Hello, I am a Senior in a technical high school in Pennsylvania (CMAVTS/Bloomsburg, PA) and I am doing my Senior Project on building a MythTV box. I have done well with that so far, but unfortunately because I am in the honors class I have to conduct an interview with someone regarding my senior project. I would be very grateful if someone could answer these questions for me. Please forgive the fact that my first post to this forum is a request. Thank you in advance. Also forgive me for asking “newbie” questions. Thanks again.

I only need eight questions answered and I would love you forever.

What is Linux?

What are the general advantages of Linux?

What are some of the problems associated with Linux?

Why would people choose Linux as there operating system for servers? What are its advantages?

Recently Microsoft has been running ads that claim that a Microsoft stack for servers is cheaper than a Linux stack like LAMP (Linux, Apache, MYSQL, PHP, Perl or Python). Is this claim true?

Can Linux ever compete with Windows for the desktop market?

How are new programs, distros or features for Linux developed?

Aside from the cost what are the advantages of MythTv or another Linux based PVR?

Why is it important that MythTV doesn’t use DMR (Digital Rights Management)?

What are the disadvantages of MythTV or other Linux PVRs?

Thank you so much!

I give you the fount of all knowledge! Ask your questions there.

I also hand you, the relevant line from the Rules:
Do not expect LQ members to do your homework - you will learn much more by doing it yourself.

I know the answers to most of these questions and would be more than happy to look the ones I don't know up, but if you refer to my post you'll see that: Being that this is a Linux forum I assumed that there might be some people qualified to answer my questions. And of course be generous enough to do so.

All bar these can be answered by searching Google. And the above questions are going to be largely based on people's personal experience.

But, here you go:
What is Linux?
It's a kernel and the popular name for an Operating System
What are the general advantages of Linux?
It's free (as in speech and beer), it's extremely configurable, it's a great system to learn on
What are some of the problems associated with Linux?
Installing software (if you don't read the manual) and hardware detection.
Why would people choose Linux as there operating system for servers? What are its advantages?
stability and stability and freedom
Recently Microsoft has been running ads that claim that a Microsoft stack for servers is cheaper than a Linux stack like LAMP (Linux, Apache, MYSQL, PHP, Perl or Python). Is this claim true?
You most likely refer to the "Get the facts" campaign. There are many sites which debunk Microsoft's claims
Can Linux ever compete with Windows for the desktop market?
Yes.
How are new programs, distros or features for Linux developed?
By the community. It's very Darwinian - if a program looks good and does something that enough people want, developers will be attracted to it
Aside from the cost what are the advantages of MythTv or another Linux based PVR?
Don't understand the question - please elaborate
Why is it important that MythTV doesn’t use DMR (Digital Rights Management)?
Because, as with anything that doesn't use DMR, you aren't restricted as to what you can watch/listen to
What are the disadvantages of MythTV or other Linux PVRs?
Against what?

I disagree with hardware detection. I think Linux has better hardware detection, it just lacks hardware support from a majority of vendors. So instead hackers have to create their own drivers by guessing at times, so the support could probably be better if the actual vendor played a role in the development of the software used for the hardware involved.

Thank you very much XavierP and trickykid. That was exactly what I needed. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Thank you so much!

consider talking to one of the developers on the MythTV project. They may be willing to be interviewed. Just a thought(not to void XavierP and Trickykid's answers...just as another option)

My school is the number one technical school in PA and they seem like they are always afraid they will lose that, so they are always coming up with new ways to make us ready for the "real world." The answers I have recieved are perfect, because all I really needed were third party answers. Thanks again!!! And I did learn a little more. As I become better with Linux I hope to be able to contribute to this forum.
Thank you all for all of your input.

edit: never mind