Are Linux distro's in general better than windows?

Question

I know there are a few things going against Linux distro's in the way of lack of software/compatible software and driver support etc. These things aside i am asking about the system itself. Do you think it is better than windows and give me various reasons for either opinion.

Answer 1

The only compatibility issues for software are for PC games and certain specialised programs. Most normal use can be accomplished with equivalent programs written specifically for Linux, many of them free. A lot of these come with any of the major distributions. The only hardware problems are from a few manufacturers who will not write drivers for anything except Microsoft. Even many of these have open source drivers provided. The big advantage is its' security. It runs a secure shell, there is no way to attack it except if given root (superuser) access. Unless you insist on running it as root, it is almost unbreakable. Run it as a normal user, and user switch to root only when it is essential, and you can do anything you like without risk.

Answer 2

Yes.



1. Free as in Freedom.

2. Usually Free as in Free lunch as well!

3. Usually community effort with programmers really hearing your problems on the forums.

4. Best software management system. can update every program with one command.

5. Huge range of programs with every commonly used program you'd need pre-installed so you don't spend all your time searching for a particular program on the internet to do something.

6. Security miles ahead of windows

7. Better MEMORY MANAGEMENT. not a hog like windows. Some portable distros can run on a 64 mb usb stick! faster performance while consuming lesser resources at the same time.

8. A real integrated approach to everything for smooth work experience.

9. You end up learning more about computers and are the cool geek amongst your friends.

10. Eye-candy generations ahead of windows with Compiz-fusion. check out youtube.

11. Very friendly environment to learn programming yourself. YOU can contribute to the linux distro if you feel something is lacking or should be changed. Truly a grassroots movement.

12. More stable.

13. a distro for every type of user and every computer spec. Highly customisable.

14. constantly evolving with most distros releasing every 6 months, with quick response to your feedback because of the great community support.

15. did i mention looks so cool?



Driver and software support are increasing by the day and most hardware work in linux now. Windows software can be run under WINE.

Answer 3

Linux is better than windows by far, the reasons are:



1. Linux is open source and therefore it and all its programs are free, so no expensive upgrades when a newer version is out there, plus it is very easy to use and user friedly, microsoft are trying to emulate linux in parts with their new OS's. Microsoft is a money grabbing corporation, where as linux is a community dedicated to free and available software for all.



2. it is not open to virus attacks like windows, as you have to be a root user to perform anything, essientally what microsoft is now trying to incorporate as their user account control (UAC)



3.It is very well supported, mainly through the use of forums like http://ubuntuforums.org/



4. I have never had an install of linux not be able to install a driver for any of my hardware..ever!



5. Linux is more reliable than windows, i have never had a crash or BSOD with any linux disto i have used, and it is quicker and easier to install than windows, plus if you dont want the hassle of installing it, you can download, burn off and run as a live cd (so you try the OS from the cd without installing)



I have used, Fedora, Ubuntu, xubuntu, centos, gentoo, and personally i find ubuntu the easiest to use, with the best support for hardware

Answer 4

Yes.

Better driver support out of the box

(most distros) easier to install, and you can use it while you install

Free and open software, some support for windows software in wine

Compiz, enlightenment, kde4

better command line interface

can be customised for whatever you want it to do (and plenty of options - can be whatever you want it to be)

can use more filesystems and (can read ntfs too)

Amarok

lots of little things

Answer 5

oh yeah way better its so cool to play around with im using ubuntu as my distro but i my cuzin has opensuse 11 wich tops it u can do everything u can do on windows computer just with different software

Answer 6

Linux sux <- there is a rhyme that Linux users need to learn.

Answer 7

NO!! unless you are a geek who enjoys command line tomfoolery!

Answer 8

It's better for me.



It all depends on your computing needs.