fact that Linux is free."
And, funnily enough, he’s right. We can argue about features for all eternity and will never get anywhere because every popular operating system has "cool features". The important thing is the underlying ethics of _free_ (as in freedom; call it open source if you really want to) software.
Free software means we are not at the mercy of a monopolistic corporation, and we are not locked into malicious features.
Modern proprietary operating systems are wolves in sheep’s clothing; they may appear to have "cool" features, but the underlying technologies and use of proprietary formats are against the interests of the consumer.
Forget the features, because that argument won’t go anywhere. Consider the ethics of proprietary versus free software, and think about the impact your choice of software today has on society in the future.
If you haven’t heard of free as in freedom before, check out http://www.gnu.org
I like the idea of surfing the internet while installing the system – please mention that this is special for ubuntu .. Good post
Thanks again, everyone, for the continuing comments! I am especially honored by miguel’s Spanish translation. Wow.
Dwindle, me podrias decir que version de windows usas porque la mia se cae 1 veces al dia miimo. gracias. lo otro seria que me dijereras si eres de este mundo capaz eres un alien con un windows de otro mundo.
so no mas.
Don’t agree with 2: Have the latest version of the operating system run faster than the previous version on the same hardware
A mac runs faster every time I upgrade… There are some valid points though…
to all trolls: well played sirs, you managed to irritate me every single time.
yes, windows plays games.
gnu-linux can do almost all the same things as windows, except play all games and run all proprietary software out of the box without glitches, but it is free as in speech and as in beer.
just use your imagination for the possibilities.
How about How South Korea uses Linux for Just about everything and is getting North Korea to do the same. I’d say that Linux is Helping to unit two different Ideas pf government and uniting a country. Way to go Linux!
Lucas
Ran Linux from 1998 – Red Hat, switched to OS X in Feb 2007.
I don’t miss anything from my Linux days. In fact if you found 10 different apps to do something in Linux, there’s probably about 50 for OS X.
I spend my time DOING things, instead of spending my time configuring my PC to do things.
One thing I appreciate is there are no distinctions like Windows Pro, Home, and Server. I can use any installation like a home machine, network server, network desktop, or software development platform by changing the software packages.
A lot of these comments are so mislead it isn’t funny. People who get viruses aren’t getting them because they are computer illiterate. Literally seconds after plugging into the internet, you have the potential to be "hacked" in some way shape or form. You don’t have to run a program or open any files, visit any websites or do anything other than just connect to the internet to be attacked. Yes computer literacy isn’t what it should be, and does make up a lot of why people get viruses, but not all of it.
Another thing people need to remember is that Microsoft charges an arm and a leg for their software. Linux developers and distributors charge nothing. How can you truly compare the product of a huge company such as Microsoft to the product of people who are working essentially for free? Do you think that all of the resources that are available to Microsoft are available to all Linux developers? Absolutely not. To think that Linux is an operating system that is as stable as it is, and as mature as it is has come to be an operating system that is starting to make a stand for itself not only among technologically savvy users, but the general public as well (with numbers growing by the minute), is quite amazing. People underestimate the power of a linux system, which anyone with the knowhow can make do literally anything they want because of the nature of the system. Can you make windows do literally anything you want? No. Why? Because you don’t have the source code to be able to do anything with. Linux? Absolutely, because you can get the source code easily and for most all the software, freely, and be able to work it to your likings.
In my opinion, Linux i s on the rise, and is going top continue to rise. It is an operating system that is quite literally made by the people, for the people. And who better to know what the people want in an operating system than the people themselves? Not Microsoft, thats for sure.
P.S. All you Microsoft fanboys: Have you seen the people’s reaction to vista? Not looking very good for MS now is it?
very nice article!after reading this, i am also thinking of using linux…
i think fedora will be cool? what you suggest?
keep it up dude. very cool.
be open, live open,use open.
Techdudes.
I think you are all losers.
You all need to find a woman.
I use both Windows and Linux on the same computer. Sometimes I work at home, and my job requires some Windows-exclusive software. I like games, and Linux isn’t as good as that.
For everything else, I use linux. It boots my computer in 35 secs, looks better, has a better interface and runs way more stable.
Also, for people with less computer savvy I’d recommend OpenSuse or Linux Mint over Windows. It installs easily, auto-detects everything, runs fast, smooth, is easy for basic use and powerful enough for high-end stuff.
Unless they like gaming, then I’d just go for dual-boot.
As my opinion is just that! We all learn to think for ourselves, have different ideas of or perceive these thinkings, i just stumbled here and am going to put in my 2 cents! Linux is what we all hope the world should be, but sadly it is a M$ world cause we put $$$ ahead of everything. Try going a whole day with out spending a dime!! I use windows xp pro cause it came with Utorrent and it was free and it updates so hahahaha bill g. ok bored u enough good post was good to see nothing on tv so ty for the time killer
I love Linux!
Now that I’ve said that…
I also love to play games. I installed Linux on my old computer using Wubi dual booting with Windows XP which is great… But I hate switching between the 2…
So I had to go back to using just windows when I got my new pc.
If there is a way to run games such as hellgate london or BF2 on linux please tell me… (running 64-bit computer) … or linux is useless to me.
solo2450@twcny.rr.com
Manfred’s comment was useless. He says this article was "lame", but offers no actual reasons for it. Ignore him.
I found this article quite interesting and useful. Sometimes I forget how cramped a Windows system is with all the restrictions, shortcomings, and legal hassles.
One comment, though. #8 isn’t really true. In a paper written in 1984, Ken Thompson discussed a truly evil hack he created wherein he corrupted the compiler in such a way that 1) it automatically created a back door; and 2) it did this even when given source code for the compiler itself (in other words, the source code for the compiler wouldn’t show the back door). Here’s the link:
http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~ganger/7...
Very few of us actually bother to look at our source code, and most of us wouldn’t recognize a hack if we did look. Our security is more illusory than real.
As Thompson pointed out, if the compiler has been corrupted, then it can produce arbitrary binaries not related to the source code.
Having said all that, no system is immune to this. With Windows, it could happen, but you don’t even have the source code to examine. So I still greatly favor Linux over Windows.
Chiron, that article was fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing it! My world and my understanding have expanded.
@Pat… you mentioned something along the lines of "who wants to use command line when you have icons?"…Guess what…my name is also Pat, I think your a dipstick, and I absolutely love command line. I’ve been running Gentoo on all of my boxes aside from the main game machine (curse you manufacturers for not making them compatible with Linux) for the last 2 years and I really don’t see myself ever using Windows as an operating system for my services machine.
Here’s a few things I’ll throw into the mix:
1) Remote resources are insanely easy to configure in Linux. I have a mass storage file server with OpenVPN, SSH, Tinyproxy, and Samba installed. This little sucker uses only 1.2GB for its OS (Including the near 400MB source folder for the kernel)! I’d absolutely LOVE to see any Windozer setup ever see this kind of operational size with the kind of functionality my system has.
2) Drivers – Some of the people that have commented have said that you will never find the ease of installation or compatibility of drivers in Linux as you do in Windoze. Well…last I checked I needed to go to ASUS for my chipset and network drivers, NVIDIA to get my video card drivers, and CREATIVE to get my audio drivers. Also, last I checked, my kernel supported my chipset, network, sound card, and all other devices sans video card. And for that what did I have to do? Go to NVIDIA? No, I just typed emerge nvidia-drivers and it downloaded, installed, re-configured Xorg all for me. Kthxbai. There are thousands upon thousands of devices supported in the kernel that I will never use simply because the amount of hardware it supports is so f*****g vast.
3) Program updates – I don’t give a crap who you are, program updates in the ‘dozer will NEVER be as sleek and streamlined as it is in Linux. In the ‘dozer I have to either go to each products home page, or open the program up and go to some sort of update menu in order to get my programs updated. In Linux all I need to do is emerge -uD world and I can just go to sleep, go to the movies, do homework WHILE updating, or whatever I please. It’s just that dang simple. Yeah the *buntu’ers have their apt-get and Arch’ers have pacman, but all in all it comes down to the fact that nearly every distribution has some form of an automated package handling/updating system. Oh yeah, did I mention that the program being updated can be in use and running WHILE it’s being updated? Last time I checked in Windows the program had to be shutdown (and any work saved) before you updated it. In Linux you can be using any app, including the GUI (Xorg), Firefox, or the kernel itself while it is being updated. The only (and yes it is the only one) package of the Linux OS that 100% requires a reboot is a kernel upgrade. Aside from the kernel upgrade there is NO reason to reboot. Most updates/changes work flawlessly without any user intervention and the remaining few only require the user to logout and log back in. No reboot is absolutely required sans the kernel.
4) The superiority complex – "Windoze is bettar than Leenux!"
Do you own a router to share your internet connection? Chances are it’s running Linux or a modified version of a *NIX/POSIX class operating system. What about all these blogs and sites such as the one we are posting on right now? Chances are that it’s using an open source DBMS such as MySQL! Chances are also just as likely that it’s being ran on Linux. Oh wait, this just in, it’s using Linux + Apache 1.3.37.
uptime.netcraft.com/up/gr…
Hey, I love linux but some lines are wrong:
"10. Run my computer without needing to defragment my hard drive, ever"…. you never have to defrag a Mac either.
"13. Boot into a desktop with flash and effects as cool as Windows Vista on a three year old computer…in less than 40 seconds, including the time it takes me to type my username and password to login" … Mac has had the ‘eye candy’ longer than Linux or Windows.
"18. Resize a hard disk partition without having to delete it and without losing the data on it" … I have done this in MacOS and in Windows.
"21. Use almost any hardware and have a driver for it included with the operating system…eliminating the need to scour the internet to find the hardware manufacturer’s website to locate one"… right now I am looking for the ability to load the OS onto a FastTrak 100 Raid… I am having to jump through hoops to do it.
I’m an operating system agnostic – whatever most suits your purposes is what you should use. I don’t have call to use Mac, but use multiple *NIX varients and Windows varients. You should provide some data to back up your points, because most of them are quite poor. You’re seriously confusing OPEN SOURCE with Linux – Linux is the basic Kernel with a ****load of opensource programs installed. You can use exclusively open source programs on Windows. You can also accomplish most things that you imply that you can’t with a little bit of in depth knowledge of the OS….
I’m normally open to articles like this, but you’re just babbling nonsense.
I think you have some valid points. Linux is free, Windows isn’t. Good point. That’s it.
Points 1, 6, 7 are all anti-paying-for-your OS. Yes, Linux is free. Get over it.
3 – There are several free programs for windows that allow you to customize the shell, even replacing exporer.exe. WindowsBlinds is one, I’ve used several others.
4 – Try a batch file, or suite of programs that have an update manager.
5 – Microsoft programs will auto-update.
8 – You’re just dead wrong here. There have been an very large number of security exploits in programs designed for Linux, and there are an extremely large number of rootkits available. Since I understand your point to be "some software that runs on Windows has backdoors", I fail to see how you’ve differentiated Windows/Linux. ??
9 – Linux wins against M$ for adware/spyware, yes. The title of your article is "can’t do with Windows or on a Mac". Macs have as little virus problems of Linux. I don’t see how Linux wins here.
11 – Any amateurish program can install configuration files or libraries in odd places that won’t be removed when you remove the directory.
12 – This works for Windows if you do the same thing. You need to back up the relevant parts of the registry. Just because you haven’t learned to do so doesn’t mean that you can’t do it.
13 – Again, replacements for explorer.exe will give you flashy effects on older hardware.
14 – You’re speaking strictly of open source software. If you use only open source on a Windows platform, you’ll have the same benefits. Just because MOST windows users don’t use open source software doesn’t mean that you can’t. If you use proprietary software on Linux (yes, it DOES exist!) you won’t be able to do anything you listed here.
15 – I’ve got two different IDEs open, IE, firefox, msn, trillian, outlook, clipx, foobar2000, and a few propreitary apps running. My IDEs do alot more processing than your word processors. And I’m on Windows. I just tried opening a video – no dropped frames, it works great despite all the other apps. So where do you come up with the idea that linux is special in this respect?
16 – Add/remove programs gives you a list of programs.
17 – I have an extension running that gives me 4 virtual desktops, and I’ve removed the limit on concurrent sessions so I can have two users RDP’ed in at the same time…
18 – Again, third party programs. PartitionMagic. Etc.
19 – If you do not upgrade between major windows releases, you can continue getting service pack updates for an existing release and never have to replace your hardware.
20 – You got this one.
I dont’ see it being a huge benefit, unless you’re reinstalling your OS all the time.
21 – WTF? How do you figure? Linux driver support is much less complete that Windows driver support.
22 – Again, you’re talking open source. Use open source programs in windows and you have the same benefit.
This sounds a lot like an UbuntuForums topic. I have read that thread. That particular thread predates your blog post. Are you sure you wrote all these yourself?
Hey, Clifford. This is from the first paragraph on this page: "There is also a forums thread on the same topic, that I remembered as I complied my thoughts, so I stole some of the ideas posted there."
So, no. I obviously didn’t write all these, just as I said at the beginning.
I completely agree with Dwindle and Joe Bonzo. I’ve been using Windows since 1992, and have never had any problems with it. Windows does a large number of the things listed, which the author of the list would know if he weren’t completely ignorant of Windows. The above list does boil down to Linux being free. And what’s this with "a powerful command line"? I mean, come on, it’s not 1985 anymore. It’s another one of those disconnects between linux boosters and average computer users.
I tried Ubuntu, Kubuntu, PCLinuxOS and I had problems with all, Ubuntu slow torrents (compared to Windows XP, forwarding ports, etc.), PCLinux cool 3D effects but unable to make it work with my 7 button mouse, Kubuntu unable to manage my ATI card as fast as Windows and a problem to configure it too.
After testing the Linux World for a week, I didn’t like it, lot of hours to make things work as I want them.
The only 1 thing that I found is that it is free, because even the so automatic updates had problems with Kubuntu and PCLinuxOS.
Great list ! But beleive it or not, all these great things are not worth one single one I can do on Windows: plug in the printer, press "print" and actually have the page come out of the printer!!! That is, without reading an unreadable documentation, becoming an expert of computer-printer communication techs, and even without hacking the kernel!
Replace printer with all sorts of devices/basic tasks that shouldn’t require your brain to burn than few calories (such as accessing your disks!!! They are yours after all!!), and repeat.
Sorry your experience was like that. For me, all I did was open the System->Printing->Administration menu, clicked “add printer” and the one I had connected showed up in the list. The driver was there, and off I went. This was true for several printers.
Hehe I luv this article
Well done 
How about try it out via LiveCD and then install it?
I am a new Linux user, Ubuntu, but have been using Windows for many years. Some of the arguments here are nonsensical. I use Windows XP Home on one computer, XP Pro, cracked copy but I do hold a license, on another computer and Ubuntu 7.10 on the third. My cracked copy of XP Pro has no updates and is at the SP1 stage but I have never had a problem on it. So much for Windows updates. I normally have two computers on at a time and my main computer running XP Home is never turned off and only restarted when I need to install or uninstall software or the Windows updates. I use AVG Free anti virus, Zonealarm (Free) firewall, Spybot and Spyware blaster which are also free so that rules out the "expensive" software quote. I do get spyware and adware but these never create a problem and are sorted by the software. I have never had any virus infection in the last seven years. I use the Windows machines most as they do more of what I want and have the software on there to do it. Downloading programs and installing them is a doddle but if I change hardware then drivers can become an issue but I have never suffered that problem. Quick search on Google and there they are. No problem installing them either.
My Ubuntu machine runs quite nicely and I do like it. I did find it necessary to give it 512mb of ram as it was freezing regularly on 256mb which was a surprise. This is the second time I have used Linux as I tried Suse about five years ago and it was atrocious. Didn’t like the soundcard, a soundblaster live card, didn’t like the graphics card, Nvidia TNT2, and there was no way it was going to work on the internet. Took it back and got my £65 back and bought a copy of XP Home for £55. So much for cheap operating systems.
On this occasion I can say that I do like Ubuntu, it seems to have all the drivers, starts and stops real quick and was almost fully usable straight from the word go. I did have problems that it wouldn’t update, download, install or anything like that but a quick trip to the Ubuntu forum sorted that out. Just a couple of ticks in the correct boxes sorted it. So I would say the backup from users is fantastic and far better than I ever got with a windows forum. I will definately keep it. I find that if you want to use it as it comes then it is very useable. Mind you I never could get Evolution to work and a look in the forums says the same for lots of people so I think that should be junked and for Thunderbird to take its place which is far easier to use although I will look at other programs as it is not quite how I like it. Trying to download a program to desktop and installing it like windows is gagging for trouble as well. I think what puts most people off of Linux is all the command prompts, none appear to be logical, that are required quite regularly and also the naming of programs and the operating system lingo. Now Windows generally uses understandable language for installations etc and a lot of the programs are self explanetary as well. Linux seems to use the most confusing language, like the screen that says "reload" the program when the only button on show clearly states "Refresh". It appears to me that Linux is desperate to distance itself from Windows and uses a different language for everything. The names of the programs is also not very obvious what the hell they are either which just adds to the confusion. These are not complaints but observations based on the reasons why I have not touched Linux for a long time. I still don’t think it is as easy to use for a complete beginner as is XP (forget Vista, now there’s a pile of crap for you) but it is getting very close.
There is definately room for both in my house and I would not get rid of either as they both have good and bad points but offer a change as well. I don’t include mac’s in this as I hate Apple more than I hate Microsoft. Never heard of a company that is so restrictive in the use of its products before. Then there is the mac users who seem to have this superiority complex that is lost on the rest of us. If macs were that good then they would outsell windows but they don’t get anywhere near it. The only person I know who bought a mac asked me to put windows on it after a week of use.
there are some nice videos in youtube comparing what linux and vista can do…it clearly tells, vista is no match for linux, its amazing how you get these for free…there is no comparison between the two….and for the normal desktop users, our community will be giving out more user-friendly softwars/apps…for FREEE…
This post was recently translated into Chinese. I am honored!
http://www.yeeyan.com/articles/v...
Hey! Sorry, I read the first third of this, and kept seeing the same statements over and over again, so if the point I’m about to make has already been made…..well…..sorry.
The one I want to comment on is the lack of games for Linux. It has nothing to do with marketing or even market share. It has to do with the sheer quantity of Linux builds that are available. That is the one strength that Windows has. It is ALWAYS the same distro! That means you can code your game once, release it, and you’re done! The customizable and constantly evolving nature of Linux precludes the commercial porting from the gaming gods.
It’s a double edged sword. On the one hand, it would be nice to add gaming to the (very) impressive list of capabilities that most Linux distros boast, but on the other, that very event will not occur until Linux becomes standardized and mainstream.
Personally, I have a Sony for gaming. Kicks the living **** out of any (affordable) gaming comp that I’ve ever seen.
I have not entered the passion that many Linux users have exemplified in the previous posts. My conversion began a little over a year ago with using open source software, a little here, soon growing to most of my apps.
The last straw for me was the introduction of Vista. I could not see paying that amount of money for a questionable operating system. I decided to try Linux for one month. It was touch and go for awhile; there were many issues. Most issues were my frustration entering a new learning curve. I had to relearn to tie my shoelaces.
I suffered a large productivity hit. The point is I stuck with it and am now comfortable enough to do my day to day affairs on Linux. I still need to learn the command line in depth and plunder into the file system.
I still need windows for some of my occupational endeavors. In addition games are easier in windows, at this point. So a Linux newbie I am due to economics. Linux isn’t for everyone, yet. That is MS’s strength; that my mother can use it.
superb!!!!!
Linux is not merely an OS. Its much much more. Its a way of life, a religion, a community, a tribe, a group which is liberal in its full meaning.
Microsoft is "business" in its full meaning, you pay money to use their stuff and yet dont enjoy complete freedom of sharing it. Any windows user can be legally confronted any day even if he thinks he has purchased everything under his hard drive. Because there are so many rules and regulations, copyrights and all. Thank god that linux and open source exist which doesnt let these MS people create a monopoly and harass the common people everyday. They are scared to do it.
Linux takes its developers, programmers, designers and users in same flight and in same class. So they can talk to each other, share their views, discuss life ahead for the betterment of the full community. Everyone is involved.
I am sure if MS had allowed its users to have a say in the program development, they would have a bigger forum than any linux distro forum or all linux forums combined.
But sadly, MS is not interested in what the users really want. Buy what they give, learn it and live with it with your mouths sealed….
The points in this article here are pretty much clearly from a Linux fanboy, but its alright.
You wont ever see an article appreciating MS on a site without ads or someone backing the servers on his behalf.
An aritcle appreciating Microsoft from a Microsoft fan boy – $100 Pleaseeeeee….
An article appreciating Linux from a Linux fan boy – priceless.
You’re right
I really like working with linux, can’t live without it and you have really summed it up nicely 
Linux for the win, except i really enjoy DirectX 10.0
Sorry mate. That’s a little out of date. Mac can do almost all of those things now and Windows is catching up.
Also. Remember that anyone who uses Linux has to become so familiar with it and with the archaic console that they have no life whatsoever and spend their whole life in typing in commands. With Mac or Windows, you click things and they work. And you don’t have to speak techno jargon to be able to use advanced programs.
I am a complete computer geek and I could use Linux if I wanted to. But I don’t due to compatibility with other programs and due to the fact that using Mac and Windows just makes everything easier. It’s not that I can’t do things on Linux, it is just that it takes more effort and I am a very lazy person.
[...] admit it. I have given a metric ton of different reasons for why I choose to use Linux. I have made lists. I’ve discussed tons of features. I’ve mentioned [...]
the only reason u r using linux is that ..
it is ur religion …and u belive in it..
but to me computer is a tool ….and i want productivity from my machine than just spending my life time to devote to the study of the OS.
SO I USE WINDOWS
LOL. Using Linux is hardly a religion, but it is a very strong preference. Use whatever you like. I will be just as productive using my choice. With nothing but Linux and native applications I make and administer websites, have written and typeset a book and contributed to another, and am writing yet another. I pass documents back and forth with Windows and Mac users with no problems, and a ton of other things.
Anyway, thanks for the visit and the comment.
OS X can do #2, #5, #9 (except some security updates), #10, #11, #12 (even Windows can do that!), #15, #17, #18, almost #19. At least.
Oh, and I love Linux and use it on all computers except my laptop (Macbook Pro). My point: most of these may apply to windows, but you stated “What is the coolest thing you can do using Linux that you can’t do with Windows *or on a Mac*?”.
I find this pathetic, for this thread to grow this long. Im new to Ubuntu and have fallen in love with it. But Im a C# developer and still needs to boot up WinXP. So for me, its just a matter of preference. Its no different from asking which brand of perfume you are using. Probably the author feels this way thats why he wrote this article. We must admit Windows, like mainframe, will stay here for a long time, while Linux continues to be what i call, “The Superior Underdog”.
I’m just amazed that something I posted three months ago, that I wrote on a whim and without a lot of thought or planning, is still getting comments.
If I knew it would be read for so long by so many people, I would have written something better.
number one reason for linux.
Its not controlled by Microsoft.
Compiz
The play dirty
1) IMHO they purposely changed code in the partitions to make it difficult to install other operating systems with it.
2) Companies HAVE to pay Microsoft to get their hardware to run on it, driving up the cost of hardware.
3) Because Microsoft know what is good for me, I am not allowed to use my old hardware on my new computers. Come on guys.. . . We are in a recession and you do this.
4) When I get the machine, I don’t even get the install disk any more, I have to pay extra for it
5) most new games will run if installed into linux with wine
6) openoffice.org Microsoft does not get my 4200 for office applications
7) Multiple desktops WITHOUT having to upgrade to Vista, or paying money
9) If I want it to look like Vista, I can. If I dont, I dont have to. I do not have to do it Microsofts way.
10) I do not have to work on a desktop designed for people who need to be taught how to doubleclick. I understand not everyone is a geek. And this is a good thing. I just want a choice here. If this was about politics, microsoft woulda been voted out. The want to tell us how to do our work and make it difficult. grrrrr
11) its just cool
nuff said
7) Come on guys, its cool
Windows is where it is because it was here first.
Linux was second.
Windows is way easier to use for a normal human. Linux is NOT user friendly (I tried the new Ubuntu distributions). It’s even hard to customize your desktop to something you found on the net. I am not a noob to PC’s and I consider to know more than a normal human.
Windows costs money.
Well, so do clothes (the old, burnt ones from the dumpster don’t), cars (you can find some free cars in some junk yards) and anything else that we need! That’s the way things are, need something? PAY UP!
Linux is free (and for the humans that have too much time on their hands). Of course there are some aspects at which linux is better than windows, but if they weren’t, linux would be dead allready.
Windows will be THE OS for years to come. How many? It only depends on MS.
Also… WTF is wrong with OpenOffice? Why can’t they make it ok? Is it that hard? MS did it! Why can’t they?
And games..
See how Blizzard made a game (WOW) that brings them huge amounts of cheese. It’s a game and it runs on windows. Almost everyone who plays this game knows how to install it on windows. On linux on the other hand, only 5% maybe… rough estimate.
Linux cannot be the choice for a home PC. Unless you cannot afford windows that is…
All these things you said that cannot be done on windows, CAN BE DONE! So your post is just useless.
You would be better of playing some WOW on windows.
Here is a link to how to install WOW on linux…
http://www.wowwiki.com/Linux/Wine
Do you have a day to do this? I don’t and wouldn’t.
On windows it’s straight forward: yes, next, next, yes, next, next, finish, play.
Wow. There’s a lot of grumpiness there, normality.
Use what you like. That’s totally cool. Your comments on Linux are either misinformed or you have an agenda. I know several dozen non-technology-proficient people who use Linux on their home PC as the only OS. They can do everything they want and need to do. It is definitely ready.
For sure, Windows and Linux are for different users. That’s what I like. When I talk with a Linux guy, I know he won’t fall in the stupid traps put by MS on his way to comprehension…
Like mixing extension and filetype, renaming printer output to .prn instead of .ps, or not displaying extensions. MS does more than “making choices” for the users. They pour their head with misconceptions.
So that’s what I dislike with Windows. When I have got a friend, Windows user, on phone asking for help, I am pretty sure he will be saying some stupidity like “Do you think my PC will go faster if I uninstall The GIMP ?” or “What do you advise for an antivirus ?”. And more than that, almost any Windows user will distrust you if you say you don’t use an antivirus.
What I like most is the users. And I can tell you I know a lot of home Ubuntu users, who are not geeks at all. They are perfectly happy with Linux. But they get smarter with time, when Windows users go dumber with time.
This is all about a contract between the developer and the user. Linux users respect the contract, because it’s free and it’s in their interest. Windows users don’t respect the contract, because it’s expensive and it’s not in their interest, it’s in MS interest. For this reason, the contract is broken and Windows goes deeper into shit every version, users and developers included.
I thought I’d post, just to add to the many that have before. I love to play with linux and hope that one day I can fully convert. However, I am unable to play the games that I like on linux (not cutting edge, but still) and really hate to dual boot. I stumbled here and am glad I did. Good post and great comments.
Well, I think I’d have to agree to what I’ve read somewhere about being logged in as an Administrator in a Windows machine makes you more vulnerable to a lot of unwanted stuff, including that of your own doing. I’ve used quite a good number of distributions and versions of Linux and my personal favorite is Ubuntu, where, as a user, I don’t have to worry about viruses and malware reaching in to my machine to try to wreak havoc because they won’t have premissions or privileges to access my files freely to make significant changes. Only a Root account has that power to make all possible alterations to my system. Unlike on a Windows box, if your account is Administrator, well… anything that comes in is granted instant permission to make changes as they want. On my Linux, tho, I would have to explicitly give them permission (as “sudo”, and enter my password) for any system-specific changes to occur, also thereby reminding me that I am about to make those kinds of changes.
Not all Linux operating systems are like this, though. I carry with me in my USB drive (and in all of my phone’s MicroSDs) a FULL OPERATING SYSTEM that’s less than 128MB in size, it’s called Puppy Linux, and I love it for the simplicity of it, the speed, all the included office apps, works great with almost all the numerous PCs I’ve ever used it on (including Pentium2s!), drivers come pre-installed. The reason why I mentioned the Puppy distribution is that, you are logged in as Root (equivalent to Administrator in Windows) all the time. Which *could* be a security issue. But heck, I never had problems with it anyway. No malware, no viruses so far. Comes with a firewall pre-installed too. Besides, If anything should ever go wrong… It’s so quick and easy to reinstall my 128MB-Operating-System-on-a-stick. Both Linux and Windows (and of course, Macs) will get better with time… but your Mac and your Windows systems will ask you for cash for the same things you can do with Linux. Not that I have anything against those systems, because I use all 3 of them. It just boils down to what you plan to use them for. I have A LOT of reasons why I bring an OS on my USBs, and it’s not about playing games.
This isn’t about what’s right or wrong. It’s about what works for you. What do you think?
Most windows users are not very technical. They think it’s good because they don’t know any better. Why does it need external firewalls, registry cleaners, disk defraging tools, virus tools etc. The windows registry can become so corrupted that the whole os needs to be re-installed.
I have seen it happen quite few times. Why does it have to be re-booted when software updates or virus updates are done? Or even when the ip number have been changed. Sometimes when windows software has been uninstalled things are still left there!!
It needs silly file extensions to work. Everything in windows had been copied from some other operating systems. Where did the stupid A: B: C: come from?
well it come from CP/M which was copied from DEC.
I have heard experienced windows users say once a year they re-format the disk and re-install everything
It can’t be much good if you have to do that.
Many windows XP systems get slower and slower because of spyware. Which can be sometimes be fixed with yet another tool “adaware, spybot”
more rubbish.
I am sooooo impressed that the rants have survived up until now. I placed a link on my desktop and check out the site every now and again and am pleased to see that all the regular trolls are still turning around.
Yours sincerely,
An XP troll.
I saw something about windows users not being technical and it’s fairly true. Windows is very easy to use, but Ubuntu has destroyed windows in that department recently. The sad part is that because windows has held onto the mainstream market for a long time, it will hold on to it for another decade. Adults teach their kids what they know and that’s basically windows. Old people are so stuck in their ways that they refuse to learn anything new.
Some people rant about things that they know little about. Maybe the mainstream market is running windows, but the server market definitely isn’t. Last I checked, most servers are running some linux distro. The reason being is that it’s more stable and has better memory management, which is crucial for a server applications.
Sadly, I’ll always be forced to have windows running on dual boot for gaming purposes and those little things that force you to use it. People attribute that as a problem with linux, but it’s rather a problem with game developers being too lazy to put IFDEFs in their code because the majority of their audience knows how to use windows.
If you want to play windows games on linux, but don’t have the know-how/patience to get them running in Wine, give Cedega a go.
yes, it does cost money to use legitimately ($5 a month or something ludicrously cheap like that) and the linux community is a bit sniffy about it because it is commercial software originally based on the WineX codebase (it’s not anymore afaik). On the other hand, it works brilliantly in most cases.
no linky, because this is a recommendation not a plug
as for the mainstream uptake of linux as a viable platform, look out for the major MMO publishers releasing linux clients for their next generation of titles. The ever-forward-facing CCP have a linux client for Eve Online already.
And that is a plug, because Eve is great
@jfw
” Discussion becoming boring.
I think I might go and have a game of Oblivion.
Bye.”
http://www.cedega.com/images/ob1.png
Learning Linux is a neat experience almost like being initiated into a cult. Learning the ins and outs of any operating system (actually any software) is an important part of using it powerfully and not wasting money on Geek Squad and Firedog because you can fix your own problems.
I spent many years learning all of the ins and outs of Windows (with which I maintain a passive familiarity). And now I’m learning the ins and outs of Linux which has a lot more “gee whiz” stuff you can do (including remote shutdown of Windows boxes).
If you are content with browsing the ‘net and sending emails and writing documents in a word processor it doesn’t really matter WHAT os you use because they all handle it the same way (i.e. all browsers have the same basic features)
My qualms with Windows and Mac are politically motivated. They wanted me to reactivate my install after a hardware upgrade, I figured my hardware is my business and so I politely told them that I had an Ubuntu disc that I had just received in the mail (via ShipIt) and that I would never again touch their software (not that they really miss me) and that I would encourage my friends to boycott their products. I installed Ubuntu and after a slightly rocky start, I never looked back.
Oh and Wine is absolutely amazing! I vote for Linux+Wine vs Windows any day.
One final note: I’m only using Linux until ReactOS is mature enough use everyday.
I have a dual-boot laptop running XP Pro and Ubuntu – mostly Ubuntu, as XP takes upward of 15 minutes to load compared to 40 sec for Ubuntu. The only thing I miss is Windows Media Player, which doesn’t seem to install in Wine without permission from M$, who will only allow it to run in Windows… if verified.
linux is a good OS … but the problem with it is that is not easy for “stupid” people…the market where windows wins a lot….
…so linux it’s not for “stupid” peoples…but if one linux is installed correctly you wouldn’t need to reinstall it … like windows which get a lot of crap….
i have tried many distributions: fedora,suse, mandriva, debian , ubuntu and i think something are better (uses the full capacity of the sistem like memory not the damn swap) … but remember for windows applications you have: wine, crossover office, cedega and others … or you can use vmware player (it’s free but you have to configure in one file) ….i have run windows one of such vm …and it run faster than if i would have used it separatly….or you can use it for games …i don’t know how it runs … but i’ll give a try
momentanly i use windows…i have tried linux…but i plan to move to linux (probably ubuntu…)
Hmmm, I’d like to conduct an experiment:
(1) Get somebody who never used a computer before
(2) Get two computers for which there are windows and linux drivers available
(3) Hook the computers up with an ethernet cable and internet connection
(4) Put a Windows install cd and an Ubuntu Desktop CD into each computer
(5) Set BIOS to boot from the CD
(6) Have blank harddisks in there
I wonder on where this person has less problems.
I choose to not use Windows. That is a personal decision. But I am not out to convince anyone what they should use or which OS is better. If asked I will share my experience on the subject only. These type of conversations are way off base. I would like to add another meaning of “free”: free to choose the OS I want to use and “Free” to change my decision and switch. If we stuck to this then I think people would be more receptive and Linux would advance quicker.
Sure linux is good for the things listed, but until it has compatability with programs like Dreamweaver and Photoshop ill be sticking with windows.
I tried linux for a while, loved what it was about but it could never have the full compatability that i need.
Ok. Here how it goes. It all depends from what u need from an operating system. I prefer windows for playing games. I can see Windows as a Gaming platform. When i need reliability i am switching to linux. Support is a big deal for Windows users. Linux is very very stable. It can work for months even if the hard disk has been completely out of use (it happened in our DNS server). How many times you will see a kernel crash? Almost never. Have u ever seen a blue screen?
*Concluding, if you were to be supported in life by a machine would you like to be a windows or a Linux box?
Don’t forget:
1. Get more work done, because all the games suck, and look like they were written in 84.
2. Get a better education, because when Linux fails it doesn’t throw an error message, it throws the GUI!
3. Be free! Never ever have to work with any of those conformist mainstream people that run businesses!
4. Be different! Just like everyone else, your like like so cool, like an anarchy club or something!
Wow this article is really bad I don’t quiet know where to start….
1st off if you believe that Windows AND Mac can’t do most of these things then you really don’t know much about OS’s and shouldn’t be posting.
This is the truth about the list. (I really dislike OSX but I will painfully support it here)
“2. Have the latest version of the operating system run faster than the previous version on the same hardware”
—this is BS because Ubuntu 5.10 “breezy” runs twice as fast on my old P3 (800MHz) with 512 RAM than Ubuntu 8.10 “Intrepid”
“3. Easily install and run different graphical interfaces if I don’t like the default setup”
—If you have to open a command line for ANYTHING it’s NOT easy.
“5. Have the system automatically update all my installed programs for me.”
—Of course Windows doesn’t have an application for this but how could it when there are SO MANY different applications for Windows machines.
“8. Have full control over my computer hardware and know that there are no secret back doors in my software, put there by malicious software companies or governments”
—Mac users don’t have to worry about this, and SMART Windows users don’t either
“9. Run without using a virus scanner, adware/spyware protection, and not reboot my computer for months, even when I do keep up with all of the latest security updates”
—God your retarded. Macs don’t have this problem because there based off of Unix, which is the same exact thing Linux is based off of. My main machine (the one I’m on now) has been virus free for over 3 years and I DONT USE ANY ANTIVIRUS, OR ANTI MALWARE.
—this applies to ALL machines: As long as the power source to a machine (including mine and the 5 others in my house) isn’t cut it will stay on. The only time this is isn’t the case is when you have a hardware failure EX: your PSU blows up, or Primary HD disk failure. (EVERY machine suffers from hardware defects)
“10. Run my computer without needing to defragment my hard drive, ever”
—This is true of course you could run your machine and NEVER defrag your hard drive. But that would be stupid; every hard drive over time becomes fragmented. Of course you don’t NEED to defragment it, but it would be the smart thing to do, it improves performance and frees up space. Kind of like how the paint on your car over time will chip, of course you don’t NEED to repaint it but it would be the smart thing.
“11. Try out software, decide I don’t like it, uninstall it, and know that it didn’t leave little bits of stuff in a registry that can build up and slow down my machine”
—sure you could do this with the limited supply of software out there for Linux and Mac based machine. But you could also do this with the HUGE supply of windows based software and a free registry cleaner (u could even use more than one)
“12. Make a major mistake that requires a complete reinstallation and be able to do it in less than an hour, because I put all of my data on a separate partition from the operating system and program files”
—You can do this with BOTH Windows and Macs. You can even direct your entire user profile, or individual folders to another drive or partion. Granted this may not be easy for the average user but I don’t ever have to once enter ANY commands.
“13. Boot into a desktop with flash and effects as cool as Windows Vista on a three year old computer…in less than 40 seconds, including the time it takes me to type my username and password to login”
—WOW U CAN??? Of course you can so can a Windows and a Mac. And just like a 3 year old Linux machine you would need hardware that is at least decent.
“14. Customize anything I want, legally, including my favorite programs. I can even track down the software developers to ask them questions, contribute ideas, and get involved in the actual design/software writing process if I want to”
—You can do this with ANY open source software, which is pretty much all Linux can run
“15. Have 4+ word processor windows open working on papers, listen to music, play with flashy desktop effects, have contact with a largely happy community and have firefox, instant messaging, and email clients all open at the same time, without ever having had to beg someone for a code to make my os work, and without the system running so slow it is useless”
—Your a moron, if you believe Windows and Macs can’t do this GTFO.
“16. Use the command “dpkg –get-selections > pkg.list†to make a full, detailed list of all software I have installed, backup my /etc and /home directories on a separate partition, and you are able to recover your system any time, easily”
—HOLY CRAP!!!! I can do this FREE 3rd party software that has tons of customizable options and it actually has a GUI.
—Windows has this amazing tool called “sysprep”, go Google it and be properly educated.
“17. Run multiple desktops simultaneously, or even allow multiple users to log in and use the computer simultaneously”
—Macs CAN do this, so can windows it’s called “fast user switching”
“18. Resize a hard disk partition without having to delete it and without losing the data on it”
—I honestly believe you have never used a Windows or Mac machine. Windows may not have a native program for this but you can get one some of them are free, some of them are open source, and some of them cost money.
“19. Use the same hardware for more than 5 years before it really needs to be replaced…I have some hardware that is nearly 10 years old, running Linux, and still useful”
—As I previously stated I have a machine that has a Pentium 3 800MHz with 512 MB of ram. When I first got it in 2000 I doubled the ram (it came with 256) but since then I haven’t replaced any hardware in it, I’ve added a SCSI card just so I can use my 4 15,000RPM 30GB Ultra wide SCSI-3 HDs
Ill give Linux some credit, it does do somethings that Windows and Macs cant do, but next time you write an article entitled “What is the coolest thing you can do using Linux that you can’t do with Windows or on a Mac?” know your facts.
Wow. All I’ve heard here is how one OS is better than another. It’s pretty disconcerting.
Let me give you a few things to think about:
1) The command line: Yes, Windows still has it and, no – settings (that MS or someone else hasn’t written a program for or you don’t see it in “Control Panel”) won’t be available unless you use – you guessed it – the command prompt.
2) If Linux “crashes”, it’s usually the X server. And upon crashing will usually default back to the command prompt.
3) Upon a Windows crash – if the system is unworkable in it’s “normal” state, then one must boot into repair mode – which a CD is required. Upon booting to the CD, the user (now this is important…) MUST USE A COMMAND PROMPT.
4) If Linux is in an unusable state, one can simply pop in a LIVE CD and have access to BOTH graphical interface AND command prompt. Not to mention, one can also graphically LOOK at Windows files from an NTFS-supported LIVE Linux distro. There is one of these distros named “Puppy Linux” and I have found it invaluable for repairing Windows boxes.
Finally, why do we all have such penchant for one or the other???
I mean, Windows is GREAT at what it does and it fills it’s niche very well, but to say that it is just better is like being brainwashed. It goes the same way with Linux. Its CONCEPT is better for sure – not to mention almost the whole internet pretty much runs on Linux. But to say it’s just better (like as with Windows) is not very convincing.
I like Linux because it has saved me quite a few times from Windows (yes, I use Linux to FIX Windows). It IS more stable, but more user-intensive. But I also prefer Windows for its ease of use and miriad of applications.
So here is my ultimate take:
1) The CONCEPT behind Linux is DEFINITELY superior. Whether or not people are “turned on” to its usability is yet to be seen.
2) Windows has a superior number of users and applications. It also has (when running healthily) a superior ease of use.
Now given that, why not just view them like tools in a toolbox? Seriously. No GOOD mechanic in his right mind would EVER use a pair of pliers to try to do what a wrench could. You just can’t pretend that Windows has an edge on EVERYTHING just because more people like it. It COSTS and it is LIMITED. Period. But you can’t say Linux is better simply based on a superior concept. It is free and unlimited, but hasn’t quite filled the niche that Windows has…………
YET : )
Wow! I made this post nearly a year ago and it is still getting traffic. That’s cool!
The post really was just a quick, not well thought out scribble that I only intended for a friend, but thought I would put on the blog for fun.
It has created a lot of discussion, and that is something I am in favor of.
Oh, and while I am not an operating system zealot, I am still convinced that for most applications, including all of the ones I use and care about or need, Linux is better.
“12. Make a major mistake that requires a complete reinstallation and be able to do it in less than an hour, because I put all of my data on a separate partition from the operating system and program files”
I’m fairly certain you can do that on Windows, chief.
Things I can do with a Windows PC: The 99% of things Linux users cannot.
“Windows runs for months on end without reboots, and I have not found an adware, virus, or other malware in over 5 years. All of my programs, even expensive corporate editions, are updated automatically all by themselves the instant an update is available. I could, of course, download a free program to do it like Linux, but that’s slow and illogical. Multiple desktops, multiple simultaneous users, easy as pie. Run live from pendrive? Yep. Delete software without a trace left behind? Of course. There is a free Windows program to do everything you have ever done on linux – Plus 500,000 programs you can never have. Basically, your list comes down only to the fact that Linux is free. If it was as stable, useful, and enjoyable to use as Windows, you’d have a good point. Does Linux automatically move particular files from any location to the location of your choosing? How about move files to another partition is it gets crowded? Can you buy any piece of hardware, electronics, or software in the free world and use it right out of the box with no help from anyone? If Linux os so wonderful, why is it that (a) most people who try it (like me) can’t find a reason to keep it, (b) in 15 years of constant use, it’s still nearly unused by the public and business, and (c) you have to keep making these pages to promote it?”
Soo… your telling me windows even with its security updates that NEEDS a reboot can keep running for months… Hows that…?
Maybe windows 95…
What software does that have the Linux hasn’t already mastered for free?
and yeah… you can delete stuff without a trace but could some normal person know that? No…
Linux is even more user friendly than windows or Mac…
the reason we have to write things like this is because we don’t want people like you who see a commercial and just because of the commercial it is great…
I dual boot my pc with xp and ubuntu.
I use xp for my games (apart from EVE Online, which I have on both windows and ubuntu), and when I feel like tweaking something, I boot into ubuntu and have a tinker. I will eventually make the final leap onto the Linux train when I feel am competant enough to use it effectively, and get decent gaming experiences out of it without trawling through forums trying to find a command.
This list does have many good points…in my interpretation anyway (I ignored everything Mac orientated as I despise Apple and to be honest couldnt really give two shits what it can and can’t do, so long as what I buy doesnt go put money in their pockets.
From my years of using xp, I have tweaked it a lot, but have not had the ability to tweak it as much as I would have liked without having to download some third party software (some of which costs money, in these cases I chose the path of a pirate). Which is why I like Ubuntu as it lets the user tweak to theri hearts content with very little, even no need to download third party software.
With all the programs (legit or not) that I have downloaded windows has taken a little longer to boot every time, and every 6 months or so, I wipe the slate clean and start again, tweaking just a little bit more every time, before the loading takes too long. I also find the need to use these programs VERY restricting, as all windows OSs are meant to be as is, hence the third party tools being needed. Yet with ubuntu, I have noticed very little difference in boot times since I installed it and have been slowly tinkering with it, and it feels a lot more free, my knowledge being the one restraint holding my machine back from its full potential.
I download a lot with windows, have no anti-virus, no firewall etc etc and have been virus free for a good 2-3 years now, and it will hopefully stay that way until I make the final leap of faith away from teletubby land, and into the realm of the power rangers.
Linux is not for everyone, and proabably never will be. There needs to be an easy to use and aesthetically pleasing OS for the masses, as most do not want to have to learn much to be able to use thier PC.
s565rj32 says,
“”"It was recently revealed that a large portion of the Storm botnet is running on rooted Ubuntu boxes. Good luck…”"”
And that’s an all out lie!
I run Linux where I can. I’m even moving my quad core 9950/ 4GB/ 320GB 8500GT etc onto Ubuntu/Mint tonight! I have a Webbook running ubuntu, a toshiba laptop running ubuntu studio, a dell pc running ubuntu server (with Apache/Mysql/PHP) and I did have it running on my old pc, but that’s for my girlfriends dad now and I run windows because linux confuses him.
I thought that windows 7 would use all 4 cores, and I suppose it does with the relevant applications, but it’s hardly faster than my old machine although runs games better. Possibly the only games i’ll run on my machine are Guild wars and Garrysmod. There was a bug in Garrysmod when running it under WINE in windows, but that’s apparently fixed. Guild wars was front page on WINE for a while because it runs perfectly. So, there are the two reasons for my main machine running windows out of the window.
I often do electronics projects, or computing projects (example being using a webcam as a multitouch trackpad), and sometimes they only work on windows, or i’ll need a machine to mess with. That’s what the dell computer is (runs windows and ubuntu)
If linux dominates the market, it’ll get more attention, therefore more viruses, spyware etc. I believe that the linux community would address these issues, and the open-source nature of linux would allow users to fix any holes/security issues quickly with an update. This could even be an in-built antivirus to an extent, so they write code into the program that denies execution of a particular program and removes it.
Alright, after reading half the comments, and getting tired and skipping to the end, I just have to say this. Yes, GNU/Linux(Linux is a kernel people), has made giant leaps and bounds in the past years, but it will largely remain used by us computer techs. Your average windows user is afraid of the command line, and knows little about computers (unless they’re some type of Win32 fanboy who uses ASP.NET on the regular). Thanks to the EeePC and gOS, GNU/Linux has made it to the desktop. Thanks to Mozilla Firefox, a huge amount of people use open source often. Thanks to OOo, there are now alternatives to MS Office. There are open source alternatives to everything today, and they are all moving into everyday use, but true GNU/Linux distros will not be on most school, workplace, library, etc. computers for years. When it is, it will be a toned down version. Most people just don’t want to deal with configuring their OS, so they let companies take care of those things. I love Ubuntu, I love Slackware and OpenSolaris, but your average desktop user is just too lazy. And I don’t care about whether or not they get a virus or a BSoD, because it just reminds me of why open source is superior. So stop arguing about this and get on with what life you have.
Nice list. As with most others, I also find it hard to tell people why I use Linux. Thanks for the post
Good list. Love the site design as well.
Thanks, Chris.
the article is really very good
i think the time has come for us to change to linux and throw all these money making companies aside.
I still run windows because games don’t run on linux.
For everything else I run Linux.
What does that say about windows?
I got frustrated with all the free comments halfway down so I figured I would comment. It seems to me that freedom just isn’t that important to people. Even in a country where people boast about it being a free country, I’ll use mine, the US, for example, people are willing to trade off their freedom/rights for a false sense of security. Read the patriot act, cable act, etc. Look at the government consistently making laws that just make you less free. Do you hear much about it? No. Why? Because people don’t care what it is free or what freedom is anymore. They take everything for granted.
As for the malware/virus comments, would you feel comfortable letting someone who doesn’t know much about computers use your windows computer and not have to worry about getting some kind of virus/trojan/rootkit/worm?
I like windows for some purposes, but I prefer linux and won’t even consider mac for cost reasons and tieing itself to specific hardware and charging an arm and a leg for an apple logo.
Another comment, I just upgraded from Ubuntu 8.10 with gnome 2.24 to Ubuntu 9.04 with gnome 2.26 and I can assure you that my 6 year old computer runs faster with the new version of Ubuntu than it did with the old one, and that is with using more eye candy than I did in the old one as well.
I will be fair on that front though, the new version allows for use of the Ext4 filesystem which handles large files differently than its predecessors Ext3 and Ext2 and I figure this is where all the increased performance comes from and it is a rather very dramatic increase in performance as well.
I will not for a second think about putting vista on this machine to replace xp as I will not get a performance increase that way.
Economy is tanking and folks have a lot of spare time
I have used (played) with Linux for years. It is a good toy as a desktop OS, not a serious contender for Windows. Now that 7 is released, who cares about getting the trouble with Linux?
I am a happy Windows user. Never cared for Mac either. Mac users are like a cult group. However, Mac is a good OS as well. But not as good or as useful as Windows to me.
That is one of the most amusing trolls I have seen in years.
All valid reasons why linux is great, but let’s be honest here, gaming in linux is almost nonexistent. That’s the only reason I keep windows installed on my pc. I dual boot win 7 and Ubuntu, but I find myself using ubuntu most of the time, especially for browsing the web and multimedia purposes.
why are you guys having this discussion? Some feel windows is better(including me, couse im a gamer) and some this linux is great.. ok so no one is forcing anyone to use any OS so why the fight?if you like to use linux use linux. But dont post stuff like theese to “show off”.
Good list. I am more of a Windows user myself, but I like to experiment with Linux distros. For example, when it comes to penetration testing and learning about security, Linux is unbeatable, no contest. But when it comes to being a regular “end-user”, e.g. using the best and most applications like Photoshop, being able to surf with Java or Flash that actually works, being able to use cryptographic software for banking services, and playing games that doesn’t suck, Windows is the only reasonable choice. While I do appreciate the development of distros like Ubuntu, I rarely recommend this to people I know. In my experience, people are more interested in sticking with Windows because they are used to it. “An old dog can’t learn new tricks”, if you know what I mean. Economy is rarely a problem for these people, since they got their Windows license when they bought the computer.
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You guys are rediculous. Every OS has its pros and cons. And yes most of the stuff you listed can be done in Windows easily. Linux is a great OS and very useful for servers. Windows is great for easability. Mac OSX is used for media development more than anything else. Quit bickering. Multiple Desktop apps were developed in the Windows 2000 days, just because you were using Debian or Redhat at the time doesnt mean that programs were not written to do it. Linux is much more stable than Windows. But its also not for people that just want to watch DVD’s, play video games, email and listen to music.
Linux is great because it runs on low hardware requisites, very stable and secure, and ridiculously customizable. A great server OS!
Windows is great because of it’s ease of use, and more programs support it (like games–yes I know you can run most games designed for Windows under Linux, but not all flawlessly)
Like I said, both have pro’s and con’s. You idiot “fan boys” should keep your “opinions” to yourself. Great list but somewhat ignorant and opinionated. But you did a couple of good points.
Kev
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I think it is amazing that I am still receiving comments on a post that is nearly two years old. Wow.
One specific reason that I use Linux came up recently. I use Slackware most of the time but I ended up downloading something that was in img format and I wanted to convert it to iso. I thought I would try it in Windows first. It was a 3 GB file. I typed something about the conversion into google and downloaded the first link that looked relevant and usable. Turns out that it won’t convert anything over 860 MB unless you fork out money for the paid version. I went back to Google and found another link. This one wouldn’t convert anything over 300 MB unless you buy it. This was not mentioned on the download page for either application. I went back to Linux and found the software that I needed without too much trouble. For free. Point being…. if you paid $200 for an operating system you don’t want to pay extra for utilities to use within it. I remember seeing in the past as well that extensions to Windows Media Player cost money. What is is about Windows software writers that they assume they deserve money for every dumb utility they write. I would rather pay for a Linux distribution that can do everything out of the box. Even like playing DVD’s which cannot be done in WIndows without some codecs that you acquired by paying for a piece of software like PowerDVD.
I am a linux lover and always like to find something like this. I have a very good article URL where they are saying to provide free education of LINUX, I think you should also add that thing in this article.
You can’t find anything like this in windows or MAC.
Free Linux Online Courses is the title;
http://www.linusol.com/?p=58
This post is now quite old. My friend Popey has a newer post with more current thoughts: http://popey.com/blog/2010/03/11/why-ubuntu-is-better-than-windows/
Only reason I even read this is because my OS professor directed me to this website and I have to write a paper over two of the topics.
But, if an OS can’t play good games that would require a decent graphics card then its useless to me.
Not to mention the Graphical Editor : GIMP is well gimpy compared to Photoshop, which can be run with ease on Windows or MAC
Matthew Helmke posted a blog titled What is the coolest thing you can do using Linux that you can’t do with Windows or on a mac? Upon reviewing this blog I noticed things that you actually could do on a Windows computer that he claimed were not possible. In my paper I will be discussing a few of the linux exclusive features that can and have happened in the Windows environment.
“Have the latest version of the operating system run faster than the previous version on the same hardware.” Taking into interpretation that later version meaning later releases of Windows, and not including service packs which do improve performance with the updates they provide, such as Windows Vista and Windows 7. With the upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 I found that my computer uses less system resources sense upgrading from Windows Vista.
So just keeping in the speculation that it’s considering a completely new operating system and not an update or service pack we have managed to improve system performance by updating/upgrading the software without enhancing the hardware its self.
“Easily install and run different graphical interfaces if I don’t like the default setup.” Assuming that one can find a place to download graphical add-ons either on the web or through the package manager built into Linux, yes this can be easily done, on the other hand it can also be easily done for windows as well. With windows graphical user interface being popular by default not everyone would like to change from the familiar look, but there are many options on the web that can be as easily as downloading the installer clicking through the setup and enjoying the new graphical interface that was downloaded.
For instance, Alienware and Stardock released a free graphical user interface application with 3 free skins to choose from, Rocketdock is a Graphical User Interface add-on that allows shortcuts to be organized and look good. Some of these applications are free for use from websites such as http://www.guimods.com but some are purchased through websites such as http://www.Stardock.com.
“Run without using a virus scanner, adware/spyware protection, and not reboot my computer for months, even when I do keep up with all the latest security updates” The market is flooded with Windows; it is the most widely used operating system in the world. With viruses, unlike their biological counterpart, are made by man. Normally viruses are made with a specific purpose in mind, to either collect information, wreck havoc on a computer or other reasons.
Can Linux get viruses, yes, does that mean they have to use or install an anti-virus, no. Windows can get viruses, does that mean that they have to uses or install an anti-virus, no it doesn’t. Someone that practices safe surfing and knows better than to download files and click on Ad’s can have a computer and stay virus free, but it’s a chance.
If Linux distributions became to where they were the world’s leading operating system, then more viruses would be made to attack those specific operating systems. Seeing how that there are viruses out there for both operating systems, I believe to be totally safe that both should have an anti-virus installed on their system.
“I have 4+ word processor windows open working on papers, listen to music, play with flash desktop effects, have contact with a largely happy community and have firefox, instant messaging, and email clients all open at the same time, without ever having to had to beg someone for a code to make my os work, and without the system running so slow it is useless.”
This lengthy mess of words is trying to describe multi tasking, and making claims that Ubuntu is able to multi-task better than windows. Linux distributions usually do use less ram for the operating system, but these claims that this performance is just due to the operating system itself that it will be able to out multi-task windows.
What makes a computer is a series of hardware and the software to operate the hardware and what can make a large impact on how well the computer functions depends on some key parts, Processor, RAM, HDD data transfer rate, and even your internet speed. To prove my point I decided the best way to do so would be to test it out myself.
I opened the following applications;
Adobe Photoshop CS4,
Adobe Dreamweaver CS4,
Google Chrome,
Microsoft One Note,
Windows media player-playing Final Fantasy VII sound track,
opened up a couple of folders in Windows Explorer,
several windows of Microsoft Word,
Xfire instant messenger,
VLC media player-playing a movie,
iTunes-syncing items to my iPod,
AOL instant Messenger,
Yahoo Messenger,
Skype,
Teamspeak-3,
Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Dropbox,
VMware-not running a VM,
Microsoft Outlook,
Avast Anti-virus,
and Steam.
With all these applications I found my ram just wasn’t filling up enough and that my processor wasn’t passing 20%, so I decided to do something that Linux can’t do natively, I opened up a video game and started playing ,Guild Wars. While the game added a lot more to my RAM and processor I found it just wasn’t enough, so I decided I would run two games at once along with all the previously mentioned applications.
Launching Unreal Tournament 2004 I began playing that a bit and I noticed that my ram was just now hitting around the 75%% mark and my processor around 65%, I decided this would be more than enough proof that not only could I multitask better than if I were on Ubuntu, I was doing so without slowing down my computer or affecting any of my other applications. My computer specifications can be found on my Xfire profile at the bottom of the page, http://www.xfire.com/profile/theimmortalmoo , and the screenshot can be found on my photobucket, http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/theimmortalmoo/see.png
. And all this was done without having to “beg someone for a code to make my os work”.
“Use almost any hardware and have a driver for it included with the operating system, eliminating the need to scour the internet to find the hardware manufacturer’s website to locate one.”
While put very dramatically, one does not need to “scour” the internet for most hardware to work when using windows ever sense windows XP there has been countless drivers built into the operating system and most of which if the hardware’s drivers can be installed just from the firmware or what’s built into the system. With Windows 7 if you are unable to install the drivers for the software it has the ability to download the drivers for you, now with previous experience with Ubuntu I was unable to get my sound card or graphics card working correctly without having to go through some tutorials only to find that this was a outdated workaround to get the drivers installed and working correctly, and the drivers were not made for Linux from the distributors website.
In closing I have found that this heretic of grammar and biased article was easy to find five issues that were able to be proven wrong, or find alternative solutions without having to have someone who wasn’t familiar with the operating system to go out of their way for solve.
Consider me amused. The post is over two years old, has been viewed more than 15,000 times, still draws angry trolls, and I wrote it in ten minutes as a throwaway.