Why do you choose Ubuntu over Windows

[Linuxratty]

For me I got tired of the same old, same old. Windows is boring, it works with all the games and apps but it's still boring you can't do much with it.

I agree...Plus,they have enough money to buy an entire country,so why should i give them more?
I'm really pleased with Linux and i really love it's tweak ability.....
And it's free...

[Master-of-None]

Why did I choose Ubuntu?

I'm still not sure, really. It was different, and I'm into trying new things. For a standard Windows user such as myself, it was a bit harder to understand. It only took me a day or two to get the used to it in a basic sense, and the overall experience I'm having with Ubuntu is much more pleasant than that of Windows ever could deliver for me. Ubuntu never crashes when I'm in the middle of playing around with certain software, such as Blender3D, and it definitly doesn't eat the battery of my laptop as fast as Vista would have.

All and all, Vista just wasted resources in my opinion. Sure Windows hoards all the games, but I'm not a heavey gamer like I was when I was 12. The free software, including the bunch included, also made it worth it, as well. MS wants you to buy their office software, like I have the money to do that.

All and all, the points I've made goes down to this: Stability, Usability, Reliability, and it didn't eat my cash to have it installed.

[Acidpunk]

You all make great points to tell the truth and as i said im in the process of downloading Ubuntu.

One question though, Right now at the moment im studying for the CCNA exam which aint a big deal its mainly PDf's and practising on paper for stuff but does wine work with Boson Netsim or Routersim ?

and secondly i have a part time Job as a web developer and have a project coming up within two weeks time, Is there an equivilant to Dreamweaver for free or do i have to use wine again ?

[cluepon]

Why I switched to Ubuntu?

Easy.

1) Overhead Overhead Overhead. In short, I have reclaimed the use of alot of hardware resources like RAM/CPU. As I really don't need to run AdAware and Norton (two of the biggest RAM Hogs) I am able to put more of my computer to work for ME. Which is how it should be.

2) About the only application I really needed, other than Windows games was Adobe Photoshop. I can run that, with more than acceptable speed inside VirtualBox, in a nice and safely contained environment. Skype works quite well in Ubuntu. And, even on the game score: I mostly use emulators, like zsnes and MAME, both of which have native versions on Ubuntu/Linux. For anything else, I would prefer to support native versions of games than resort to WINE, etc. Lincity, FreeCiv, etc are good alternatives to some of the basic game staples of Windows.

3) Better media management. Amarok is far and away the best music player ever coded. Winamp? iTunes? Meh. Amarok has just about every feature you could ever want or need.

4) Complete control over my environment. In windows, you can only set what Microsoft wants you to set. Yes, you can do some tweaking with TweakUI. Same with MacOS, not enough options to configure things in the UI. Sure, you can go to third party solutions to make tweaks. But, I have no such problems with KDE. I love being able to control minute things, as I need to. This allows me to completely control and use my environment to its fullest. In windows, little annoying problems often had to be tolerated, or settled on, as there was never a direct way of dealing with them.

5) The release cycle. While I wish the release cycle would slow down a bit, (to insure more stability), I am happy that I can count on new releases on a timely and scheduled basis.

6) Better applications for the little things. Tighter integration. Konversation is one of the best IRC Clients ever. Kopete is trillian without the cost. Kate is one of the best text editors ive ever used. And they are all tightly integrated with the desktop. The integration is so good, I am even considering moving away from Firefox and Thunderbird, and moving towards environment standard applications.

7) Stability. Other than kernel updates, I have yet to have a situation where I HAVE to reboot to stabilize the operating system. If things get weird on the desktop, one Ctrl-alt-backspace later, I am back to work. No fuss, no muss. No more time-consuming rebooting to solve the problem of the Operating System going awry.

These reasons are just the ones off the top of my head. Yeah, there's room for improvement in Ubuntu and its variants. But, thats true of any OS. The bottom line is: I can work, without a hassle, consistantly on the platform. I can use more of the resources and hardware under Linux, than I can under Windows.

I would even like to point out, that despite the oft mentioned driver disparity when it comes to certain bits of hardware, drivers often work well enough for your device to make it basically workable. I have a Pinnacle 800i PCTV HD TV input card. The tuner and some of the features do not work yet, but the composite inputs work just fine, which has allowed me to at the very least pipe in my cable and watch TV on my desktop. Says alot about the driver. My card is officially "unsupported", but the driver still works to some degree.

All in all, I am pretty happy with the system. I have Windows where it belongs: contained in virtualBox, where it cannot do me any harm. =)

[Irihapeti]

A big issue for me is not having to worry about whether I am classed as a home user or a commercial user because I use my PC in connection with a (very small) business. With commercial software, that can cost hundreds of dollars that I don't have. With FOSS, it's completely irrelevant.

Plus, I find that, for what I do, my system runs so much better on Ubuntu. No, it's not perfect. But then, what system is? It's more than good enough for me, though.

[vexorian]

I don't know about that if you have to install something through terminal installing programs can be a chore
Yes, you are perfectly right, IF you have to install stuff through the terminal it is harder...

But in all seriousness most users don't really need to do that, it is 2007...

[Yzzerdd]

Honestly, I haven't chosen Kubuntu (what I am using now) over Windows quite yet. Linux isn't quite ready to take up all or most of my hard drive yet. There are still bugs to work out, and there is virtually no software or games in stores for it. I think if I wasn't a minor gamer, and didn't play games like Return to Castle Wolfenstein, the Sims 2, or Duke Nukem 3D, Linux would be my perfect O/S. I like the customality, the look of it, and the challenge of working through errors. I also like its free office software, and the general feel of the internet program Kubuntu came with. It also has different features for my Laptop Windows doesn't have. I can instantly view my processor speed (my Dell is dynamic) and I can tell it when I want it to run at it's full 1.4GHz or at its power saving 600MHz. I can also tell it to use what it needs. Only need 600MHz on battery? Only use that much. Need more? Help yourself, I've got plenty. It also tells me the estimated time until full charge, which is REALLY cool. Someday, I hope to give Kubuntu the full 100GB of my hard drive, instead of just 20GB, but not today. Besides, if I did that, how would I use my new Zune? Oh, I also like that there are hundreds(if not thousands) of distributions to choose from, and the fact they are all free. At least all of the GOOD ones are.

--Ryan

[BreathEasy]

I think if I wasn't a minor gamer, and didn't play games like Return to Castle Wolfenstein, the Sims 2, or Duke Nukem 3D, Linux would be my perfect O/S.
This is absolute pure co-incidence, but I just finished fooling around with installing the NATIVE Return to Castle Wolfenstein linux binaries, and it works just fine. I was also thinking of downloading JFDuke3D, compiling the code and running Duke Nukem 3D in Linux too. Sims 2 I don't care about, but then again it's the Sims. :)

Point is, there's a heck of a lot more native stuff than you know.

[money2themax]

Why I switched to Ubuntu?

Easy.

1) Overhead Overhead Overhead. In short, I have reclaimed the use of alot of hardware resources like RAM/CPU. As I really don't need to run AdAware and Norton (two of the biggest RAM Hogs) I am able to put more of my computer to work for ME. Which is how it should be.

2) About the only application I really needed, other than Windows games was Adobe Photoshop. I can run that, with more than acceptable speed inside VirtualBox, in a nice and safely contained environment. Skype works quite well in Ubuntu. And, even on the game score: I mostly use emulators, like zsnes and MAME, both of which have native versions on Ubuntu/Linux. For anything else, I would prefer to support native versions of games than resort to WINE, etc. Lincity, FreeCiv, etc are good alternatives to some of the basic game staples of Windows.

3) Better media management. Amarok is far and away the best music player ever coded. Winamp? iTunes? Meh. Amarok has just about every feature you could ever want or need.

4) Complete control over my environment. In windows, you can only set what Microsoft wants you to set. Yes, you can do some tweaking with TweakUI. Same with MacOS, not enough options to configure things in the UI. Sure, you can go to third party solutions to make tweaks. But, I have no such problems with KDE. I love being able to control minute things, as I need to. This allows me to completely control and use my environment to its fullest. In windows, little annoying problems often had to be tolerated, or settled on, as there was never a direct way of dealing with them.

5) The release cycle. While I wish the release cycle would slow down a bit, (to insure more stability), I am happy that I can count on new releases on a timely and scheduled basis.

6) Better applications for the little things. Tighter integration. Konversation is one of the best IRC Clients ever. Kopete is trillian without the cost. Kate is one of the best text editors ive ever used. And they are all tightly integrated with the desktop. The integration is so good, I am even considering moving away from Firefox and Thunderbird, and moving towards environment standard applications.

7) Stability. Other than kernel updates, I have yet to have a situation where I HAVE to reboot to stabilize the operating system. If things get weird on the desktop, one Ctrl-alt-backspace later, I am back to work. No fuss, no muss. No more time-consuming rebooting to solve the problem of the Operating System going awry.

These reasons are just the ones off the top of my head. Yeah, there's room for improvement in Ubuntu and its variants. But, thats true of any OS. The bottom line is: I can work, without a hassle, consistantly on the platform. I can use more of the resources and hardware under Linux, than I can under Windows.

I would even like to point out, that despite the oft mentioned driver disparity when it comes to certain bits of hardware, drivers often work well enough for your device to make it basically workable. I have a Pinnacle 800i PCTV HD TV input card. The tuner and some of the features do not work yet, but the composite inputs work just fine, which has allowed me to at the very least pipe in my cable and watch TV on my desktop. Says alot about the driver. My card is officially "unsupported", but the driver still works to some degree.

All in all, I am pretty happy with the system. I have Windows where it belongs: contained in virtualBox, where it cannot do me any harm. =)

1. is virtual box free?

2. is Win4Lin a good program i got it from a friend

2. GIMP is waaaaaaaay better then photoshop just switch [at least thats my opinion]

[BreathEasy]

1. is virtual box free?
Sure is: http://www.virtualbox.org/

[kamaboko]

Windows sucks.

With ubuntu I have all the software I need for all of my work, productivity is up (without wasting time rebooting every 5 minutes for updates or messing with viruses and crap),

What's not to like?

Seriously, if businesses had to restart their MS computers every five minutes, MS wouldn't be in business. Furthermore, my parents and four brothers have MS computers. If they had to restart them..even every day...I'd hear about since I'm their tech support. Stick with the facts and stop with the overblown hype.

[BreathEasy]

Seriously, if businesses had to restart their MS computers every five minutes, MS wouldn't be in business. Furthermore, my parents and four brothers have MS computers. If they had to restart them..even every day...I'd hear about since I'm their tech support. Stick with the facts and stop with the overblown hype.
It's just too damn hard mate. Too many fanboys here who won't listen to reality.

[kamaboko]

It's just too damn hard mate. Too many fanboys here who won't listen to reality.

Those are true words.

[cluepon]

1. is virtual box free?

2. is Win4Lin a good program i got it from a friend

2. GIMP is waaaaaaaay better then photoshop just switch [at least thats my opinion]

1) Virtualbox OSE is free. Works great.

2) Ive never used Win4Lin

3) Gimp is NOT anywhere near a replacement for Photoshop. Especially for anything prepress. GIMP for me is for quick and dirty stuff (cropping a pic, or changing a resolution quickly)...but it's UI is horrible, and lacks key features like CMYK. It will be many a moon before GIMP can contend with PS. In addition, the Adobe suite of products has a useful feature in one other key area: workflow. Adobe CS is as much about the workflow as it is about the functionality of the individual programs. GIMP has its uses, and it IS a fairly robust piece of software. But, there are many reasons why GIMP fails when it comes to doing the same stuff Photoshop does. There is also a school of thought that GIMP really shouldnt be positioned as a "replacement" for Photoshop, and to treat it as its own thing. When and IF GIMP does the same stuff PS does, with a good UI, I'll consider it for broader use. Not before. Until then, I'll use the right tool for the job: Adobe CS, with Photoshop. =)

[money2themax]

1) Virtualbox OSE is free. Works great.

2) Ive never used Win4Lin

3) Gimp is NOT anywhere near a replacement for Photoshop. Especially for anything prepress. GIMP for me is for quick and dirty stuff (cropping a pic, or changing a resolution quickly)...but it's UI is horrible, and lacks key features like CMYK. It will be many a moon before GIMP can contend with PS. In addition, the Adobe suite of products has a useful feature in one other key area: workflow. Adobe CS is as much about the workflow as it is about the functionality of the individual programs. GIMP has its uses, and it IS a fairly robust piece of software. But, there are many reasons why GIMP fails when it comes to doing the same stuff Photoshop does. There is also a school of thought that GIMP really shouldnt be positioned as a "replacement" for Photoshop, and to treat it as its own thing. When and IF GIMP does the same stuff PS does, with a good UI, I'll consider it for broader use. Not before. Until then, I'll use the right tool for the job: Adobe CS, with Photoshop. =)

meh thanks for the in for though

[perixx]

no matter how good Ubuntu is, as long as its game support is poor, it just can't out-beat windows completely.

Affirmative :) It's just that the game dev's all in all don't care too much about Linux (yet), apart from a few exceptions. And the (proprietary) graphic drivers of ATI + Nvidia need major improvements - or they need to release specifications for open software programmers.

OpenGL seems to work pretty well under Linux, from what I've seen so far - apart from advanced features like AA (at least ATI), AF, HDR and so on (again: obviously driver-issues); so it's the game dev's that need to provide support for Linux game-clients and hardware-vendors that have to provide decent drivers now. But there could be some improvements for Xorg, regarding a standard-frontend for basic video-features.


Besides, new users of Ubuntu has to have some computer knowledge, how to use bash, how to compile source in order to install some programes. it is way too much for very young or very old people, who have no knowledge about these technical things.
I approve of that - at least partly. More often than not, you're better off using the command line. Be it of features not accessible in or fully implemented into graphical frontends, or usage is too rough-edged, still. Well, but you might not really be in need of compiling yourself, unless you're a geek. Most people will do with what's offered plentifully in the repositories.


The usability also need to improve. why should everyone to be a above average (at least) computer knowledge and skills, in order to use a Operation System? How many users of windows really understand what is behind these nice windows shells?
You're absolutely right about this... Mostly, it's not much that's amiss when it comes to fluently working with and using Ubuntu. But there are a lot of details that still have to be improved! :KS

perixx

[jken146]

have you ever tried to find the source of the problem? Do you visit porn sites often? i mean if the virus infects your computer automatically no matter what you did then i should be having the same problem here.

Have you tried installing a decent anti virus program?
There is AVG anti virus, Nod32 anti virus, etc

Do you use firefox or IE? if you use firefox do u use adblock?

Why not put some effort into figuring out the source of the problem before giving up on the whole OS?

Because there's no need to, when you have Linux.

[BruisedQuasar07]

Why do you prefer Windows? Its been a third rate, grossly
overpriced and extremely bloated O/S from the beginning
and I mean the beginning. I've owned and used home
computers since there was one. I began with a Sinclair
handheld, switched to Commodore Pet, switched to
Commodore V20, then C-64, 128D, Amiga. I finally
switched to an IBM clone driven by MS-DOS with a gun
to my head. At the time, I found MS-DOS (pre Windows
Microsoft) a big step backward compared to Commodore
D128, which had two very different O/S on chips. CPM
was wild. CPM gave me thousands of programs, all public
domain adaptations from mainframe computers.

I was extremely angry when I gave in ad switched to
an MS DOS PC. I was reduced from thousands of colors
to only four and I paid a fortune for that. The expensive
word processors (Word Perfect was king in the MS DOS
world then) were cripple ware compared to Paperclip.
Then, a brilliant group of former video arcade programmers
joined, formed Berkeley Softworks and came out with
a Mac sort of O/S called GeosWorks. It was so small that
it breathed a few more years of life into Apple GS, Commodore C64 and C128.

MS was playing around with an extra sorry Windows which
it did not get selling until version 3.11 which was downright
terrible. Radio Shack's Tandy had a better O\S built on
Basic. It was called Deskmate. About the time Windows
95 was released, MS managed to have an effective enough
monopoly strategy that it could go after competition. It stole from Apple to make Windows '98 and Mosiac (stole Mosaics uncompleted Web browser, which it named Internet Explorer)
and it threatened Berkeley Softworks whose Geosworks they recently ported for PCs. I still have the original PC Geoworks
O/S. It and an advanced Desktop Publishing program easily
fit on a CD with lots of room left over. The O/S came with
several high quality programs. The entire package was
STABLE and it took little resources, almost no noticeable
boot time (and that was on a 640k IBM clone PC!)

MS, using highly illegal means, blew Berkeley Softworks out
of the PC business. Windows could not begin to compete
with Berkeley's vastly superior product. Berkeley retreated
to a market MS was not interested in at the time, Word Processor type typewriters. For several years Brother
word processor\typewriters were run by Geos. There is a
Yahoo group of dedicated Geos enthusiasts who manage
to use adapt Geos for surfing, productivity, etc.

By the way, Intell just recently managed to come up with
true multi-tasking, using two chips on a chip and soon
to be released 4 chips on a chip. Commodore Amiga and
Motorola released true multi-tasking processors years ago in the first Amiga computers. First Gateway and then a German
company continued to make the higher end Amiga PCs,
literally unchanged! They are still made and sold mostly to
the TV, Movie, & Music industries. They still use the original
Motorola Processors released in 1989,

Enough. I could write a small book about why Linux, instead of Windows. Asking me that is like asking me why I still
prefer a used pre-Chinese Lenovo IBM Thinkpad Laptop over
the ones kicked out the factory doors today.

I'd take a used Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marqouis over any new Toyota. Ask any police force, the
FBI. Secret Service, any Taxi company why they go for
Crown Vic or Marqouis over any Japanese car.

I have a PC running Ubuntu 7.04 since it was released last Spring. It has not had one reboot. I leave it on 24/7 ethernet
broadband connected. I would never consider doing that
with Windows XP or that dog called Vista.

By the way, I tweaked the built in firewall but I never bother
with virus or spyware scanners on a Linux PC that I surf with and I NEVER go online with a Windy PC

--Bruised

[(((X)))]

I do not choose Ubuntu over Windows.
I have to use it over Ubuntu for flash 8 and dreamweaver.

[Knyven]

Because Ubuntu is superior.

The only advantage Windows has is 3rd party support from software and hardware makers/manufacturers (ex. Adobe). Because Windows established large percentage of users (bug#1).

So in order to get that advantage Ubuntu needs to increase more users, and if possible absorb other Linux Distro to be Ubuntu based like (Linspire, GOS etc.). So thats the Goal, more users.

Inquest, Convert, Conquer, Invade, Dictate, j/k.:) Just Information awareness, a lot of users does not even know what OS is.

[Gigamo]

The problem is simply that many people are still afraid of trying Linux. They think of Linux as being too hard. But in fact, this is my first week of using Linux, and I have already learned amazingly much. This linux is a dualboot with windows xp 64 bit on my laptop, and in fact I haven't booted into windows since the first day after installing ubuntu :D. And this comes from someone that has never used anything but windows before.

[*daniel]

I chose Ubuntu over Windows because I value the freedom to do with my computer as I see fit. I like to tinker, I like to break things and rebuild them.

But I also like not *having* to tinker, and the Ubuntu experience has been (so far) pretty tinker free.

[GMU_DodgyHodgy]

I switched to Ubuntu for 90% of my computing for the following key reasons:

1.) More efficient with resources and stable.
2.) More secure.
3.) I have been able to increase my *nix skills and apply them at work.
4.) Have been able to move away from Office (now use OO.org), MS Outlook (Thunderbird with Lightning), I can still use Eclipse and DB2 in Linux, replaced Money with JGnash and now Money Ex, and eliminated Win Media with VLC and Exaile.
5.) Ubuntu's interface is far superior to Windows.
6.) It continuously gets better with each release.

[Yzzerdd]

I think one reason Linux isn't majority yet is that there are to many distros to choose from, all more different from the last. Windows is straight foward. One is for the home user, another for the home-business user, and then another set for corporate. And also, choices for Linux-based PCs are limited in stores. Sure, there are a few you can buy, but the numbers are limited. At least Compaq/HP and Dell(my two favorite computer companies) are in the game for Linux-based PCs. As a matter of fact, Linksys even has Linux drivers for some of its wireless stuff :)

--Ryan

[uwishurockedthishxc]

and with widndows you dont have to tweak a bunc hof stuff? you still do. and why should i support a company who refuses to innovate and gouge money when i can get just as good an os for free?

[DjBones]

i'm all about the free open-source software ideology,
and i can create an environment that works well for me.
not much more i could ask for haha

[djdarrin91]

I myself like Ubuntu better because it can do the same things windows can and more for free. I don't have to worry about virusus or malware etc. anymore.Oh and no more blue screen of death:) I agree with the last poster,maybe you would have better luck with a different flavor of linux like Freespire or Xandros.

[iblicf]

I have seen this thread about 1 week ago, it's really interesting and does bring the fun of reading, thanks for all these people, then I decided trans it into (Chinese), and now almost completed,

Http://forum.ubuntu.org.cn/viewtopic.php?t=98163&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

I use ubuntu/linux for a year, before that red-hat a shot term, acceptance of linux relatively easy for me, because my job is IT associated , and ever developed under *nix system , I tried some other linux distro ,.. I like ubuntu becuse it's faster of update, apt-get is easy to use, in China, ubuntu relatively have more users, there is a lively community, i admire arch too , because it is rather sample with pacman package system and much more easier to config

In China, the individual user can not completely leave without MS, WEB bank, .DOC based work flow , a large number of the website do not compatible with W3C, of course, the majority are illegal copy, this basically was not considered a moral issue , the law cannot punish the masses, I suspect that Microsoft deliberately allow such a state, after all, it can earn massive money from the government procurement projects .

I do like linux, it can basically satisfy my work, my entertainment , I think the big issue of linux currently is that there are too many distros, and some confusion, no unified standard, the lack of heavyweight applications ..

[doorknob60]

It's faster, safer, no viruses, more customizable, open source, easier to get software, and of course I can still use Windows for gaming :D By the way compiz-fusion itself makes Linux better than Windows IMO.

[frankos44]

Why start such a stupid thread.

You are just looking at the paintwork with no knowledge of whats under the hood. Dodgy second hand car salesman would just love you.

If you dont like Ubuntu or cant get to grips with it, go pay Bill Gates some more money and make noises on Microsoft forums.

Vista is absolutely awful and I would never contemplate banking or online purchasing on any Microsoft based platform.

[lespaul_rentals]

now don't take this the wrong way but i think the reason nobody makes viruses/malware is because the ppl making the viruses are running Linux [or don't know how to right them for Linux cuz we evolve, adapt, survive] plus most [if not all] of the Linux community are smart enough to stop them cold and fix the problem right away unlike Microsoft who take forever and a day to even think about solving the problem and then its only half assed attempt at a fix.

P.S. I'm not trying to say your all hackers or anything like that i know that you guys are out to make the world a better place

This is very true, GNU/Linux is an evolved form of Unix that is continually receiving patches, updates, and reviews, thus security flaws are taken down right away. If a virus were to start up, it would rely on the means of social engineering to spread, as known exploits are patched immediately. 2% of home computers run Linux, isn't that right? And most of them are smarter than your average Windows user. So let's say 10% of Linux users were dumb enough to run a malicious script. That's .2% of home computer users. Wow, congratulations! You just hacked 100 people! Let's get you on the news! See? It's not going to happen.

Plus, Linux users are always talking and communicating, so if a virus or worm were to start spreading, places like Ubuntu Forums would be all over it, just like they came together to stop the spread of the "rm" trick (don't run that command).

Also, 0day exploits come out on Windows all the time. Since Windows releases all their patches on the second Tuesday of the month, the hackers release their new POE immediately thereafter. How is that a good strategy? By the time of the next update release, thousands of computers could be comprimised. And you're paying hundreds of dollars for that OS.

[haley1]

I've been using ubuntu since 6.06, it started as a learning tool/toy and rebellion against the man:). Too many licensing issues, when trying to reload office. I'm to the point now, if I could get my tablet functioning correctly and figure out how to download software to my palm tx. I'd be done with windows completely. Except for work, the military seems to have this thing for MS. I guess they like security holes:)

[mcduck]

With Windows I had to spend lots of time just to keep the system running and free of viruses and other stuff. Installing and updating software was also rather annoying, and took quite some time to do as well. And I never liked the system, or the user interface. Actually I disliked it so much that with each Windows version I used I had to find some other shell to replace the default UI in Windows. And I always missed proper command line, since I had already learned to enjoy using CLI during the years I spent using DOS. Come to think of it, I can't actually find anything good to say about Windows, only about some third party software I used with it..

With Linux I only need to tweak things if I want to, the system just keeps on running perfectly with minimum amount of work, and everything gets updated with a couple of mouse clicks. The user interface looks and works the way I want them to, and while I'm happy with the way the OS itself works I still know that if I wanted to change something I could do it.

So, to put it more simply, Windows doesn't work the way I want my computer to work, and Linux does.

[Monsuco]

Well, I multiboot Windows Vista Home Premium and Kubuntu 7.10. I don't use Compiz though (couldn't get it to work). Windows is easily the best gaming platform, and I suppose I would have to use it to use my webcam, though I have yet to need to use that for anything. I prefer Linux though. I like how much more control it gives me over things like CPU frequency scaling, how it is faster, and how much easier it is to maintain. Apt is a beautiful piece of code, though when it screws up it does so horribly.

I hardly run much in the way of security software on Windows. I shut off Windows defender, so AVG and Windows firewall are all that really run. Security on Windows isn't a problem as long as you just use common sense, which unfortunately most people don't. I have yet to ever be infected in all my years of using Windows.

I would also say the one problem with Linux is it is a pain to set up. It isn't really hard, but downloading MP3 software, configuring ndiswrapper, installing libdvdcss, setting up flash, setting up the graphics driver, it takes a long time. The other problem, I have yet to ever get suspend and hibernate to work properly which isn't a big deal, but it is absolutely ridiculous that after all these years nobody has bothered with fixing how Linux does power management.

[dgray_from_dc]

KDE is great.
The deb packaging system is great.
You can build a server for your home without paying Microsoft for a certification to teach you how.
It's secure.
It looks cool.
It doesn't tell you how someone else thinks your computer should look and feel. Instead, it allows you to figure it out for yourself.
Every application for every task that you could think of probably has already been written and it's free to download and use.
There's no shareware or crippleware.

[AgentZ86]

Because it's there LOL:)

Too many strings attached with Windows, requires virus killers you can't just get the OS, requires popup blockers, spam blockers, malware fixers, orphan file cleaners, spyware blockers, adware blockers. oh and Virus Killers, i know I said that, but thats really most of it, why not include virus killer in the program if you know your stuff it super hackable and susceptible to viruses

Anyhow mainly because it's there that why:guitar:

[xpod]

I sat down in front of a computer one day nearly 2 years ago,stumbled across Ubuntu 4 months later and the rest, as they say "is history":)

I still know as much(or as little,depending on your view) about Windows as i do about Linux,even though i`ve used Linux for 5 times as long as i actually used Windows.I just find it sooo much better than those alternative OS`s we have around......somewhere.
Everyone around us uses Windows though so that is what i also help out with,if & when requested.....which is at least once a week.:???:

Teaching people round about how to enable Remote Desktop for a bit is often the best bet ....and the quickest overall.I really dont mind the odd pc being brought to my door though.
LIke someone in another thread alluded to though there is only so much help i could ever return round here as i do only know a little but, i have been able to return the favor in soooo many other ways,with many of those around us and on other boards.Ones with no Linux sectionsO:)

I know for a fact though that practically every pc user within a couple of mile radius does a lot better now than they did before..as do their pc`s.
Many are far happier "users" now than they were before and their not spending small fortunes to have PC Repair shops fix their silly issues, non-issues i call most of them.

I dont go trying to switch people over to Linux though,even though i firmly believe it would solve many of the silly recurring issues they generally have.Plus it has everything most would ever need.
It would obviously create as many more issues in the short term but in the longer term i firmly believe that many of my fellow mom & pop users would do well with a properly installed & configured *buntu,etc.


Re: Why do you choose Ubuntu over Windows

I never "chose" in reality......it just kinda "happened":)

[MasterTiK]

Free... Open Source.... run more on a cheaper computer.... better appearance... more powerful tools... Wine is now working better and better.... IMO Linux is deff. superior !! Can do ALOT more ALOT faster for free. "Don't struggle for cracks" LMAO... yea that is a deff. PLUS !! I am also a Slackware user, but use Ubuntu for desktop b/c of the auto-dependencies makes it easier for all of my Games/Podcasts/i-Pod, etc... use Slackware for slower laptop b/c and mostly just networking stuff on there...... oh yea did I say that Linux is stable and the support is out of this world !! There are so many open groups like this one that you can figure pretty much anything out within a matter of minutes !!

[abstractcoder]

I totally agree with Sub2007.

Ubuntu (and linux in general) gives you so much freedom, because it's open-source. I don't know about other people, but I want to know everything about my computer, how it works under the hood, specs, every little detail on how it functions,etc. Windows doesn't offer that ability because it's not open-source.

When I first loaded Ubuntu, I had to learn the system, of course you might run into some hardware compatibility issues, not every system will respond the same. This is because the information needed to write drivers,etc may not always be available.

Back to why I choose Ubuntu...

1. Freedom
2. Faster (doesn't lag or freeze like VISTA!!!!!)
3. More Secure
4. No spyware, viruses, adware, trojans,etc to worry about
5. More organized, Have you seen Vista's Start menu? My God!! There is like a million things in that list,

6. The system is a lot more fun than Windows, I love to learn.
7. Better effects, cooler features. Transparent Terminal! A lot better than MS-DOS Plain black window, where you can only change colors.

8. More powerful system, WIndows is like a baby, Linux is like hercules! I can do so much more with Linux.

9. I like the community, you don't really have that type of connection with windows.

10. The system is full of information, it doesn't hide it from you like Windows,

The list could go on and on, the pro's outweigh the cons, my problems when first starting out (errors,compatiblity,etc) weren't enough to stop me, I solved everything and I'm way happier than I was when I was using windows.

[b0rka7a]

Ubuntu (and linux in general) gives you so much freedom, because it's open-source. I don't know about other people, but I want to know everything about my computer, how it works under the hood, specs, every little detail on how it functions,etc. Windows doesn't offer that ability because it's not open-source.

When I first loaded Ubuntu, I had to learn the system, of course you might run into some hardware compatibility issues, not every system will respond the same. This is because the information needed to write drivers,etc may not always be available.

Back to why I choose Ubuntu...

1. Freedom
2. Faster (doesn't lag or freeze like VISTA!!!!!)
3. More Secure
4. No spyware, viruses, adware, trojans,etc to worry about
5. More organized, Have you seen Vista's Start menu? My God!! There is like a million things in that list,

6. The system is a lot more fun than Windows, I love to learn.
7. Better effects, cooler features. Transparent Terminal! A lot better than MS-DOS Plain black window, where you can only change colors.

8. More powerful system, WIndows is like a baby, Linux is like hercules! I can do so much more with Linux.

9. I like the community, you don't really have that type of connection with windows.

10. The system is full of information, it doesn't hide it from you like Windows,

The list could go on and on, the pro's outweigh the cons, my problems when first starting out (errors,compatiblity,etc) weren't enough to stop me, I solved everything and I'm way happier than I was when I was using windows.

I choose Ubuntu over Windows for the same reasons :)

[Lysander10]

I upgraded to Ubuntu(yes, upgraded) because:

1. It's far more secure - the modular and multiple user design greatly hinders hackers, and makes virus propagation nearly impossible. Plus, it's open-source, leading to errors in programming being discovered more quickly.

2. It's far more stable - for much of the same reason as #1. If one part of the OS crashes, it doesn't bring down the entire thing. In the year + that I've been running Ubuntu, the OS has never crashed. Not once.

3. It's far more efficient - Ubuntu uses less resources than XP, plain and simple, and it's inherent multi-tasking design should be commonplace in the modern world of OSes.

4. It's free - and open-source

5. It gives me choice and control - Linux offers all kinds of options that are completely absent in Windows.

6. It requires far less maintenance - I got so sick of scanning my computer for viruses, scanning it for malware, defragging the hard drive, updating each program individually, etc. With Ubuntu, I installed it, and everything just worked.

7. So I never have to run Vista on my computer.

Besides those main reasons, I could list dozens of smaller ones(like the method of installing programs for instance).

[qombi]

I like Linux but I think for it to gain a very strong following for the average user, software and game developers will need to start making ports for the Linux OS in my opinion. That is the only thing holding it back.

I had several friends say "Wow I really like Linux, only if it could play my games or favorite software".

[Medieval_Creations]

I use it so that I can have control over my system. It does only what I tell it or install, not what it thinks I want. I know what services are running and why.

[Lysander10]

I like Linux but I think for it to gain a very strong following for the average user, software and game developers will need to start making ports for the Linux OS in my opinion. That is the only thing holding it back.

I had several friends say "Wow I really like Linux, only if it could play my games or favorite software".

True, that and hardware support. This isn't Linux's fault really, but if more manufacturers would provide Linux drivers(or better yet, open-source them), I think a lot more people would use Linux. I tried to get my friend to switch, but he didn't like it because some of his hardware wouldn't work.

[Steinos]

I'm still in the process of making the full switch. I found an old SOlO 9300 sitting in my parents garage in FL. It's a P3 with 600 MHz or so and 192 MB of RAM. Note this is a huge improvement over my P3 @ 233 MHz and 32 MB RAM which I paid $200 for used years ago.

I got Ubuntu 7.10 on it using the Live CD. Since I didn't really care about the old operating system I just wiped it clean after running the Live CD for a few minutes. Had some bumps along the road especially with the wireless card. Not to go into specifics but once I got a wired connection, I got everything working including wireless and the vast majority of it without having to enter terminal mode.

Two big things that blew my mind. Once Ubuntu was up and running.

1) I plugged in my flash drive and was immediately able to read and edit MS Office files.

2) This little 9300 SOLO blows away the P4 2.2GHz desktop with Windows 2000, I have in my classroom. As a teacher I've spent a lot of valuable class time waiting for this slowpoke windows computer.

I'd keep the 9300 SOLO as my main laptop, but several keys on the keyboard don't work.

I just ordered a <$500 R40 Thinkpad that will be a Ubuntu machine. I plan on letting my students see the Ubuntu start screen just to get them curious.

Steinos

What planted the Linux seed:
Memories of co-workers exclaiming how great XP was when it came out.
"Hey, it doesn't crash!"
Sort of like expecting the car to start when you put gas in it.

[misfitpierce]

Love of opensource software + paying for app's to burn iso's etc is uncalled for. OS's that are free and more community driven with better community help are better hands down.

[1newb]

I'm a deff newb to linux, and did get frustrated w/ it for a little at first. Had a hard time trying to get a few things to work, but I was able to fix pretty much everything on my own ,via help forum. To try and do that without paying an arm and a leg w/ MS is incredible. I dual boot ,for now, and you can tell the performance diffs between the 2. You just need to have some patience at first. And as everyone else has mentioned IT'S FREE!

[kool_kat_os]

alot of reasons

[desperado315]

I totally agree with Sub2007.

Ubuntu (and linux in general) gives you so much freedom, because it's open-source. I don't know about other people, but I want to know everything about my computer, how it works under the hood, specs, every little detail on how it functions,etc. Windows doesn't offer that ability because it's not open-source.

When I first loaded Ubuntu, I had to learn the system, of course you might run into some hardware compatibility issues, not every system will respond the same. This is because the information needed to write drivers,etc may not always be available.

Back to why I choose Ubuntu...

1. Freedom
2. Faster (doesn't lag or freeze like VISTA!!!!!)
3. More Secure
4. No spyware, viruses, adware, trojans,etc to worry about
5. More organized, Have you seen Vista's Start menu? My God!! There is like a million things in that list,

6. The system is a lot more fun than Windows, I love to learn.
7. Better effects, cooler features. Transparent Terminal! A lot better than MS-DOS Plain black window, where you can only change colors.

8. More powerful system, WIndows is like a baby, Linux is like hercules! I can do so much more with Linux.

9. I like the community, you don't really have that type of connection with windows.

10. The system is full of information, it doesn't hide it from you like Windows,

The list could go on and on, the pro's outweigh the cons, my problems when first starting out (errors,compatiblity,etc) weren't enough to stop me, I solved everything and I'm way happier than I was when I was using windows.

Allow me to borrow your writes :)
My reseans are :
1. Freedom
3. More Secure
4. No spyware, viruses, adware, trojans,etc to worry about
6. The system is a lot more fun than Windows, I love to learn.
10. The system is full of information, it doesn't hide it from you like Windows
No need to restore OS after a period of using it. Windows get slower as it runs too long:lolflag:. Linux does not:)

[stvmty]

because I can't get a Mac. not enough monies :(

also, I can refuse to give technical support to windows users.

"hey, you know about computers, right? I have a problem with my computer"
"oh, yeah, but I don't use windows, so I don't know how to..."
"oh really? shame..."

[bufsabre666]

also, I can refuse to give technical support to windows users.

"hey, you know about computers, right? I have a problem with my computer"
"oh, yeah, but I don't use windows, so I don't know how to..."
"oh really? shame..."

well ive used mac and i hate it but i want to get one for pretty much the opposite reason as you, so that i can help people on mac, i can already do linux and windows well enough off hand and im good at refining things from the internet

[money2themax]

well ive used mac and i hate it but i want to get one for pretty much the opposite reason as you, so that i can help people on mac, i can already do linux and windows well enough off hand and im good at refining things from the internet
dude thats exactally what i was gonna say

[scammi]

I like more ubuntu linux, because is like living in a box, where no one can hert you, and everything you need is in side that box, compliteli free!

[bufsabre666]

dude thats exactally what i was gonna say

great minds think alike ;-)

[A_Lyle]

I'm running Ubuntu on a tablet UMPC (Samsung Q1U). Why?

* Linux desktop GUIs scale to a 7" 1024x600 screen much better than XP

* Firefox is extremely sluggish under Windows on this hardware - I don't need a trip back to the bad old days of dial-up, thanks!

* I already do all my web development in Unix (Debian and OSX), so I don't have to learn how to do the same stuff in Windows

plus all the usual Linux freedom-and-security goodness :)

[Convert]

The truth is -- the difference between how well Windows works verses how well Ubuntu works is the time spent by thousands of Windows programmers tracking down every bit of detail necessary to make things work well.

Speaking as a newbie here. I read a lot of responses to "Windows vs. Linux vs. Mac" posts. The most unhelpful posts I read are "Read the ******* manual if you want to get something working in Linux". It's hardly that simple, and in and of itself an admission of failure because there are simply too many Linux programs that you have to jump through hoops to get working right. Still, this question is about Ubuntu...

I am running Ubuntu 7.10 and it is working pretty well. I just switched from Windows Vista. I didn't actually use Vista, I just had the privilege of buying a copy when I bought my new laptop from Sony. More on the hardware in a minute.

I tried to switch to Ubuntu many times over the past two years but could never get my wireless card working on my old laptop. Maybe I'm a perfectionist but to forego using a wireless connection with my laptop was unacceptable. When I bought my new laptop, I made sure to buy one with a wireless card specifically supported in Linux by the manufacturer. And guess what? The wireless connection works fine.

On the other hand, I have yet to use a program on my new Ubuntu powered laptop that works correctly without running into some simple and obvious bug or bugs that should have been fixed ages ago (like for example I play Mahjongg but I don't dare put it on full screen because then it won't come off of full screen). Sometimes the program won't even start up. Sometimes the usability is pitifully bad (such as controlling my speaker volume -- 75% on the slider is 25% actual volume, 85% is full volume -- damned irritating).

So Ubuntu 7.10 is working but (from a newbie's point of view) just barely. It's definitely not ready to replace XP (we'll cover Vista in a minute as well).

While messing with the new laptop, I used Vista for a short while, and I also installed a generic copy of XP Professional. First, Vista: Words fail me in describing my experience with Vista. For some reason, Vista was so slow in responding to my mouse movements and key presses that I would (at almost every try) accidentally click the wrong thing and was constantly clicking to stop something from starting up or doing something. It got so ridiculous that I finally just stopped and waited for the computer to catch up. Then I would carefully click one thing and wait for 15 to 30 seconds before the computer responded to the click. I'm NOT exaggerating. No doubt everything worked like a charm, if you had the patience to wait on it. But the killer was my wireless networking again. No matter what I did, the computer would not let me get to the world wide side of the internet. I would only get a "Local Only" connection to my home router. I eventually found out this was a known issue with Vista but having it be a known issue didn't help.

Fed up with Vista, I installed a full copy of XP Professional with SP2. Surprisingly, the XP disk failed to find almost all of my hardware (other than the cpu, keyboard, and mouse). It didn't have drivers for my wired network card nor the wireless card. Give me a break! No drivers for a wired Ethernet card? When's the last time anyone used an unknown chipset on an Ethernet card? I tell you, installing generic XP opened my eyes to the difference between Windows supplied via the manufacturer and generic Windows. The manufacturer is obviously doing a lot to integrate the system with their hardware. To make matters worse, this is a Sony laptop. Apparently, Sony sucks when it comes to providing stand-alone driver installs for Windows. They basically refused to provide any installers for their drivers for XP on my hardware (even though I knew they used the same hardware with XP on other models). For a while I scrounged drivers from other Sony laptops but the effort it took sucked worse than trying to build your own drivers in Linux. Back to Vista (dammit all to hell).

As an aside, an unfortunate real life situation...no matter how well Ubuntu can run Windows apps using Wine, Crossover, whatever, sometimes you just have to run Windows if you have to run a Windows program. So, I set my system up to dual-boot Vista(sucks) and Ubuntu. Guess how long it took to reinstall Vista? Anyone? 12 frigging hours. The only plus is that I only had to swap disks (2 DVDs required for the recovery process) once.

So, what was the question again?

Why do I use Ubuntu over Windows? For the following reasons (in order):

1) Ubuntu (finally) works on my new hardware well enough without having to be a Linux whiz to just get it to connect to a wireless access point
2) I control what runs on my computer and who gets access to it via the network (not some corporation who wants to dictate how I use their software)
3) It doesn't have Windows security liabilities
4) I'm willing to put up with the non-critical bugs I constantly run across in Ubuntu apps
5) I would have to use Vista if I wanted to run Windows on my new hardware

[Carter081]

I've pretty much had it up to here with Ubuntu. So I wanna see why other people choose this OS over the functional OS that is Windows. To me it seems if you want Ubuntu to work correctly, you have to tweak a bunch of errors. It's like having a good looking son who doesn't know how to do ****.

So Please. Tell me why you choose Ubuntu. And you can't say compiz or beryl.

Ubuntu does not give me the BSOD, corrupt my harddrive to the point of no return, and....i like crap complicated. also know the fact that im actually putting work into this makes me happy.

Id prefer a dead rat that got ran over by a car, mailed to me in a box and have it Jack-in-the-box sprung in my face then have Windows (anything) as my OS. lol

[aysiu]

Id prefer a dead rat that got ran over by a car, mailed to me in a box and have it Jack-in-the-box sprung in my face then have Windows (anything) as my OS. lol I can't say I've ever felt that way about any OS, not even Windows ME.

My experience has been that a computer is a computer, and any OS is going to have easy parts and hard parts.

My wife's Mac OS X just crapped out on her the other day (booted to the command prompt only, and the sys log gave an error message that turned up only ten Google results--none of which were helpful in solving the problem) to the point where all we could do to fix the problem was reinstall OS X and reinstall all the programs and try to track down the activation keys for the Adobe software. And people always claim that Macs "just work."

No.

No OS "just works." No computer "just works." OSes and computers appear to work most of the time, and then sometimes they randomly have problems. I've never been in a workplace where the network didn't suddenly come down or need to be reset during work hours. I've never used a computer that didn't at some point give a cryptic error message.

From a fresh reinstall via restore disk (so I know it's no virus that's gotten in), Windows on my eMachines will give the following error message if I decide to make the original account a limited (instead of administrator) account:
fAil Yes, with that exact capitalization and lowercase, and it appears right after login.

Ubuntu Gutsy (didn't happen in Feisty or Edgy or Dapper) suddenly gave me CPU spikes (to the point where I could not use the mouse or even the keyboard (to get to a virtual terminal) when I ripped CDs. I had to enable DMA to get things back to normal (didn't have to enable DMA before).

Computers are flawed human-made machines that are generally reliable and then every now and then crap out on you. I happen to like Ubuntu better than Windows and OS X, but I don't believe it is inherently superior.

[chips24]

ubuntu is personalization, glossy or retro, its up to you.
i agree with you, i think all OSes are cool, i have to sa my favorite are ubuntu and vista. mac os x isnt user friendly... i find at least, but than again, the only thing im familiar with is windows and ubuntu, the only macintosh operating system ive ever owned is mac os 8.5, thats the only OS ive ever looked down on.

[A_Lyle]

mac os x isnt user friendly... i find at least, but than again, the only thing im familiar with is windows and ubuntu, the only macintosh operating system ive ever owned is mac os 8.5, thats the only OS ive ever looked down on.

I have to agree on the old Mac OS - it was seriously dumbed-down. OS X is a completely different animal, though, full of Unixy goodness :)

OK, it takes a bit of getting used to, and it has some annoying limitations compared to Linux. But at the end of a hard day's coding it's nice to come home to an OS that "just works" 99.99% of the time...

[jbobgray]

I used to be windows man but after trying and using ubuntu i won't turn back.:)

[TeaSwigger]

I chose Ubuntu over Windows because Ubuntu is made by people who are glad if I can use or enjoy their software in some way, while the people working for MicroSoft just want their money from MicroSoft and MicroSoft, no matter how they have to influence parties I'll be obliged to rely on but can't influence, just wants my money. I dare not use it and not pay on fear of MicroSoft enforcing penalties that could impact my whole life, as they've done to many people.

At first, to be sure, I was looking into it because MicroSoft was phasing out the software I bought from them in favor of new software, which incidentally required me to buy a whole new computer even though mine was, and still is, working just fine. That game was getting old and the timing was bad. MicroSoft and Apple have the commercial game bought to the point that you hardly hear of anything else; I owe a dear friend the debt of having introduced me to using linux as a serious, full-time OS. The whole open-source concept and ubuntu's intentions have me wishing they had been around before a certain company ever got a cent from me. If I had to pay for ubuntu what I paid for the various OS "bundled" with my boxes over the years - 95, 98, ME, 2kpro, XP and XPsp2 - why I'd do it gladly.

I find ubuntu a much more user-friendly system than Windows - not easier, understand; I find the ease of use between ubuntu and Windows, as many things in life, to be a matter of trade-offs coming down to personal choices. No, I mean user-friendly as in the real meaning of the term: people-friendly. It tries to make an extremely complicated, sophisticated system easy enough to manage, while still ultimately leaving control in your hands.

Both OS work. Into which system should I invest myself? Gosh I wonder which one I should take...

[LappyOs]

24 pages of replies and still the person who posted still needs a reason why ubuntu?

i remember at a point windows was equally as difficult as any OS can be, it;s simple not considering that the amount of time it's been in the social circle and in many networks as standard system to use however with the efficent features of ubuntu that should be changing soon


i got tired of how much resources that windows would use for no reason, i have ubuntu installed on my laptop and thanks to the great support that this forum provides it's audiance i have been able to install every piece of hardware and software that i needed for all my work and home use.

with windows setup on dual boot i rarely resort to using it, my CPU on my laptop turns into a heater after only 20 minutes of being on with windows


hope you do find your own niche with what you want to use ubuntu for, it's not for the weak of hearts to learn something outside of their norm so keep learning till ur problem is solved :)

[Linuxratty]

right, but hey there is no harm or crime in a dual boot...
D

This is true..Ive done it..Not doing it now though...Just running Mepis7.
I do have a second hand Windows lap top,but I seldom use it.
I've used Linux for three years and WIndows for over ten...For me,Linux wins hands down.
I chose Linux for basically the reasons most everyone else did...Do I have regrets?
No...Do I miss Windows? No.
And just in the few years I've used Linux,Ive seen it catching up with OSX and Windows big time. I suspect,in less than five years it will be on a level playing field with them.
I've tried a number of distros and my favorites are Mepis7 and Klikit...
I'm not going to tell anyone what OS to use though as everyone uses their computer for different reasons.
Fir me Linux just works and I like it.

[Lysander10]

This is true..Ive done it..Not doing it now though...Just running Mepis7.
I do have a second hand Windows lap top,but I seldom use it.
I've used Linux for three years and WIndows for over ten...For me,Linux wins hands down.
And just in the few years I've used Linux,Ive seen it catching up with OSX and Windows big time. I suspect,in less than five years it will be on a level playing field with them.
I've tried a number of distros and my favorites are Mepis7 and Klikit...
I'm not going to tell anyone what OS to use though as everyone uses their computer for different reasons.

Well, it depends on what you mean by "level playing field". In many areas, Linux has long surpassed both Windows and OS X. It will probably be many years(if ever) before it surpasses them in market share, though. Windows is just too ingrained in the current generation of people. People as a whole, unfortunately, are not very progressive, and most won't switch OSes until either A) there's a very compelling reason to that's clear to see and right in front of their face or B) we raise new generations to use Linux.

[Linuxratty]

Ok,really market share and seeing it just as often in the shops is really wheat i ment...You are right,in many way linux is light hears ahead of Windows...
There are still a few things it can improve on,but it's getting there.

[Lysander10]

Well, it depends on what you mean by "level playing field". In many areas, Linux has long surpassed both Windows and OS X. It will probably be many years(if ever) before it surpasses them in market share, though. Windows is just too ingrained in the current generation of people. People as a whole, unfortunately, are not very progressive, and most won't switch OSes until either A) there's a very compelling reason to that's clear to see and right in front of their face or B) we raise new generations to use Linux.

Actually, viruses and other security problems, that cost the world billions of dollars in damages each year, should be a very compelling reason to switch that's clear to see and right in front of their face. Add to that the low to zero cost of switching to Linux, and what real reason do most people have not to? Not only are people anti-progressive, they're ignorant. I certainly don't think everybody needs to be a computer expert, able to run everything from a terminal, but computers are an important part of our society. People should have some knowledge about them...

[zipperback]

Stability, ease of use, price, open source, NOT needing to do a bunch of tweaking to get it working the way I want. It works with all my hardware. The list goes on.

- zipperback
:popcorn:

[mtcycler]

one advantage to lenux is it boots in 2 min.s flat on my computer,
it took 20 min or better to boot to windows XP, that is a distinct advantage.

[Redrazor39]

So Linux CAN get viruses and spyware, but it's not a big problem because you don't need to download crap from a bunch of random sites, just use the add-remove or synaptic and you'll be fine? Also, I just installed NoScript for firefox and I'm not that advanced of a computer user, but I can make my way around the basic parts. Is it really that good and easy? How does it help, really? I was thinking of installing it on my Windows Vista partition, as well (I dual boot Vista and ubuntu on my laptop)

[perixx]

it took 20 min or better to boot to windows XP, that is a distinct advantage.

Then you either have a serious PC problem or you're trying to boot from sth. smaller than '386 (which is basically the same) :D

perixx

[poisonkiller]

I'm dual-booting XP and Ubuntu. One day I booted into XP. Startup was fast, maybe even faster than Ubuntu's. But once I logged in, oh my, it was slower than snot falling from your nose. :D Fast restart and back to Ubuntu. :)

[rosegarden78]

For me it was because no matter how current my anti-virus software was, I got hacked every month or Windows crashed. Windows XP is not a multi-threaded operating system designed for security from the ground up and freezes periodically and requires reboot for system changes to take effect. The list goes on and on. I wouldn't care if Windows had a virus if it wouldn't freeze up so much. I think 100 viruses exist for Linux but only in labs. I think a virus has to get through sudo to make serious changes. Nothing stopping corporate spying and invisible malware inside a useful program from going undetected. Always install software from trusted sources.

[TorqueyPete]

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, Im dual booting windows and ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice and all but I dont see anything that would make me prefer it over windows.The only thing i have been using ubuntu for is web browsing playing music/movies (cant play games) which I can do better/hassle free in windows.

So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?


££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ ££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££

And the last straw was the fact that when I bought a secondhand PC recently, M$ have hijacked my browser when I didn't update to IntEx7 ! So I wiped windose and installed Ubuntu. :)

[Jonny0204]

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, Im dual booting windows and ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice and all but I dont see anything that would make me prefer it over windows.The only thing i have been using ubuntu for is web browsing playing music/movies (cant play games) which I can do better/hassle free in windows.

So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?
I used to use it because it was all i knew, ever since a windows 3.1 computer my parents got in 95/96 or something. Yes i had known about linux but any1 i talked to, mainly all my age and uneducated windows users, about it told me you had to code to get it up and running etc. nd the only reason you would use it was if u were a hacker, coder or something. When i found ubuntu, u should have seen how chuffed i was, and then i found compiz and beryl, that eye candy alone made my friends change their minds about linux.

Now the only thing i miss from windows is that your computer has to have amazin specs to just run. Now i can get away with not having to buy as hardcore a computer and still do more than windows. Basically, the bragging rights of how much ram you have is gone, cos u really don't need it anymore.

[xxLONESTARxx]

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, Im dual booting windows and ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice and all but I dont see anything that would make me prefer it over windows.The only thing i have been using ubuntu for is web browsing playing music/movies (cant play games) which I can do better/hassle free in windows.

So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?


I think some might see the cost as a huge advantage. Me, I just like to tinker with things...

[snailmail]

i really cant believe i just read ALL of that.... my eyes hurt.....

but on topic, Ubuntu is for messing around with, XP is the place i go back to when (havent yet, but i know i will) i screw up ubuntu so badly it doesn't work anymore

Also, i kept XP for the Itunes support... and the occasional game....

and i switched to ubuntu for the lack of viruses, which i have had to rebuild XP 6 times because of those stupid things....

AND the awesome apps..... and i plan to learn Java and C++ eventually, and you cant do that in XP, or vista.....

[webby57]

Linux is faster, more reliable, and alot safer than windows. I build computer images for a living. Whether its Windows XP, Vista or Linux. Windows is extremely slow because of all the software that you have to run in the background like spyware, antivirus and other windows crap. I like free software instead of paying $1000's of dollars that I don't have. Linux is also easier to use.
Why do you use linux to surf with? You know why-its safer than Windows.

[Michl]

The counter is obvious -- if you have Feisty or Gutsy, why
use Windows XP? I only boot XP to experiment and compare
how hard and contrived matters are in Windows.

[JohnnyBoy022]

For all of these posts where people are saying "You need to do this or so everyone will switch to Linux"
Personally, I don't think we need everyone to switch to Linux. I love the community the way it is right now.

[pavel989]

heres the thing. of crouse no virus nd stuff. BUT its community maintaned. if theres a problem u dont have to installing like 20 diff apps so try to fix ur comp, try to get support from a company that really only cares about its dominance of the computer market (i can quote bill gates from a book). Aso, hello? free? its free. everything is free. and with mac and linux apperently comming around, more and mroe stuff is getting supported. and there are a few games. but its like who would wanna work on something theyre not getting paid for?

in addition, u dont need to defrag, which is quite nice. the apps which are stable and official are nicely organized. its pretty-my computer cant, but my girlfriend can run compiz and it is soooo entertaining.
and theres no damn svchost!!!!! (sp?)

XP has to keep control over all ur apps, and it uses svchost to do that (go into the process of ur task manager) and sometimes, especially if u have a virus, it can take up 100% cpu.

but there are setbacks. most printers aren't support, or maybe many? idk the basis but mines isnt. which i think isnt too long away from changing. at the time of writing, adobe still is working on an official flash.itunes is awesome, and thats not even xp, thats mac. and theres a lot to learn, and many pim devices arent supported from my understanding. like its difficulkt for me to get my wm5 fone to work nice with my ubuntu, although i didnt give it a serious try.

but in the end, u learn a lot about computers. bascily learn how to program. and u make ur computer work for you. theres many app and games out there that ppl dont know about bc its mainly word of mouth. Tremulox is a fun 3d game.

and really come on, u cant even change the color of the taskbar in xp. like thats not a personal computer.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::
well forgot to mention, the terminal is a lot to learn. like compiling can be tricky.

in addition, look at how much more u can do, i never knew that XP can work as a small server untill i got into linux, which is like hey, lets do something fun bc thers nothing i cant do.

[StubbsPKS]

Everyone seems to be forgetting that the linux community is usually much friendlier and more knowledgeble about problems that may arise and can help you better than windows forums.

Of course, they're more knowledgeable either a) they've messed around with the code or b) they've had the same problem as you :-)

[karellen]

I didn't. I use both as I find them quite complementary

[money2themax]

Everyone seems to be forgetting that the linux community is usually much friendlier and more knowledgeble about problems that may arise and can help you better than windows forums.

Of course, they're more knowledgeable either a) they've messed around with the code or b) they've had the same problem as you :-)
or both

[perixx]

Linux is faster, more reliable, and alot safer than windows.
I'm basically of the same attitude. I'm just wondering if Linux isn't compromised to some extent, by adding all the proprietary plugins and unverified repository stuff (graphics drivers, adobe flash, wmv-codecs, game-clients,...) and using java-script while browsing, which you will in fact need, if you want to make the same use of the OS like with Window$...

perixx

[stchman]

I'm basically of the same attitude. I'm just wondering if Linux isn't compromised to some extent, by adding all the proprietary plugins and unverified repository stuff (graphics drivers, adobe flash, wmv-codecs, game-clients,...) and using java-script while browsing, which you will in fact need, if you want to make the same use of the OS like with Window$...

perixx

If you get your software/plugins/drivers from Ubuntu repos then it should be considered safe.

[perixx]

The point is: you don't get everything from the Ubuntu repos, such as some codecs and new program versions or game clients.

Using Adobe Flash (e.g. for Youtube) is some possibly pretty unsafe plugin, especially since some serious security issues have been found in there...
You need to have javascript enabled for so many websites by now, that you can't really be without it anymore. Many people use other plugins for streaming content, like Realmedia, .wmv-files and such.

Even if some of this is found in the repositories, it's not always safe to use, from what I know.

perixx

[Sef]

Even if some of this is found in the repositories, it's not always safe to use, from what I know.


Some apps are found in the Universe and Multiverse repositories. If you stick to the Ubuntu default repositories, then you will be safer.

[perixx]

If you stick to the Ubuntu default repositories, then you will be safer

Well said. Unfortunately, I won't get everything up and running without 'unsafe' repositories (like DVD playback or proprietary formats).

And due to it's very nature, I suppose nobody can say what really happens, if closed-source like proprietary graphic card drivers are installed, which will be needed for advanced video functionality like compiz / 3D performance / direct rendering...

Apart from that, the use of certain often needed features (like javascript or flash) is in itself a considerable security risk, if I'm not mistaken.

I'm convinced that Linux is even safer than Windows if much code like that is installed. But how safe will it be then? Probably nobody can tell.

perixx

[Wildboar]

I personally have received answers to at least 20 questions on the forums in the last few months, most of them helpful. Care to guess how many answers I've received from Microsoft?

# begin rant

I have a driver issue on one of my machines in XP ever since I built it (six years ago). Blanks the screen for a second and randomly shuts down programs.

Click the "Report Error" and all it ever tells me is that there is an issue with a non-specific driver. Update all the drivers from MS if I can't find one from the chipset builders and still have the issue. Assumed it was the video; replaced it, new drivers, same issue.

That machine works wonderfully in Ubuntu. I had to learn a bit but it's been worth it. Only reason XP is still there is WOW for my son and so I can help my grandmother on her machine remotely. If I looked I'd probably find a way to do that too.

# end rant

[money2themax]

I personally have received answers to at least 20 questions on the forums in the last few months, most of them helpful. Care to guess how many answers I've received from Microsoft?

# begin rant

I have a driver issue on one of my machines in XP ever since I built it (six years ago). Blanks the screen for a second and randomly shuts down programs.

Click the "Report Error" and all it ever tells me is that there is an issue with a non-specific driver. Update all the drivers from MS if I can't find one from the chipset builders and still have the issue. Assumed it was the video; replaced it, new drivers, same issue.

That machine works wonderfully in Ubuntu. I had to learn a bit but it's been worth it. Only reason XP is still there is WOW for my son and so I can help my grandmother on her machine remotely. If I looked I'd probably find a way to do that too.

# end rant
WOW works with wine alot of ppl i know got it to work

[AsoSako]

Ok. There are many reasons why I choose Ubuntu over Windows...
And so the rant begins... (This is not in order; all of those are of equal importance to me. I also want to state that I am not trying to be offensive towards Microsoft. These are simply my own personal opinions and if you don't agree with them... well, I respect that, everyone should have the right to have their own opinions.)

1.) I do not agree with the Monopoly which Microsoft Windows has.
2.) I am mad at Microsoft for the OLPC agreements to install Windows on those systems... This is just wrong because it basically secures Microsoft's Monopoly in developing nations as well. This also makes the poor people get forcedly hooked to an operating system that forces them to pay, which is nevertheless morally wrong as well.
3.) Microsoft's claims that Linux violates it's patents... (Hmm does it now? Let's look at Vista's interface... Who did it take a lot of it's fetures from I wonder?)
4.) Vista. I tried it. I hated it. If this is what Microsoft's future is going to be like, I simply don't want to be a part of it.
5.) DirectX 10 has really bad compatability with a lot of old computers.
6.) Windows is not a good server OS.
7.) Windows has viruses and Ubuntu doesn't have many such problems.
8.) Ubuntu runs much faster.
9.) Ubuntu is much more customizable (I LOVE customizing things).
10.) Ubuntu is more user friendly.
11.) The Ubuntu community is great. I LOVE you guys. :D
12.) It is just great to not have to pay for an OS
13.) I don't like to be forced to use and OS. I take an offense to that. When I buy a computer from somewhere I want NOTHING preinstalled. (That is why I build them myself) But in any case forcing people onto an OS seems VERY wrong to me. I can't stress that enough.
14.) I like Ubuntu because of the abundance of free software.
15.) I love Open Source
16.) Ubuntu can do everything I used Windows for. It can actually do more. Why than would I pay for a downgrade???

Anyhow... I can go on forever so I will stop now... :D

[omgapolarbear]

Its safer, faster, cleaner, gives me something to do and work on, I dont game, its light on my hd so I have more space for my music and movies, things like that. I'm lucky to be a pateint person, with bad spelling, so the tweaking and work doesnt bug me because when I'm finshed the end resault works better then ms ever has for me.

[money2themax]

Ok. There are many reasons why I choose Ubuntu over Windows...
And so the rant begins... (This is not in order; all of those are of equal importance to me. I also want to state that I am not trying to be offensive towards Microsoft. These are simply my own personal opinions and if you don't agree with them... well, I respect that, everyone should have the right to have their own opinions.)

1.) I do not agree with the Monopoly which Microsoft Windows has.
2.) I am mad at Microsoft for the OLPC agreements to install Windows on those systems... This is just wrong because it basically secures Microsoft's Monopoly in developing nations as well. This also makes the poor people get forcedly hooked to an operating system that forces them to pay, which is nevertheless morally wrong as well.
3.) Microsoft's claims that Linux violates it's patents... (Hmm does it now? Let's look at Vista's interface... Who did it take a lot of it's fetures from I wonder?)
4.) Vista. I tried it. I hated it. If this is what Microsoft's future is going to be like, I simply don't want to be a part of it.
5.) DirectX 10 has really bad compatability with a lot of old computers.
6.) Windows is not a good server OS.
7.) Windows has viruses and Ubuntu doesn't have many such problems.
8.) Ubuntu runs much faster.
9.) Ubuntu is much more customizable (I LOVE customizing things).
10.) Ubuntu is more user friendly.
11.) The Ubuntu community is great. I LOVE you guys. :D
12.) It is just great to not have to pay for an OS
13.) I don't like to be forced to use and OS. I take an offense to that. When I buy a computer from somewhere I want NOTHING preinstalled. (That is why I build them myself) But in any case forcing people onto an OS seems VERY wrong to me. I can't stress that enough.
14.) I like Ubuntu because of the abundance of free software.
15.) I love Open Source
16.) Ubuntu can do everything I used Windows for. It can actually do more. Why than would I pay for a downgrade???

Anyhow... I can go on forever so I will stop now... :D
i definitely agree with 13 and i agree with all of the others too but mainly 13 ppl think PC, computer and windows are the same thing [most ppl think that Linux came from the depths of hell and is some horrible, vile, evil thing but i think it's my favorite cute cuddly friend windows is however the vile thing from the pits of hell and needs be either put in it's place or gotten rid of entirely]

[SneakyBooBoo]

I got a 2 year old laptop with about 512mb RAM, a 1.6ghz processor and i think my graphics chip is 128mb. Under XP i can run it pretty well, maybe now and again the RAM runs out and boot up takes long cos of all the security apps and stuff. But my linux boots up alot quicker. Plus, my GUI looks better than the Vista Aero Interface and im running it on a crap laptop with old hardware.

I think that says something about how much better linux is when it comes to system resources. At the moment i got my Ubuntu looking like Mac OSX Leopard with a whole bunch of effects. Plus no spyware, viruses or any of that. I just turn on, sit back and do what i want. And with Wine installed and alot of Ubuntu clones, i got everything i need really. I just use windows to run 1 or 2 programs that arent suppoerted in Wine yet.

Otherwise i love my Ubuntu. Sometimes i dnt even use the thing, i just sit here and look at the beautifully customized GUI. Heres a link to a screenshot of my system.

http://g-man-livid.deviantart.com/art/Ubuntu-7-10-after-75728109

Plus i think my internet works faster on linux even with a firewall (i still dnt know what the point was installing it tho. the system is fine without it)

Enough reasons to leave windows?

[sumithar]

Mine is the opposite experience. I have a 6+ yr old desktop with 1Ghz Celeron and 512 MBRam. It has an XP/Ubuntu dual boot and the XP session works much faster than the Ubuntu (7.10) session.

I boot mostly into Ubuntu because of the security reasons (not worry about viruses etc) but if I have more than a couple of things going on even tabbing between the windows can be sloow.

And as I mentioned in another post I have a bunch of other issues with sites like musicindiaonline and so on which I don't have when I boot into XP.

[alxlabs]

I have mixed feelings. Reason I want to dump WinXP - viruses. Last one had terrible consequences for me. Virus have my saved passwords stolen then went to community website I'm supporting thru ftp and put it's own loader into the every html-like file it can reach. Thanks God I was smart enough to have server running linux so only measure requred was to search for the malicious code thru the html files and replace it by '\n'. Site is very popular, so by looking into apache logs I found around 22000 unique ip addresses getting infected files for the 24 hrs. On top of this - virus was acting as mail proxy and was sending spam thru me. When the first person approached me saying that my site has infected html files - I've asked him what did he smoke... But when I checked my index.php...l got scared...At the end I had my home internet connection shut down by ISP due to spam complains... No need to mention - I had a Webroot spysweeper and antivirus, both with the subscription, fully updated WinXP. None of the things detected damn virus - spysweeper, antivirus neither do windows firewall was able to prevent spam flow. I cleaned up the machine manually by going thru installed services, looking for the fake copies of winlogon.exe etc...what a night... Then I've decided "No more Windows". I have Ubuntu 7.10 installed, however there are couple of hiccups...

1. I have 1.7G celeron w/ 1G of DDR. Something works faster, something works really slow - for example if I have 8-10 tabs open in Mozilla Firefox - whole thing works way slower that if I do same thing under win.
2. I've got my printer and scanner working...but it was a nightmare and far from being trivial, I had to assemble pieces of information all around the world for couple of days...
3. I've installed wine just to get my favorite games working, but I found that most of them need directx9. Finally I've got dx9 installed but I would not call this process hassle-free neither trivial.
4. For my hobby I do some videoclips and have a lot material coded in divx5. To my surprise I can play them with any player, but cannot open with cenelerra or any other editor. Adobe premiere is not working under wine. I don't want to have dual boot, neither I want to install WinXP ever again...I've asked this question on several forums, read a lot of FAQs...but there is no answer. Best option I found is to use vmware virtual desktop but it is far from being free and cost more than winxp. So far I've installed vmplayer which is free and managed to install WinXP into one of the virtual appliences, but it works slooooooooooow when it comes to render video....still don't know what to do...

[inversekinetix]

this soon turned into a hate windows thread, not surprising really considering where it is.
Othe than the price of my hardware and an OEM copy of the OS i have spent no money at all on software (excluding a few games). There is free software available for most things, i have windows stripped down to the bare minimum I need and it runs like lightening, way way faster than ubuntu ever did. Any maintainence is automated, virus scanners use half the resources of itunes services (which i would never use), defrag takes about 90 seconds once a week (big deal eh? all NINETY seconds). I have never had a security issue. All the hardware I bought had driver disks included, ALL hardware works, i use improved FREE 3rd party drivers for some hardware.

I really have a hard time believing some of the fud in this thread, 20 min boot times?, AV scanners slowing the system to a crawl???? yeh maybe in you use norton hogAV on p2, i would suggest not using the worst software available in that case. Everyone seems to agree that linux has a bit of learning curve but i dont see anyone suggesting that people learn to use windows properly. There are actually windows communities too, with people just as intelligent as linux users, who offer their help in making windows a better OS for all the people that choose to use it. From ontop a high horse windows may look simplistic with its GUI for everything, it's dodgy out of the box security and cost, however if you step down and actually learn a bit it can be great, if you like to spend more time using your computer than trying to get things to work.

[perixx]

Well, we'll eventually have to get accustomed to the idea, that XP dies by 2014.

After that, things will rapidly get worse - to an unbearable extent for intelligent and independent people, that I'll promise you. Vista already shows what direction the 'toadmap' will go (for all the toads you'll have to swallow all over again with every "ever new'n'better feature" of WinXYZ). Then, I guess quite some more people will be glad about the Linx-alternative...

You can consider this as a 'hate posting' if you like, or simply take it for a combination of experience and foresight :}

perixx

[TorqueyPete]

I have less and less use for XP these days, and I reckon that no PC or laptop I buy from now on will use a Microsoft operating system while I own it.

Did I read somewhere that you can only reinstall Vista 3 times? If it ends up as hijack friendly as XP, M$ must be imagining that people will be happy to buy a new disk every 18 months!
Uncle bill and his buddies must be looking through rose coloured windows. :rolleyes:

Bless 'em.

Actually, the only game I ever play runs fine with 98SE, so I'll be keeping that. Yay! Score one for Windows!!

[alxlabs]

this soon turned into a hate windows thread, not surprising really considering where it is.
Othe than the price of my hardware and an OEM copy of the OS i have spent no money at all on software (excluding a few games). There is free software available for most things, i have windows stripped down to the bare minimum I need and it runs like lightening, way way faster than ubuntu ever did. Any maintainence is automated, virus scanners use half the resources of itunes services (which i would never use), defrag takes about 90 seconds once a week (big deal eh? all NINETY seconds). I have never had a security issue. All the hardware I bought had driver disks included, ALL hardware works, i use improved FREE 3rd party drivers for some hardware.

I really have a hard time believing some of the fud in this thread, 20 min boot times?, AV scanners slowing the system to a crawl???? yeh maybe in you use norton hogAV on p2, i would suggest not using the worst software available in that case. Everyone seems to agree that linux has a bit of learning curve but i dont see anyone suggesting that people learn to use windows properly. There are actually windows communities too, with people just as intelligent as linux users, who offer their help in making windows a better OS for all the people that choose to use it. From ontop a high horse windows may look simplistic with its GUI for everything, it's dodgy out of the box security and cost, however if you step down and actually learn a bit it can be great, if you like to spend more time using your computer than trying to get things to work.

That's the key thing - it did not cause you any big trouble. I have a little bit more to say than I said few post ago... I have a fairly big home network (for home of course). I have 2 machines permanently present in the network as storage and I work on one of them, another one belongs to my wife. I have a dedicated machine for my kid (he is just 3yrs old but plays online games) which serves as a guest PC as well ....when bunch of the kids are getting together at my home. I also have a media pc connected to network and which I use as DVD/movie player plus two laptops by wireless. Every PC had an access to network storage and was able to print on network printer. On my machine I had apache/mysql/dns/ftp servers as sometimes I need to debug things locally. I was happy winXP user at home as I ran my network seamlessly and was happy to run linux server remotely for community project. Till one day...

1. Kids. When they crawl websites they click everywhere - yes,no/install, cancel - does not matter, they may click picture they like - kids are kids. Most of the online games don't work properly with firefox, so they used IE. I even put this machine behind one more router to isolate guest subnet from primary home network and to have better control on the websites they wisit. Guess how many times per month I had to reinstall WinXP...Well, 2-3 typically. At one point of time I've installed Linux as live boot from 1gb drive and on 1gb drive I had everything kids need - they were not able to play few online games but at least as I didn't have to worry about anything - everytime linux was starting from the clean image no matter what happened before and it was hard to destroy the image as they didn't work under root. Solution was perfect till the day my parents presented my son with the bunch of CDs with educational games etc. Guess which OS they were for? First of all it is to hard for my parents to realize that there are more than one OS in this world and I'm simply unaware about any stores you can go to and buy games for linux for kids on CDs. So I went back to WinXP, made a clean install then ghosted it. Even if kids have machine ruined I was able to restore everything in minutes from ghost image, so I become happy.

2. My machine: most secure place in house. Everything is passworded, updated antivirus and spysweeper, updated WinXP. No one touches this machine but me. I was pretty sure that nothing would ever happen to me as I watch what I do (and it never happened..before), I have huge experience with PC, I actually made my first pc - I soldered components on the boards and then debuged them myself, I have a lot of experience with different architectures on top of intel x86 even with CPUs most of the people never heard. I have a lot of experience with various OSes, probably more than five on more than ten different (from intel x86) architectures. I was feeling like a guru absolutely confident that nothing may ever happen to me. Till one day...

3. Payback
I though that guy got a cheap smokes..too cheap when he told me that my linux based community server got a virus on the main page, but I went to check. Geeeeeeeeeeeeee........... Thought I was hacked. I checked logs - yes, I was hacked...from my own machine, which is most secure place in house. I stopped the web server, cleaned up the mess...mess appeared again...and from my machine according to logs. I googled on the JS body of the virus loader and found that this damn thing steals stored ftp passwords then puts itself into the every html-like file it can reach thru ftp. I disabled port 21 (thanks God I had linux on the server) so no FTP was permitted and cleaned up the mess again thru ssh. I checked up apache logs - there were about 22000 of distinct ips downloaded virus code. My email box was overflown by emails from users asking bad questions... But suddenly internet connection dropped down and I've got a call from my ISP stating that I was disconnected due to numerous complains about spam sent by me. I was confused - most secure machine I ever had appeared to be a biggest security issue I ever had. None of the antivirus s/w neither do winXP security center shown any warning on what was happening. I checked open connections - there were hundreds open connections to various IPs to port 25, so I was actually sending spam. I had a terrible night chasing down fake winlogons and checking&disabling services I've never heard of. I managed to clean this manually, but biggest issue for me was that I do not have any idea how this crap got in first time. It means that it may happen any moment soon unless I drop win.

4. Relief. (I hope not temporary :) )
Yes, I have huge experience with different architectures. But all of it comes from very special devices which are very far from typical home PC. I've decided to download (after I got my connection back) several different distributions overnight, but freshly installed win xp crashed again - machine suddenly rebooted - and only thing downloaded was Ubuntu, which I have installed. I cannot say that I'm completely happy - first of all, I cannot call it hassle free. I had to install printer and scanner - this is kind of nightmare itself, but I had to make them network and make 2 laptops running winxp (these are machines from our offices, mine and my wife's so I cannot change anything on them) able to print on the network printer connected to linux machine. This was another piece of nightmare. I've got wine installed with dx9 (this was not easy as well but not as nearly as printer and scanner), so I was able to run all the games I wanted to. To my surprise many of the 3d games worked way faster than it was on winXP, but some old but dx games were slower. Interesting thing that I was able to run 3d games in windowed mode, even those which are fullscreen only in windows, thanks to wine's virtual desktop. And it was not any slower than in full screen mode. But I was disappointed by firefox, which works slow as a snail (if compared to win machine) when I have 8 tabs open. On top of everything I cannot find why I cannot open divx5 in cinelerra and other editors... On the other hand I was positively surprised by 3d desktop (IMHO Vista is not nearly as good at this as Compiz), so there are pros and cons...But I don't really want to take a step back to win, I've got enough...

[perixx]

Interesting report, alxlabs!

I'm not quite sure about ftp passwords, but in XP professional, there's an option within the security policies that lets you disable security-password storage. Just in case you don't know of it by now and this applies to you.

Suppose you could even pretty much iron out those security issues if you'd dig deep enough into the security architecture of XP pro. Unless, when it comes to encryption, perhaps - MS' own developers were astounded to discover that XP's encryption algorythm contained a THIRD key (remember, there's usually only two of them) as of late :-k

Perhaps Bill or Steve or whoever wants to make sure to have a 'spare' key for your mail-safe in store. In order to hand it over to you, in case you lose your own :mrgreen:

perixx

[alxlabs]

Interesting report, alxlabs!

I'm not quite sure about ftp passwords, but in XP professional, there's an option within the security policies that lets you disable security-password storage. Just in case you don't know of it by now and this applies to you.

Suppose you could even pretty much iron out those security issues if you'd dig deep enough into the security architecture of XP pro. Unless, when it comes to encryption, perhaps - MS' own developers were astounded to discover that XP's encryption algorythm contained a THIRD key (remember, there's usually only two of them) as of late :-k

Perhaps Bill or Steve or whoever wants to make sure to have a 'spare' key for your mail-safe in store. In order to hand it over to you, in case you lose your own :mrgreen:

perixx

Problem was that virus was stealing saved FTP passwords from popular FTP clients, not windows itself (maybe windows as well, but I don't use explorer to manage sites thru ftp). If i don't save passwords with any application then it won't happen. True. But it won't save me from virus itself and who knows what will it do next time...

[alxlabs]

Just few more thoughts I have...
First time I tried to use linux as OS for home was in 2001. It was due to some security issues with win98..I cannot say that I was not able to get what I wanted but I hung up in a few days trying to get multemidia playback working properly and then my printer to work - I realized that there is to much hassle even despite the fact that it is possible. Next time I was trying to do same thing was last summer - I was trying to reduce number of winXP reinstalls per month due to kids playing online stuff. I've got suse working, everything was fine till my parents brought bunch of the CDs with games for kids and these games were for windows. There is no store around I'm aware of where you go and get good selection of games for Linux. Period. So I dropped Linux as OS for home second time however I 'm still convinced that *nix is the best option to run the server. Third time I had an idea to get rid of windows was couple of weeks ago when I've got damn virus...I made most serious attempt to get Linux as primary OS for home, however... I have all-in-one printer-scanner-fax-etc device connected to the network, so dual boot is not an option. What can I do:

1. Try to make it to work with Linux. Sorry, but I cannot find better phrase to describe this process but "having a sex with the computer".
2. Dump damn all-in-one then browse thru printer/scenners list claimed to be fully functional with ubuntu, then buy one with no guarantee that even in this case it wont turn as option #1 on top of the money spent.
3. Try to use vmware virtual desktop to have virtual machine running winXP and serving as print server with no gateway specified so it will be able to access internal network but not internet. Cons: 1. vmware virtual desktop is far from being free 2. It will eat a lot of the resorces. (Do I need to upgrade my machine as well? ](*,) )

I went path #1 with what I have and I succeed. But it didn't solve other problem I have with video editors. But it solved (at least as I want to think so) my problem with the security.

More things...

1. Games for win - most of them work just fine with dx9+wine, however I cannot claim user friendly process of installation of dx9.
2. Some sites do not work with Mozilla well, but I found that you can get native IE6/7 in linux - ies4linux. There are some glitches and installation process is not simple one, but it works

What I can conclude (this is just my opinion :) no more than that )..If you want consider Linux as substitution to win (without having dual boots etc) then you should be prepared for option #1 i've mentioned as even in case of simple installation of something you may need to "vi your xorg.conf and replace ..."

[rob_knox]

I love experimenting with new software, and in windows, I had to google and search through pages and pages of websites, while being bombarded with ads and popups to finally end up with software that I couldn't uninstall cleanly. Screw that. Linux and the GNU community is a godsend.

uhm...where in gods name were you going on the web and what kind of crap were you installing? ads, popups, software that won't uninstall? i use both windows and linux at work and at home for all the reasons listed here by other users. using some common sense while out in the wild wild west coupled with some minor protection measures has kept my system clean for all intents and purposes for a very, very long time. someone had made the point that linux is great to prevent picking up "foreign particles", which i'll agree with, but i don't think blaming M$ for your weird surfing habits and installing everything under the sun that isn't verified is justified. i guess this does drive the point home that linux is great for people who just don't know what they're doing (no offense).

[perixx]

i guess this does drive the point home that linux is great for people who just don't know what they're doing (no offense). rofl! hehe... at least you kinda got to know what you're doing on your system, till you finally reach a state where you can surf everywhere (and access everything) you like to!! ;)

@alxlabs:
I wonder how you caught up that little bugger in the first place - did you use ActiveX, opened some infected mail with outlook or installed some dubious program?
Since you seem to have money and room enough to set up several PC's in your household - here's how you can work around your problems:

You install 2 PC's on 1 place, 1 for games and the must-have-IE-only-accessible sites which you kind of lock down to where only you can access admin mode. Installing programs, server, unsafe services like UPnP and crap are disabled, as are executable addons. You have some system-watchdog like Spybot installed. Hidden & Admin shares disabled, hidden native admin account & std. admin account have passwords and are set to inaccessible from web, anonymous connections are restricted, [IE is set to restricted mode if you like] ... Surfing and gaming only under restricted account. I'm considering that you own XP Pro, naturally.
You run IE only from within 'Sandboxie', of course!

On the 2nd PC, you run the Linux-Firefox machine for REAL browsing, mailing, office-work and ftp-connection [on another, separate machine, if there's really so important stuff on it and necessary]. Now you install a keyb&video switch to quickly switch between both PC's :D


perixx

[alxlabs]

perixx,

I didn't use outlook but I used IE as I often had to check my corporate mail from home and for some reasons it didn't work properly in firefox, at least as with earlier versions. I got used to IE so I used it for just regular browsing - news, docs search, forums but nothing weird. I've got a virus from one of the sites I visit which got infected same way I've got my own website infected.

As of right now I converted only one of the PC into the Ubuntu just to evaluate possibility switching to Linux completely, and I use firefox/thunderbird on other machines except kids one, but it is ghosted and sits in own subnet with samba/mail ports firewalled. I'm almost willing to swicth to Linux completly, but...still there are issues - prinetrs/scanners support and lack of video editing s/w.

[dewcansam]

I do like the customization of linux but the whole spyware/adware thing and viruses I have never had a problem with, as long as your not being dumb opening random exe's its pretty much non existent. In reality the spyware is a big problem only because of the fact that the average computer user is attracted to flashy things and clicks.
I ALWAYS find it funny that almost all the little spyware adds are generally some sort of ******* error or alert type display. Something like "If your windows computer is running slow. Run our scanning system...." If security isn't the biggest and best reason to switch to linux / ubuntu, I don't know what is. Also not having to run anti-virus / disc defrag are the some of the best reasons too.


If it wasnt for the games I could dump windows entirely but i play games on a whim and I hate having to restart just to play it. I could get used to the complexity of it. Honestly though I dont think I will switch to full install of linux or even being first on the boot up list because of the fact that I have the exact same things on windows and linux.
I hate to admit that yes i still run XP just for that same reason. But, what you can do is get a second computer, and make one your gaming rig and the other you ubuntu rig, then use a KVM switch.


To me this is the real reason that linux is not adopted by the mass public, theres really no reason to go over to linux if you have windows and a casual computer user. However I do think if you dont have an OS and dont plan on being a gamer you should use linux because it is a good system. I also think its perfect for schools/governments/large business because you wouldnt have the major problems a windows network environment has curious/dumb users.
Personally, i think everyone (mass public) should use linux for the security reasons alone. I love how everyone complains about viruses and spyware and adware but, refuses to make a difference about it and use ubuntu.
And YES ALL schools / governments / businesses should be using linux mostly for security purposes again but, also i thought that governments and businesses were about SAVING money. Not giving it away !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[alxlabs]

Personally, i think everyone (mass public) should use linux for the security reasons alone. I love how everyone complains about viruses and spyware and adware but, refuses to make a difference about it and use ubuntu.
And YES ALL schools / governments / businesses should be using linux mostly for security purposes again but, also i thought that governments and businesses were about SAVING money. Not giving it away !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is obvious why it won't happen any time soon. General public will use whatever solution makes less hassle for them. Simple example: tigerdirect now have all-in-one Lexmark 1240 for 36 bucks. This printer is not even mentioned in Ubuntu printer list neither there are drivers on the Lexmark website different than win ones for this model. What should general public do? Parse Ubuntu compatible printers list and buy one for 100 bucks? What are the chances that installation will be complete in 10 min? Most of the general public will have to hire somebody to guide them thru printer selection process then buy a printer for 3 times higher price than they could just because of the Linux. Heh, go and explain it to my CEO. Explain him as well why he has to hire few more IT guys because almost none of the s/w installs w/o chasing .conf files across the hdd. On the other hand windows is far to be secure however it is most dummy friendly OS I ever saw...so none is good but in general Windows is less hassle for an average dummy if compared to Linux. However Linux is more stable and secure in general in you know how to apply hands.sys driver yourself

[perixx]

@ alxlabs:

I guess you were using ActiveX with IE, right? Well, if for XSS-attacks and such (which IE is very vulnerable to from what I read) - you've got plugins like NoScript and Adblock+ for that kind of baddies in Firefox... as told, try running IE from within 'Sandboxie' if you REALLY need to have it. You can't easily save from inside the sandbox, but you're pretty safe from any malicious code-loopholes, that MS 'forgot' to fix or mention about in IE...


People who care only for the price are not necessarily the most intelligent acting ones.

Word should've gotten around by now, that there are a few more factors to calculate printing costs. That would be the "pppp" - price per printed page, for instance. Simply look at the color cartridge-prices and refill-options. Warranty - how long will you get instant-replacement. Reliability - do I have to buy a new printer every 6 months or less, is the print-head destroyed by non-usage easily? Mechanical stability?

By the way, I've seen a HPSC 1315 (all in one) in action lately - every was going smooth: printing, copying, scanning - don't know about fax. There's even a pretty good configuration tool provided by HP! No, I'm not making any ad for HP here(!)

perixx

[alxlabs]

@ alxlabs:

Word should've gotten around by now, that there are a few more factors to calculate printing costs. That would be the "pppp" - price per printed page, for instance. Simply look at the color cartridge-prices and refill-options. Warranty - how long will you get instant-replacement. Reliability - do I have to buy a new printer every 6 months or less, is the print-head destroyed by non-usage easily? Mechanical stability?

By the way, I've seen a HPSC 1315 (all in one) in action lately - every was going smooth: printing, copying, scanning - don't know about fax. There's even a pretty good configuration tool provided by HP! No, I'm not making any ad for HP here(!)

perixx

Ppp in case of linux will be way higher for an average computer dummy than in Win.

I have a friend, she is typical HR person, knows typical office apps. She is able to go to the store, buy a printer, bring it back home, plug in the cable and worst case - insert an installation cd then klick on "next" few times. Now let's try to imagine linux scenario:

1. She goes to the store, buys printer she likes comes back home, plugs in the cable - ooops.
2. She goes back to store trying to return the printer then finds that printer is ok, it simply doesn't have linux drivers.
3. She has to hire somebody to guide her thru printer selection process. Then she discovers that she has to pay $100 instead of $40 just because this printer has linux drivers on top of the $50 at least per hour she has to pay to the typical IT consultant.
4. Then she has to have same consultant to install the printer for another $50 (if she is lucky and it won't take entire day) as she never saw console neither she knows what to do with one.
5 Then she buys web camera and discovers that Skype for linux does not have videochat option but all her friends use skype.

win scenario:

1. She has to buy at least as WinXP home edition for $60.
2. She has to spend around $40 per antivirus subscription per year
3. She has to spend around $50 once in a couple of years when viruses go wild despite the antivirus she has
4. She can buy any printer or any other h/w because even if there is only one driver in the world - this is win one. Installation will be hassle free in most of the cases.

To her - win is less hassle scenario then linux

[karellen]

People who care only for the price are not necessarily the most intelligent acting ones.
judging others so easily is not such a wisdom proof, either ;)
I believe people tend to care more for their (spare) time than for their money ;). at least the ones who can afford a pc, obviously

[perixx]

She has to hire somebody to guide her thru printer selection process. Then she discovers that she has to pay $100 instead of $40 Do you charge her 100$ for your service in friendship? :biggrin:
Well, granted, Linux - and even Ubuntu - is still something for the slightly tech-savvy or geeky people :]

Of course I could create other scenarios, where XP would look pretty bad...

@ karellen...
Hey, I said 'not necessarily the most intelligent', no one's giving a general judgement here :-D

I believe people tend to care more for their (spare) time than for their money . at least the ones who can afford You're absolutely right! I myself have friends that just buy software for Vista twice, just because it doesn't work in the first place - heck, they even don't bother to complain!! #-o
Or others wanting to buy a new HDD, just because XP trashed the bootloader - a simple 'chkdsk -f', and problem solved...

perixx

[alxlabs]

Do you charge her 100$ for your service in friendship? :biggrin:


That's exactly what I mean. An average dummy in most of the cases will need a friend capable of going a little bit beyond than gui or will have to pay for support more than windows problems cost (i'm talking about average home machine in this particular case - servers and business applications is a totally different story)

[karellen]

You're absolutely right! I myself have friends that just buy software for Vista twice, just because it doesn't work in the first place - heck, they even don't bother to complain!!
Or others wanting to buy a new HDD, just because XP trashed the bootloader - a simple 'chkdsk -f', and problem solved...
:lolflag: I rest my case
:)

[monkey56657]

I use Vista 99% of the time because I can just get things done much faster. With linux there is always something that slows you down. Ive been using both windows and linux for several years and would ditch linux anyday if i had to choose.

[eric.opperman]

scripting, for one. if you can think about it you can write a script to do it. try that with a batch file...

[djamu]

Disk support ! Happily managing TB's of work ( 3d renders ) in
RAID5 + spare ( 1 server ) RAID6 another server ....

won't even dare having that on a windoz box...
tried windows soft-raid5 which is just a joke...
and windows hardware raid is just as performant as linux soft raid
with the added +++ that if some disk controller of the RAID breaks you'll just replace it instantly with a new 20$ bucks one.... instead of a 400-1000 bucks hardware xor raid controller / zero-raid controller..

[_Phineas_]

Try making a video with Ubuntu, hard isnt it? cant play games without buying software for Ubuntu I prefer Ubuntu but I need windows formultimedia and gaming.

[misfitpierce]

I can make videos with ubuntu fine. Gaming does not interest me though but still why is this thread here... So what use Windows and Ubuntu or whatever you want. No need to fight over who uses what or ask why who uses what. People prefer different things... Part of life :)

[linuxmann]

Why Linux is Useful (plus many more)

1. The 3d Desktop feature is awesome!

2. I don't have to pay for multimedia production software

3. Plenty of software for everything

4. Linux is like a free mac osx. Plug something in and it works!

5. Customization.

Why windows is useful:

1. Games

2. Uhhh

3. iTunes

4. And that's about it

5. Its useful when i have to use "industry standard" programs.

About user friendliness. I really think it depends on the person and what their priorities are. For example: If someone wants linux and says, I'd rather get it for reliability and security. Thats the way to go.

Although linux has a different interface and a few terminal commands here and there. Which situation would you rather be in? A painstaking, data losing, time wasting re installation of windows, that over time that gets very repetitive, or smooth sailing linux which any requires barely any reinstallaion at all?

I have been through so much re imaging and reinstalling with windows that its been getting on my last nerve. I do have windows as well because of games and multimedia. i tend to use linux more often. You get programs you need with linux. With windows, you get stuff you do not need.

Ive seen revolution OS and sometimes i dislike the proprietary programs being the industry standard.

[perixx]

Why windows is useful:
.
.

6) Playback of videos under XP is better, more films are possible to watch.
7) Hardware support of special devices, like TV-cards with hardware encoder chips have practically no native Linux supporting Software. I don't know but do not believe that MythTV can replace them all.

perixx

[JDorfler]

It seems a lot of dual booters are in agreement that the reason we have both is because some of our interests lie in Win, and some of our interests lie in Ubuntu. I love the freedom of two OS's. One for one thing, another for others. I don't have to sit there and wish one OS could do this and that, I just boot into the the OS that can. Plus, the crossover of a lot of applications helps in keeping both my OSes somewhat the same in order to keep my documentation and work accessible in either OS.

But again, if you want to stay strictly Win or Ubuntu, that's your choice. No one here can tell you what you can and can't do with your own computer as far as that goes.

[JDorfler]

It seems a lot of dual booters are in agreement that the reason we have both is because some of our interests lie in Win, and some of our interests lie in Ubuntu. I love the freedom of two OS's. One for one thing, another for others. I don't have to sit there and wish one OS could do this and that, I just boot into the the OS that can. Plus, the crossover of a lot of applications helps in keeping both my OSes somewhat the same in order to keep my documentation and work accessible in either OS.

But again, if you want to stay strictly Win or Ubuntu, that's your choice. No one here can tell you what you can and can't do with your own computer as far as that goes.

[OldLinuxGuy]

We here we use both I'm OldLinuxGuy and my wife is OldWindowsGirl guess we have a mixed marriage. But the main reason I use Linux is COST we have 5 active computers at this house. Now if I buy a Windows product I have to pay 5 times to use it. Cost for OS alone is roughly $450usd not to mention additional software.

Then there is the Microsoft registration hassle er process. I recently upgraded the wife's desktop I finally had to call, wait on hold, and when I finally reached someone they acted like I was trying to steal XP Home Edition. I'm not sure how I kept control but I didn't tell them that when XP support ends she's going Kubuntu. Version 7.10 even lets me check email at work using Outlook in Konqueror.

Bottom line is it's pretty easy as a user to switch between systems so if you get M$ with a new computer keep it if there is no problem otherwise switch. Upgrading or Installing a new OS whether Windows or Linux is a pain.

[aquinashub]

For me, Linux (and by extension, Ubuntu) represents a community of knowledge: we post up all of our ideas here and elsewhere on the net and, unlike Windows, those ideas are seen by many, many people with whom we can actually discuss them, develop them piece by piece. Because of that concept alone, Linux at it's very core has become a well-designed and well understood basis for the modern PC: help is everywhere at any time and from many sources.

Open-source makes it possible for any individual to learn, develop, share and expand on any given idea. It's a self-sufficient, standalone system - like a "Wiki OS" - and given that Linux users, who make up about 5% of the total demographic, have already developed an OS comparable to Windows, which maintains somewhere in the vicinity of 75% of the market, then how can anyone deny this OS and it's open-source foundation's obviously vast potential?

The potential is fundamental. :KS

Aquinashub

[Gizkaguy]

I've pretty much had it up to here with Ubuntu. So I wanna see why other people choose this OS over the functional OS that is Windows. To me it seems if you want Ubuntu to work correctly, you have to tweak a bunch of errors. It's like having a good looking son who doesn't know how to do ****.

So Please. Tell me why you choose Ubuntu. And you can't say compiz or beryl.

I'm sorry ... did you say Windows was functional?

[yerf]

I switched to linux because my e-machine wouldn't work after I installed a new motherboard. I couldn't stand the thought of throwing some more money at microsoft because it wouldn't let me use the xp that was already on my hard drive. I still have xp on my laptop because I have programs on there that i like that won't run on linux. We just switched to ubuntu and are really happy with it. It's nice to have a fast computer again!
:guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar::guitar:

[TOM_C_A_T]

@slicebread,


Hey, if you wanna praise the Macroshit Windope, this is not the place !!


Afterall, creativity, developement and a healthy enviornment for that

is all one needs, isn't it ?

and when it comes to gaming, as an end user, u're pretty much doped precisely

WINDOPED, I think !!


and yeah, switch 2 some other user avtar image, it makes an activist like me angry

when someone shows up it in linux forums !!!

[Ripfox]

Guy above me...settle down there dude. :lolflag:

Ok so on topic, one thing I can say is a definite advantage is this:

Windows XP install = snappy and fast, for about a month.

Ubuntu install = snappy and fast indefinitely. (or until I break it by my obsessive tinkering, which I live for and it's alot of fun for me, so don't even go there) :twisted:

[theRightNee]

for all those people who find it a hassle to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, why not virtualize?(one or the other...personally i like the Ubuntu Host-Windows Guest better)

Also, for some, we have no choice in the matter. I am the most knowledgeable person on computers in my home, but since I do not bring in the big bucks I cannot decide what OS to use...so here I am on Windows XP. Virtualization away!!!!

[perixx]

Virtualization sounded neat to me (and surely is!) - only thing, it's not for gaming...

perixx

[Kulgan]

for all those people who find it a hassle to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, why not virtualize?(one or the other...personally i like the Ubuntu Host-Windows Guest better)

Also, for some, we have no choice in the matter. I am the most knowledgeable person on computers in my home, but since I do not bring in the big bucks I cannot decide what OS to use...so here I am on Windows XP. Virtualization away!!!!

The problem with that is that not everyone has the financial ability to purchase the hardware necessary for running multiple OSes at the same time. I certainly don't - not that I would run anything but Ubuntu anyways...

[Dark-Penguin]

Let me say this because I'm not sure it's been covered already. I understand the posters question but I'm new to Linux. I played around with Redheat a little. I looked at an early verson of Mephis as well as Linspire. For a while now I have been messing with Ubuntu7.10.

The linux OS is an awsome OS. The other thing is you can't beat the price (FREE). Not only is it free but alot of sftware (OpenOffice) is included and getting updates and other free software is a snap.

I'm a die hard MS Network geek. It's what I do for a living. Linux can bee challenging but I'm from the old days when one had to do command line administration so it's no surprise to me.

There are some wonderful things about MS OS that I like...Plug and play but sometimes known as plug and pray. Some of it is cool out of the box, namely Vista Ultimate with (Media Center).

But lately I've found that I can do the same if not more with Linux. I have been running into a problems getting the eye candy known as compiz to work on my Dell Latitude C840 (nvidia Geforce4 Go) card. But at some point I'll work it out. Another thing I like about Linux is that, unlike Vista, one does not need a powerful honken machine to load the OS.

If you're unsure about Linux don't worry. Get a POS desktop or laptop and go for it. Try it out for a month and you'll quickly see the benefits and you will begin to ween yourself off the MS Teet. Realy, what do you have to loose?

Did I mention It's FREE?????

[lespaul_rentals]

Linux is more fun, and I can browse my computer without fear that it will become a zombie in some botnet.

The only reason I ever boot into Windows XP is to work with audio/video or experiment with script-kiddie tools to pentest my home network. I don't trust it enough to login to email, MySpace, or whatever because you never can tell if someone has a rootkit logging your keystrokes.

[chips24]

I'm sorry ... did you say Windows was functional?

anything's possible. LOL

[jbsongaku]

a few months ago I installed Ubuntu 7.04 and tried it for a while. However I found myself going back to windowsXP for the skype video (non-existant in linux at the time) and the gaming. I couldnt do the switch to linux altogether. Eventually I stop using linux. Then, a magical thing happened. I got the itch for using linux again. Installed Ubuntu 7.10 and that was it. By now, Linux skype has video, so I can communicate easily with my family overseas. I just installed the orange box on Wine and been playing HL2 for a while. And of course, u have to love the out-of-the-box compiz-fusion. Its so nice that linux has so nice support for nvidia cards (at least the not so old ones). I was amazed when I saw HL2 running better on Wine than on my old and crappy XP installation.

Now I only see myself going back to windows for school work... some teachers require specific formatting I just cannot get right in OpenOffice... MSOffice shall burn one day too...

There are still some apps I miss from the XP, but hopefully, as I learn more about linux, I'll find good replacements. If not, there is always the virtualization solution.

[chris4585]

I've pretty much had it up to here with Ubuntu. So I wanna see why other people choose this OS over the functional OS that is Windows. To me it seems if you want Ubuntu to work correctly, you have to tweak a bunch of errors. It's like having a good looking son who doesn't know how to do ****.

So Please. Tell me why you choose Ubuntu. And you can't say compiz or beryl.

well, i can do what i want to do for one in ubuntu, legally, once i moved to ubuntu completely did i realize that i had alot of pirated software in windows, now i dont, and now i can make my system look like what i want, i change my theme every week or so.

some people ubuntu is real easy, it was for me after a year of playing with linuxx in general, i got real good when i had ubuntu installed after 2 weeks with no windows, you learn more, and learning is one of my hobbies, its fun, once you get things down pat you dont get many errors, and if you just seem to always get errors from one distro maybe try another? pclinuxos is a easy distro

and P.S. i dont think windows is that functional, ubuntu is more so in my opinion, but windows is just a corp that doesnt allow you to change the system much, i dont get pleasure from being trapped into something i cant change x]

[Masoris]

Ubuntu support Unicode and UTF-8 as default, while Windows is not. And it gives very nice common input system SCIM. It's quite convenience to deal with East Asian languages :)

[TorqueyPete]

@slicebread,


Hey, if you wanna praise the Macroshit Windope, this is not the place !!


Afterall, creativity, developement and a healthy enviornment for that

is all one needs, isn't it ?

and when it comes to gaming, as an end user, u're pretty much doped precisely

WINDOPED, I think !!


and yeah, switch 2 some other user avtar image, it makes an activist like me angry

when someone shows up it in linux forums !!!

Well this is the Windows discussion section dude. ;)

Nothing wrong with being an activist, but try not to sound like a bigot. I'm sure you're not, as Linux users, in my opinion, are people who don't approve of the type of censorship of their or anyone else's activities that MS seems to require.

I may have to use Windows for some stuff, like 98se to run an old prog I just found on a floppy. But in the main, I'm converted to Ubuntu, heart and wallet. I can see no reason to continue with MS products if I can find equivalents elsewhere.

[raymac46]

I don't necessarily choose Ubuntu over Windows XP which I still use lots of times. I choose it over Windows Me, 98 and 95 for old hardware (unsupported and insecure.) I choose it over Vista for new hardware (expensive, intrusive, and unintuitive).

[AVH]

Quickbooks and Turbo Tax.
Threre are just no substitutes for them in linux that I can find.

[tashmooclam]

I first chose Ubuntu when my windows laptop became constantly attacked/infected with malware. I was sick of it.
Also, I had to re-install windows from time to time because of constant little problems.
The present Ubuntu 7.1 is OK, but sometimes you need to fiddle around and this is a pain sometimes.
You can have a problem at startup if your screen is low resolution.
You can have a problem if you have a broadcom wireless card.
The answer to everything will be the Everex GBook sold soon at a Walmart near you. It will be running Ubuntu 7.1 with a different "google centric" desktop. It will even have webcam support software.
Now that my Ubuntu works OK on this older laptop, I like the stability, speed, and of course, I like the gnome set up.
I just had a nice windows experience. My friend begged me for a laptop, I had one with the cool compiz effects, the thing was nice. He wanted "XP back". Installing XP again became a huge pain in the butt.

[gsmanners]

Ubuntu is for grown ups. You big babies who need everything fed to you through an electronic bottle can keep your Windows.

[fwojciec]

OP: Because Linux is something that becomes more and more rewarding the more you learn about it. The opposite is true with regard to Windows; that and also the fact that Windows actively prevents you from being able to learn about it (no source code, etc.).

[NoSmokingBandit]

@slicebread,


Hey, if you wanna praise the Macroshit Windope, this is not the place !!


Afterall, creativity, developement and a healthy enviornment for that

is all one needs, isn't it ?

and when it comes to gaming, as an end user, u're pretty much doped precisely

WINDOPED, I think !!


and yeah, switch 2 some other user avtar image, it makes an activist like me angry

when someone shows up it in linux forums !!!

its people like you that drive noobs away from linux.

[Liet_Kynes]

I just installed the orange box on Wine and been playing HL2 for a while. ...
I was amazed when I saw HL2 running better on Wine than on my old and crappy XP installation.


I thought running through an emulator resulted in slower performance? Or am i wrong? (LOL most likely)

[djamu]

I thought running through an emulator resulted in slower performance? Or am i wrong? (LOL most likely)


Yes you are, Wine is not an emulator, its an API ( Application Interface )... As a 3D CG-supervisor I'm running ALL my windows renderers under wine because they run & render faster - 17%- 31% depending on renderer-
Just shows how voluntary & free software can be better...

my 5 cents..

[Farley69]

There are alot of people that exclusively run one flavor or another of linux, personally I am not there yet mainly because I am a gamer. However One huge benefit of a linux desktop is the cost. I have 3 PCs and am not going to pay m$ for another copy of windows for a utility box. That was my initial idea when I installed Ubuntu. I am having so much fun with it I have moved my mail, Internet browsing, music player (plus mp3 player support), FTP server, Torrent Client, Skype and all my media to my Ubuntu GG box. I am fairly new to Linux but the help forums and the community are excellent, and I have had no problem finding solutions to problems I have encountered. If you are new to linux like I am just make sure your old OS in intact via dual boot, or on another machine. Because yes configuring a linux desktop is very intimidating for new users, and getting started is time consuming.

My VISTA machine is now just a really expensive gaming console. My Wife's XP box is likely going to be Upgraded to Linux very soon.

[Dark-Penguin]

Quickbooks and Turbo Tax.
Threre are just no substitutes for them in linux that I can find.

Will they run in WINE? You could try that.

[mauser]

Hello Folks,

I used to XP Pro.
XP is at the end of its "life cycle".
WinVistaB holds a partition.
I have migrated my NwN, and a few other games to linux.
Else some of the games have been "ported" already.
I prefer my independence, and I have been shaking off the Imperial Yoke.

Long live the Rebellion...

:lolflag:

[pavel989]

if XP had a help forum like ubuntu, would they really get anything done?

[kaiju]

i have a 340 mhz celeron mendocino box with 256 mb's of pure ancient ram.
i used to use winxp on it (98 was just a constant freeze). my machine was always full of trojans and whatnots, and i couldn't even watch movies on it either, because of windows eating up all the resources.

so i eventually tried cinemix and emovix (both mplayer-based mini-multimedia-distros) for movies, and because after a while i was using firefox and gaim and gimp anyway, i thought i'd try the full treatment. so i went for ubuntu because i've been told that it's easy.
i've been using it for about a year and a half now and i know i'm not exaggerating when i say it really lets me do everything i need. with fluxbox and stuff like thunar, leafpad, rtorrent, mpd, mplayer and decent amounts of xterm, it can even offer acceptable speed. and don't forget that i'm talking about a computer with less power than nowadays cellphones.
things like ssh and being able to use your machine from wherever on the internet are just plain cool and awe-inspiring.

it might be worth mentioning that all windows versions i've ever used were pirated (i guess that's just the general approach around here :P ) so i feel a wee bit better about myself using linux.
and i certainly prefer being involved with whatever small help i can offer into a transparent and open community project than pay loads of money for a product that uses every chance that it gets to try and take away my freedom of choice.
honestly, as opposed to corporate trickery, linux represents a land of infinite possibilities to me. here i should also add that since serious companies all over the world are investing in open source projects, i'm probably not just an idealistic fool to see things this way ;)

[bwallum]

Way to go kaiju, I'm with you on the free versus corporate exploitation. It is a dog eat dog world but your soul seeks a just life. I think the desire for freedom from exploitation is the primary strength of Ubuntu and long may it last.

Ubuntu land, how may I help?

[Rafadagaffer]

The reasons I use Ubuntu even though I have XP, in on particular order;

No invasive license agreement with GNU/LInux operating systems,easier to customize, easier installation/program install/ faster booting times, much better support, can reinstall any time I like without wondering if I'm breaking the law and finally the rebel factor always good to stick it to the man :lolflag:

Reasons I'm still using XP: Half-Life 2 Deathmatch and other games

[kaiju]

yeah, from what i've seen, home users who have been introduced to linux but still stick to windows, mostly do it for gaming.

professional use is of course a whole different story because of microsoft's ubiquity, but i believe that this too will change pretty soon, since major players of the market are well aware of the benefits of open source software.

and hey, ms can't stop the future ;)

[NoSmokingBandit]

yeah, from what i've seen, home users who have been introduced to linux but still stick to windows, mostly do it for gaming.


And photoshop.

For me i still use windows because of photoshop and guitarpro. The gimp and tuxguitar dont cut it for me. GP5 is supposed to be released for linux sometime, but i dont think they'll ever do it.

[frankhdz]

Ubuntu is great I love it... It's so great that I have spent about two weeks trying to get it to run properly with my hardware, I couldn't do that in windows! In windows I would plug things in install the driver for that piece of hardware and it would just work, That was too boring so I decided to switch to linux. Now I have so much fun looking for weird fixes for everything. In windows I could have dual display with any video card, in linux it's been much more exciting. If I try to switch on dual screen the desktop does not show up all I see is a black screen, now that is fun, in windows I could see the desktop after switching dual screen on now I get dual screen alright two black screens fun fun fun. When I asked for help on the forums it was great one or two people replied with no real answer ... now that is support! Gotta love the free support from the linux community oh and when I ask for help they treat me like a complete idiot and tell me I'm too stupid to use linux and just go away back to windows.

Gotta tell you switching to linux has been great I've had tons of fun through my whole linux experience!

I'm sorry for being sarcastic but after trying to use linux I've had to re install windows because after installing it I could not dual boot into either OS. Asking for help on the forums was terrible this OS is not very user friendly at all. I may not like MS but I have never really had a problem running anything on it. I thought I'd give this a try but has left a bad taste in my mouth. I used the live CD and briefly used the OS ... it was nice but when I installed it on it's on parition my nightmare with linux began. I had to reformat my HD to get windows running again Linux simply trashed the MBR I could not dual boot. I may try again when Ubuntu is more mature and maybe a little easier to use for now I guess this is not for me.

[kaiju]

frankhdz, i wouldn't think anybody called you stupid here :)

it is true that at the current stage you might need a lot of patience with linux in general, but i can only say that it's not that hard if you know where to look. if you can't find answers on the forums, you could always try on irc. this is a great community with many people involved. in this whole crowd, it's not that easy for others to find your question, that's all.
as for dual booting, ubuntu sets that up as a default if it finds windows on your hard drive. and i'd really like to see windows ever doing that sort of thing...

i'm not by any means an experienced linux user, but from what i can see, its usability has improved a lot over the past few years and the improvement is continuing at an increased rate.
all in all i'd say you definitely should check back in some time :)
...that of course if microsoft's technology by that time will still let you use your computer for whatever you want to use it for :lolflag:

[karellen]

but from what i can see, its usability has improved a lot over the past few years and the improvement is continuing at an increased rate.

I remember installing my first Linux distro, back in 2003 or so, it was slackware 9 if I remember correctly. man, what a pain in the a** was to configure all the stuff and to make it work :)

[frankhdz]

frankhdz, i wouldn't think anybody called you stupid here :)

it is true that at the current stage you might need a lot of patience with linux in general, but i can only say that it's not that hard if you know where to look. if you can't find answers on the forums, you could always try on irc. this is a great community with many people involved. in this whole crowd, it's not that easy for others to find your question, that's all.
as for dual booting, ubuntu sets that up as a default if it finds windows on your hard drive. and i'd really like to see windows ever doing that sort of thing...

i'm not by any means an experienced linux user, but from what i can see, its usability has improved a lot over the past few years and the improvement is continuing at an increased rate.
all in all i'd say you definitely should check back in some time :)
...that of course if microsoft's technology by that time will still let you use your computer for whatever you want to use it for :lolflag:

You know this is actually my second time trying to switch to linux the first time was not as bad an experience as this one. The user interface is definately nicer this time but that is about it. As much as I tried I simply could not get it to work.

I hear all this smack talk about windows being unstable but Honestly I have never had a problem with XP actually ever since Win 2k the OS has been solid (Can't say the same for Vista but I am not trying to upgrade to that either). Hopefully Ubuntu will continue to evolve to a point where anyone can use it. I don't think it's there yet. I will be cheering for it though.

[KuriKai]

Windows is just too anoying to use

[linux phreak]

I chose ubuntu because i wanted to try something different and i found it to be secure and almost as fast as xp on my machine.I still have my XP and i use it alot too.Xp is a great OS and better than Vista IMO.

[ajclarkson]

Personally, I get sick of the flame wars that develop in the Windows V Linux community. The reasons I use ubuntu:

- I was interested in the open source movement and the idea that it would present me all new ways to destroy my PC by being naiive. (that was 4 years ago)
- I migrated away from ubuntu almost immediatley because i knew a guy who used SuSE and so he could help me with things...
- I left windows because when it crashes you cant play around with the workings and find out WHY.
- Free software... no Piracy.... whos complaining?
- I came back to ubuntu this week, because of its fantastic community, great support, and new found ability to run photoshop CS 2 under wine (goodbye xp virtual machine)

I am perfectly happy with the power of linux, it allows users of all skill levels do exactly what they need to, Windows does not have the flexibility of this. AT ALL.

[nothingspecial]

Speaking as someone who used Ubuntu before Windows, (to be fair, a friend set it all up for me) it`s easier. When my first pc died, I bought a laptop with Vista on it and installed Ubuntu within a week.
I didn`t like the way windows was so slow and annoying. I didn`t like the way I couldn`t just install programs that let me do what I wanted to do just by searching synaptic. I was a little scared of installing Ubuntu on my own but everything worked perfectly.
I run 3 "squeezeboxes" with slimserver. I download videos and convert them to play on iPod, play a few games and browse. That`s it. What do I need windows for?

[kenono]

I prefer the speed, the ease of use. I like the way I can have what I want installed, the way I want it on my own machine.
I also think Ubuntu looks nicer, that was another reason for my choice.
Vista? Transparent taskbar? So. Ubuntu does it without the expensive graphics card.

[brunolabs]

Because it is Free Software and "just works"!

[Jay Jay]

Ubuntu & Linux represent freedom and innovation, Windows & Microsoft represent restriction and imitation. Not a difficult choice :)

[mtgrocks04]

I use linux because of the freedom. I love linux, I can do anything I want. Configuration freedom is amazing with linux. I used to use ******* but it is simply less stable and I was tired of having to run multiple copies of different anti-spy and anti-virus software. It did take me a while to get the configuration set up, but it wasn't that big of a deal , ESPECIALLY with the community here, any problem I ran into I could come to the forums and make a post and have tons of responses on how to fix the issue(which is another big reason I use Linux). Anyways...thats my two cents.:)

[regomodo]

@ frankhdz

I've been where you are now. I got through it my not expecting anything from anybody and to ignore the hype. Pessimism works in Linux

[farruinn]

I think my top 3 reasons for using Ubuntu are:

1. Ubuntu/*nix makes a lot more "sense" to me than windows. I started as a Mac user and Windows is simply unintuitive. There is much more order and logic to a Unix system, to my mind anyway.

2. Ubuntu has this wonderful group of users who are supportive and helpful. Not helpful in that they're your tech support, but they help you to help yourself (excuse the cheesiness).

3. It's free, in every sense of the word. I just love that and it always amazes me that something as huge and complex as an entire operating system can be created by volunteers and made free. Cool.

Good luck with the problems you're facing right now and just keep in mind that with every release Ubuntu gets better and better and supports more hardware. So even if you go back to Windows for a while, check back in again and you might be pleasantly surprised.

PS
Oh, and Reason #4 would be the dpkg/apt system. Words can't express how much I love apt.

[farruinn]

Speaking as someone who used Ubuntu before Windows, (to be fair, a friend set it all up for me) it`s easier.
<snip>
What do I need windows for?

Way cool! I think this emphasizes the power and importance of projects like Edubuntu.

[Vitamin-Carrot]

I use both as the gamer in me requires some blood every now and then, I don’t user my windows gaming machine to surf the net and yet with a legit version of Xp pro all the updates and a good firewall I still manage to get spyware @_@

I’m more enthusiastic about ubuntu than I am with windows, people can tell just by my posts. Its free its stable it highly customizable you can play games on it despite the lack of large game studios developing for it, its safe and the community is much friendlier compared to the ones I usually visit. Each time I use it I learn something new and with ubuntu I feel like I belong. If I encounter an issue I fix it or ask for help.

Trust us any issue you have with this wonderful and free operating system is minor compared to having an issue with an operating system that you paid large amounts of cash for.

Stick to it, once its ironed out its a mean OS and like the rest of us you will be addicted.

Can I have my next hit now?

[money2themax]

Speaking as someone who used Ubuntu before Windows, (to be fair, a friend set it all up for me) it`s easier. When my first pc died, I bought a laptop with Vista on it and installed Ubuntu within a week.
I didn`t like the way windows was so slow and annoying. I didn`t like the way I couldn`t just install programs that let me do what I wanted to do just by searching synaptic. I was a little scared of installing Ubuntu on my own but everything worked perfectly.
I run 3 "squeezeboxes" with slimserver. I download videos and convert them to play on iPod, play a few games and browse. That`s it. What do I need windows for?
a squeezebox? is that like a thin client?

EDIT: Nevermind i remember it's that music player type thing

[billgoldberg]

I'm pretty sure i've already posted in this thread before, so i'll skip the obvious things.

1) you always discover new things. In windows, well there is windows and the programs.

Like yesterday I was looking around the web for ps3 linux distro's (i'm getting one next month and since I need a new pc to, i nailed 2 flies in 1 hit). It turned out that yellow dog linux is the best one and it used enlightment instead of gnome.

So I installed e17 and used it for a few hours, theming it, messing around with the settings, ...

insert countless other examples here

2) using the cli (terminal) makes me feel smarter and more computer savvy and my friends think i'm some sort of computer guru (wich i'm not)

3) the filesystem is alot more logical and easier

4) i like the fact there are no drives

5) I like that every program uses the same dependencies, thus saving harddrive space (even though I have more than 100gigs to spare).

6) man pages

7) the ever returning "is that vista?" or "how did you do that and how can I?" when friends come over and see the OS.

8) the fact that I now enjoy messing my system up and reinstalling it because then I can start custimizing it again.

[`Jon]

Not having to reboot after every install.

[k2t0f12d]

I've pretty much had it up to here with Ubuntu. So I wanna see why other people choose this OS over the functional OS that is Windows. To me it seems if you want Ubuntu to work correctly, you have to tweak a bunch of errors. It's like having a good looking son who doesn't know how to do ****.

So Please. Tell me why you choose Ubuntu. And you can't say compiz or beryl.

I didnt. I chose Debian. If you think Ubuntu is hard to work with, try installing Debian `Sarge'. I swtiched to Ubuntu during `Edgy Eft' until Debian `Etch' was released as the new stable. Now I use the current testing, Debian `Lenny', and keep a local x86 repo to service all my machines. I also have openSUSE 10.3 on a family members computer. If Ubuntu is too much hassle for you to handle, try openSUSE. All of the settings in that distro are GUI'ified for you.

EDIT: opps forgot to say, COMPIZ or BERYL :lolflag:

[jdunn]

I no longer use Windos XP simply because my XP desktop computer died recently during a power outage....Yes, I should have used a better quality surge protector. My other desktop has been running Kubuntu Linux for years and I can't say I miss having Windows XP very much, except maybe for certain games.

I can understand why people who have relied exclusively on MS Windows for years might have trouble adapting to Linux. However, people need patience (in some cases, extraordinary) and a willingness to learn. These forums are an invaluable resource for solving Linux problems, even if replies sometimes are a longtime coming. Compare that to MS support...which is almost nonexistent, unless you pay $64 US dollars per phone call. I've never found the MS forums helpful and none of my MS-related problems have ever been solved through there...And if you think everything with MS is easy, try removing any Norton application, or try fix/cleaning the MS registery, or try removing spyware/malware/virus, or simply try Vista :p. Linux is not for everyone and that's why I fail to understand why some people bash linux openly on these forums after they have a failed experience.

I started using Linux around 2000-2001 with Mandrake. Then I used Suse for a while. I tried Gentoo briefly. Then, three years ago, I switched to Kubuntu. Sadly, I still needed a Windows PC after my XP computer died because I sometimes need to run Visual C++. I was forced to buy a laptop recently with Vista on it. Vista is a joke...maybe it will improve after the first service patch.

[money2themax]

I didnt. I chose Debian. If you think Ubuntu is hard to work with, try installing Debian `Sarge'. I swtiched to Ubuntu during `Edgy Eft' until Debian `Etch' was released as the new stable. Now I use the current testing, Debian `Lenny', and keep a local x86 repo to service all my machines. I also have openSUSE 10.3 on a family members computer. If Ubuntu is too much hassle for you to handle, try openSUSE. All of the settings in that distro are GUI'ified for you.

EDIT: opps forgot to say, COMPIZ or BERYL :lolflag:
hey i like SuSE thats my fave distro

[agim]

Configurability, stability, safety, the amazing tools and all of the things to learn.
One of my new favorite phrases has become: If its not broken, fix it until it is.

Edit: And of course, the 3d desktop.

[Dojan5]

Personally, I'm amazed at how fast Windows XP can run when you don't install anything. I keep a Windows XP partition around for gaming.

My friends fathes old laptop, for NT4.0...
Hmm, his father installed XP last week...
The only thing upgraded is his HDD...
It has 128 MB RAM ?mb harddrive space and 660 MhZ

Hahaha. I almost got mad at my friends father, i yelled, Why did he ruin this computer?

Anywho i use Ubuntu, hmm, because my XP cd was broken and i had some ubuntu gutsy cd's
So i decided to install gutsy since i had a new hdd without an OS so i installed ubuntu and im happy

[frankhdz]

I fail to understand why some people bash linux openly on these forums after they have a failed experience.

You answered your own question. it's not very much fun spending weeks just to get your graphic card working. I think they should work with a couple of hours at the very least of dealing with the problem.

[CrazyArcher]

Never had problems with XP, last time I had to reformat the HDD and reinstall the system was with Win2K. I don't know how people manage to ruin their computers, XP always 'just worked' for me. There wasn't a single time when my PC froze under XP and I couldn't do anything but reboot the hard way. I installed Linux for experimentation and finding out what it is like. I have a dual-boot machine now, but with Vista beeing sucky, I guess that in a few years I'll drop Win completely.
Speaking about Office 2007, I have to say that MS created a good product. I love the new interface and like it better than OpenOffice. Open is good for everyday stuff, but for heavy spreadsheet work and word-processing I'd pick 2007.

[tango_ninja]

hehe I personally chose Ubuntu over Windows because of a system error.

My computer (winxp) froze, so i restarted. Next thing I know windows can't read the hard disk. Can't book from CD because the (wonderful) windows software can't detect my hardware.

I happened to have a Ubuntu bootable cd lying around, popped it in and lo and behold! it could detect my hard drive. Installed, configured and everything works fine.

I may partition my drive and reinstall windows if I ever get around to burning a winXP bootable with the neccessary HD drivers, but as long as Ubuntu keeps bringing me everything I need I'm in no rush.....

PS Ubuntu hasn't brought me everything I needed yet....I'm looking for a VPN client to RDP to my desktop @ work. If you know of anything that can help please reply to this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4345791

[money2themax]

hehe I personally chose Ubuntu over Windows because of a system error.

My computer (winxp) froze, so i restarted. Next thing I know windows can't read the hard disk. Can't book from CD because the (wonderful) windows software can't detect my hardware.

I happened to have a Ubuntu bootable cd lying around, popped it in and lo and behold! it could detect my hard drive. Installed, configured and everything works fine.

I may partition my drive and reinstall windows if I ever get around to burning a winXP bootable with the neccessary HD drivers, but as long as Ubuntu keeps bringing me everything I need I'm in no rush.....

PS Ubuntu hasn't brought me everything I needed yet....I'm looking for a VPN client to RDP to my desktop @ work. If you know of anything that can help please reply to this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=4345791
what is VPN for/do?

[Juleshu]

Ubuntu (and linux) sux. I can't use Itunes, my favorite program, and amarok and GTKpod, rhythmbox and every other ipod compatible program will not read my ipod, play any of the songs, and even if it did (I had all that working when I tried ubuntu earlier), you can't do half the stuff you can do in itunes and everything is much harder to use.

I can't get my ATI drivers installed, they break Xorg. I've spent I would say about 25 hours trying to fix this. It's been fun, I enjoy a challenge, but screw you ubuntu. I didn't buy dual monitors just to fill up my desktop. I'd like to be able to use them.

EVERYTHING in ubuntu, even the most simple of task which took only seconds to perform in windows literally takes hours in ubuntu. Problems cause more problems, searching leads to more searching. It's one gigantic headache.

For instance, peerguardian. If I want to install it, I download it and click the setup program. It installs. It works. On linux? I have to type tons of commands, crazy problems will crop up and I'll be lucky if it works at all.

Vista really is an ok os. I'm going to go reboot right now and pick it in Grub and I'll be taken to a happy little place where everything works. bye bye ubuntu. this time it's for good.

[tango_ninja]

VPN is a virtual private network. It basically allows your remote machine to act as if it is a local machine on a network somewhere (in this case, my workplace).

[farruinn]

Ubuntu (and linux) sux. I can't use Itunes, my favorite program...

I'm sorry you've had a sour experience with Ubuntu, but I think it comes down to the expectations you had coming in. It's simply not reasonable to think that every proprietary piece of software out there written for Windows or OS X will work in Linux. Yes, other music players may be different and I too like to use iTunes, but you have to be open to new ways of doing things. This also applies to your comment about simple tasks taking hours to do in Linux. I have no clue what you're talking about, but I can think of no examples I've run into.

Also, there isn't a version of peerguardian for Linux, so you're obviously making a statement about it being difficult without having tried. On top of that, there isn't a version for Vista either, so your argument doesn't have much weight.

[Ojama10]

only OS ps3 runs easily

[NoSmokingBandit]

only OS ps3 runs easily

Is it worth it to get a usb keyboard/mouse so i can run linux on my ps3? I hear its awesome, but is it really as good as they say?

[sayakb]

Sigh.. too much to read.. So Im just putting my own opinion here.. I love the UI, the speed, the security and the customizability.. That makes me go for Ubuntu..

[msferoz85]

Linux is a zillion times better than Windows!! Geeks will know it much better than the oh-so-cool-socialite-computer-users-who-think-computer-is-an-inevitable-necessity-just-like-bills.

Moreover, Windows is just an operating system, that urges you to keep shedding your wallet. Get Linux at a low cost or completely free, and you get dozens of high quality applications built-in!! Firefox (browser), GIMP (Photoshop-substitute), and OpenOffice (duh!!), just to name a few!!

And trust me, most of them are far superior to their Windows counterpart!!

[msferoz85]

I hope that didn't sound inflammatory!:(

[Zeroangel]

The no adware/spyware thing and all of the other common reasons listed apply to me as well -- but I find that I like linux for entirely different reasons as well.

First of all, it is as if I'm part of a movement. I have been using Ubuntu since Breezy and to me it is like watching a small child become an adult. The maturity of linux has become such that it is gaining on Windows for User Friendliness.

Second, I was tired of things breaking -- the inability to install whatever I wanted (even with research) to find only that after awhile windows becomes slow, or it gradually starts breaking. I got tired of having to keep my defenses up, firewalls, AV, AS programs. It is probably insecure to do so, but I have my computer as the gateway to our network, and am confident that it is secure against attack, even with all its defenses not up. Because I have been using Ubuntu, bare to the metal, for a long time. I could never do that with Windows.

Third, I wanted freedom. People say 'open source' and 'you can do what you want' -- but what does this mean to the average user like me?

Well to me it means that any possibility I wish to realize in linux can be done with enough effort or waiting.

I wanted once to realize the ability to browse securely, and this wish was answered when I learned how to proxy over SSH.

I wanted to find a way to use my computer while I was away from it. And I got this done by apt-get installing "vncserver".

I wanted a full LAMP server and development environment which was secure against assault without me having to do excessive locking down. And got it right away.

I started using Compiz-Fusion, started wanting to really customize the look and feel of my system.

Well for Windows, theres Windowsblinds and things like Deskspace -- and some of these eyecandy like Deskspace even hinder productivity. Not for me, not with Compiz. I have mastured every gesture of scale, cube and expo to accomplish things faster.

Speaking of productivity. I like how Vista is more secure than XP, but I hate how it asks me if i'm sure I want to do something whenever I run a program. Listen, I just want to USE my OS. With Ubuntu, if I am asked for my password, its because i'm doing something that changes the system. I'm clicking on yes its because I know what i'm doing, not trying to secure myself against an OS riddled with an uncountable number of fault points.

[NoSmokingBandit]

IMO, there are 3 qualities an operating system can possess: Programs, Stability, Hardware compatibility.
The problem is, all the major os's only have 2 of these qualities.
Windows has the ability to run all of the big name programs on every piece of hardware, but its not as stable as OsX and Linux.
OsX can run all of the big name programs and is very stable, but is severly limited in terms of hardware.
Linux is stable and runs on almost all hardware, but doesnt have the support of the big software companies.

Out of the 3, only two can be fixed: Windows and Linux. OsX will not run on generic hardware as long as Jobs runs the joint, so they are stuck where they are.
If a miracle happens and MS releases a *nix-based OS then they will have the stability needed to make everyone happy.
If a miracle happened and Adobe realized that linux is a valid customer base then linux will have every quality needed to make everyone happy.
Thats why i use all 3 operating systems. I dont think one is better than the other, but each has its flaws and high points.

[jpl80]

Ubuntu is a hands-on operating system. You do have to work at it a little to get it to work correctly. After you learn how to use it, it is actually more intuitive than Windows. You also have more control that you don't get in Windows.

Try telling Windows not to start up certain processes upon boot. Try telling Microsoft that you would like a package manager (that actually works) to install and delete programs. Try telling Microsoft that you would like to customize the install of Windows to include only bear essentials.

[spupy]

1. Reason: I can't install Windows. Yeah, i paid for an OS that when installing wipes clean my whole 100GB drive. So my laptop was not with Windows included, but with ONE windows installation included. Thanks! After i found out i can't reinstall my borked Windows, i got an Ubuntu CD...

2. Reason: This is just and illustratory example: I do 5 shortcuts/keystrokes/clicks in 3 seconds. In Linux i wait 5 seconds, and all commands get executed. In Windows i wait 10 seconds and Explorer dies for 20 minutes.

I realize that Linux might have changed my working habits. I can't imagine working with Windows. Sadly, in work we use windows, and i feel like i have one arm cut off. Windows just can't offer me the tools i need and the OS simply can't catch up to my speed/habits of working.

[nat6138]

I'm sorry ... did you say Windows was functional?

Yes, actually it is. Unfortunately Ubuntu doesn't like my desktop at all, and yet Windows runs better than Ubuntu ever would.

Just depends on what it is running on.

[heathenos]

i choose Ubuntu because i like the gui (gnome), and it's easy for me to do my programming homework.

[saxuntu]

Ubuntu's "functionality" really depends on what you expect and what hardware you run. My laptop (HP dv2109nr) works fine with Ubuntu. The only problem i've had i knew could be a problem. And the speed and peace of mind (no virus or malware) is worth it to me.

[bharadwaj]

its only the passion that matters for a geek it does'nt matter in which platform he works. But I find linux more passionate about its customisaton or work environment....

[sp0nge]

I chose Ubuntu becuase it has been more stable overall than XP was for me. I constantly had to reboot my machines with Windows, Often when I was in mid project, I had to save all and restart. Windows seems to emulate a human in that on start up it's born and will die at some point. If not a simple reboot, there is always the dreaded BSOD whic can strike at any time for any reason.

Also, I have noticed most script kiddies out there are hunting for exploits and more often, they will have a bigger effect due to the number of windows machines out there.

And ubuntu makes a user understand the machine. Understanding the command line and packet managers is vital to a *nix user. Windows allows users to be complacent with the GUI and in many cases, turns them to stone when forced to deal with DOS.

I use Ubuntu because I want the machine to do what I tell it. Not what Bill Gates feels it should do.

[xjgnsdof]

Windows is omnipresent because that's what everyone uses, and everyone uses Windows because it's omnipresent. But, since when has everyone known what was best for them? Usually, they don't. That having been said, Ubuntu is superior to Windows in every way if you're willing to put the time in.

[BLTicklemonster]

I've pretty much had it up to here with Ubuntu. So I wanna see why other people choose this OS over the functional OS that is Windows. To me it seems if you want Ubuntu to work correctly, you have to tweak a bunch of errors. It's like having a good looking son who doesn't know how to do ****.

So Please. Tell me why you choose Ubuntu. And you can't say compiz or beryl.

Definitely NOT compiz or beryl. I use it because it's free, and tweakable, and a challenge. Yeah, and I have a love hate relationship with it, too. lol

[yerf]

We changed to ubuntu about 2 months ago and have never looked back. I installed it and it just worked. When you tell it to do something it just does it! None of this " are you really really really quite positive you want to do this?" crap.:)

[littlemog]

did someone say free?

1. FREE, (no $$ required)
2. FREEd my old 2nd hand PC from obselete to Fantastic!
3. FREE software
4. FREE of viruses
5. FREE of lag

[money2themax]

Windows is omnipresent because that's what everyone uses, and everyone uses Windows because it's omnipresent. But, since when has everyone known what was best for them? Usually, they don't. That having been said, Ubuntu is superior to Windows in every way if you're willing to put the time in.
yup i chose linux in general because i think not learning is a waste of time if it has no educational value it's not worth doing

[ubanto]

I'll just post my own reasons:

first the ones that aren't based on personal taste and inclination

1. No Virus, spyware, adware, etc.
2. I always have updated system and software at no cost. Not only you can't have the same on Windows, you cannot even have that on a Mac. I'm stuck with OS X 10.3.9, and if I'd want to have the latest FREE software I should update at least to 10.4 paying Apple for that.MAcFUSE, latest Adium, and a lot of other good Free software requires a minimum of 10.4. Soon it will be the same with XP / Vista. Yes, and Ubuntu is updated every six months.
3. I always have updated software for free. Now, when you read a comparison between OpenOffice and MS Office, they always compare latest versions of both. This is unfair, since with Openoffice you can always have the latest for free, while if you have installed an old version of MS Office you don't have all the features of the current, and you have to pay an update (or a full new licence in many cases) if you want to have them.
4. System-integrated apps. There are many things that Ubuntu (or any other Linux and *BSD distro) does 'out of the box', while Windows and Mac requires paid software to perform. I'll name a few of them, but I'm sure I cannot think of everything now: Advanced CD/DVD mastering (requires Nero or Toast on Windows and Mac), Office suite, Syncing capabilities, SSH client, advanced photo editing, advanced email client with planning and PIM integration. In other words, plug a device to an Ubuntu box, or insert a media, or discover you need a peculiar function, and it is already there and well integrated- and if it isn't you can have that for free- while on Windows and Mac you have to pay for extra software to do the same.
5. I own my data for real. I don't understand why people doesn't take seriosly this issue despite the many real-life cases. The company where I used to work until Dec. used to save their files in the world's most popular word processor proprietary format, and still does. The world's most popular proprietary format for word processing was once Wordstar2000. The result is they cannot access anymore their own archive prior to 1993, which is saved in that format. Yet, they laughed when I suggested that one day the same might happen for the .doc and the .docx formats.

And now the biased reasons:

6. Gnome interface is simply better than Windows. Things are where they are supposed to be, and not in three places in the hope that you can at least find one when you're searching.
7. It's a Unix like system. If something goes wrong, you can go in the directories from terminal and fix the configuration files with EMACS. (Ubuntu lacks the perfect order of BSD systems in this, but I can't see a comparable BSD based Desktop as of today)
8. Crashes less. I know, this isn't bias, but I don't have proofs.
9. Highly customizable look and feel. To skin windows you need pesky apps.
10. Windows has been designed with a mentality of use and work that is the exact opposite of mine. I had to work on Win2000 and Xp for three years 8 to 12 hours a day. I was a Mac user before that. Now Ubuntu is my main desktop.


And now a few things of the mac that I miss on Ubuntu:
1. Paid applications. I know this may sound contraddictory, but I used to work with Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, etc, and then record my music for hobby with Logic and a ton of Virtual Instruments and samples (Exs and NI Kompact formats) that I paid good money and I'm afraid will never run on Ubuntu. On the other hand Gimp is quite good, and Kompozer (heir to nvu) doesn't make me miss Dreamweaver much.
2. Stability. Gnome sometimes crashes (while the underlying system doesn't) more than my Mac ever did (in fact, I can say it never did).
3. Growl. Please bring a similar notification tool on Ubuntu!!! Both useful and graphically appealing!
4. Exposé. No wait. I have that on Ubuntu too now (Compiz Fusion-Scale)!!!
5. CoreAudio. It sits there and I never have to deal with him. I cannot say the same of ALSA.

[Shippou]

I chose Linux with this fact first in mind: to be unique.

Here in our dormitory, everyone uses Windows - XP SP2, Vista Home Basic, Vista Ultimate, Vista Starter. Well, the problem is, they (or most of them) ARE CRACKED! Well I know you all personally do not like cracked software and for your OS to be branded as pirated or fake.

Well, before switching to Kubuntu, I also considered alternatives and debated things on my mind. There is an application here known as BORGChat - a LAN chat application. It is widely used here to,what else, chat.

Well, before Kubuntu I tried Linux when I got this imgkulot virus, specifically Linux Mint Cassandra. I would say that it is hard to use, maybe because it is my first time to run Linux in my computer and maybe because of Windows mentality, After sometime, I re--installed Windows XP again and also tried Windows Vista.

I found Vista to be frustrating, so once again I searched the Linux world for a good distro, and asking my classmates of a good distro. My classmate has Ubuntu running on his laptop (which previously has vista installed and which he also uninstalled), so I got the inspiration to run Ubuntu.

Why Ubuntu? First it is tailored (for me) for users who still has that Windows attitude, In short it is user-friendly, And also I liked the prospect of what the others say about Linux in general - tweaking the default settings and making your computer run how you would like it to be.

Also, Ubuntu is not that resource-hog. Anyone wants to have a fast-running computer, right? This is also one of the factors that was in my mind when I thought of installing Ubuntu. But then my journey does not end here, for I am still searching for a faster OS (meaning not that so much resource-hog, esp. on RAM). See my thread entitled Survey in Other OS Talk). I first considered installing permanently Knoppix, for it has java compiler already installed and requires a maximum of 128MB RAM to run most applications. But after finding out that it is difficult to install and remove, I backed out. I wasn't ready for the challenge yet.

Another thing - Ubuntu is free and easy to obtain.Just go to their site and download the iso file, or have someone else to do it for you. Then burn it and try it. Then, if you want, install it.

And of course my main reason of choosing Linux over Windows in general - the feeling of being unique without feeling isolated. :)

[erealz]

it fast way, way , way, freaken fast!

[ShodanjoDM]

Freedom is calling,
Linux is waiting,
And Ubuntu chooses me.

...

:guitar:

[sayakb]

10 reasons why I use Linux:

1. No viruses/trojans/malwares
2. Speed
3. Customizability
4. Ease of installation of new packages
5. It's FREE :D
6. Audio clarity
7. A lot better UI than WinXP
8. CLI is vast and versatile
9. The power to hide my personal files :D
10. Protection from WinPCap utilities that my friends use on the LAN

[Oldsoldier2003]

there are a lot... really

a few practical ones:
no viruses, adware, spyware... whatever all that is called
you don't need to reinstall, just keep upgrading. at least debian based distros such as ubuntu
stability. it just _is_ more stable.

and once you know more about linux, you'll realise that you can tweak it as you want it, customize it to your needs.

plus you don't support an unethical monopolistic company.

my suggestions if you play games: dual boot with windows (games) and ubuntu (everything else)
go here: ubuntuguide.org

Amen! I've originally installed Ubuntu after a windows "episode" about a year ago. At first I was hesitant but now I'm a believer. I only maintain a small windows installation for playing games and using some applicationsfor which I haven't found an acceptable linux replacement.

[toa]

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, Im dual booting windows and ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice and all but I dont see anything that would make me prefer it over windows.The only thing i have been using ubuntu for is web browsing playing music/movies (cant play games) which I can do better/hassle free in windows.

So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?

This is a long topic, mainly:

1. Linux is cost effective (FREE) for personal use
2. XP is getting old and microsoft will pull back support for offering Vista same happened with Win98 for XP
3. Linux is the fastest developing OS
4. Windows developers are numbered with companies, Linux developers are users and communities and companies all overthe world

5. Why is Microsoft is thinking about Open Source
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/132504.asp?from=blog_last3
http://www.microsoft.com/opensource/default.mspx

[AgentZ86]

Because it's there !!!!

LOL, why use Windows when you have linux is the real question.

And all the strings attached to Windows, like ( I have to purchase virus software because the windows OS stinks sooooo bad that I'm forced to buy other things. Or use some other free alternative to virus software which in many cases is packed full of other problematic spyware etc. which then creates a paradox to purchase spyware blockers etc etc.

So my question is Why use Windows when you can Use linux. I'ts fun,easy and mostly free unless you decide to pad yourself on the back and make a generous donation. Which many people do, and enjoy actually do so as opposed to being forced to pay for something they don't even really want.

Why use windows when you can use linux ????

I think is a great question.

It's elementary really.
:guitar:

[darksong]

I will use Linux when they make the build up of the operating system idiot proof. - With windows i know where all my programs are, my user files etc. With Linux i don't know what is installed where, windows everything under program files.

I don't think Linux will be ready for main stream until the devs start to make changes for the user like me who can't be assed to wade through forums and help files to do some simple tasks.

[sjelliott]

To anybody who says Linux is to hard to install/ manage, I've got news for you. I put it on an old computer I bought from the pawn shop because I could'nt afford to replace the pirated copy of windows with a "real" one. It worked so well I almost forgot I had a " real " widows computer. My 10 year old daughter saw it and wanted to try it. I handed a cd to her and told to have fun. Did'nt take her long to figure out the whole process and get it up and running all by herself. Makes me fee more secure that I no longer have to worry about virus and spyware .I have since converted my windows box to Ubuntu and only keep the laptop with windows for work.

[NoSmokingBandit]

LOL, why use Windows when you have linux is the real question.


The entire line of Adobe programs, the fact that linux has no good recording software, in windows i know my hardware will work and if it doesnt drivers are always out there (in linux if your hardware doesnt work you are fooked until someone writes a driver), the linux file hierarchy really doesnt make sense when comparing it to Osx or windows...

Thats what is keeping me on XP. I can deal with not knowing where system files are, but the rest of that list cant be ignored from my point of view. Not that all of it is the fault of linux, but it still keeps me from switching over.

[yowshi]

The entire line of Adobe programs, the fact that linux has no good recording software, in windows i know my hardware will work and if it doesnt drivers are always out there (in linux if your hardware doesnt work you are fooked until someone writes a driver), the linux file hierarchy really doesnt make sense when comparing it to Osx or windows...

Thats what is keeping me on XP. I can deal with not knowing where system files are, but the rest of that list cant be ignored from my point of view. Not that all of it is the fault of linux, but it still keeps me from switching over.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AHEM...
I am not sure what recording software you need but i am certain that someone out there has written it, i am able to find everything i need with linux as for drivers even my nvidia 8800 video card is supported by drivers and i hear that nvidia stuff is a bit of a tough one support wise. and what about the file hierarchy doesnt make sense to you. i am a relative newbie on linux and i have found from day one that finding any system file is easier and faster on linux then it ever was in windows

[NoSmokingBandit]

AHEM...
I am not sure what recording software you need but i am certain that someone out there has written it, i am able to find everything i need with linux as for drivers even my nvidia 8800 video card is supported by drivers and i hear that nvidia stuff is a bit of a tough one support wise. and what about the file hierarchy doesnt make sense to you. i am a relative newbie on linux and i have found from day one that finding any system file is easier and faster on linux then it ever was in windows
i've been to the guitar thread many times seeing if somehas written decent reocording software. All linux has is Audacity and Ardour. Neither of those are really great like Cakewalk, Audition, or all the other ones.
How is nvidia tough? They have the drivers on their own website! Go buy a random wifi dongle and plug it in, chances are you will need to do some fancy tricks to get it to work. I had to for my linksys WUSB54Gv4, which is a very popular dongle.
Linux's filesystem bothers me because if i want to find a program in windows i go "C:\Program Files". In OsX i go to "/Applications". Where does on go in linux? I've never found an organized folder with my binaries in it in linux. Maybe i didnt look hard enough, but it shouldnt be hard to get to.

[AgentZ86]

I will use Linux when they make the build up of the operating system idiot proof. - With windows i know where all my programs are, my user files etc. With Linux i don't know what is installed where, windows everything under program files.

I don't think Linux will be ready for main stream until the devs start to make changes for the user like me who can't be assed to wade through forums and help files to do some simple tasks.

That is incorrect, there are registry files installed all over the place on windows and it overwrites things which is why you get error messages. I dare you to delete some of those known program files and see what happens when you boot.
You will get all kinds of errors, thats because there are things installed in the registry that.

But I don't really have a problem with knowing where the stuff is installed one way or the other, thats why both OS's have a search for files tool.

Also with the package installer in ubuntu and others have a similar type freespire/linspire etc. This is not really a big deal.

I'm not sure what you mean about ready for main stream this is the main stream, and i'ts growing fast.

I'm even selling Ubuntu computers on ebay, I've just started that project. considering tech support for this also with remote tech support option perhaps coming soon.

But even Dell sells Linux loaded computers and Walmart thats pretty mainstream.

Well, happy posting.:)

[AgentZ86]

To anybody who says Linux is to hard to install/ manage, I've got news for you. I put it on an old computer I bought from the pawn shop because I could'nt afford to replace the pirated copy of windows with a "real" one. It worked so well I almost forgot I had a " real " widows computer. My 10 year old daughter saw it and wanted to try it. I handed a cd to her and told to have fun. Did'nt take her long to figure out the whole process and get it up and running all by herself. Makes me fee more secure that I no longer have to worry about virus and spyware .I have since converted my windows box to Ubuntu and only keep the laptop with windows for work.

You said it,
Why use Windows when I can use linux, that all there is to it.
:guitar:

[AgentZ86]

i've been to the guitar thread many times seeing if somehas written decent reocording software. All linux has is Audacity and Ardour. Neither of those are really great like Cakewalk, Audition, or all the other ones.
How is nvidia tough? They have the drivers on their own website! Go buy a random wifi dongle and plug it in, chances are you will need to do some fancy tricks to get it to work. I had to for my linksys WUSB54Gv4, which is a very popular dongle.
Linux's filesystem bothers me because if i want to find a program in windows i go "C:\Program Files". In OsX i go to "/Applications". Where does on go in linux? I've never found an organized folder with my binaries in it in linux. Maybe i didnt look hard enough, but it shouldnt be hard to get to.

HMM why would anyone buy something off the shelf that might not work on linux, or windows for that matter ??

You have to get hardware thats compatible of course that would make your experience a whole lot better, but that simply elementary.

I do a little research and get what I need for my linux system come home and either plug it in or simply install the driver like any other OS out there. There's no problem.

But for something like recording I guess the up front available package might not be easy to find and just download if it's even available, etc. but also it's not that popular either. How many people are really recording versus browsing and printing etc.

I mean other then my brother who is a video producer and has a audio studio etc. I don't even know anyone else that has a need for recording stuff on any OS for that matter.

Anyhow I agree that for recording perhaps their are more options on Win or OSx, but thats a more selective target market and not the general population.

Thats my opinion anyhow.
:popcorn:

[wesswei]

um... it's free.

[Dark-Penguin]

well i haven't posted in a while but here's how I see this comparison.

I am from the old world of DOS, Win 3.1, 3.11...etc...etc..

Window$ is a great program. Plug & Pray (Play) for the most part is a great concept. There are a lot of companies that are on board to make money so they make it a priority to be able to make sure their software/hardware works with Window$

Here's my main issue with Windows and the software vendors. IT'S NOT FREE. There's NO open source Window$. If you have a problem with it YOU can't redesign it. You LEGALLY have to wait from Micros$oft to realize there's a problem and make changes.

What I don't like about Linux is that I've had to do a lot of configuration to get things to work but That's because the hardware companies aren't writing too many drivers for linux. (Case in point) - My wireless. I had to use the windows drivers with ndiswrapper in order to get it to work. I had to stop using the wireless card because it kept logging me off of Ubuntu and taking me back to the login screen.

I have an nVidia graphics controller and it was a bear to get it going but again all of this had little to do with linux. It has everything to do with these vendors who aren't making drivers for linux.

Now let me see, what can I say that is bad about Linux...so far nothing. Actually I'm using Ubuntu right now.

The OS is free and it's open source. It comes WITH an Office Suite (Open Office) for FREE. You can get free programs and a lot of them are open source. Window$ can't make the same claim

[yowshi]

nvidia support isnt open source and i had problems getting it to work right a year ago when i started with ubuntu.

see when i built my new system here i wasnt aware of all the hardware complications that could arise. so i bought what i knew to be good and decently priced. if i had it to do over again i would buy a ati card instead since they are making open source drivers and stuff

[Placified]

First off the light weight design lets me multi task like windows will never let me do. In fact most of the time I run a light weight windowsxp in vmware on one side of my cube.

Then there is the fact that I dont have to pirate software. Enough said there.

I can play alot of games between codega and wine. but usualy I just boot up windows if I want to play something realy new.

I dont have to worry about maleware bloatware spyware or viruses.

Everything is Modular. I can install ubuntu and pick any desktop enviroment I want. Any kernel I want, or build my own to suit my needs.

Ubuntu looks better and I don't have to spend 50 bucks a piece for 3 aplications to customize it.

Did I mention I use 2% of one core of my 3.4ghz dual core processor nad only a quarter of my 2Gb or ram

I could keep going but I'm sure what I don't get to the others either have already or will.

[NoSmokingBandit]

You have to get hardware thats compatible of course that would make your experience a whole lot better, but that simply elementary.

I do a little research and get what I need for my linux system come home and either plug it in or simply install the driver like any other OS out there. There's no problem.

The average user isnt going to think "linux might not like this piece of hardware im going to buy, i should check into that." The average user is going to say "this is a computer peripheral, it should work."
I have yet to find hardware that doesnt work in XP.

[ellalan]

Hi everyone
I had XP and now I have installed Ubuntu and a happy man.
Ubuntu is faster than XP and it is beautiful.
My desktop(OS:Ubuntu,512MB RAM, 10GB HD, PentiumIII)
Internet speed: 5376kb/s Down, 448kb/s Up.

My laptop(OS:Vista, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, Intel dual core)
Internet speed: 4001kb/s Down, 373kb/s Up

Both with the same ISP and I use them without wireless router.

[joe.turion64x2]

The average user isnt going to think "linux might not like this piece of hardware im going to buy, i should check into that." The average user is going to say "this is a computer peripheral, it should work."
I have yet to find hardware that doesnt work in XP.
Have you tried legacy hardware?

On the other hand Linux works really them with legacy devices, it just needs a little while to get used to the brand new ones.

Thanks.
Joe.

[zetetic]

I will use Linux when they make the build up of the operating system idiot proof. - With windows i know where all my programs are, my user files etc. With Linux i don't know what is installed where, windows everything under program files.

I don't think Linux will be ready for main stream until the devs start to make changes for the user like me who can't be assed to wade through forums and help files to do some simple tasks.

You are lying. What's de purpose of commands like "whereis <pakage-name>", "dpkg -L <package-name>", dpkg -S <filename>', "find <directory> -name <string>", "mlocate", etc??

It's way easier on GNU/Linux to find anything you want, starting with package or user files.

Also it seems you have never cared to read something about GNU/Linux filesystem structure!

And if you think Windows saves all program files on "C:\Program Files" you only show one more time your incredible ignorance!

How about "C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings\Application Data", C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data", C:\Windows\System32, etc??

Also in Windows the majority of Programs have great parts of its configuration on hidden, unfamiliar and strange registry directories!

As a matter of fact, with only one post you are able to show all your ignorance not just about Linux but also about Windows!

Congratulations!

[AgentZ86]

The average user isnt going to think "linux might not like this piece of hardware im going to buy, i should check into that." The average user is going to say "this is a computer peripheral, it should work."
I have yet to find hardware that doesnt work in XP.

Lots and lots of hardware doesn't work in XP

When I first went from win98 to win2k I could not use my printer,webcam, and game joystick, the driver for the printer I found for win2k and only printed in black and this was all very recent and newish hardware, so I figured oh well why fight it I'll just go and get some other hardware and then got new webcam,printer, and joystick, then they updated to winxp and I had a similar problem, but then later xp drivers came out even though I thought xp was suppose to be basically similar to 2k, but as it turned out I had to go buy more hardware again. So I'm all too familiar with the hardware merry go round and yes, most people will just buy the stuff like I did thinking it will work.
In addition I recall when these transformation were occuring I had to read the side of the box to be sure these hardware items would work with the windows version that I had.
This is not different, however with linux of course it won't say on the side of the box, in most cases.

But to seriously conclude this topic , I also had problems in my transition to linux mainly because I was trying to make linux work on my existing hardware which from the start was installed by default in the kernel or modules loaded. I found that once I figured out what hardware was known to be compatible it was all too easy to install and use my computer with linux, and I must say much more enjoyable then I've ever had with any windows computer.

Bye the way I'm a computer tech and most of my customers are windows users who are having windows problems and need the system reloaded or cleaned up a bit. I do get hardware repairs also but most are Windows OS related repairs. I do like that part about windows. But if I have linux with compatible hardware why would I ever want to go back to windows.

NO,NO,NO no me ever.

Even Brazil has now stopped putting money into the development of closed source programs and all government funding for software development must be open source.
Thats a whole country full of open source development now.

It's just a matter of time now, one person at a time, a community of computer programmers not just users now.

Well happy hacking.


Anyow

[kirios]

Expect more of the same if you "upgrade" to Vista!
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2266974,00.asp


When I first went from win98 to win2k I could not use my printer,webcam, and game joystick, the driver for the printer I found for win2k and only printed in black and this was all very recent and newish hardware, so I figured oh well why fight it I'll just go and get some other hardware and then got new webcam,printer, and joystick, then they updated to winxp and I had a similar problem, but then later xp drivers came out even though I thought xp was suppose to be basically similar to 2k, but as it turned out I had to go buy more hardware again.

[mattman85]

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, Im dual booting windows and ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice and all but I dont see anything that would make me prefer it over windows.The only thing i have been using ubuntu for is web browsing playing music/movies (cant play games) which I can do better/hassle free in windows.

So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?

My reason for adding Ubuntu to my dual-boot laptop was because, I have a degree in Computer Science, and am working on a second bachelors degree in Computer Forensics. But you can't expect everywhere to run Windows. I wanted to explore the functionality of *NIX, as most companies list it as a plus to know *NIX. I just had to choose a flavor. At college, we are using Solaris 10 in an Advanced Topics in Computer Forensics class. It's labeled as "Linux" Forensics, even though Solaris is UNIX, not Linux. But I have dabbled in BSD (UNIX), SUSE, RH, Mandrake, DSL, Fedora, and Ubuntu. Ubuntu grabbed my attention. and I have been using it for a year now.

[NoSmokingBandit]

Expect more of the same if you "upgrade" to Vista!
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2266974,00.asp

Same as upgrading to Leopard. Apple bashes vista for not supporting printers but after i upgraded from tiger to leo my printer was no longer recognized.
Linux works with most old hardware but not most new hardware. I'd rather use an OS that will like the brand new computer i bought instead of having to dig out my old dinosaur to use linux.

[ImpressMe]

I don't. The software is too amateurish if it as all available, and the lack of support of monitor and colour profiles there is not much to do for me in Linux.

I have been trying it out for 3 years now on a small partition, and my needs are simply too professional for it. I had to reinstall it 4 times during these 3 years, did not have to do it with XP... AND if I would ever need Linux software it is available for Windows anyway.

[Ramune]

Well, I haven't read through all of these posts, so everything I say has probably already been answered, but I guess I could be reinforcement. I would prefer Linux over windows because of no viruses/adware, it's all open source, it runs on older machines, rarely crashes (and even if it does, it's unlikely there'll be a filesystem error on reboot), and the filesystem is simply better (for example, you never have to defragment the hard drive). My two cents.

[trig]

I had a gateway 2000 made in 98. It had windows 98 on it when my wife found it tossed in the trash. She tried to put xp on it and it didnt even want to load. so my buddy zerhache told me about it. i got a ubuntu disc and it ran well. I have crashed the kernnal once, erased lib6, had to reinstall because i was having to much fun in it. mind you i dont know very much about linux, but it is fun to do. in a world of vast oceans and enormous icebergs, why do we need windows and gate,
trig

[molom]

There is simply three reasons you would ever need to run windows and that is because you work with a company that has to use Windows formats (compatible .doc and so on) or you are specialized you need a Windows app therefore need Windows to run it or you are a gamer. There is no other reason to use windows. Reasons to use linux over Windows:
- Faster
- Stabler
- No BSOD's
- Customizable
- More choices
- Free (The biggest reason
- No viruses, spyware and all that rubbish
- No need for antiviruses and so on
- No need for registry cleaning and defragging
- Nearly all apps are free
- And some others I can't think of

If you talk about Mac, the only things Mac doesn't have is:
- Customizations
- More choices
- Nearly all apps are free
- Free of charge

The reason to use Linspire is:
No reason ;) (Paying $50 for Ubuntu, no thank you)

[Circus-Killer]

in as few words as possible:


cheap
open source
faster
stabler (if thats a word)
choice
standards
more to learn
great community
ethics
no malware
little disk fragmentation
no registry

[igknighted]

Desktop: Needs windows for games, not enough HD space for both... so no linux

Laptop: Windows login to the wireless network at school requires a Cisco Clean Access Agent program to be installed, and this program is nothing but a resource-hungry PITA. Linux, on the other hand, can authenticate via a java applet instead... and yes, that is the reason I use linux on my laptop.

[marufaberlin]

I personally could write a book about that, there are so many reasons. But some of the main ones is that i don't want to support MS. Then I think that Linux is a much more clean OS, it has a very clean and logic architecture and runs faster and more reliably the *******. Apart from that, just ask yourself: Is it worth carrying all that filename extension etc... junk from dos with you?

[Ux64]

- Faster
- Stabler
- No BSOD's


I have been using now for half year both, Ubuntu 64 bit and Windows Vista.

I can't agree about everything you say. Especially I have had much more crashes and problems with Linux than Windows Vista. As incredible as it is. But I it's true! And it was quite a shock for me.



- Nearly all apps are free


And many are very buggy.

And in case of problems (which there will be) it's very hard to fix things with Linux.

But in general I have been happy enough, that I haven't swichted to Windows.

I also think that it's slower in some cases. Especially when applications are starting. Which really isn't a problem but I noticed it. And then there are a huge number of small usability issues, which clearly indicate that product isn't "finished and polished".

I didn't write this one to start a flame war. But these are just my opinions.

I also would love to have hardware acceleration for h.264 now I can't play videos properly with Linux. Also screen sync fails from time to time leading to bad tearing. 7-zip interface isn't as good as it is with Windows.

That's just a small list of issues. Also I wonder why NCQ isn't working. Because now Disk I/O is clearly the slowest part on my system. Even though I have fast disks. It's not wise to leave NCQ unused.

[NightwishFan]

Mainly because freedom. I cannot stand not owning my os. Even if i just choose to ignore the license and assume I own it, ms can just shut me down. :(

If anyone assumes Linux is buggy how many times did we get that "There has been an error do you wanna send an error report to Microsoft"

At least Linux has someone there to answer to those. If something is buggy and you are a programmer, feel free to fix it. If you aren't one, then inform the programmers of the error. :)

Linux is a lifestyle.

[william_nbg]

Four years ago when I first started the long and winding road of changing to Linux.

Why?

I was just tired of looking at Windows, and wanted to try something new.

One thing that helps enormously: I just want to get my work done (web designer) and don't want to spend all my free time configuring and tweaking my OS.

The tip: Buy only hardware that's well supported on Linux. Before buying any hardware, make sure it's works out-of-the-box on Ubuntu. After following the procedure for 4 years. I can pop in any new Ubuntu disk and install and it will work 100% out of the box. There's nothing I have to tweak or configure. Of course I have to install my apps, through in my back ups, install the nvidia driver - but that's about it.

[Zlatan]

... because it is easy to install and i take care only of these apps that i use, not cracks, antiviruses, defragments and all that windowish stuff. in other words- i do, what i want to do, not what OS wants me to do:)

[Jim!]

Well, I used Windows all my life since WIndows 3.1 and probably earlier. I had Windows 95 when it was released, than 98, than 2000, than Windows ME, than XP. I became very competent with the OS, then 5-6 weeks ago while on my Windows PC it just crapped out on me! I took extraordinary care of it, made sure to defrag weekly, had my minor updates installed automatically each night, installed larger updates manually, did a daily virus scan, always cleared all my temporary internet files... Damn I thought I'd forgotten about all that! I dont think I've done a single one of those things in the 5-6 weeks I've had Ubuntu installed! I'm still very incompetent with the system and the I.T. course I do at school REQUIRES Windows and many of its applications so It is a bit of a hassle but I just do my best to get the work done at school.

I also use Ubuntu because it installed like a charm on my computer, I tryed re-installing XP but it just wouldn't run properly, even after installing ALL my drivers on a fresh Windows Install. I than went on to try VISTA and I don't even want to go there! I was actually dissapointed about having to switch full time to Linux at first but now I'm really beginning to love this OS, probably because I'm slowly getting the gist of it;)

[Barrucadu]

I use Ubuntu because it is much easier for me than Windows. Windows would randomly corrupt my harddrive every 6 months (literally, EVERY 6 months. It was like clockwork), and don't suggest a pirated copy or malware because it was a valid copy and I took excellent care of it.
I installed Ubuntu a few months ago (I experimented with it a years or so ago, also, but prefered windows), and it hasn't once crashed! It runs faster than XP every did, and my hardware just works. I have fairly old hardware, but I still had to search around online for XP drivers and suchlike, with Ubuntu, the only driver I needed to install was my Wireless driver, and that popped up in the restricted drivers manager when I first started up.

[Chame_Wizard]

I want to learn,gaining knowledge how things work:guitar:

[drbob07]

I can't say Compiz or Beryl?

Well I chose Ubuntu because I'm poor and I can't afford a Windows license, that and Ubuntu is perfectly functional for me. It all started when I was offered a copy of Vista. I downloaded it and was going to try it out until Activation ran up, then go out and get it, change the product key, and activate.

I got the 64-bit version because I'm not a bit of a x86_64 junkie, and my wireless drivers didn't work. I had to buy a wireless dongle, and get some RaLink drivers off my Mac, to get 802.11b connection in Windows. In Ubuntu 7.10, 64-bit, my wireless was up and running out of the box. So were my graphics drivers (which are the latest NVidia has, whereas Vista had to use some slightly outdated ones that had performance issues)

My point being, Ubuntu is more stable for me than Vista was, and I really didn't feel like going through XP activation again, to downgrade my OS.

Sure it throws a bunch of errors, but for me, theres not much to do, computing is my hobby, fixing errors and solving challenges is fun for me.