The best Linux distribution is Windows XP
 

I have been a Windows XP user for many years. I will probably stick with it for a while longer.

Here is my take on Linux in general:
I believe that an open source OS is great. What I like is that it increases access of potential users to computers, even if they have widely differing hardware configurations. I, however, feel that there are certain things Windows XP or 7 does better.

1. The user interface is more powerful and can be configured as much as in any Linux distribution. For example, Windows 7 now has jump lists, transparent windows, thumbnails of open applications etc. It is safe to say that the main improvements over XP is in user interface.

2. Certain configuration functions can be accessed without needing a command line. Even downloading and installing new drivers can use the Control Panel GUI only.

3. Users explore computers in different ways. Not everyone wants to create new distributions. Some people like myself enjoy finding and installing new software, in a way not pre-defined from a list like in apt-get. From what I have gathered this is not always easy with Linux.

4. Better power applications like Office Access.

I believe that the distributions that work on the user interface, developing power applications that are as or more effective than Windows, and that work on ways for users to download and install new software more easily will enjoy the most success. That is why Ubuntu is most popular. Development in these directions is also a great opportunity for budding programmers.

It would be intersting to know how many people agree with at least some of these points on this forum. Again, this post is written tongue-in-cheek but is my attempt to find out what I do not know about Linux. Please correct me if any of my points are wrong.

You already tried that here http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...dows-7-727960/ and crossposted this post here http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...51#post3557351. As you have only three posts one of which starting a thread you never participated in, I would suggest you go challenge yourself by actually using GNU/Linux instead to the point where you can prove your own points to be misconceptions and intentional baiting.

Thank you for allowing the post. I will try Linux Ubuntu in the near future. For the record, I may not upgrade to Windows 7 either, as my Iburst internet connection will need new drivers or installation software, and I will need a new graphics card to support the Aero interface. I also have an old HP Compaq upgraded to 1GB RAM (lol).I also will need to install Windows 7 using a clean installation and although I have backed up most of my files, am not yet prepared to go to all this trouble. Hopefully my post will get a sufficient reaction to help me learn more about Linux.

Kinda impossible to compare a OS that costs alot of money and has questionable security
versus a OS that is FREE, has 1000's of Branches and is very secure.

OP:

I think you may have missed the point, let me try and help with some misconceptions;

Linux isn't an operating system, it is the kernel on which the operating system is based. Linux as a kernel has many advantages over Windows as a kernel, many are mentioned here (http://widefox.pbworks.com/Kernel-Co...nux-vs-Windows) though this is a little clinical. The major advantage is the speed that a more bespoke kernel gives; because you can load kernel modules on the fly in Linux and can have it fit your system, as opposed to high Minimum Hardware Lists, things tend to run quicker. The Open Source element of the Linux kernel also helps a hell of a lot due to the amount of people acting, almost, as a sort of QC department.

Your points, though:

1- Most users would rather sacrifice prettiness for an operating system that works, case in point is the amoutn of users who went back to XP over Vista, or didn't upgrade at all (Resista the Vista, anyone?). You can have all the pretty you want on a Linux system, and you can have it as bare as you want. On Windows 7 (and certainly Vista) its reasonably difficult to do this, though changes may be made to the Win7 RC to aleviate this.

2- You're overlookign why we use the terminal so much; speed and ease. Skeptical? Okay, lets look at it this way; because many people have many different setups, Desktop Environments and such, it is hard to walk through in a universal way how exactly to set something up or change something. It is far quicker to suggest someone open a terminal and paste something in. It is far quicker, also, to make changes via the terminal than graphically- for instance, I want to add a line to a config file. Which is quicker? Clicking open a text editor, navigating to the file, editting the file, saving, reaslising I don't have the priveleges and doing it again, or typing in
3 - I don't think you understand what a distribution is. The point of package managers is that there are tens of thousands of packages on there, many packages for any programme you want;
Where could you find me that in Windows?

4- I'm not even going to touch this one, you sir, are an idiot. ;)

Can anyone tell me one valid reason why someone would register on a linux forum and start with posts about alleged superiority of windows over linux (showing that he/she has not the slightest idea what he/she is talking about)? I mean, seriously, the OP is either a troll or ... hmm, well, someone else... (I'm so tempted to break the forum rules here):)

Assuming that it's a troll, I've just fed him/her with this post.

Because why bother using Linux if you can't justify why you use it

I don't know if there is more flame fodder in Windows vs. Linux or in just harrassing the OP for his/her approach.

*challenger;
We welcome you to the forum--I humbly submit that--if you are serious about learning Linux--you proceed with installing and using it. We will look forward to your specific questions.

closed