So many OS?

[Fzang]

When it comes to windows, everyone is using XP or vista, and I believe (since I don't have a mac) everyone is using OSX leopard?

But linux, there's like 50 or more OS based on linux, and they all seem to be used by someone

How come? O.o

[will1911a1]

It comes down to differences in philosophies and goals. Different distros are aiming at accomplishing different things in different ways, hence the large variety.

[mips]

When it comes to windows, everyone is using XP or vista, and I believe (since I don't have a mac) everyone is using OSX leopard?

But linux, there's like 50 or more OS based on linux, and they all seem to be used by someone

How come? O.o

Freedom of choice, pick what works for you.

[ibutho]

When it comes to windows, everyone is using XP or vista, and I believe (since I don't have a mac) everyone is using OSX leopard?

But linux, there's like 50 or more OS based on linux, and they all seem to be used by someone

How come? O.o
Freedom of choice as mentioned above. Also the fact that the kernel, gnu tools and other software are opensource, so anyone with the knowledge can create a distro that suites their needs/preferences. With Windows or Mac, you do not have that flexibility because they are closed source OSes.

[vishzilla]

That's freedom to you :D

[SunnyRabbiera]

It is the open nature of linux and its kernel that allows so many variants of it, from the practical like Ubuntu and Debian to the easy use desktop of Mepis and Mint to the complete obscurity of OzOS and other side distros.
Linux is perhaps the most versatile of all the operating systems.

[init1]

When it comes to windows, everyone is using XP or vista, and I believe (since I don't have a mac) everyone is using OSX leopard?

But linux, there's like 50 or more OS based on linux, and they all seem to be used by someone

How come? O.o
50? Ha! I've tried at least 100, and there are hundreds more that I have not.
The reason why this is so is because one is because microsoft doesn't release the source code. Thus, no one can make there own windows based os. Same with osx

[darrelljon]

Many beginners find the number of distros daunting. I'd recommend beginning with Ubuntu for its community. Then maybe try PCLinuxOS and Knoppix. Distrowatch is a good website for a rough idea of the most popular distros.

[Twitch6000]

Many beginners find the number of distros daunting. I'd recommend beginning with Ubuntu for its community. Then maybe try PCLinuxOS and Knoppix. Distrowatch is a good website for a rough idea of the most popular distros.

Well I say PClinuxOS is good for a windows user as that was one of my first distros that treated me kindly :).Then ubuntu or linux mint would be a good next distro.After that they can choose what to ponder into.

[LaRoza]

Obviously, you are not aware of all the Vista versions...

[Fzang]

Theres vista basic that comes with everything you need

The other comes with graphics

Some of them come with programs you could download for free

Some of them come with programs you don't need

And of course, they all cost the same as the computer hardware itself


That's pretty much my view on vista...



Oh, and I have an important question:

What do you guys do when you pick a new version of linux, weekly? Do you put all programs down on a backup disc? Or is it possible to jump back and forth between the versions as much as you like, as long as you have the CD?

[Midwest-Linux]

Variety is the spice of life, and 100 + variants means there is something for everyone. And of those 100+ variants, there are even more in different configurations widely used in everyday embedded applications.

Proprietary systems all have a take it or leave it approach, Linux is different and that adds to its growing acceptance and use through out the world.

[mikewhatever]

I can remember three versions of XP of the top of my head: XP Home, XP Pro and XP MC. There are also about 6 versions of Vista.

[LaRoza]

Oh, and I have an important question:

What do you guys do when you pick a new version of linux, weekly? Do you put all programs down on a backup disc? Or is it possible to jump back and forth between the versions as much as you like, as long as you have the CD?

Not sure what you are asking.

In general, one uses the same OS for long periods of time and doesn't mess with it.

Many new comers to Linux "distro hop" a lot. It is fun, but not productive.

I have over 200 distros in front of me (well, a little to the left). I have tried them all in some form, but I keep the same system on my main computer now.

If you want to backup your settings, Linux keeps all the configurations in your home directory (open Nautilus and press "Ctrl + h").

If you back those up, and copy them into the home directory of another distro (or the same one) the settings of the apps will be transfered.

.purple is the Pidgin (and finch) directory. If you do a fresh install of Ubuntu (or any distro that has Pidgin available), and put the directory in the home directory, it will be the same as the other one (assuming versions are not far apart).

[gameryoshi600]

this is why linux rocks! more freedom. (not bashing) at least its not like windows vistas home basic, home premium, buisness, and ultimate. why not make one thats all of it in one everyone who wants vista are just going to buy ultimate.

[Fzang]

everyone who wants vista are just going to buy ultimate.

Wrong, some might, but definitely not all. Most people will use the vista that's pre-installed on their computers.

Have you checked the price of ultimate!?!?

OS X leopard : $ 129
Vista ultimate: $ 319

That's freaking insane!

[r76]

OS X leopard : $ 129

Isn't that like an upgrade price? I mean, you get OSX when you buy any mac, so this is only so you can run the latest version. And most people where I work get EVERY version of OSX when it is released - year on year their IT bill is higher.

[sandysandy]

What do you guys do when you pick a new version of linux, weekly?

have fun with the different linux distros and learn in the bargain.
at least in the beginning - till u outgrow the urge to try every different linux distro u hear good reviews about:)

regards

[steveneddy]

Imagine if MS let people look at the source code and modify it to fit their needs for a particular application or job.

Imagine that developers had a Windows distro that did complex math really well, another that was very good at photo and video editing, another for sound production, others that were specifically designed for education.

The list is endless.

This is why in the Linux world there are so many distros. It's because of the open nature of the platform that allows others to design a kernel and application suite that suits the needs to specialty operations and processes that make Linux so powerful.

Windows will never have the luxury of having thousands of developers working on bugs and problems worldwide, developing ways to make the platform better and designing ways to offer ideas and distributions that meet the needs of a large variety of folks that need software for various needs.