Linux analogies

[PacSci]

If you have any good analogies comparing Linux to other operating systems (or just analogies in general), please post them here. The first example is in shortened form in my sig:

Windows is to Linux as a straw house is to a brick house. The straw is easier to get started with, but it's less stable, low quality, and requires a lot of maintenance. The brick is harder to build with, but it's stronger, higher quality, and doesn't require as much maintenance. (And there's a huge pile of bricks right behind your property free for the taking.)

[rucadulu]

I heard this one on the web a couple of years back. It went something like this.

Windows can be compared to a mini van, every neighborhood has a at least a couple, they are useful, but every plan, and usually not well built.

OS x can be compare to sports car, fun to drive, well built,, flashy, expense, but not always the right choice for the job.

Linux can be compared to an SUV, usually well built, will do almost anything you want it to do and rarely lacks the power to do it right.

BSD can be compared to a Tank, very well built, not the easiest to learn to drive, virtually indestructible, used to dominate the competition.

[Kareeser]

Linux can be compared to an SUV, usually well built, will do almost anything you want it to do and rarely lacks the power to do it right.

Linux doesn't put a dent in your wallet though... :)

[TBOL3]

Windows is like a pocket knife. It has everything and it's dog. But it doesn't do it well for anything beyond basic consumer and enterprise needs.

OS X, is like an apple, sure it tastes good, if you buy a new one. But it's expensive (ok, maybe apples aren't but you get the point), and they are old and outdated within a couple of days, and you can't just upgrade part of it. Also, rich snobs are always talking about their latest and gratest apples (all of which a couple of months old).

Linux, well, linux is like a market of tools. You can get the all in one kitchen tool, or you can get a tool starter pack, and build your own (LFS).

BSD, well, it's like Linux, just more nerdy, and harder to use.

Unix, who knows what unix is, the devs couldn't come on any form of an agreement.

[Synthros]

Here's a look at the various operating systems out there from a humorous perspective. This has been around for several years, but it looks like some people got together and added references to Vista and OSX as well.

"If Operating Systems Ran the Airlines":
http://www.zyra.org.uk/os-air.htm

[mkendall]

Linux can be compared to an SUV, usually well built, will do almost anything you want it to do and rarely lacks the power to do it right.
Linux doesn't put a dent in your wallet though... :)

And doesn't waste resources.