Why do YOU prefer Linux over Windows?
- Thread starter KoolDrew
- Start date
Cost, freedom of choice, the ability to make changes to the most basic parts of the operating system, security without having to spend hundreds of dollars in additional software, not made by Microsoft.
I am sure there are more but that was the first 30 seconds of thought.
I am sure there are more but that was the first 30 seconds of thought.
In no specific order:
[*]Security and peace of mind that I'm not going to get spyware or viruses.
[*]Better memory management and process scheduling.
[*]Better stability, more robust (except for 3D apps sometimes).
[*]I feel free and relaxed when I'm using it most of time, whereas on Windows I'm playing whack-a-mole with message boxes everywhere. On Linux, most of the warnings are buried deep in the logs which has essentially been established THE place for warnings.
[*]Perfect Unixish console and shell unlike Windows's crappy attempt at DOS.
[*]Force parameters on a lot of commands so I can get the thing to shut up and just delete (or otherwise) the file.
[*]Well-established RPM (or deb) package system.
[*]Playing LBreakOut on SUSE is fun as hell.
[*]Ease of creating symbolic links (though available in NTFS you need third-party tools)
[*]More geared toward the future with 64-bit and SMP/cluster support to boot. Apps comply with that by using pthreads quite generously.
[*]Better stdin/stdout/stderr redirection.
[*]Apps compiled for it seem more optimized and engineered than most Windows programs which seem programmed by your codemonkey grandmother in .NET using class obfuscation.
What I would like to see in Linux:
[*]Enable-able keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key ("super key" in Linux) I'm so accustomed to.
[*]I don't want to unmount my CDROM/DVDROM just to eject it (seems to be fixed in SUSE, not sure though).
[*]Security and peace of mind that I'm not going to get spyware or viruses.
[*]Better memory management and process scheduling.
[*]Better stability, more robust (except for 3D apps sometimes).
[*]I feel free and relaxed when I'm using it most of time, whereas on Windows I'm playing whack-a-mole with message boxes everywhere. On Linux, most of the warnings are buried deep in the logs which has essentially been established THE place for warnings.
[*]Perfect Unixish console and shell unlike Windows's crappy attempt at DOS.
[*]Force parameters on a lot of commands so I can get the thing to shut up and just delete (or otherwise) the file.
[*]Well-established RPM (or deb) package system.
[*]Playing LBreakOut on SUSE is fun as hell.
[*]Ease of creating symbolic links (though available in NTFS you need third-party tools)
[*]More geared toward the future with 64-bit and SMP/cluster support to boot. Apps comply with that by using pthreads quite generously.
[*]Better stdin/stdout/stderr redirection.
[*]Apps compiled for it seem more optimized and engineered than most Windows programs which seem programmed by your codemonkey grandmother in .NET using class obfuscation.
What I would like to see in Linux:
[*]Enable-able keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key ("super key" in Linux) I'm so accustomed to.
[*]I don't want to unmount my CDROM/DVDROM just to eject it (seems to be fixed in SUSE, not sure though).
easier to use (yes, I think editing a text file is MUCH easier then searching millions of windows for that one property box with 8 tabs to find the one checkbox I want is hard...vi filename, delete the # :wq is much easier).
flexiblity (can change out major pieces, such as the kernel, UI, shell, etc) in what I want/need
Power: Comes with a VERY good set of tools for scripting (Shell, most come with Perl) tools.
Directory stucture. The mounting of partitions/network shares make MUCH more sense then windows. I like being able to mount a network share wherever I want in my tree and treat it just like local.
flexiblity (can change out major pieces, such as the kernel, UI, shell, etc) in what I want/need
Power: Comes with a VERY good set of tools for scripting (Shell, most come with Perl) tools.
Directory stucture. The mounting of partitions/network shares make MUCH more sense then windows. I like being able to mount a network share wherever I want in my tree and treat it just like local.
Nothinman
Elite Member
- Sep 14, 2001
- 30,672
- 0
- 0
I use my Windows key for some shortcuts in Linux.
You can use automount to get around mounting/umounting manually and the eject command will umount the filesystem before it ejects it, so I don't see a reason that the GUI couldn't do the same. The only problem would be that you can't umount a filesystem with open files on it.
kamper
Diamond Member
- Mar 18, 2003
- 5,513
- 0
- 0
Because I don't have to worry about either having to pay for or pirating software to do stuff (not that pirating is an option). On *nix, it feels good knowing the developers just want me to find their software as useful as possible instead of not caring so long as they make money. Not that it's never worth paying for proprietary software, it just requires that much more effort to think about and I'm lazy
That and less malware hassle and it makes me feel like a better geek I don't really use linux right now, though. I have a mac and an openbsd machine which are another story but I'll get back to linux in time.
That and less malware hassle and it makes me feel like a better geek
I don't really use linux right now, though. I have a mac and an openbsd machine which are another story but I'll get back to linux in time.Linux Advantages (as I see them):
1. gives you more control and freedom. no annoying popups telling you to do this or that.
2. no activation and reactivation BS after changing a piece of hardware.
3. more choices in desktop environments, window managers, etc.
4. less prone to virus and spyware problems. install linux and you're good to go, install XP
and you're really going to want to also install service packs, a virus scanner, and spyware
cleaner.
5. can be more efficient with your system resources and will run faster, if configured properly.
6. mythtv = free and is at least as good if not better than Windows solutions like BeyondTV,
GBPVR, etc.
7. Linux is a free download. Ubuntu won't even cost you a cd-r if you order it from their
website.
8. Allows you/forces you to learn more about your hardware and the OS itself.
9. OS is free and won't even cost you a cd-r in some cases (Ubuntu will send you a free
CD if you request one on their website.)
Windows Advantages (as I see them):
1. still has more/better hardware support
2. still the better choice for gamers
3. easier to install and remove applications, drivers, and etc. (although apt-get and the like
are making things easier under Linux).
4. still may be some software with no real equivalent choices under Linux.
5. in general Windows still is easier/requires less time to get the OS, apps, and drivers
installed, configured, upgraded and tweaked. Those w/o the time or desire to work on such
things may not like Linux.
I've looked into Linux as a desktop alternative periodically over the years and have to say that I've become increasingly impressed by its improved capabilities, stability, and performance. Years ago, I remember trying Linux with a window manager and a browser like Netscape or Mozilla and recall how bloated some programs were, how slowly the browser loaded, how poor the interface was, and etc., when compared to Windows at the time. Today, I can comfortably say that Linux, especially with a Window Manager like XFCE, or even a desktop environment like KDE or GNOME, and a browser like FireFox, can perform at least as well, if not better, than Windows XP. Multitasking seems to have improved a good bit under Linux... perhaps its multithreaded performance has improved over the years or something else has improved because I used to find multitasking somewhat lacking when compared to Windows... it just wasn't as smooth but now it is, if not more so. Installation is also easier now than ever before. With distos like Ubuntu, you got yourself an excellent fully working Linux Desktop that is as easy if not easier to install than Windows XP.
If you're not a hardcore gamer, can live with things like nVidia video drivers that are somewhat less full-featured than their Windows versions (I can't seem to enable 32-bit color), find the current Linux hardware support adequate in covering your needs and can live with waiting for new hardware support to trickle down from Windows, and can find equivalent Linux alternatives to the software you use under Windows, then Linux today has become a truly viable alternative for the desktop, in my opinion.
1. gives you more control and freedom. no annoying popups telling you to do this or that.
2. no activation and reactivation BS after changing a piece of hardware.
3. more choices in desktop environments, window managers, etc.
4. less prone to virus and spyware problems. install linux and you're good to go, install XP
and you're really going to want to also install service packs, a virus scanner, and spyware
cleaner.
5. can be more efficient with your system resources and will run faster, if configured properly.
6. mythtv = free and is at least as good if not better than Windows solutions like BeyondTV,
GBPVR, etc.
7. Linux is a free download. Ubuntu won't even cost you a cd-r if you order it from their
website.
8. Allows you/forces you to learn more about your hardware and the OS itself.
9. OS is free and won't even cost you a cd-r in some cases (Ubuntu will send you a free
CD if you request one on their website.)
Windows Advantages (as I see them):
1. still has more/better hardware support
2. still the better choice for gamers
3. easier to install and remove applications, drivers, and etc. (although apt-get and the like
are making things easier under Linux).
4. still may be some software with no real equivalent choices under Linux.
5. in general Windows still is easier/requires less time to get the OS, apps, and drivers
installed, configured, upgraded and tweaked. Those w/o the time or desire to work on such
things may not like Linux.
I've looked into Linux as a desktop alternative periodically over the years and have to say that I've become increasingly impressed by its improved capabilities, stability, and performance. Years ago, I remember trying Linux with a window manager and a browser like Netscape or Mozilla and recall how bloated some programs were, how slowly the browser loaded, how poor the interface was, and etc., when compared to Windows at the time. Today, I can comfortably say that Linux, especially with a Window Manager like XFCE, or even a desktop environment like KDE or GNOME, and a browser like FireFox, can perform at least as well, if not better, than Windows XP. Multitasking seems to have improved a good bit under Linux... perhaps its multithreaded performance has improved over the years or something else has improved because I used to find multitasking somewhat lacking when compared to Windows... it just wasn't as smooth but now it is, if not more so. Installation is also easier now than ever before. With distos like Ubuntu, you got yourself an excellent fully working Linux Desktop that is as easy if not easier to install than Windows XP.
If you're not a hardcore gamer, can live with things like nVidia video drivers that are somewhat less full-featured than their Windows versions (I can't seem to enable 32-bit color), find the current Linux hardware support adequate in covering your needs and can live with waiting for new hardware support to trickle down from Windows, and can find equivalent Linux alternatives to the software you use under Windows, then Linux today has become a truly viable alternative for the desktop, in my opinion.
I can sleep easy at night knowing not only am I bleeding the turnip in terms of my PC's performance, but that I didn't contribute to the machine. I also like its structure, as a developer, I am big into structure. Windows is a house of lo mein noodles, and I like those in my belly not in my operating system.
I can also say that most of the software I like is in GNU/BSD/MOZILLA liscensing terms. I find myself, even on my windows gaming box, using more opensource software than proprietary. I think the only time I use Media Player 9 ( cause MS won't let me use 10 because I am a 2K user ) is when I wanna relax, catch a buz and watch the WM9 lightshow while listening to some musak.
I can also say that most of the software I like is in GNU/BSD/MOZILLA liscensing terms. I find myself, even on my windows gaming box, using more opensource software than proprietary. I think the only time I use Media Player 9 ( cause MS won't let me use 10 because I am a 2K user ) is when I wanna relax, catch a buz and watch the WM9 lightshow while listening to some musak.
I strongly disagree with this. You don't need all these problem-prone service packs, crappy software firewalls, slowerdowner antivirus software, and resident crapware scanners. Plus a lot of distros come with all you need, including OpenOffice. There's even development tools included on my OpenSUSE 10.
There is one problem I have with Linux:
The fonts in any web browser I use seem to look like absolute crap compared to Windows. What's going on? The small text is awful and the web pages feel all out of proportion. Why does Opera 8.5 on Win32/Win64 look different than Opera 8.5 on Linux64? It doesn't make any sense.
I would suggest that you install the MS Font pack (the only REALLY good thing from MS since OS/2) and use Times New Roman for Serif, Arial for Sans Serif and Courier for Monospace.
You also should check to see if you have Anti-Aliasing enabled in your DM.
These things will fix your font issues. I feel that my pages render better in PCLinuxOS than in Windows. Using Firefox or IE (IE in Crossover Office on Linux).
Lets see ,
Fairly regular Operating System and Window Environment version updates . Most new versions tend to look and completely feel new. (ie it's not like xp where they've just been patching and throwing service packs at it)
Scriptability
It's light on my pocket
Acts as a great server
Allows lots of customization
Fairly regular Operating System and Window Environment version updates . Most new versions tend to look and completely feel new. (ie it's not like xp where they've just been patching and throwing service packs at it)
Scriptability
It's light on my pocket
Acts as a great server
Allows lots of customization
No activation. I hate the idea that I paid for something and yet I still have to ask permission to use it ? subject to monitoring in that changing hardware will require me to ask again. Plus, from a design standpoint, just having a [work|don?t work] check in an operating system makes me flinch.
I find Linux way more hobbyist friendly.
I find Linux way more hobbyist friendly.
Maximilian
Lifer
- Feb 8, 2004
- 12,604
- 15
- 81
XP Pro is still $300 retail, I have 3 custom built computers, it would cost $900 to put Windows on each of them. Ubuntu is free.
To be honest, if XP Pro's "retail" price (the price it goes for at best buy), were to come down to the $150 price point, I'd consider reinstalling XP on 1 or 2 of my machines. Obviously my server would still run Linux.
To be honest, if XP Pro's "retail" price (the price it goes for at best buy), were to come down to the $150 price point, I'd consider reinstalling XP on 1 or 2 of my machines. Obviously my server would still run Linux.
DasFox
Diamond Member
- Sep 4, 2003
- 4,668
- 46
- 91
Linux is a more stable OS and runs software better then the Windows systems. Granted running a full on GUI Linux Distro, like say running SuSe, RH, etc.. and running the likes of Gnome or Kde can at times get unstable. Software even in the Linux world isn't perfect, but with time and experience the way to go is with smaller Window Managers like WindowMaker, Xfce, Fluxbox, etc.. and keeping the use of GUIs to a minimum and then the likes of these setups is hard to match for performance.
Oh and did anyone ever get Spyware, trojans or viruses in a Unix system? LOL
Oh and did anyone ever get Spyware, trojans or viruses in a Unix system? LOL
I have 4 rigs that run Win XP 64, Win XP Pro, Win 2000 & FC4. The total costs for the O/S's came to less than $300. All were bought on eBay. Yes, I paid for FC4 disks + shipping. Each system is used for a specific purpose.
Windows has it good points especially in Digital Photography, Still & Video. Thank goodness for Adobe Creative Suite.
The FC4 works in R&D and is quite unique.
If one was a snob, he would be insulted if I didn't mention Apple, but since the majority of the world uses PCs, we'll will too.
My Linux teacher says what I learned was more than 95% of the total Hawaii population and today I look at Linux with a certain fondness and awe.
But since more people are into Windows and will always need me to fix their computers, thanks Bill Gates.
As a purist, you can always be in the minority and expound that Linux is the best. You're welcomed to do so, but don't you think its like yelling in the Grand Canyon. Just keep a "Mona Lisa" smile and speak of Linux only when asked.
Windows has it good points especially in Digital Photography, Still & Video. Thank goodness for Adobe Creative Suite.
The FC4 works in R&D and is quite unique.
If one was a snob, he would be insulted if I didn't mention Apple, but since the majority of the world uses PCs, we'll will too.
My Linux teacher says what I learned was more than 95% of the total Hawaii population and today I look at Linux with a certain fondness and awe.
But since more people are into Windows and will always need me to fix their computers, thanks Bill Gates.
As a purist, you can always be in the minority and expound that Linux is the best. You're welcomed to do so, but don't you think its like yelling in the Grand Canyon. Just keep a "Mona Lisa" smile and speak of Linux only when asked.
Schadenfroh
Elite Member
- Mar 8, 2003
- 38,416
- 4
- 0
As a former educator, I took courses in UNIX and LINUX, (IBM AIX and Fedora Core 3). I wanted to understand why Linux people felt the way they did and disliked Windows. I could only surmise that programming was a very challenging undertaking, which I enjoyed, but very difficult to master. The end results were very satisfying when one succeeded in problem solving, etc.
Each O/S has its good points and we should coexist because life is too short to do otherwise. My former Linux instructor would disagree with me strongly. She would be up in arms against Windows and purport that LINUX was forever. I did fix her Windows machine and this past semester, she had to teach 2 ICS-100 courses in PC. But she'll never love Windows........
Each O/S has its good points and we should coexist because life is too short to do otherwise. My former Linux instructor would disagree with me strongly. She would be up in arms against Windows and purport that LINUX was forever. I did fix her Windows machine and this past semester, she had to teach 2 ICS-100 courses in PC. But she'll never love Windows........
Malak
Lifer
- Dec 4, 2004
- 14,696
- 2
- 0
Cost
Came with every computer I've bought, so doesn't really cost me anything.
Freedom
What freedom do I not have? I haven't met any constraints on my activities, whereas in Linux I did.
Changes to OS
You'd have to be specific, as I can't see what you are referring to.
Security
As I've explained many times in the past, you don't need this on Windows. It's all paranoia. I have never paid a dime for security and never will, and I've never needed it. I don't even run free software. People get a virus or spyware because they are either ignorant or do things they shouldn't be doing. If you are smart enough to run Linux, you are smart enough to safely run Windows without any trouble. I've never had a virus at home, I run spyware scans once every 2 months just in case(very rarely anything shows up), I have no active virus protection or a firewall. Everything thinks the internet is a war and you need protection, but I seemed to have missed the battle.
I have modified my GUI to maximize functionality, including features standard on Linux(ie multiple desktops). There is zero reason for me to ever switch to any OS, let alone Linux.
If someone's taste dictates they should use Linux, fine. Personally, I'd lean towards MacOS before Linux, but that's just me. I don't care for Linux myself.
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