Why do you Prefer Linux/Ubuntu over Windows (client)

[NewUbun2User]

Hey!,

I am totally new to Linux. I just installed a dual boot XP/Ubuntu machine. i just want to know why it is that people prefer linux/Ubuntu over windows. i have been wanting to explore it for a while but have had no reason to do so. also, of all the linux versions which seems to be the best and what are the differences. the two main ones i have heard of are Ubuntu and Fedora. i dont know anything about them or the differences. Also if you know of a site or have a link that compares different linux OSs it would be great.

Thanks for your replies. they are much appreciated.

[perlluver]

This does a pretty good comparison, it is not complete, but still gives a lot of good info. http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Arch_vs_Others , there is also this, if you feel like some heavy reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Linux_distributions .

[billgoldberg]

Hey!,

I am totally new to Linux. I just installed a dual boot XP/Ubuntu machine. i just want to know why it is that people prefer linux/Ubuntu over windows. i have been wanting to explore it for a while but have had no reason to do so. also, of all the linux versions which seems to be the best and what are the differences. the two main ones i have heard of are Ubuntu and Fedora. i dont know anything about them or the differences. Also if you know of a site or have a link that compares different linux OSs it would be great.

Thanks for your replies. they are much appreciated.

There are load of reasons to either like windows or linux better.

The reasons I prefer Ubuntu to windows=

- package managers/repos (does not exist in windows)
- superior security (no viruses, ...)
- eye candy ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfmLML0D7z8 )
- decent SSH
- you can do/change whatever the hell you want with it
- stability
- there is a community

There are thousands of distrobutions.

For the beginners I would suggest you try Linux Mint (gnome edition).

It is based on Ubuntu but is just a tad more easy (preinstalled codecs, ...) for newbies.

--

Note you might want to read this:

http://linuxowns.wordpress.com/try-ubuntu/

It is meant to tell windows users what to expect from Ubuntu without any bias.

Since distrowatch is on my /etc/hosts list, I would say google "best linux distros".

[sudo_chop]

Quoting a recent post that echos my views completely


...Ubuntu is free, but I don't think this is its most important feature.
In my opinion, what really matters about Ubuntu is in its background philosophy. Its pervasive feature is a profound respect for the users' freedom -- freedom to choose what one's operating system should do, in the first place: open software also means freedom, in a very strong sense. And the procedures for dealing with bugs, making changes and improvements also emphasize freedom, because they are open, they invite cooperation and control at all levels. And also, freedom from the golems of the global market which want to take the decisions which are ours. And the freedom to work for free and to cooperate. This is of special importance. Ubuntu testers, programmers, people who write how-tos or who just try to help someone fix a problem, have an important and meaningful view of what working is, and of what is of value. This view is freely worked out and chosen, against an extremely strong pressure to become cogwheels in an ever more demanding market. I love all this: all the aspects of it, even if my first attraction to Linux was because of its structure, of its more technical aspects.

[whizbaby]

i just want to know why it is that people prefer linux/Ubuntu over windows
I do cuZ
-its free
-it is secure (installed ubuntu over a clients XP last week which had 2976 viruses/malware according to antivir)
-the software is opensource, which has several advantages for the user: chances you will be cheated by a system program are low to zero when you think about how many people are involved in the development and crossreading eachother. Also, if an exploit/security hole is detected, it will be closed (mostly sooner than later), instead of trying to sell antivirus software to you. And, best of all, if a program doesnt suit you you are free to change it.
-theres an incredible database of clean installable software (even software thats not foor noobs only), I dont have to search for software in google and download from servers that I cant trust.
-u still on windoZe?:lolflag:

[PocketDog]

If I just want to get to B from A I'll drive. If I want to enjoy the journey I'll ride the bike.

[OutOfReach]

-Faster
-Secure
-Free (both as in beer and speech)
-Open Source
-Workspaces
-Millions of programs and choices
-I can go on, but I won't :)

[whizbaby]

If I just want to get to B from A I'll drive. If I want to enjoy the journey I'll ride the bike.
No its more like:
In Paris, 9:00 a.m. will you be faster and more likely to reach your destination alive with:
a)a normal car (windoze)
b)a tank (linux)

[k33bz]

The reasons I prefer Linux over Windoze:

1. Security--I have no worries of Hackers, Viruses, Worms, Trojans or any other misc malicious code.

2. I am freely able to do what I want to the system. Including getting or giving away the OS or any one of the million programs available.

3. It is a better quality (my personal opinion)

4. A very helpful community (no flaming :) )

5. Open source

6. Eye Candy

Only one reason why I prefer MicroShyt Windoze over Linux is Games.

I'm not sayin Linux doesnt have any good games, cause it does, just not as many, and not really alot of the types a games I prefer. And I know that aint Linux's fault. That is programmers, game companies, and hardware at fault.

Soon that will change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sudo_chop]

4. A very helpful community (no flaming :) )


I heart the community :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

[lovinglinux]

Why I prefer:

1 - Security

I don't have to constantly run several programs that slow down my machine just to protect it

2 - Softwares and Repositories

Several softwares that I really like to use are originally for Linux and ported to Windows. Most of them are open source, free and you can get them from the repositories. If I need to re-install or upgrade, I just need to save the list of currently installed software and they will be installed automatically, all at once. With Windows, I need to re-format my drive every 6 months and then install everything manually, then configure them...omg

3 - Don't need to defrag the hard drive every day to maintain a decent performance

4 - Stability - I can't stand those Blue Screen of Death anymore

5 - Customization and usability - the computer looks the way I want and works the way I want

6 - Eye candy - Vista Aero is a joke next to compiz

[crazypenguin2008]

love the features of linux,love the freeware,love the fact that i can do as i damn well please without a predeterminded program telling me i cant.

looks good
easy to use
tons of support
fun
ever evolving
and on and on and on and on

[cwmoser]

I use Ubuntu Linux at home because I prefer to -- I use Windows XP at work because I have to. I have dual monitors with my Windows PC at work and also with my Linux PC at home.

Personally, at work I miss not having Workspaces and the powerful commands at the command prompt. I've installed Open Office on my Windows PC as I now prefer working with OO than Office.

Another nice thing about Linux is not having to fool with Virus scanners and span cleaners.

Carl

[tweakedenigma]

The Security is rather important to me, But also the Free (as in speech part). I like the fact that no one owns Linux and I can do with it as I please.

I picked Ubuntu mostly because of the Community around it, I don't think there is a better one out there. Novell's SuSe would be my second choice as I have had really good experiences with their company in the past.

[david_lynch]

I've come to prefer unix OSes to pee cee OSes since I started using unix (Sun, SGI, Next, linux) at the university. Unix was a stable, scablable, multi-user, multitasking, networking powerhouse back when all microsoft had to offer was a single user task switcher with a C:\ prompt. There's a guiding philosophy to the design of unix, and a reason for everything. It just makes sense.

I've gravitated to linux because it's the most viable and fastest growing offshoot of the unix family tree. I've started using ubuntu because canonical has done a good job of taking a solid debian foundation, providing lots of software and a great package management system, adding style, and making it more usable to the average bloke.

What I want to know is, why would I possibly be interested in ms windows?