Hi guys. I am new to LQ, but not really new to Linux. I know all the basic stuff, like chmod. Anyway, at school, I've been trying to spread the idea of Linux to my friends, but I am met with a simple question that I can't really answer: What's the point of Linux. I mean I know it is an operating system and it is for working your computer, but it does not seem like the majority of people know that. I just need help answering this question so that people will actually want to use it.

I take it out out of the fridge for a bit and it spreads better.

Don't waste your time. There is a very good reason Windows exists and will exist in some form forever.

Some people can barely operate a computer. Their mind is not wired like a geek. They may be great at other stuff or complete idiots but either way it is the way they live. They can't help themselves.

For me it is basically a hobby. There is no other point for a hobby than to waste time and money.

I've seen plenty of people who get a nasty Windows virus. Getting rid of the virus breaks Windows. They don't have a backup or a factory restore disk. It seems that they will have to throw a perfectly good computer away because they don't want to spend another $200 for a new copy of Windows.

Linux to the rescue!

• Linux is free.
• Linux can do almost anything that Windows can do including running some Windows programs via WINE or its derivatives. (Crossover Office, Cedega, etc.)
• Linux does not run Windows viruses.
• Linux internals are open to the public. There are no trade secrets in Linux.

At the moment, that's a very good 'selling point' when explaining the benefits to Windows users. Not so much from the point of view of avoiding malware, but we also get to avoid the likes of McAfee & Norton and so on trying to fleece us too!

I need those people who ask "what's the point?". Cleaning out MS cruft and viruses, spyware, malware, and other assorted nasties pays my bar bill.

I gave up a long time ago trying to get people to use Linux or even help them think that Linux is a viable option. And the truth is? Linux isn't worth anything to those that use windows because it works for them. Windows didn't work for me, that's why I use Linux. I know when something doesn't work in Linux, it's generally my fault or the program hasn't been updated to compile on my system. Where as, if you have a binary install package for windows and it doesn't work, you have to wonder if it's something else on your computer interfering with your stuff. Device Drivers and accompanying spyware corporate garbage is responsible for this.

Especially network cards.

NOTHING should ever replace window's network connection manager. Windows shouldn't even allow this. It should be part of Microsoft's certification saying that nothing can replace Microsoft's core functionality with the exception of security monitoring, in which case, the functionality must be transparent to the intended functionality of the interface.

Don't even get me started on phone drivers...

I don't bother trying to convert anybody. If a visitor happens to notice I'm using something different on my computer, then I'll tell them it's Linux. If they show any more interest, then I'll tell them more.

If they show interest at my house, I just burn 'em a copy.

I have been labled as a clown, a geek, a wiredio and so on when I have tried to 'convert' people to linux.
The point here is who are you talking to? Do they have the expertise to master or even use linux? What exactly are they using windows for (90% of the times its games - sigh)?
If you go ahead and offer linux to some people they would simply ask stupid questions to which you will have no answer. The sheer power of linux can only be exprienced not told verbally. The flexibility of linux is something that an average user cannot dream of. Trust me most of the times people think MS is the _only_ OS and that has helped MS a lot. We have to give credit to MS sales team for that .
My advise is do not offer someone linux who does not understand the deal. Let them go to MS and pay through their nose. Does us no good to have someone with these expectations come to linux.
PS:- The point in the earlier post is correct. Some people are good at something else and some are just plain dumb.

Couldn't agree more. If people are too ignorant to branch out then let them be.

I don't try to spread Linux either. No point in it. Most people don't want to change, and the Linux learning curve is pretty steep even when you use a distro that can be made very Windows-like in appearance. It just doesn't work the same.

When people ask, I show 'em. And that is pretty much it.

The point of Linux ? What's the point of Window$ ?

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The point of windows is 'money'. The point of linux is 'technology'.
My humble opinion.

I think the point of both is to be able to use a computer more (Linux) or less (Window$) efficiently.

Umm... the point of one (MS) is to use the computer effectively??? Did'nt quite get that. If it was possible I would have never installed linux.
A winduhs 7 defult installation (a dvd) vs a small vector linux (a cd) which is more effecient? Also effeciency of duhs is inversely proportional with time. The registry messes up and you need additional tools. If you install an antivirus (norton) it will control the operating system more than the winduhs kernel (or whatever is supposed to control it).