Why is ubuntu better than windows? (NOOB)

[natedagw824]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate

[damis648]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate

1. Yes. I can guarantee you will never get a virus. Thats not to say there aren't any, but you will most likely will never get one. So far as I know, nobody on this forum has ever gotten a virus. It is also more secure in the sense that you will probably not make a mistake by accident that will completely screw up the system. (In Windows... just delete a DLL... BOOM)
2. I would say it is definitely MORE user-friendly than Windows. Of course, you will have to get used to everything... commands, the GUI settings, etc. but I think you will find it very easy to use.
3. Ubuntu doesn't run Windows applications. WINE will run some. Have a look at appdb.winehq.com to see if WINE will run your games. (Create a thread on this is you need assistance)
4. I get out many things, I can only list a few. I get out the fact that it is Open Source. I want to do what I want with it, when I want to... etc. I also get out that I feel it works much better than Windows. No BSOD's (Blue Screens of Death), no Viruses, etc. This is my opinion, of course, you can use whatever works for you.

Good luck and hope to see you try Ubuntu!:guitar:

[spibou]

Hello,
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?


I use Linux because I know it (or Unix in general) much better than Windows plus I don't want to be giving Microsoft any of my money. I use Ubuntu because the computer I bought came with it preinstalled. If I were installing a distribution from scratch I would probably go with Debian.

[natedagw824]

Hey guys,

Well I used wubi to install ubuntu(DUAL BOOT).

So far, I really like ubuntu. I just hope that I'll be able to run things like steam on it.


Thanks for the replies!

Nate

[cardinals_fan]

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

1. Ubuntu has much better defaults, and there are very few viruses for Linux. However, security is only as good as the user. If you're smart, you should do okay on any system.

2. That would depend on your hardware, personality, computer experience, luck, and definition of "harder to use".

3. I'm not familiar with that game. All my games work fine, but I only play Shredder Chess and n_v14.

4. Here are a few things I like about Linux in general (I'm using Ubuntu right now, but I switch distros very often):

* configurability: my system is whatever I want it to be
* transparency: I can see exactly what is going on in my system, whenever I want
* minimalism: Linux doesn't HAVE to be minimal - the Ubuntu default is quite full-featured (or bloated, depending on your point of view). However, I can set up any Linux distro with a blazing fast and simple Openbox configuration
* software: there's some very cool Linux software that I haven't got working in Windows
* community: if you have a complaint or suggestion, most projects are willing to hear it

[SomeGuyDude]

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

1) Yes. In all regards. On Windows if you don't run antivirus and anti-spyware you're begging for trouble. I'm pretty sure the vast majority here run nothing and, speaking personally, in the past year or so I've never had a problem.

2) Nope. It's DIFFERENT, mind, but once you give yourself a week or so to adjust it's actually way easier. Being able to install via the repositories? Awesome. Hitting alt-f2 and typing in a program's name to start it? Even cooler.

3) Most, yeah. Steam runs just fine, for example, but like others have said you need Wine.

4) I have no investment in the whole "open source" philosophy, myself. I use Ubuntu because it works more smoothly, it's 100% free, it has everything I need, and it looks a hell of a lot nicer.

[Sephoroth]

1. I agree with cardinals_fan here. Just keep in mind not to randomly download malicious binaries and then give them your root password XD. Increased security on an OS level does not justify carelessness.

2. I will not say it is truly harder to use. However, like all OS's, there will be a learning curve present. Different people go through it at different rates. A big suggestion here is do NOT expect things to function the same way as Windows. Linux is not Windows or does it aim to be it. Because chances are that you will, at some point (we all do XD), need help or have a question, feel free to ask here XD.

3. See here: http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=5934

You can use the WINE application database to see what others have reported as working or non-working. Because WINE is not emulation (it is a compatability layer), things within it will not necessarily work perfectly. Also note that programs may not operate as fast or stable in WINE as they might in Windows (though for me I have had increased stability at times :lolflag:). Do not expect to run games at max settings while in WINE.

4. Hmmm....:
a. It is Open-Source / Free (if it was not for the latter of the two, I probably would have never tried it out).
b. It provides a large degree of customization (both in the sense that programmers can modify and compile code AND most programs allow end users to easily customize certain programs). In addition there is much freedom in choice in the sense that one can choose any distribution which reflects their needs (e.g. Ubuntu, OpenSuSE, Damn Small Linux or distributions which reflect more specialized software such as Ubuntu Studio).
c. Security is always a great benefit XD.
d. Freedom of use. I do not have anyone telling me I can or cannot install certain software on certain products (e.g. Apple).
e. For Ubuntu specifically: Ease of use. Of course I was more familiar with Windows when I first tried out Ubuntu but features such as the existing and additionally defineable repositories made life a lot easier (I was surprised Add/Remove actually had adding capabilities :lolflag:) in terms of both finding software alternatives and installing them.

[eldragon]

if COD4 is a big concern. linux might not be for you :(

some games run through wine, they never do as if run through windows.


why *i* chose linux? and why ubuntu?

well, i always wanted to try it, and was told ubuntu was as easy as it could get. and it was based on debian, a platform i was planning to move on after i learned a bit. truth be told: i never left the house.

what can linux do that windows misses? complete control over your system, and i mean it, complete.

you dont like how the certain app works? change it. and it stays changed. new app gives headaches? downgrade. noone will stare at you funny. and you will probably still have support for it.

ive left a family workstation with ubuntu on it for web surfing, after several complains on virii and other stuff. only connect to it once a week to update :D

but again, its not for everyone, especially if you are a heavy gamer...

you could always dualboot.

[lisati]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate
1) For the most part, yes: see here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=510812)
2) If you're comfortable with a graphical user interface (such as that used by Windows) it shouldn't be too hard to learn how to do things.
3) I don't know - Windows programs don't usually work without help; as previously suggested, "Wine" will run many (but not all) Windows programs.
4) Quicker to boot than Windows, lots less hassle with malware, strong community support......

[Sephoroth]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. As eldragon stated, if running CoD4 is very important for you, dual booting is probably a better alternative. However, if you plan primarily doing nothing other than gaming, Linux probably won't be the best choice right now (as will nothing other than Windows probably). For running things in WINE, I can only vouch for Starcraft, Half-Life 2, and CS 1.6 (I was never a fan of CS:S and hence haven't tried it).

[shafi]

Regarding Games:
there are lots of cool games you can install under ubuntu, only you need to google ubuntu Games then you will fine lots of lots of links.

Ubuntu vs Windows:
when you are using ubuntu you feel the real meaning of IT.
you can feel the freedom you can do what ever you want, you can find all those question that you have faced when you were using windows, for example , oh how this program is functioning ? what is behind this program, bla bla...

Ubuntu learn us how to cooperate and how to work together.

[cardinals_fan]

1) Yes. In all regards. On Windows if you don't run antivirus and anti-spyware you're begging for trouble. I'm pretty sure the vast majority here run nothing and, speaking personally, in the past year or so I've never had a problem.

I run no antivirus/antispyware when I use Windows. However, I exercise extremely basic security strategies. In short, user incompetence is the cause of all malware problems.

[Greyed]

4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

Other people will answer 1-3 just fine. #4 is individual as each person so here goes.

I use Ubuntu because I know in 5 years or 10 years the data I generate now will still be usable then. I have some configuration files which I have transferred from machine to machine for close to a decade.

I use it because I feel the quality of software is higher. I measure that in the sense of how often the software gets in my way vs. enables me to get work done. It also gives me many secure options to do my work.

Also, most of the interesting developments in software that interests me (outside of games) is happening in the FOSS sphere. Not only is it happening here it is accessible to me as a hobbyist not only in the sense that I could dig into the code if I choose but I can afford to get into it because the barrier for entry is simple: A willingness to learn.

To tie points 2 and 3 together this is what I was doing last night just to see if it was possible. I have a WinXP machine on which I cannot install Linux. I can, however, run Linux inside a VM. In that VM I have noodled out how to create a VPN to my home network (the main router/fw being a Debian box) using SSH. I also route all the VM's traffic over that connection. I also decided to mount my main NFS share so I could access my music files store on that server and play them in Amarok inside the VM.

So. WinXP Host -> KUbuntu Guest -> SSH Tunnel -> Debian Host -> NFS mount.

Could I do that with Windows currently? Maybe, But it would cost me at least 2 Windows licenses, a firewall licenses (or an appropriate firewall application) and maybe a VPN license. The above setup, outside of WinXP which was provided for me, is entirely free, completely secure and something I can apply from now until I learn something better. It sets the bar that other OSes have to meet.

The only thing that keeps Windows on my machines are games. It is my main form of entertainment. It is cheaper than going out to the movies all the time. Cheaper than what it would take to keep me in books (even used books). Unfortunately most of the games I want to play are written for Windows and nothing else.

To me that is the only area where Linux is lacking. The rest is a wash. In some area the Windows/OSX machines have a bit better support. In others, Linux does. However if people were honest with themselves they would see none of those areas are dealbreakers (wireless access, I'm looking at you).

[scouser73]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate

Hi Nate,

I'm sure you've looked at the other posts, here are the answers I'm giving.

1) Currently there are no known Ubuntu viruses in the wild

2) I wouldn't say that Ubuntu is harder to use than Windows, afterall, when Windows came out we used that, and that was the beginning of personal computing.

3) someguydude has answered that, I hope it goes well for you.

4) I use Ubuntu simply because I've never had any virus or spyware/malware on my system, whereas I was always getting them with Windows XP.

It just seems to work "out of the box". Last but by no means least, this forum, you couldn't ask for better people to help you sort any problem. Chances are if you've got something that needs fixing then the answer has already been posted, people are extremely willing to help and for me that is a massive bonus.

so welcome to Ubuntu, I'me sure you'll have an excellent experience.

[Vince4Amy]

Is ubuntu more secure than windows?

It all goes down to the user. Don't run scripts from unknown sources and you'll be fine. However there are not as many active viruses in the wild for Linux, but they do exist! though you should not have a problem with this under normal home usage.

Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?

They're about the same really, I would recommend unhiding the Gnome Control centre from the menu as you can customise everything from this one location related to Gnome.

Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?

I'm not sure about Call Of Duty but give WINE a go, most of my games work on there and the rate of development is very good, so remember to report bugs and add things to appdb to make the chances of your application working greater.

Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

To be fair I don't use Ubuntu much, I use OpenSUSE/Slackware, however I use Linux Distributions because it's something different and I find it enjoyable working in a different environment. However I prefer it for Programming with Java & Python, it seems just that little bit faster on compiling.

[tarps87]

I have been using Ubuntu for two years now and haven't had any security issues so from my experience it is more secure, but I guess it still depends on the user and where they type there password.

It took me a bit of time to go from xp to Ubuntu, I don't think its harder just different. I get lost in vista as all the menus have moved and change names, but other people find it easier than xp.

Some games work and some don't, I use a duel boot so I can play all my games still

I started using Linux as it was different and open source, also I'd just kill xp on my laptop so I had nothing to loose. I found Ubuntu the easiest ditro to use out of the ones I tried. I've found it more stable that windows but then I can just walk past a computer and have it crash :(

I was never a fan of CS:S and hence haven't tried it.

CS:S will work under wine and I can't notice the difference between it in wine and xp

[noneofthem]

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?

YES, it is. There is no virus thread and in general linux is considered to be very safe. It´s just essential that you do not log in as root for general usage.

2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?

NO. It´s juse different. At the beginning you will have to learn a few things to get started but in general I find it to be even simpler.


3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?

Yes and No. There are some games that run well on linux, some even natively. Unfortunately most games are only compiled to run on Windows or sometimes OSX. There are some options available to get games or other Windows application running on linux, one would be WINE.

4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I use linux/Ubuntu for many reasons. I switched because I didn´t wanna upgrade to Vista and I was sick of XP. I wanted to have a fast, reliable system and I wanted to learn something new. I have been using Ubuntu for three years now and I learned a lot. Everything is working as it should and I couldn´t be happier. I have to say that I am not a gamer. If you are into games, you might wanna stick to Windows, if you wanna do more I would recommend dual booting. There are many howtos in this forum.

Good luck!

[stephenbrazier]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate

I use both Windows Xp Pro SP3 and Ubuntu 8.04.

1) Yes it is (;
2) In my personal expericance, it was just the same. However, easy tasks on Windows can be difficult on Ubuntu, and vice versa.
3) No. Short and sweet. However, some games will work on Linux with Wine. Most of the time with faults though.
4) Because it is safer. Faster. And overall a more joyful experiance.
Why do I use windows?
Because stuff just works (;

[SuperSonic4]

Hello,

As my title states, I'm a noob when it comes to ubuntu. I want to get familiar with this OS for a number of reasons mainly because linux is big when it comes to networking/IT. I have been using windows for about 14 years now and over that period of time I have been hearing a lot of things about linux and how great it is, so I have a few questions. Sorry if these types of questions have been asked before:

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?

I appreciate any feedback you provide!

Thanks,

Nate

I've been running Mandriva and Kubuntu and Vista in a triple boot for about six months now, I don't really like GNOME (which is what ubuntu is based on). Kubuntu (KDE version of ubuntu) looks more like windows IMO. Vista I keep only for Office '07 and printer support although webcam and gaming are nice features.

1) Yes. That's all there is too it, I've been using Kubuntu/Mandriva for about six months now and never needed to scan my / partition although I do scan /media to help keep vista safe. If you dual boot I'd get a virus scanner to check windows partitions.

2) Initially yes but ultimately it becomes far easier. I'm a fan of alt+f2 to open programs and a lot of programs work just like their windows counterparts if not better. This topic (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=766683) will help you set up various multimedia codecs and programs including non-free codecs (but free as in beer) as well as plugins like Java and flash. Try the Live CD first though.

3) Probably not, as has been said WINE could work but it would be easier to just dual boot between ubuntu and windows (the latter for gaming, I play GH3 on windows). Dual booting guides can be found here (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed _first.htm) for XP and Here (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_linux_vista_installed_f irst.htm) for vista.

4) Although I don't use ubuntu I like the repositories a lot (kubuntu and ubuntu have the same repos), I like Alt+F2 and Amarok. It also seems to run faster and grub is a far superior bootloader

[lukjad007]

1) Is ubuntu more secure than windows?
Yes.
2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
No, but it is different. It's like the difference between riding a tricycle and riding a bike.
3) *Big concern* Can I play games like Call Of Duty 4 on ubuntu?
I don't play games much. I can't help you there.
4) Why do YOU use ubuntu? What do you get out of it?
I find it to be more stable, faster, easier to use, less (even no) spyware and I just plain like it more. I rarely ever use Windows, only at school, when I need to.

[tarps87]

Just a thought on the security side, if you use it for emailing and transferring files it might be an idea to install a virus scanner, not for Linux but for and windows machines your emails will be received on. Not necessary but your friends will thank you if you find one.


2) Is ubuntu harder to use than windows?
No, but it is different. It's like the difference between riding a tricycle and riding a bike.


A tricycle is easier ;)