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-   -   What is so good about Linux? :) (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/what-is-so-good-about-linux-162300/)

not_itimidated 03-25-2004 01:38 PM
What are some benefits of Linux? :)
 
I am supose to learn Linux here at my school, but I'm not quite sure where to start... it's mostly an individual project and I would like help on how I can understand why Linux is better and so exciting than Windows... please help :( :newbie:
~Brittany

comp12345 03-25-2004 01:50 PM
1. It's non-proprietary and access is available to virtually anyone
2. It's open-source, so you can tinker with the code
3. Lower cost of ownership
4. Works well with older machines
5. You can customize it to fit your needs. (In Windows, it's hard to remove IE or Media Player from the OS)
6. It's available for many platforms (Mac, x86, Sparc, Alpha, x86-64)

That should be a pretty good start.

You didn't mention anything about specifying the cons, so I won't either. :D

Tinkster 03-25-2004 01:56 PM
Quote:
* Cost



Linux is freely available, along with a huge array of software. Under Windows you could pay thousands for the same functionality. And it's easily upgradable too.

* Reliability

Linux is stable, and even if an application fails it's very unlikely to stop others. People claim to have had Linux servers running for over 6 months without any crashes!

* Device Support

Linux no longer has a shortage of device drivers. In fact it has better support than Windows, often autodetecting conflits, and solving them. Many devices which windows xp dropped support of, work perfectly under linux!

* Platforms

Linux runs on almost any type of computer, from a 486, to a 64-bit athlon, and even on apple mac's + sun pcs.

* Up-Time

When you are running a web or file server, you want always up + ready. When you make most system changes with linux, you do not need to restart the computer! Instaid you can just restart the part that you changed!

* Ease of use

The old barrier of Linux being hard to use is long dead. Now with distributions such as Mandrake installation and use is as easy, if not easier than Windows.

* Power

Unlike desktop versions of Windows, Linux is a server strength operating system. It is ideal for running web and database servers, as well as desktop + laptop work.

* Flexibility

Having the source code available gives you an unlimited amount of flexibility. Further, distributions such as Gentoo make it easy for non-programmers to have complete control over their systems & a Linux from scratch system gives you 100% control!

* Security

A Microsoft VP has admitted that Microsoft products are not engineered for security. Linux, however, has it's source code freely available, making it easy to find, and more importantly fix, any security flaws that exist.

* Try it!

Linux can share your computer with Windows, making it easy to try out without having to switch completely, or can even run off the cdrom!
Snatched from my LUG's website ;)


Cheers,
Tink

Genesee 03-25-2004 01:58 PM
alternatively, if you're comparing it specifically to windows, you could ask what's so bad about m$

http://www.microsuck.com/content/whatsbad.shtml


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