Linux v Windows
 

Thinking about migrating to Linux(Fedora), however i know very little about it, does it have any real advantages over windows, can you easily get games which will work on it. Is it user friendly or is it a nightmare to configure and troubleshoot when it goes wrong?

I've been told it's more secure than windows however i believe the source code is available for anyone who wants it, does this not make it less secure? I believe it's more stable, is this really the case?

OMG do a search man. This has been discussed to the death.

Advantages? It's better.
No, there's no easy way to play non-native (read: most) games.
It's because everyone can see the source it's more secure. As soon as someone spots an exploit of some sort it will be fixed. And ofcourse it's more stable as Windows, nothing isn't.

WINDOWS!!!!!!


linux = bugs bugs bugs

What the **** are you doing on these forums. Move your ass to http://www.windowsxpforums.com/ or something. Be gone!

Exactly,OMEGA-DOOM, this is the same guy who couldn't master the whole insert CD, reboot, installation method.

But seriously. You have to experiment of your own. Do research online. www.distrowatch.com has tons of links. Also, buy one of those linux for dummies book. I started off 2 years ago as a complete noob. I bought a book and stuck with it.

Most things can be done in Linux that can be done in Windows. Keep in mind that Linux is different and you will probably have to get involved with the commandline at some point. I would recommend Mandrake if you can get a copy and spead out from there. Try tons of different distros before settling.

Hi,

I recently switched. Here's my take for you :

-Linux, harder to configure in most cases
-Linux, more stable once configured, no real mystery crashes
-Linux, less main stream games available but there are games for it
-Linux, more secure than probably 99% of home Windows boxes
-Linux, GUI looks a lot better than Windows
-Linux, has multiple desktops (a true god send)

My Linux box (Mandrake 10 C.E.) has been 'up' for a few days now (not rebooted). I imagine it'll only go down if the power goes off or if I reboot on a whim. Other than that - stable stable stable. Forget about random freezes or silly blue screens.

Switch to linux, you'll thank yourself forever.

ps. Things can get a little tricky, don't give up - try reading the documentation or get on here (or IRC) and ask some questions. Please make sure to include

tillynaught; as u have seen its very subjective question n answers. to reassure u the security is when online
because of os configuration. it has firewall built in ,just enable at install time. Games are afew but developers are working on more at this time. there is a new product called MOVE which can
operate via cd with out installing untill
you become familalr with linux then jump to which ever distribution u prefer.

For tillynaught:
Being stable, bugfree, difficult, etc. are very relative terms. What is stable to me is unstable to you etc., so be careful in what you do. I would recommend Mandrake (no particular version nr.) I have just heard good words about Mandrake. I do not recommend SuSE 9.1 since it has just about destroyed one box of mine (software wise). The last kernal update XXX.111 lost my mouse so the KDE is unusable mouse-wise. For dual boots, MS W98 is OK with Fat 32 FS, ME is OK, but see if you can get some one to change XP to Fat 32 since Linux does not write to it (NTFS) yet and there are problems with reading and mounting the NTFS. SuSE 9.0 works great as does 8.2 and 8.0 so a CD copy as a gift from someone is good. You could also try out one of those live Linux CD's that let you fool around without damage to the system. Keep asking and reading and you'll do OK.
Hope this helps.
Paul_E_T

You'll have to try it for yourself. Fedora is a wonderful starting distro and what I use on a dual-boot system next to windows on my family's pc. Linux is a learning experience. At times you'll give up, throw in the towel and want to smash your linux disks to smithereens. And then at other times you'll see the light and wish that the world would be liberated of the evil windows demon.

If your just starting out with fedora I reccomend you get 2 books. 1 "The Official Fedora Handbook" by Red Hat Press and 2 the "Linux Handbook" By O'Reiley Press. These have been invaluable resources in my linux usage.

Give it a try. As the DistroWatch motto says "Put the fun back into computing-Use Linux"

Rather than Fedora, I'd start out with Slackware. It forces you to learn Linux, rather than just a specific distro's neat little tools. Two biggest resources: 1) LinuxQuestions until you know enough to go up to root or need help with some basic problems 2) alt.os.linux.slackware a usenet group of people who've all been through that crazy bitchy first week and can help.

http://news.individual.net/register.html will tell you how to sign up for a usenet service that includes a.o.l.slack if you don't already have one. Then you set up pan (which I'm sure the good folks here could help you out with if you have troubles).

Also, if you want to run Slackware, you have to be prepared to read a lot of manuals. But if you're interested in more than just casual Linux using, it's an excellent way to learn.

maybe you were thinking that linux is less secure because
anyone can see its source code and anyone can see its
flaws and bugs on the contrary it becomes more secure
because its source is open to all anyone can see its flaws
and bugs! £Ä3