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General discussion

Why is Linux "better"? [text inside, read it before replying

Feb 4, 2006 2:23PM PST

Why is Linux "better"? I want honest, non-biased answers, PLEASE.

Mods, please keep this discussion sane, rational, ETC. No arguements and/or, back&forth crud PLEASE!

Just tell me honest, unbiased stuff.

Peace,

BlazeEagle

Discussion is locked

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Depends on the meaning of ''better''...
Feb 4, 2006 2:59PM PST

Each operating system has its advantages. Linux comes in numerous different versions (Ubuntu, Linspire, and FreeBSD to name just a few), so it's not easy to put a label on the entire group, but here are a few of the selling points:
* Free or low cost, much cheaper than Windows.
* Usually more stable with fewer flaws.
* More frequent, meaningful updates.
* Fewer viri exist that target Linux so there's less risk of infection.
* Frequently used in servers.
* Can boot from a hard drive or CD.

Now, here are some of the benefits of Windows:
* More popular...runs on around 90% of computers
* Typically eaier for the average user to handle.
* More graphical and appealing than many flavors of Linux.
* More third-party software available for it. (Popularity is an incentive for companies.)
* Greater hardware compatibility due to drivers designed for Windows and not Linux. (Again, influenced by popularity.)

Most of my computers run Windows, ranging from 98SE through XP, though I do have a few flavors of Linux running and occasionally use a Mac. I prefer Windows, primarily due to its simplicity and the lack of support for Linux (if I could get my printer and scanner to work properly under Linux I'd be much happier), but recognize the benefits of both sides and thus refrain from naming one 'better' than the other.

Hope this helps,
John


P.S. You can click here for a comparison I'm sure you'll find quite interesting.

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Widely discussed in the newsgroup called OSWARS.
Feb 5, 2006 1:17AM PST

But you need to define better.

Here I have Windows applications on factory floors that I've written. Why did we do that? Green stuff. The apps were easy to develop, field and run on hardware from Dell for cheap.

We looked at Linux but the green stuff didn't show up. We spent most of our time discussing Linux and not the application and its benefits.

Personally I'd love to see our apps on Linux, but without green stuff to feed the company...

Bob

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What's "green stuff"? [more inside]
Feb 18, 2006 8:10AM PST

Clueless... Sad

Also, the Win vs. Linux arguements just clutter these forums.

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(NT) (NT) Scratch, dough, moolah...all ways of saying money. :)
Feb 18, 2006 9:36AM PST
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Thanks[more inside]
Feb 28, 2006 12:41PM PST

Smacks forehead and feelig dumb! Wink

Seriously though, thanks for jogging my befuddled brain, it just needs a good jolt sometimes.