Should I use Linux?

Alexagain · 07-20-2011, 05:18 AM

I know very little about Linux. I've always used ( and been abused by) Microsoft.
So: should I use Linux instead?

If Linux is that good why is is that MS is usually loaded as the OS?
Thank you in anticipation.

TobiSGD · 07-20-2011, 05:23 AM

Should you use Linux? I don't know, since I know nothing about how and for what you use Windows. You should at least give it a try.

Quote:

If Linux is that good why is is that MS is usually loaded as the OS?

Because of marketing and indoctrination. Many people don't even know that there are alternatives to Windows.

michaelk · 07-20-2011, 05:25 AM

welcome to LinuxQuestions

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Newbie and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

sycamorex · 07-20-2011, 05:26 AM

Hi and welcome to LQ.

Quote:

I know very little about Linux. I've always used ( and been abused by) Microsoft.
So: should I use Linux instead?

How are we supposed to know if you should use Linux? Only you can answer this question.

Quote:

If Linux is that good why is is that MS is usually loaded as the OS?
Thank you in anticipation.

Probably because MS pays manufacturers to put it on their hardware.

I can't tell you if you SHOULD use Linux - what you should/could do is read the following to understand some of the differences between MS Windows and Linux:
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

edit: sorry, there's something wrong with that url. I can't access it.

togitoon · 07-20-2011, 05:28 AM

If you just surf on the web or all you need is a text editor u dont need linux. But if you want to setup a server ,its a better idea to use linux.

TobiSGD · 07-20-2011, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by togitoon

If you just surf on the web or all you need is a text editor u dont need linux.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. For just surfing the net Linux is a way better system the Windows. Simply for the reason that almost all malware is written for Windows. And if you are only using a text editor then Linux also is a great system. Why pay 80€ just for using a text editor when you can have it for free?

togitoon · 07-20-2011, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TobiSGD

Sorry, but I have to disagree. For just surfing the net Linux is a way better system the Windows. Simply for the reason that almost all malware is written for Windows. And if you are only using a text editor then Linux also is a great system. Why pay 80€ just for using a text editor when you can have it for free?

That is right. I assume he/she is already using Microsoft. There is some work to install Linux.If you just a standart user u can stay in windows

alfredo10 · 07-20-2011, 05:56 AM

Hi Alexagain!
No one can give you a complete answer, there are too much aspects.
1. If you buy a computer, normally Windows is preinstalled and the price is accordingly higher.
(There are only a few manufacturers offering computers with Linux.)
You don't have a medium with your Windows.
2. A Linux OS can be downloaded and burned on CD (!) [or DVD or USB flash], so you can try / test that live medium without installing and afterwards install it. You pay nothing. And software is free.
3. The code is open, every one could see it or help / make suggestions.
4. Windows has a problem with computer viruses.
5. There are many user friendly forums - with quick help.
alfredo

j1alu · 07-20-2011, 06:11 AM

a) Yes, you should. If only for the fun of it. Pick an easy one.

b)

Quote:

If Linux is that good why is is that MS is usually loaded as the OS?

Quote:

DOS (Disk Operating System) was the operating system that brought the company its real success. On August 12, 1981, after negotiations with Digital Research failed, IBM awarded a contract to Microsoft to provide a version of the CP/M operating system, which was set to be used in the upcoming IBM Personal Computer (PC). For this deal, Microsoft purchased a CP/M clone called 86-DOS from Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products for less than US$100,000, which IBM renamed to PC-DOS. Microsoft did not have an operating system when they closed the deal with IBM and IBM hadn't done their homework. Due to potential copyright infringement problems with CP/M, IBM marketed both CP/M and PC-DOS for US$240 and US$40, respectively, with PC-DOS eventually becoming the standard because of its lower price.[14][15] Around 1983, in collaboration with numerous companies, Microsoft created a home computer system, MSX, which contained its own version of the DOS operating system, entitled MSX-DOS; this became relatively popular in Japan, Europe and South America.[7][16][17] Later, the market saw a flood of IBM PC clones after Columbia Data Products successfully cloned the IBM BIOS, quickly followed by Eagle Computer and Compaq.[18][19][20][21] The deal with IBM allowed Microsoft to have control of its own QDOS derivative, MS-DOS, and through aggressive marketing of the operating system to manufacturers of IBM-PC clones Microsoft rose from a small player to one of the major software vendors in the home computer industry.[22]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History...rporate_market

c) The stock Windows-user, as i know him, thinks; if i do something, and it goes south, i can't change it back. Hence its better to stick what i got.
The stock Linux-user, as i know him, thinks: if i test something, and it goes south, i can change it back. Let's have at it.
Gnu/Linux is not Windows. Its so much easier.

d) in my opinion something around the lines of the following is the main reason why one should _not_ use Microsoft/Apple/et al:
http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/can-you-trust.html
You want to be the user or the owner of your PC?

DJ Shaji · 07-20-2011, 10:50 AM

Contrary to popular belief, Linux is no longer used for just running servers. Today Linux is used in everything from mobile phones to space ships (wind river, anyone?)

In one sentence, you are MUCH safer on Linux than on Windows. The rest, you decide.

baxzius · 07-20-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexagain

I know very little about Linux. I've always used ( and been abused by) Microsoft.
So: should I use Linux instead?

If Linux is that good why is is that MS is usually loaded as the OS?
Thank you in anticipation.

Following people should try linux IF
1)You are a computer student and you wanna study and understand about Operating Systems(Lke Kernels etc)
2)If you are really curious about programming softwares
3)if you are expecting Freedom to change,Redistribute and Contribute etc.
4)If you are really trying to cut off the software costs in your company
5)if you are expecting a high Security and Customizable Operating System.
6)Interested in Hacking Stuffs ????????

Do you know? Why the most people prefer Microsoft windows?
1)A lot of Companies are ready to Provide Softwares,Games on windows Because? (Not Open Source)
2)Windows are user friendly even to the small babies

leobing · 07-20-2011, 03:29 PM

Most people should at least try Linux.
It is very hard to find a new computer with Linux installed so you have to install it yourself.
Linux is faster and much more secure than other OSs.
I am of type A personality and must have control of my computer.
Type A-ers do not like Microsoft.
I have been using Linux since Slackware version 2 and watched Linux grow to a very mature OS.
The installation of Linux went from a really tough job to now an easy transition.
You can actually run all Microsoft software on linux.
Right now it just takes some reading to do it but it does work.
Most Linux installs will put Linux on your hard drive along with Windows and a boot-loader that allows you to choose between Windows or Linux when you turn your computer on.
There is also much help if you have some problems. The help is right here on LinuxQuestions.org
Give Linux a try!

bivinsj407 · 07-20-2011, 03:46 PM

Welcome. I am also very new to Linux and I am running Ubuntu 10.04. I am enjoying the learning curv and I have picked up severl books . And yes the support you get from this web sight is great and a great buch of people . So take your shoes off and enjoy something new... jim

Bindestreck · 07-20-2011, 04:05 PM

Yes, you SHOULD use Linux.

mark_alfred · 07-20-2011, 04:22 PM