Why do you choose Ubuntu over Windows [Archive] - Page 16

cenzorrll

March 16th, 2009, 04:29 AM

1. because i have an illegal copy of windows... j/k, FBI.

2. i don't believe something as necessary as an OS should cost more than $100 dollars. and if you pay that it had better be god damned perfect. seriously, would you buy a refridgerator that had to be unplugged and plugged back in when you buy a gallon of milk?

3. Linux only has driver issues and whatnot with newer technology. and the only reason it's difficult to find is because IT'S FREE. very few people get any money for making a driver that works for linux.

4. it's faster, hands down. no version of windows can compare with linux.

5. i'm not going to pay 3,000 dollars for a mac with the equivalence of my 700 dollar laptop, just for the os.

6. Windows is evil. they have the opportunity and resources to create the BEST os possible and they don't. linux has the resources of hobbyists' free time and it's giving windows a run for it's money.

...i can keep going but i'm about to start ranting...

leonardo_neo

March 16th, 2009, 07:53 AM

I too use dual boot Xp and Ubuntu, but I use Ubuntu for 95% and Xp for 5%.

What I dislike about Xp?

1. Slow
2. Virus! (that was the main cause I switched to Ubuntu)
3. Lousy update
4. Hanging
5. Either pay huge bucks for softwares, or use pirated ones.

Of course I don't have to suffer with things like this with Ubuntu. I can sacrifice games, but not security and performance of my comp.

k2t0f12d

March 16th, 2009, 08:19 AM

i don't believe something as necessary as an OS should cost more than $100 dollars

Its difficult to place a monetary value on sth, because the value of money is arbitrary, relative, and consistently deflative. One hundred dollars today may seem like chump change a few years in the future (assuming the collapse of finance capitalism does not occur prior to this). Its the prerogative of any monopoly to raise prices while lowering value. So I think its better to speak about software in terms other then monetary value, e.g. I think its ridiculous to try to forcibly coerce ppl to buy permissions to use software, especially when better software can be had without any coercive attachments involved.

But yeah, at the time of writing this response, over one hundred dollars to obtain a copy and permission to use an OS is ridiculous. (-:

sky5564

March 17th, 2009, 05:33 PM

stubrownuk

March 18th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Perhaps I can answer this from what I hope is not going to be a recurring perspective ...
While waiting for delivery of a new computer, I am running my business applications on a 4-year-old Dell Latitude D800, which has served me very well in the time I've had it. It came factory-installed with Windows XP, but I have needed to re-install the entire operating system from time to time in order to get round system jams. Last Monday morning, the system froze on boot. Safe mode froze also. Fortunately I had an Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex boot CD and all my documents backed up. So I wiped the hard drive and installed Ubuntu, with which I'm reasonably familiar anyway. I have now been operating my business totally on Ubuntu, having been forced by circumstances (since I'm on a mission abroad) to do so.
I started this week thinking that my business was pretty well stuffed in the short-term. Now, three days later, I am wondering why I need ever again to bother with Windows. Not only does Ubuntu do everything I want it to, and more besides, but it loads more quickly, unloads more quickly and is much, much more stable than Windows XP. It doesn't get gummed up with defragmented hard drives, registry clutter and all that, and it costs my business NOTHING (contrast the $3,000+ that I've spent on business software in the last few years).
Draw your own conclusions.

hacker_at_linux

March 18th, 2009, 03:45 PM

k2t0f12d

March 19th, 2009, 07:58 AM

Hey people I don't know why these probs don't occur with me.
I use wamp server on my win comp to host a couple of my websites and some of my friend's.

I use the XP comp for blogging , gaming , chating and even do complex jobs like running a parallel machine with VMware workstation .

but still my XP boots faster than ubuntu is more efficient and frankly speaking when I run vmware in linux it hangs almost 8 time out of 10. But in Xp it works like am using the machine direct on my system(no cursor lags no nothing).

I haven't the least doubt that it does and you can. Except for the bit about VMware crashing with GNU+Linux as host. I've used the program a lot and never saw that behavior. Performance for me has always been based solely on the hardware quality, stability, and performance. It never seemed better or worse for the host operating system.

GNU+Linux does all the things you claim Windows does for you without any demands for permission to use it. It comes with the tools and files used to build it. When I was thirteen, my family had MS-DOS on an x8086. It was expensive and didn't come with freedom, source code, or any build tools. I resent that to this day.

I don't remember when was the last time my computer hanged in XP but I do remember when it did in ubuntu. When I used gnome-system-moniter and tried to increase or decrease the nice value of any process my whole gnome used to hang.

I recall heaps of hung XP systems. *Any* operating system can be hung if you do the right things. I'll bet that if I started changing priorities of the processes running on XP, I could get the sucker to crash. And if that happened, I could still call Micro$oft Help Desk for support. Maybe I will just for kicks! (-:

When my whole GNOME hangs, I CTRL+ALT+BACKSPACE and my whole GNU+Linux spawns a brand new one! =D

rhcm123

March 19th, 2009, 09:21 PM

One of the main reasons i keep extra poopy around is to check my C# compiling. If i compile a program that i plan on using in windows enviroments, i like to fire up xp and test it. Also, i like windows cause it runs games nativeley, and I'm still addicted to half-life 2.

Also, i like to practice with the black hat occasionally on my windows machine before i do anything paticularly risky (kidding mr. fbi man).

Yownanymous

March 20th, 2009, 12:52 AM

Hacker, I might accuse you of being an Iago here and making convenient half-truths and biasing things...

kimda

March 21st, 2009, 02:28 PM

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?

If you like Windows XP better use Windows XP instead of Ubuntu. Advantages over XP:
- ease of upgrading/updating. I can update all programs or even upgrade the complete system with Ubuntu with synaptic or on the commandline.
- I do not have to worry when visiting a website that my operating system might get borked due to malware/virusses and other nasty stuff.
- no weekly defragmentations because otherwise my pc will get slow as hell.
- no more clean installs like with windows (I used to reinstall every year or so).
- better logging - if you hit a problem with programs you can track it down (this is really hard in windows).
- price (free instead of paying for all these progams).
- freedom (as in licence).
- what i also love is that you can install and uninstall without doing registry scans/cleanups.
- better use of resources (Linux will run perfectly on old hardware and there are specialised distros for PC's with low resources with current software).
- backwardscompatible software - for example Linux supports older software;
- being part of a community;
- excellent networking software (heaps of networking tools available for Linux);

If you like Windows better than Ubuntu then use Windows by all means. There are still lots of things that can be improved in Ubuntu like mentioned game support. But the same can be said for Windows.

Yownanymous

March 21st, 2009, 03:29 PM

If you like Windows XP better use Windows XP instead of Ubuntu. Advantages over XP:
- ease of upgrading/updating. I can update all programs or even upgrade the complete system with Ubuntu with synaptic or on the commandline.
- I do not have to worry when visiting a website that my operating system might get borked due to malware/virusses and other nasty stuff.
- no weekly defragmentations because otherwise my pc will get slow as hell.
- no more clean installs like with windows (I used to reinstall every year or so).
- better logging - if you hit a problem with programs you can track it down (this is really hard in windows).
- price (free instead of paying for all these progams).
- freedom (as in licence).
- what i also love is that you can install and uninstall without doing registry scans/cleanups.
- better use of resources (Linux will run perfectly on old hardware and there are specialised distros for PC's with low resources with current software).
- backwardscompatible software - for example Linux supports older software;
- being part of a community;
- excellent networking software (heaps of networking tools available for Linux);

If you like Windows better than Ubuntu then use Windows by all means. There are still lots of things that can be improved in Ubuntu like mentioned game support. But the same can be said for Windows.

Well said!

MasterNetra

March 21st, 2009, 05:14 PM

Haven't gotten CS3 to install and work right through wine nor have I gotten 3Ds Max 2008 or 2009 to install (much less work) either so thats what keeps me using windows.
However i still use Linux when i can for pretty much the same reason as most
- No viruses
- Better secuirty
- More reliable (Ignoring Id 10-t errors of course :p )
- And best of all FREE!
There's more of course but I'm too lazy to type the remainder
*Instead points to kimda's post*

Shukero

March 21st, 2009, 10:14 PM

That's simple at least for me.... After being on windows for a very LARGE number of years there are several factors for why I am trying out linux / Ubuntu. 1) Security!! Way less viruses / hackers on here than on windows. 2) Although it looks beautiful, this OS uses up much MUCH less resources than do others like Mac and XP / Vista. 3) Trying something new is FUN! I figured I'd like to try something new where I can actually get down into the nitty griity of it and here I am.

rhcm123

March 21st, 2009, 10:28 PM

Security!! Way less viruses / hackers on here than on windows.

there are less hackers using linux than windows?!?!?!!? WAT?!?!? :lolflag:

just kidding, but thats what i thought it said when i first read it.

pwnst*r

March 21st, 2009, 10:33 PM

If you like Windows XP better use Windows XP instead of Ubuntu. Advantages over XP:
- ease of upgrading/updating. I can update all programs or even upgrade the complete system with Ubuntu with synaptic or on the commandline. programs yes, but updating windows is not hard, sorry.
- I do not have to worry when visiting a website that my operating system might get borked due to malware/virusses and other nasty stuff. neither do i. next.
- no weekly defragmentations because otherwise my pc will get slow as hell.weekly? lol, no.
- no more clean installs like with windows (I used to reinstall every year or so). um, i do that with *nix too.
- better logging - if you hit a problem with programs you can track it down (this is really hard in windows). most end users won't be debugging anything anyway. non-issue.
- price (free instead of paying for all these progams).i agree for the OS. some programs are worth purchasing in windows and, imo, better products
- freedom (as in licence).yes
- what i also love is that you can install and uninstall without doing registry scans/cleanups. unless you're installing/uninstalling a ton of programs a year, again, non-issue for most
- better use of resources (Linux will run perfectly on old hardware and there are specialised distros for PC's with low resources with current software). agreed.
- backwardscompatible software - for example Linux supports older software; dunno, i don't like old software
- being part of a community; we won't discuss this one.
- excellent networking software (heaps of networking tools available for Linux);there are a fair amount for windows nerds as well

^^

rhcm123

March 21st, 2009, 10:39 PM

^^

this seems a little, aviodant, perhaps? you just marked everything as a non issue except for a few minor points.

lisati

March 21st, 2009, 10:41 PM

I have three different versions of Windows and one of Ubuntu on various machines because it suits me to do so, not necessarily because one is "better" than another.

z.s.tar.gz

March 21st, 2009, 10:52 PM

How did this become 3400 posts? This is absolutely ridiculous.

Windows is ok.
Ubuntu is ok.
Do whatever you want.

Problem solved.

rhcm123

March 21st, 2009, 11:08 PM

How did this become 3400 posts? This is absolutely ridiculous.

yea, i was wondering why a mod has yet to close this?

pwnst*r

March 21st, 2009, 11:43 PM

this seems a little, aviodant, perhaps? you just marked everything as a non issue except for a few minor points.

that's because imo, they ARE non-issues.

pwnst*r

March 21st, 2009, 11:44 PM

How did this become 3400 posts?

http://www.frumsatire.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dog_i_dunno_lol.jpg

lisati

March 21st, 2009, 11:48 PM

How did this become 3400 posts? This is absolutely ridiculous.

Windows is ok.
Ubuntu is ok.
Do whatever you want.

Problem solved.

I hadn't noticed until now but I managed post # 3399. I supposed our friends who are into numerology might be able to make something of this. (Two pairs? Divisible by 3 but not by 9? Which OS should we use while doing the calculations?)

Giant Speck

March 22nd, 2009, 02:12 AM

(Two pairs? Divisible by 3 but not by 9? Which OS should we use while doing the calculations?)

A calculator. You know... that little device with buttons that sits on your desk. The one that isn't your cell phone or your television remote and has nothing to do with your computer.

:p

rhcm123

March 22nd, 2009, 02:44 AM

A calculator. You know... that little device with buttons that sits on your desk. The one that isn't your cell phone or your television remote and has nothing to do with your computer.

:p

isn't my computer a calculator... even though i have yet to find a good terminal based calculator?

lisati

March 22nd, 2009, 02:48 AM

A calculator. You know... that little device with buttons that sits on your desk. The one that isn't your cell phone or your television remote and has nothing to do with your computer.

:p

Oh, the remote for the set-top box (http://www.freeviewnz.tv/products/detail/dse_hd_dvb-t_freeview_) for decoding digital television.

Sealbhach

March 22nd, 2009, 04:29 AM

http://www.frumsatire.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dog_i_dunno_lol.jpg

LOL!!:D

I love it! Makes me laugh everytime I see it.

.

rhcm123

March 22nd, 2009, 04:52 AM

LOL!!:D

I love it! Makes me laugh everytime I see it.

.

this always makes me lol

scphan

March 22nd, 2009, 05:09 AM

LOL!!:D

I love it! Makes me laugh everytime I see it.

.

lol that reminds me of the coyote in roadrunner

scphan

March 22nd, 2009, 05:12 AM

isn't my computer a calculator... even though i have yet to find a good terminal based calculator?

octave or python :p

pwnst*r

March 22nd, 2009, 05:44 AM

LOL!!:D

I love it! Makes me laugh everytime I see it.

.

figured this thread needed some light hearted humor.

SirHairman

March 22nd, 2009, 06:42 AM

I am new to Ubuntu. I came about it by talking with some other dudes about computers. I got the disks from a friend. I have a brand new HP M8300F, Pavillion. It came with Vista Home something or other. I did not know enough to make my recovery disks. I got into problems by using Usenext, and got myself a wicked virus that closed me down. I got a copy of Anacris and bought a Tb hard drive to back up my stuff. I tried to get the help I had paid for from Best Buy, hoping the extended waranty I bought would get me the system restored for me. No chance. I also was surprised to find out that although I had paid a fortune for the computer, I am not entitled to a copy of the disks for the OS? I was informed that if I would like to order another copy of the recovery disks, I could pay another 45$ for the privilege of having what I already own. This is just the last outrage that I could handle. I stuck in the ubuntu disk, after formatting my drives. I was instantly and so happily surprised to see that I had access to the NET, not only my email, but also the info that I needed to get help for my PC. I went further and installed the ubuntu, hardy heron. I am thrilled. I am learning how to use the different system, but anything good is really worth learning. I would love to get a copy of XP if I could, and dual boot. But I think that Ubuntu is the ultimate. I am humbled to think I can just have this, and it did save my butt in an emergency. Imaging calling up HP, or MS, and asking for a free favor, or free help. Right.

Sealbhach

March 22nd, 2009, 02:18 PM

I was instantly and so happily surprised to see that I had access to the NET, not only my email, but also the info that I needed to get help for my PC. I went further and installed the ubuntu, hardy heron. I am thrilled.

That's great. HP hardware is usually quite Linux friendly. They sell a netbook with Linux on it. Ubuntu is not too big a shock for someone moving from Windows. There's an Absolute Beginners forum on this site if you have any difficulties. Don't be afraid to ask - they're quite friendly on here and most have been in your situation as well - I have.;)

.

linuxrollup

March 22nd, 2009, 03:06 PM

I use Linux because you can have the latest and greatest unlike XP where you have to pay for it to get it's technological advantages. Also, Linux is updated every so often, unlike the Windows product line where Micro$oft makes you wait. Linux doesn't have all the nasties that Windows has neither.

Bufamotis

March 22nd, 2009, 04:29 PM

My experience, first off, its free, why not.

Then, the bloated and compounding effect of every add-on in XP needed to smooth things out and create a safe, user friendly environment where you don't have to stress about getting viruses off the uni network, or from a careless mate's flash-drive etcetera, the antivirus, antispyware, antirootkit, antiuser antiintegrated, antieverything is such a hassle to setup and maintain, that i would rather spend my precious time to learn a new os once off and rid myself of it.

Then there is the Microsoft validation. you bought it, paid for it, installed it and now you need to check if its real or not, and in some cases people have bona fide bought windows products, just to have wga tell them its fake, and the admins then, rather than helping them, give them zillions of links to "declare your retailer a thief" processes and eventually telling you to go buy another product.

Next there is the constant format changes, and non-compatibility issues that need to be sorted. This is something universal in software, true, but when you paid R2100.00 for the OS, you don't expect all the extra troubles, you want it working, the end.

Another irk for me is the Fact that after about five, six months the os goes into super-slowdown time where everything starts working at half the speed, irrespective of your hardware capabilities, and the only answer is to reinstall the OS. now they do have the settings export wizard to keep your settings and restore them after a new install, but why should it be necessary in the first place? then you got through all the licensing and validation hoops all over again. its exasperating and annoying. and I'm very irkable... further there is the lost registry boys lead by peter dll pan... why can't you just get rid of all traces of a program at uninstall? why cause dll hell and registry rot? why need another add-on just to sort all the registry errors out?

Moreover, the whole knive-in-the-dark FUD implementations and unrespectable tactics this multi-katcchiiing$$$ corporation gets itself involved in, vaporware, buy-outs and lies just to get even more $$$. then forcing OEM manufacturers to install their products on the machine or lose their licence to sell the os entirely etcetera. then not having the needed support for their users. its all just a little too irk-worthy for me, and don't get me wrong, its a nice system, and has nice uses (games platform etc) but all the extra smellyturd attached to it just isn't worth the support it gets worldwide, if there is a free, well supported, dedicated non-smellyturd alternative out there to use for free...

Rant over.. for today:)

Pacem

InfectedWithDrew

March 22nd, 2009, 04:32 PM

I use Windows because I can't run Windows-only games and some software in Linux.

Turns out that Windows does everything I need it to. Linux is more of a hobby for me.

----------------
Now playing: Finch - Letters To You (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/finch/track/letters+to+you)

dacorr

March 22nd, 2009, 04:33 PM

i once had a legit copy of XP then all of a sudden xp said i was a victim of software piracy and need to buy a legit copy for £120.

i gave up trying to get sense from M$.

After that i pretty much stopped using it as i had enough of having to always fix somthing or reinstall it.

meepster

March 22nd, 2009, 04:39 PM

I actually am running both Windows XP and Linux on my machine, except that I never use the Windows part of it unless I absolutely have to (get some kind of file format that Linux won't handle or something). My computer is a lot faster in Linux - it's fairly elderly, and I will take any boost in speed I can get. It also works better; I have not yet figured out how to make my wireless card work with Windows, and yet it worked with Linux just fine.

But I have to admit that my main reasons are (a) financial and (b) ideological. I like free software, and I like the fact that upgrades are free. And also, I love the idea of open source. I am an intellectual property geek (soon to graduate from law school), and I think it's an amazingly clever way to use copyright law to the advantage of everyday people rather than giant corporations. Copyright is so often a means of extortion (as it definitely is for Microsoft) that it is refreshing to see it actually defending an innovative and wonderful scheme for distributing software.

I wish I could contribute to these projects - I feel guilty about using this software and not giving anything back. But my programming skills are minuscule.

brawd

March 22nd, 2009, 04:56 PM

When I bought a new AMD 64 bit mobo along with Vista to suit it I found that it only lasted 3 days at most and then fell over. It never worked properly. I was amazed to see that it took 30 Gibs out of my hard drive. You would have thought there was enough stuff on there to keep it going but it never did. I installed my old XP with it's 32 bit system, which kind of defeated the purpose of buying the new mobo in the first place, but even that wouldn't run for more than a couple of days. I was just about to sell the machine when I spotted, via google, the 64 bit Ubuntu system. With nothing to lose I downloaded and installed it. Absolutely brilliant!
In a month of Linux type euphoria I downloaded and installed Fedora, Mint, and a couple of others but there is no 64 bit package that suits my machine better. In all the time I have been using it it has never put a foot wrong.
We have other machines around the house using XP and Vista but I've told the family that when they go belly up - as they inevitably will - I will not reinstall Windows of any description but Ubuntu instead so they have this machine to get to know Ubuntu first.

gd0929918

March 22nd, 2009, 07:42 PM

I use Windows because I can't run Windows-only games and some software in Linux.

Turns out that Windows does everything I need it to. Linux is more of a hobby for me.

.

pwnst*r

March 22nd, 2009, 08:01 PM

.

http://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon2.gifhttp://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon3.gif

Yownanymous

March 22nd, 2009, 08:04 PM

http://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon2.gifhttp://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon3.gif

See my signature below.

gd0929918

March 22nd, 2009, 08:08 PM

http://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon2.gifhttp://ubuntuforums.org/images/icons/icon3.gif

I don't get it.
He said exactly what I was going to say.
So I quoted him and put a dot as in I'm agreeing with him.

pwnst*r

March 22nd, 2009, 08:08 PM

See my signature below.

see my signature below.

pwnst*r

March 22nd, 2009, 08:10 PM

I don't get it.
He said exactly what I was going to say.
So I quoted him and put a dot as in I'm agreeing with him.

"." is almost as bad as "..."

a "^" may have been more appropriate. i retract the bulb in light of what has been shed.

JackieChan

March 22nd, 2009, 10:23 PM

lisati

March 22nd, 2009, 10:29 PM

I use Windows XP just for playing games, editing videos, and for programs Linux doesn't have native programs for and programs that can't work through Wine. Linux I use everything else for. There's no viruses, it's a lot faster, it crashes less, a lot more eye candy, it's a lot more customizeable, and you don't have to pay to keep upgrading.

Ditto for the video editing. I've spent several hundred dollars on video software that does what I want (which includes fixing up old footage that has been transferred from VHS and where I don't have the original camera tape). I have yet to find Linux-friendly software that does quite the same thing.

z.s.tar.gz

March 23rd, 2009, 01:36 AM

No matter what, there will always be things linux just can't do.

This is a thing you have accept when you use linux. Some can, and some can't.

rhcm123

March 23rd, 2009, 04:14 AM

No matter what, there will always be things linux just can't do.

This is a thing you have accept when you use linux. Some can, and some can't.

Exactly. I have yet to find a good office suite - open office does typing well, but the rest is lousy. I hate the presentation/spreadsheet programs

Bufamotis

March 23rd, 2009, 06:25 AM

Its like torvalds said himself, use the best tool for the job. If you can afford it, should probably be added as a qualifier though..

gd0929918

March 23rd, 2009, 07:02 AM

MGaddict2000

March 23rd, 2009, 11:50 AM

I wanted to learn Linux/Unix OS for work. I had a laptop that just ran crappy so I reformatted and put Linux on it. Thing runs fast as hell now. Then I built a new computer recently with 6gig of RAM and an Intel I7 920 processor and made Linux my only OS. Installed XP Pro and Win7 on Virtual Box. I have plenty of system resources to run all my games, including Crysis and Left For Dead at full graphics at 67FPS inside a virtual machine. O ya, I also have a GeForce GTX 280 and the whole system is over clocked. Linux is not only more stable, safer, and Ubuntu is more user friendly in my opinion, but it's also a far more aesthetic OS. I'm in the military and use Solaris at work. Using Linux at home, makes it so I don't have to think differently when I have to fix the system at work because some idiot let the system shut off without a proper power down. (Solaris 8 sucks and is highly unstable)

Just so everybody knows that might be new to computing, by using a virtual machine, you can run a second OS inside an OS without having to reboot. So essentially you can run a whole bunch of operating systems simultaneously if you have the RAM and video memory to allow it.

pwnst*r

March 23rd, 2009, 12:23 PM

Just so everybody knows that might be new to computing, by using a virtual machine, you can run a second OS inside an OS without having to reboot. So essentially you can run a whole bunch of operating systems simultaneously if you have the RAM and video memory to allow it.

i'm doing the same with Windows 7 under ubuntu with 8GB of RAM and a GTX 285.

k2t0f12d

March 23rd, 2009, 12:32 PM

Its like torvalds said himself, use the best tool for the job.

Linus' Logic:

if ( i want to write it )

best tool = my program

else if ( I dont want to write it )

best tool = other program

fi

use (best tool)

Bufamotis

March 23rd, 2009, 07:09 PM

Linus' Logic:

if ( i want to write it )

best tool = my program

else if ( I dont want to write it )

best tool = other program

fi

use (best tool)

^,^

Brilliant. lol

chriskin

March 23rd, 2009, 08:35 PM

most probably someone else said it before me - i don't have the patience to read 45+ pages , but is there any real reason why windows xp would be better than ubuntu?
i am perfectly happy running on ubuntu 9.04.

the real question would be "why would you use windows xp, if you have a pc with linux-compatible hardware?"

pedromartins

March 24th, 2009, 10:23 PM

1.
Why run unstable (ex-pee) if you can run stable (linux)?

2.
batteries run more time on linux...

need more?
:popcorn:

pwnst*r

March 24th, 2009, 11:12 PM

1.
Why run unstable (ex-pee) if you can run stable (linux)?

2.
batteries run more time on linux...

need more?
:popcorn:

XP was never "unstable" for me, but nice try.

rhcm123

March 25th, 2009, 12:51 AM

the real question would be "why would you use windows xp, if you have a pc with linux-compatible hardware?"

almost all hardware is linux compatable, or can be jerry-rigged to get the job done. I had more problems with drivers in xp than i have in debian (and her loving daugter ubuntu)

linuxRaven

March 25th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Windows, all versions, have security holes you would not believe.
EX- a friend of mine keeps his wireless network open, with a program letting him know when people are on it, if the are using any distro of Win, he gets there mac address and takes over there computer, he's even admitted that he cannot do this when someone is running a linux distro. So, while on the surface you may not see the advantage, those trying to attack your comp love for you to use windows.

Jay_Rock

March 25th, 2009, 04:56 PM

Security is a joke with Windows, If I had 10 dollar bill every time MS came out with a patch to stop people from taking over my computer I'd be driving a Hummer without worrying about gas prices.

For me I use Linux because it's fast, more secure and I don't have to worry about BSD.

*The only thing I need see to have a problem that I can edit video in. I tried cinelerra but it hard to use. I need something basic some Windows Movie Maker like. Other then that I only use Windows mainly a work. If companies were to see how much money they would save buying staroffice or using openoffice they'd **** themselves.

KCG102282

March 25th, 2009, 05:09 PM

I don't have to worry about BSD.

I am with you about Windows, but when was the last time you actually saw a BSOD? I haven't in years.

highlander8

March 25th, 2009, 05:14 PM

Its really a matter of preferences, actually there's nothing that Windows compared to any distribution of Linux do.
With the exception of the cost; Windows its extremely expensive!

I've come to the conclusion that if you like IT Technologies and stuff like that you'll came to this conclusion:

Linux rock dude!
Yes sometimes its hard to configure, run applications, however there's no perfect system, Windows (Win-bug) the least of all systems I've worked with.

Open a little space to work with one distribution, you've nothing to lose, at the end of it, if you still don't like it, you've gain the experience of working with it.

pwnst*r

March 25th, 2009, 05:19 PM

rajwraith

March 25th, 2009, 06:29 PM

If you got windows, why even bother commenting in ubuntuforums? go use XP. This is a place for linux users, not windows

pwnst*r

March 25th, 2009, 06:45 PM

If you got windows, why even bother commenting in ubuntuforums? go use XP. This is a place for linux users, not windows

i dual boot. i can post here even if i didn't ubuntu.

Enternald

March 25th, 2009, 08:48 PM

Wow, I use Windows xp just for my minimal needs (for me it's required only at rare events). Software cost is not issue, if you have no heart... Luckily, now I'm good, law respecting user. My Windows are so slow that they take triple times more time to shutdown, than turn on!!! (default setup no extraordinary configuration). Now I'm salvaging free windows partition size in exchange to Ubuntu root partition.

Silent Warrior

March 25th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Why use Linux over XP?

... Well, it's just tons more fun, innit? Hm, I also seem to get a kick out of running

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
and any cute little script-like wossname I made my own self to update and compile something from SVN or the like. I'm just funny that way. While Windows XP has generally 'just worked' for my purposes, the games from my almost-childhood (Wing Commander 1-4, Crusader, even Beavis & Butthead Do U. (... no, don't ask)) can't be expected to run easily on XP. Getting DOSbox on XP requires actively searching for this app - in Ubuntu, all I need to do is scan Synaptic. (Which is an unenviable task, though, any way you slice it.)

O' course, then there's the little snag that only one or maybe two of the higher-profile games I play at the moment runs on Linux. Yet others probably would work through Wine, with the catch that there's a DRM-thing that won't.

Honestly, for my purposes, I'd argue that Ubuntu (8.10 at any rate) is less trouble than XP. Plus, it seems I can get it to tell me that 'There is no sense in pretense!'
:lolflag:

puneetsoni

March 26th, 2009, 12:57 PM

Basically linux is for learning, XP is for dummies

pwnst*r

March 26th, 2009, 01:30 PM

Basically linux is for learning, XP is for dummies

einstein.

peeler326

March 26th, 2009, 02:28 PM

shel-hall

March 26th, 2009, 03:52 PM

Basically I dont see any advantages to using linux over windows xp, [snippage] So what are the advantages of l using linux over xp?

They are all just computers and operating systems. Tools. Some do some things better than others. Different OSes offer different experiences.

For me, the primary advantage of Unix-like systems is the ease with which one can develop small bits of software and have them run automatically, on a schedule. In addition, modern Linuxes run well on hardware that hasn't a chance of running XP, like this 1999 laptop.

If you're just web surfing and writing e-mail, anything will do.

In my professional life, I've worked with 9 OSes; I'm pretty agnostic. They all have good points and bad ones, and various amounts of baggage, too.

-Shel

trot2millah

March 26th, 2009, 09:43 PM

I use Windows for my practical applications when I need to get work done with MS Office 07 (I'm a sucker for good UI's so it has OoO beat) or when I can't risk having any hassle (for debate etc.), but I use Ubuntu when I'm hanging out on the computer, because it is so much better looking and so much more fun!

krazyenglishman

March 27th, 2009, 04:05 AM

Hmm, Having Installed Ubuntu again for the first time in ages today ... I feel it allows me to be in control of my pc, From the desktop to the bare bones, Windows always feels as though it's running me, Rather than the other way around.

Plus all the genuine advantage, security patches and general slowdowns are a pain in the ... yeah.

So now Ubuntu is my main OS, Daily chores, surfing, chatting etc is done here. I still have XP as my gaming OS, Thats about it.

rhcm123

March 27th, 2009, 04:44 AM

So now Ubuntu is my main OS, Daily chores, surfing, chatting etc is done here. I still have XP as my gaming OS, Thats about it.

The one thing i dislike about ubuntu is distribution upgrades. Although not integrated at all in windows (probably due to the ~4 year development cycle), they always don't work to well for me, and i just end up backing up my files and doing a fresh-reinstall, because somthing or other broke.

I was/am using 8.10 for a while, and am currently thinking of downgrading back to 8.04 due to the random quirks that the upgrade broke (e.g. every time I unplug, then plug back in my external harddrive, gnome stops responding to keyboard and mouse input, hand has to be restarted with ctrl-alt-bkspace)

Edit: Also, i forgot to mention that all the fonts got really, really tiny in 8.10. And my floppies dont work :(

lordawesome

March 27th, 2009, 03:01 PM

I'll tell you why it is better. First off, IT IS FREE!!!! Second, any program you may need to do a task IS FREE!!! Third, Security is much better on linux. I come home to many random infections on my home PC that runs XP. Fourth I think linux is easier than windows to maintain and manage. However, this is a matter of opinion that has come from my experience running both OS's. Fifth, Linux does not have the registry which is a very nice, bloated mess of crap that windows requires to run. Sixth, Visual effects in ubuntu are much better than windows XP which pretty much has none. I'm sure you can BUY some though. Seventh, HP printing is much more easy to set up/configure than windows. Eighth, linux can do anything windows can and then some. However, it is unfortunate to state that due to vendors not releasing code to the linux community like they would for other vendors there are some benefits to windows. For instance, drivers are much easier to find for windows and sometimes easier to get working. However, ubuntu has made huge steps in resolving this issue in the past couple years. Also windows has DirectX 10 (XP goes to 9). This is required for a lot of newer games. So, I would suggest linux for everything you do except those windows games that require directX. However, I have no problem trying to load one up in wine and at least attempt to get it to work. I think I got GTA3 working in wine at home. It's been a while since I tried to play any PC game so I don't remember exactly which version it is. BTW, Im running intrepid at home. Oh, another reason why linux is better... I use it at work and I tripled my productivity. No lie. All the machines I use at work are linux and they contain huge databases that I manage and monitor. I would be scared to death to do this on windows as I need something that is stable.

Yownanymous

March 27th, 2009, 07:34 PM

All the machines I use at work are linux and they contain huge databases that I manage and monitor. I would be scared to death to do this on windows as I need something that is stable.
"Right, that's 100 confidential records placed in. Now to move over to the save bu--"
"Microsoft Office Access has crashed because it wanted something exciting to happen."
"Hi there, it looks like you're trying to hang yourself in despair. Would you like some help?":lolflag:

City Builder

March 28th, 2009, 12:08 AM

Hmmm, some interesting conversation here.... Couple things come to mind however (other peoples quotes in bold):

- Lots of free software that can be easily installed without clicking through a lot of dialogs and accepting the weirdest license agreements.
When I was running Linux, yes there was a decent amount of free software but most of it was pretty basic, and what wasn't basic I already had a counterpart in windows for that was freeware and supplied as many features as the Linux counterpart. I've usually only got to install my software once so clicking through the dialogs doesn't bother me and well... The license agreements have NEVER affected me adversely.

- Possibility of direct contact with the developers, contributing your own ideas, see the bugs you report getting fixed (some even on the same day!)
Times are a changing and it's easier now than ever before to be in direct contact with developers, and while bugs might not (usually don't) get fixed the same day (my guess is due to the complexity of the software), usually the worst of the worst bugs get fixed, at least that's been my experience.

- talking about games... I currently play ut, ut2004, q2, q3, civ3, Sid meiers alpha centauri (and expansion pack), sim city 3000 unlimited, neverwinter nights. every game runs natively, except for civ3 which runs fine in wine.
Unfortunately, for me that is not the case. But I play different games then this person lists. Simcity 4, Fallout 3, Grand Ages Rome, Civ IV etc. I never had much success with wine with regards to performance issues.

- Its fun.
I'd agree with this, although it's not a reason to switch to Linux full time and exclusively.

- It's free, $0, ZERO
I'm not bothered by this, since I run windows for so long that if I were to work it out per day, it's not even pennies per day and the convienience is well worth running windows and knowing that theres tons of software, games, apps etc that are just going to *run* when I install them and be feature rich.

- keep a Windows XP partition around for gaming. I do everything else on Linux. Write novels, develop software, put together business proposals, remote-administration of Windows 2003 servers... you name it.
Yeah this seems pretty common really, the very few people that I know that are either trying Linux or made the switch, pretty much use it for some non entertainment type of chores such as writting letters, writting software, etc. I can't see switching to Linux to do these things however.

-It boots in about 10 seconds, and rips through anything I throw at it.
OMG, I wish my Linux box would have booted up in about 10 seconds, but really it took longer to boot up than any windows box I've ever had, I use to run Suse 10.x for my home/office web server which I have nothing but praise for, as I wouldn't choose any other O.S. to run a web server, it's truly great for that.

-sick of windows' blue screens
I know when you take all the people who use windows, theres a lot that get blue screens, but in all the many years I've been using wndows, I can count on both hands how many BSOD's I've actually had, much of that related to failing hardware in which case the BSOD gave me a clue that I had hardware that was starting to fail so I was actually grateful for that to be able to replace the hardware and keep my computer up and running.

I hear people (many) praising the no virus, adware, malware and yeah that's great, however with proper security precautions you simply don't get that stuff. The only time I've caught viruses was when I knew that I would get a virus from something I was doing and was willing to do that, knowing I'd have to clean it off my system afterwards. I guess Im really not suprised at the amount of people that catch virus's, not everybody knows about virus's and computers and how not to catch one, I sure wish more people would learn about it though.

All in all, I can't honestly think of any real reasons to switch to Linux from Windows at this time, since I use my computer for real life work, I need to run Internet Explorer for a auto manufacturers website since they require it, and I like to use some computers for primary entertainment, (playing games, etc) and the games that I enjoy playing just don't run on Linux with good performance.

With all of this said however, if (and it's a big IF) I could run all of my games that I like to play on Linux and get the performance out of them that I get in Windows AND could run Internet Explorer in Linux, I wouldn't hesitate to switch to Linux, I'd switch in a heartbeat. But since I can't, I really can't give good reasons to switch to Linux at this time unfortunately.

technologic1

March 28th, 2009, 02:21 AM

eddski

March 28th, 2009, 02:38 AM

Slicedbread is right. I'm used to lockups, conflicts, lack of CORRECT info, slow shutdowns, startups, viruses, spyware, conflicting firewalls etc...I'm used to that, it's irritating when things work faster and better. Don't get me wrong, I also like paying for my software. Another thing, I like it when people tell what to use and how to load the OS. Yeah sure, windows is better ;->

Xyphoid

March 28th, 2009, 02:43 AM

I use Linux, because I like to tinker. And all of the reasons that are in the previous posts.

And because I bought an Acer Aspire One with XP. I turned it on and filled in my name and other stuff. Once it was all finished with the automatic setup I opened Internet Explorer....And it froze with an error message!!!!!!!! Unbelievable.

So I downloaded the newest Ubuntu and installed it. After a little tinkering to get my wifi working I was a happy camper.

Got Gnome, Compiz and Emerald up and running. And watching all my anime in 480p.

mercury80

March 28th, 2009, 04:27 PM

i only use ubuntu now, got really sick of windows. BUT i really miss adobe photoshop and premiere.

pwnst*r

March 28th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Ummmmm - free?

advantageS

trot2millah

March 28th, 2009, 08:11 PM

I love the customizable interface which meets my needs, the Apt package system, the awesome community, the amazing availability of free software, no viruses, and of course the most important reason, Frozen Bubble!

halavin

March 28th, 2009, 10:27 PM

If I offer you a new car (say a BMW) for free, will you still be taking a cab everyday to work ? Its something like that.

pwnst*r

March 28th, 2009, 11:59 PM

If I offer you a new car (say a BMW) for free, will you still be taking a cab everyday to work ? Its something like that.

actually, it's nothing like that, but thanks for posting.

Giant Speck

March 29th, 2009, 04:45 AM

If I offer you a new car (say a BMW) for free, will you still be taking a cab everyday to work ? Its something like that.

Not really. You make it sound like you pay a monthly fee when using Windows.

metallicamaster3

March 29th, 2009, 05:33 AM

I use XP not by choice. I use it because I'm a gamer.

"Orion" is my gaming rig. Beastly, yet running XP Pro 64-bit because of the obvious. My two "second in command" machines run Ubuntu 8.10; and my main server runs 8.04 LTS.

pwnst*r

March 29th, 2009, 05:41 AM

spike_naples

March 29th, 2009, 05:48 AM

Simply for the gaming experience. I'm not too familiar with Wine, Cedega and Crossover but if I was I'd totally run Ubuntu.

spike_naples

March 29th, 2009, 05:56 AM

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.

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.

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.

:popcorn: I couldn't have said it any better. Only this for me is that I have a complete install of Ubuntu. I've taken the plunge and don't really intend on going back. I'm trying to understand the complexities of Cedega, Wine and Crossover to run my games. Once I do then consider me an apostle of Linux/Ubuntu.

carnauth

March 29th, 2009, 11:20 AM

I Dual booted Ubuntu, and XP because I got bored with Windows Operating systems, and I wanted to try, and learn something new. Now I use Linux for everything except helping a friend with audio streaming, because Winamp seems to be more stable in my opinion, than other media devices for Linux.

But yeah, the No virus' havin', Free, Open Source, perks are awesome as well. I've only been using Ubuntu for a month or so now, and just started using it as my main OS for about 2 weeks, but I think the help/support for Ubuntu is outstanding. I had been a windows user for 12 years, and a lot of the problems I had I was either told to format C, or treated like an idiot when I know a little bit about computers.

Not that I realy dislike winamp. Honestly i have spent hours staring at random milkdrop effects. That would be my fav' part of winamp... However in regards to "Winamp seems to be more stable in my opinion, than other media devices for Linux" I gotta say "whats wrong with vlc" I dont see it as unstable.. Rarley ever have problems with it, `cept when I am playing an avi while its still downloading, that would be the only time I can think of it malfunctioning on me. Not to mention it plays about everything OOTB. I use it on windows and linux. It is centerd around streaming, you should be able to get ya friend up and runnign with it.

brainac0cult

March 29th, 2009, 11:33 AM

windows either looks like play-doh or it looks like grey mud OR if you have vista it looks good but crashes all the time.

pwnst*r

March 29th, 2009, 11:36 AM

...OR if you have vista it looks good but crashes all the time.

lol, wrong. where do you kids come up with this crap?

linuxgeek123

March 29th, 2009, 11:39 AM

have you tried wine or crossover games???I have crossover games got it for free too!!

d3drocks

March 29th, 2009, 01:51 PM

I am duel booted with Vista and ubuntu.
why?
because there are no proper ASIO drivers for linux sadly.
all my sound design and audio production MUST be done on windows.
I know there is WineASIO, but its a bit nuts compiling that, and its not compatible with pro-tools or my audio interfaces.
if it werent for that, Ide use only ubuntu. PlayOnLinux, Wine, and that free give away of Crossover Games from a while back really do a good job.

I need my vista for my work.

Yownanymous

March 29th, 2009, 03:09 PM

lol, wrong. where do you kids come up with this crap?

From actually using the damned system? He's completely right about Vista actually. You need several gigantic supercomputers to have it running smoothly...

presence1960

March 29th, 2009, 03:19 PM

I have Windows XP Professional, Ubuntu Hardy and Linux Mint 5. I do so because it is my choice to use whatever I feel like. BTW I only use XP for work because I have to. Even if I didn't have to use it for work I would still keep it. Why? Because it is my choice.

presence1960

March 29th, 2009, 03:34 PM

If you got windows, why even bother commenting in ubuntuforums? go use XP. This is a place for linux users, not windows

actually that statement is not 100% accurate. I dual boot as do many others in here. Having and using windows does not disqualify anyone from posting in here, regardless of whether anyone approves or not! I use Linux, but will always have my copy of windows, I paid for it and that is my choice. We all need to get over the anti-windows sentiment and focus on other things. I don't like Chrysler and will never buy one of their cars, but I ain't out there telling everyone not to buy a Chrysler nor am I putting them down for using Chrysler. Why? It is their choice, same thing with OS's. Let's get over it and move on!

Giant Speck

March 29th, 2009, 03:51 PM

From actually using the damned system? He's completely right about Vista actually. You need several gigantic supercomputers to have it running smoothly...

Sweet! That means my two-year-old Toshiba laptop with 1GB of RAM is actually a series of gigantic supercomputers!

MGaddict2000

March 29th, 2009, 03:59 PM

You can install office in wine quite easely. I had no hassles with it. I installed office 2007. I have no hassles with it. I'm not saying your doing anything wrong, since I still use XP myself for certian things, just if you feel like giving it a try some time, you might be impressed and quite pleased.

(Stupid MagicJack doesn't work with Linux and its the only way I can afford to make a phone call.)

MGaddict2000

March 29th, 2009, 04:05 PM

Sweet! That means my two-year-old Toshiba laptop with 1GB of RAM is actually a series of gigantic supercomputers!

I'd like to see your Toshiba laptop w/ 1GB of RAM and Vista do what my Intel Centrino 1.4Ghz 3 year old laptop w/ 512Mb RAM and 4MB video card can do with Ubuntu. I bet my crappier system does more with Ubuntu then your better system with Vista.

You think Vista looks good on that laptop? Try Linux w/ a nice Compiz setup. You'll realize Vista doesn't run smooth on any system.

Giant Speck

March 29th, 2009, 04:38 PM

I'd like to see your Toshiba laptop w/ 1GB of RAM and Vista do what my Intel Centrino 1.4Ghz 3 year old laptop w/ 512Mb RAM and 4MB video card can do with Ubuntu. I bet my crappier system does more with Ubuntu then your better system with Vista.

You think Vista looks good on that laptop? Try Linux w/ a nice Compiz setup. You'll realize Vista doesn't run smooth on any system.

I've been using Ubuntu, and subsequently Compiz, for over two years now, on the very laptop I was just talking about. I think I'd know how smoothly both Vista and Ubuntu run on my computer, and I can tell you that they both run just fine.

Besides, my post was not comparing Vista to Ubuntu. It was dispelling the lie that you need a supercomputer to run Vista.

tsali

March 29th, 2009, 07:01 PM

I'd like to see your Toshiba laptop w/ 1GB of RAM and Vista do what my Intel Centrino 1.4Ghz 3 year old laptop w/ 512Mb RAM and 4MB video card can do with Ubuntu. I bet my crappier system does more with Ubuntu then your better system with Vista.

You think Vista looks good on that laptop? Try Linux w/ a nice Compiz setup. You'll realize Vista doesn't run smooth on any system.

Swordfight!

My cluster of ten old 030 macs running an OS I made from scratch is perfectly capable of controlling magnetic containment in a fusion reactor....

sheshdd

March 29th, 2009, 08:21 PM

hello?free opensource software?that's why i prefer linux,besides my system runs way faster,it's way more customizable,i can change desktop enviroments whenever i want,all of this withoutusing a huge amount of cpu/ram.To me that's what makes any linux distro at least 10 times better than any windows version.windows is DAMN SLOW and full of bugs.The only thing i use windows for :gaming and recording my music,but that's just because i haven't learned to record my stuffs in ubuntu yet,once i learn i'll decrease my windows needs.

enough said.

3Miro

March 29th, 2009, 08:47 PM

My little rant on the subject:

For my work I needed Linux, Win (any Win) simply cannot run the apps that I am developing. In couple of hours even on 50% CPU usage, the windows system would crash. So I used to have XP for most of my purposes (from web/mail, games, media, word/spreadsheets ...), and Linux just for work. I was happy enough, no need to change. One can make windows do everyday tasks well enough and protect it proper AV and firewall software (which in itself takes some skills actually). Then along came Vista .... WTF.

Soon Microsoft would discontinue any support for XP ... and then what? Spend the money for Vista, upgrade hardware that doesn't have Vista drivers and let the OS take 1 - 2GB of RAM just for regular usage - I SAY NO!

People easily forget the time when XP first came out. In 2002 256MB of ram were more than what most people had, XP required at least that much. It was a resource hog and thus it was ultimately slow and inefficient. From 2002 until now, hardware has improved a lot, a year or two ago , standard PC configurations came with 1GB of ram, so XP runs well on those. XP takes for itself bout as much as Linux does, however, XP is 7 years old system.

In the mean time, most people do not remember windows long horn, it was developed, but never released. It was supposed to be the XP successor around 2004 - 2005, but even MS realized it was a piece of *** to they never released it. XP has been around for a long time and thus it runs well enough on most modern systems (that is the only reason it is good for something).

Vista hogs incredible amount of resources and gives you what??? When I show compiz youtube videos to my windows using friends, they laugh: "And how powerful does your hardware have to be in order to to that? No way the average PC can do that!". The truth is that I got the cube running on 5 year old PC with integrated video.

Vista claims to give you speed/effects/stability and so on, but at what cost. Why should my OS take the RAM that should be allocated to make my programs run faster. Does Vista read ahead from the HD to make io faster? It is designed to utilize all of my hardware to make it run well FOR ME and not FOR VISTA? NO, and I don't want that!

Windows is designed with one purpose only - make cash for MS. Linux is designed with one purpose only - work for its users. There is a night and day difference here.

When I upgrade from one version of Linux to another, I know that the drivers that worked before would work at least as good. If there is a problem, it is with the proprietary drivers (IMO no driver should be proprietary, all drivers should be open source, I mean I already gave money for the hardware, how about a chance to use it!) There are more people working on Linux than MS and Apple put together, the resources of the community are practically infinite and used with the purpose to make the system work better. I have received better support help at this forum than anything you can get from a big company.

The last thing for me were the games. I want to play video games and games are made for Windows. Well, with the latest advances of wine, I can now play all the games that I care about (Oblivion, Civilization, STALKER, HOMMV...) Using wine I can play old games that do not run on Vista. Using wine I can play 32-bit windows games under my 64-bit Linux with relative ease, compared to 32-bit windows games under 64-bit windows (from what I have heard/read).

Windows 7 is supposed to be this great thing. Well all the "great" interface and whatever improvement they have made, already exist on KDE or GNOME or both, and have been there for a while. And there is no cube for windows, and the desktop cube is not an effect, for me it is a necessity (I cannot live without it).

For the time being, XP can satisfy most people's needs, however, everyone would have to abandon XP sooner or later. I made my transition now rather than later, I don't care about MS anymore.

I AM FREE!

linuxisevolution

March 30th, 2009, 01:03 AM

Swordfight!

My cluster of ten old 030 macs running an OS I made from scratch is perfectly capable of controlling magnetic containment in a fusion reactor....

Are you serious??

I mean cmon, thats child stuff. I wrote my own os in assembly that aims several nuclear warheads in my basement. Just for defense against the neighbors though :lolflag:

linuxisevolution

March 30th, 2009, 01:12 AM

The one thing i dislike about ubuntu is distribution upgrades. Although not integrated at all in windows (probably due to the ~4 year development cycle), they always don't work to well for me, and i just end up backing up my files and doing a fresh-reinstall, because somthing or other broke.

I was/am using 8.10 for a while, and am currently thinking of downgrading back to 8.04 due to the random quirks that the upgrade broke (e.g. every time I unplug, then plug back in my external harddrive, gnome stops responding to keyboard and mouse input, hand has to be restarted with ctrl-alt-bkspace)

Edit: Also, i forgot to mention that all the fonts got really, really tiny in 8.10. And my floppies dont work :(

You can fix th floppy problem with the command:

sudo modprobe floppy

good luck..

letmekilluplz

March 30th, 2009, 07:10 PM

I use Linux (although I'm fairly new) because it has less unnecessary stuff that I don't even know what it is.:lolflag: It is faster crashes less, and things never stop responding.

stuman

March 30th, 2009, 10:00 PM

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.

My neighbor just went to Ubuntu after having to completely re-install Windows for the 6th time due to some unknown hardware conflict. My question is the other way around...If you use Linux, why do you still have XP around?

I work with clients who have access software which only runs under XP, and not the time to get all of it working with Wine, so I run XP VM's, which I did even when I used XP as the host platform. VM's allow me to do interesting things like simultaneously connect to incompatible VPN's, and "retire" a machine when done with a client...never have to "uninstall" anything.

rhcm123

March 30th, 2009, 11:05 PM

Are you serious??

I mean cmon, thats child stuff. I wrote my own os in assembly that aims several nuclear warheads in my basement. Just for defense against the neighbors though :lolflag:

Thats' nothing. I took a bunch of apple II's, wired them to a bunch of old stuff that i have no idea what does, stuck it all in my basement, and connected it to a timer that you have to push every 108 minutes or else the world ends.

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/1/16/Lost-season1.jpg

rhcm123

March 30th, 2009, 11:10 PM

Also, i found these worth a good :lolflag: :).

You can fix th floppy problem with the command:

sudo modprobe floppy

good luck..
YAY. YOU UNDELETED /DEV/FD0. THANKS.

I use Linux (although I'm fairly new) because it has less unnecessary stuff that I don't even know what it is.:lolflag: It is faster crashes less, and things never stop responding.
-Less unnessecary stuff: open up /bin, /etc/, or /sbin some time. There is tons of unnessecary crap installed on linux. The thing is it never gets in your way, which is what i love about it.
-Crashes/Responding: For some reason, every time i plug in my external HDD, GNOME goes off and stops respoinding to keyboard input. About 5 minutes later, kernel panics, (unless ive ctrl-alt-bksp)

Newuser1111

March 30th, 2009, 11:20 PM

If you have Windows XP, why do you use linux?I'm not using Linux or XP.
I'm using Vista but I am waiting for Ubuntu 9.04 because Ubuntu 8.10 won't work anymore and I don't know why. Nvidia driver has problems and the WiFi driver won't install anymore.

Unless it's about my other laptop which has XP and Ubuntu, then I'm not using Linux on that one because of SiS.

maestrog

March 31st, 2009, 01:38 AM

I am a developer and most host servers use linux. The more I know about Linux, the more comfortable I am fixing OS problems at work. Also, Open-Source Rules!

rhcm123

March 31st, 2009, 10:25 PM

I am a developer and most host servers use linux. The more I know about Linux, the more comfortable I am fixing OS problems at work. Also, Open-Source Rules!

That's what they say:
Windows for Gaming
Mac for creativity
BlackBerry for mobility
Linux for servers

use what you need to get the job done!

goatroapr

April 4th, 2009, 07:05 AM

My wife has XP because she is an inspiring photographer and uses Photoshop. I tried with WINE but it just wouldn't load correctly. Once that gets fixed, i think I can convince her to change. Actually, I have ubuntu loaded on another hard drive on her machine already but she doesn't know it. One day, I will just pull the plug on her XP drive and tell her it crashed!! hehe Shhhh... dont tell her.

Snappo

April 4th, 2009, 09:05 PM

That's what they say:
Windows for Gaming
Mac for creativity
BlackBerry for mobility
Linux for servers

use what you need to get the job done!

I've been much more creative with Linux than mac... never really enjoyed gaming so no loss for me.

nirmalbalaji

April 4th, 2009, 10:10 PM

nirmalbalaji

April 5th, 2009, 12:17 AM

i was found one solution to install windows xp --- it was virtualbox machine .... if i install windows xp through this can i uninstall ubuntu and get back my full harddisk space ... ?

wsonar

April 7th, 2009, 11:31 PM

How to uninstall Ubuntu 8.10 from single booted PC ?

My PC come with windows xp .... but i overwrite windows xp by ubuntu 8.10 three days ago , i feel uncomfort with ubuntu ... now how can i uninstall ubuntu completely from my PC ? and i have windows installation cd with me ... i want to install windows after unstalling ubuntu ...

Please help me friends ....

I'm pretty sure you just have to boot to the xp cds delete the partions and create and new ntfs one I don't think there's anything else two it

wsonar

April 7th, 2009, 11:32 PM

i like linux because it's more customizeable changing the login window and anything else I want to configure..to do any kind of obscure configuration in windows usually requires some third party shareware thats most likely infected with malware

showman47

April 8th, 2009, 01:44 AM

Surely the question should be:
If you have Linux why do you use Windows XP ?

answer: I only go into Windows to browser test in IE7 and to do any scanning as my old scanner (xerox) doesn't have a linux driver (am ditching it soon anyway).

and when I say 'go into Windows' I mean for as short a time as possible!

My friends who still use windows xp are still spending all their time running spyware checkers, antivirus scanners and defragging their drives.

I'm enjoying myself and learning.

LiQuidAiR

April 8th, 2009, 04:47 AM

Windows is a very nice OS if you can get it for free, :)

More people use windows so you must at least know something about it. The applications that Microsoft has written are industry standard. It's very rare you walk into a business and all their terminals at Mac's or some Linux distro.

Linux is really the rebel OS. The programmers and tweakers dream. And, trust me it is. I know very little about it but I do know that it's an operating system built to be open to change and the ability to reflect the users choice and taste. I'm talking about customization.

LOL, I laugh when I think about installing Linux on a few of the terminals at work. The people would be so confused. They would drive themselves insane trying to access simple items. That's the reality we live in. To forsake Windows is to forsake most industries and potential for success, yes making money :)

People just want something to work and make it easy to use. I don't think Linux is to that point. Still to many commands or user lock downs. People would have to read a book and learn how to type if they used Linux. I still love it. And for those that don't have a life, <---------........Love it.

EMBRACE WINDOWS! YES! HAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding.

Really, I'm kidding.... :)

Chame_Wizard

April 8th, 2009, 10:02 AM

On school and most places which use Winblah only :P

revelationman

April 8th, 2009, 11:06 PM

To be honest I do not see any reason to use Windows period, I have completely moved away from Windows. I use to dual boot with Vista but I found myself more in the Ubuntu partition so I decided to wipe the drive and just run Ubuntu.
I do not play games and Ubuntu gives me everything that I need and more now with the new 180.11 driver for NVIDA this OS is smooth steady and secure. I love this OS I do run Windows XP in a virtual box because sometimes you might have some website that uses IE but that is all I need it for.
Again I do not see the purpose or use for Windows,
I just say to people yes there is a learning curve but it is not that bad there is plenty of help so make the move from Microsoft and come into the light.

sekinto

April 9th, 2009, 11:33 AM

I like the fact that it is easy to set different things up.
Examples:
A <insert language here> programming environment.
A <insert type of server here> server.
A digital <insert type of art here> production studio.
etc...

And everything just integrates perfectly!

And one reason I prefer Ubuntu over Windows is this:
In Windows you will download two games from third-party websites and they will both come bundled with their own copies of <insert libraries here>, in Ubuntu you will tell the package manager to install two games and it will download those two games along with a single copy of the libraries they both need.

The problem with decentralised program management (like in Windows) is that the distributers do not know what the consumers are going to have on their system, yes they could have a game-setup.exe, library1-setup.exe, libarary2-setup.exe, etc. and if everyone did that you wouldn't need to install multiple copies of things... but that is just more separate executables for the user to download which is a pain in the *** to them.
Package Management == <3

dcparham

April 9th, 2009, 03:09 PM

bottom line: i can count on my ubuntu desktop box, being used as a company web server - to be UP and RUNNING, with NO hanging. is that too much to ask?

more: i went from a windows 2000 server box using asp/msaccess to ubuntu 8.04 [hardy] using php/mysql - the thing loads and runs faster, and is stable.

years ago i heard techs laughing about how the Space Shuttle doesn't use Windows OS - but rather Unix [confirmation anyone?] i hate instability and slowness, so an OS similar to the one carrying a multi-million $ astronaut-flying space vehicle, is good enough for me:P.

another bottom line: i am a noob, and while the circuitous command-line environment can be a pain, forums and users almost always provide commands that simply work. more steps for configuring something perhaps, but a high % of success rate.

imaginashawn

April 10th, 2009, 03:30 AM

I think the original question was mixed up. It should read:
"If you have Linux, why do you use Windows?"
At least that's how I would say it. I only switched from windows to Linux (Ubuntu) about four months ago. I remember thinking 'this is hard to use' then I realized, I said the same thing when I first started using windows. The difference is, life is easier and I'm happier now!

toejamfootball

April 10th, 2009, 04:13 AM

I still have a computer with XP pro on it, because a lot of Software I use isn't useable in Linux. Some is in WINE, but I don't want to have to do that.q

warpasylum

April 10th, 2009, 10:25 AM

There's ups and down to Windows or Linux. I like to tweak things and have total control over my computer. I use Windows at work and until recently had it dual booting on my laptop. Honestly though I play with Linux because for me it's fun. I've been using Ubuntu since Edgy n' it keeps getting better. I took XP off my computer because Linux runs alot faster. Just my personal taste though too. I like the challenge and also rhe idea that I can contribute back to the community and get experience. Honestly though.... to each his own.

warpasylum

April 10th, 2009, 10:30 AM

How to uninstall Ubuntu 8.10 from single booted PC ?

My PC come with windows xp .... but i overwrite windows xp by ubuntu 8.10 three days ago , i feel uncomfort with ubuntu ... now how can i uninstall ubuntu completely from my PC ? and i have windows installation cd with me ... i want to install windows after unstalling ubuntu ...

Please help me friends ....

nirmalbalaji,
You can use the Ubuntu live CD (for the last time if you wish) and go to System -> Administration -> Partition Editor and delete the partitions. Just be sure to deactivate your Swap partition first. Good luck!

Yownanymous

April 10th, 2009, 12:25 PM

I've found something:

My MP4 player only works on an extended USB cable when in Ubuntu. Windows throws a tantrum if I try to do so, it even corrupted a folder last time...

matthewlowery

April 10th, 2009, 12:38 PM

I dualboot Ubuntu alongside Vista. The only reason I keep Vista is:
Games. Wish Ubuntu had a way to play them!
Sometimes I can feel as though Ubuntu is unstable. Not as much as Vista, but I just feel familiar there.
BUt I agree, Ubuntu pwns Windows ***. Windows 7 looks like competition :S

tsali

April 10th, 2009, 01:51 PM

I use it on my laptop.

One reason and one reason only...it does what I need it to do on this machine for a good price (yes, linux does cost something when you consider the time required to setup and tweak)

I run Vista on my desktop because it is used for other tasks that Ubuntu is less well suited for.

McTricks

April 10th, 2009, 09:49 PM

Well, I have my answer to why I prefer Ubuntu, putting aside all the stuff it can do,

IT'S FUN TO USE

pwnst*r

April 10th, 2009, 09:51 PM

Well, I have my answer to why I prefer Ubuntu, putting aside all the stuff it can do,

IT'S FUN TO USE

i play all my FPS games on my windows box. IT'S FUN TO USE TOO.

McTricks

April 10th, 2009, 09:57 PM

i play all my FPS games on my windows box. IT'S FUN TO USE TOO.

Well, I have a lower-end laptop... and using ubuntu, I can play games that the windows-side of my laptop couldn't dream of running

and btw, the reason I dual boot with windows is that I have a few programs that I have to have that don't run with Ubuntu... wish they did :)

pwnst*r

April 10th, 2009, 09:58 PM

then you don't play any newer games then.

Giant Speck

April 10th, 2009, 10:04 PM

i play all my FPS games on my windows box. IT'S FUN TO USE TOO.

What's with the hostility?

pwnst*r

April 10th, 2009, 10:05 PM

What's with the hostility?

please show me where i'm hostile.

McTricks

April 10th, 2009, 10:15 PM

please show me where i'm hostile.

Me: "I like Ubuntu"

You: *bites my head off*

EDIT:

and also, isn't you name pwnst*r... "Yes, I pwn people, but in a very humane way"

Giant Speck

April 10th, 2009, 10:16 PM

please show me where i'm hostile.

Capital letters are usually sign of anger or hostility.

If I'm wrong, I apologize.

Ralex1098

April 10th, 2009, 10:21 PM

I didn't read all 353 pages of this thread (sorry if I'm echoing someone else's idea) but I see both Microsoft and Apple as companies that put you in a box. Apple systems are built with little intention of upgrading or changing. Microsoft is similar, but it puts you in a box. I have no flexibility in Windows or OSX, which is why I choose Linux.

nstolar

April 10th, 2009, 10:56 PM

pwnst*r

April 11th, 2009, 12:42 AM

Me: "I like Ubuntu"

You: *bites my head off*

EDIT:

and also, isn't you name pwnst*r... "Yes, I pwn people, but in a very humane way"

biting your head off? wow. overly sensitive today i see. let's keep this about the OS, shall we?

pwnst*r

April 11th, 2009, 12:42 AM

Capital letters are usually sign of anger or hostility.

If I'm wrong, I apologize.

i was almost quoting McTricks to a T, considering he capped the exact same words.

no harm, no foul. thread on.

MZ250Supa5

April 11th, 2009, 02:07 AM

Hmmm, time to add my thoughts...

I've used various OSs over the years, starting with Microsoft DOS in 1990. Then I migrated to Apple Mac. I tried Microsoft 3.1 briefly, and poured scorn on a friend's opinion that it was as good as a Mac... Hardly so. I then did a stint using machines with Windows 95, a little better than 3.1 but not much. Then Windows 98. I got quite used to the BSOD.

Most recently I have used Windows XP, and found it to be the best version of Windows I have used - I have no experience of Vista, so can't comment on that, but I have heard some not so good things. Windows XP seems to do everything I need, and more, but once anti-virus software is installed,plus every other package I use, it slows down to a crawl, and e-mails take an age to arrive in my Inbox due to the aforementioned security software. I like a fast computer, and whilst XP can be fast, as others have noted, only if nothing is installed on it, which seems to me to defeat the point. From the perspective of the gamers here who hav commented I can see that there is some degree of frustration that games ae not well supported on Liux, but for me this is not an issue,as I remove even the basic 'games' that are default. But I'm glad that there are gamers out there: they allow us all to have access to some really powerful hardware that otherwise would not be avialable.

I'm now trying Ubuntu Intrepid. I've been considering Linux for some time now, and have tried various distros, only to be disappointed. Intrepid so far is fulfilling my needs, and exceeding my expectations, apart from some problems I'm having setting up my Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet, which, hopefully, will be resolveable - otherwise it's a reluctant backtrack to XP, as i need full-functionality on this bit of kit. I'm also looking forward to a few teething troubles setting up my Epson scanner, and the ATI graphics card is going to be replaced with an nVidia item very soon, as I'm having lots of fun trying to get the ATI card to function in even a satisfactory manner. But having written the above, it's pretty amazing that such a powerful OS is FREELY available to all who want it.

The point is this, if you don't mind paying lost of money or 'stealing' an OS that fine, but ethically I find the greed of corporations difficult to justify. I won't get into the 'capitalism v the alternative' (whatever that is - communism = state capitalism? I think we're better off are we are with lots of corporations trying to rip us off instead of just one, at least we can play one against the other) debate as all econnomic systems have their merits and demerits. But philosophically and ethically I believe that what the Ubuntu and Open Source community are doing is a step in the direction of educating us that we don't just have to accept what corporation X or Y want to sell us, which in itself presupposes that we have the money to buy it in the first place.

However, at some point the ferryman must be paid, and I do think that ethically, and on principle all who use anything produced by this community should contribute towards it, whether that be financially, or by some other means in kind. And I suppose that I am still of the opinion that knowledge should be freely accessible; that it is not a commodity to be bought and sold, but then I'm probably an old-fashioned anarchist loony who still believes in egalitarian principles and freedom, and on systems, like Linux that conform to the principle of Transparency of Operation - whether that be a computer OS or a bureaucracy - that someone can see what is wrong with something, and then go and fix it. Alas, we live in a world of closed systems where freedom is an increasingly scarce commodity.

akol37

April 11th, 2009, 02:43 AM

Because linux is so danged secure! Windows is shot full of holes in that regard. And there is also a certain magic about an operating system that you can change to whatever you want. You know what I mean? Not that Windows isn't useful. Main stream software developers target it, resulting in quite a lot of stable software written for it, so its ok for the average user. But linux...ah, yes. Nuff said.

Didius Falco

April 11th, 2009, 05:37 AM

I've been using Ubuntu for 2 weeks, give or take a day.

In that time, I've gone from using XP for everything to using it for games that can't be run on Ubuntu.

XP is now my Xbox. <G>

Ubuntu is free, open source, secure, developer-interactive in a way XP never was or could never be, and has a great user community that will often not only tell you solutions/answers they already know, but actively search for answers for you.

Now if it'd just put an egg in my (free) beer... <G>

Vaedrah

April 11th, 2009, 06:18 AM

Perhaps the question could be rephrased "if you have an apple why have a banana?". Both food items are good and are suitable for our needs. Linux has some security benefits although some argue that it represents a lower density "target" for virus and spyware developers. However Linux does not offer all the s/w products available under windows

MathCAD - no LInux version (I have referred past posts on this search)

MATLAB - Octave is offered as an alternative but lacks many DSP toolboxers. (However many people dislike MATLAB as a language as it is script based, not "object oriented" and often lets people write messy code.

MS Word - Open Office is nice but doesn't read word documents very well, especially equations. Also I don't like its equation editors. Nor do I like it's drawing package approaches - I like MS draw in Word/Works for quick drawings.

MS Frontpage - I like the 98 version for web creation - it's easy, little to no learning curve and makes nice pages. I haven't seen any Linux version (or windows) that has these virtues.

Summary:
Linux Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian etc all have praiseworthy goals but the decision to need "one or the other" is somewhat unimportant given that many operating systems can be run on a notebook/PC either as dual boot or by virtualizing (e.g. Virtual Box, VMware, etc. Wine also allows many windows applications to run on a Linux box.

In commercial applications, reliability is important, so Linux is often used for servers.

For casual users then looking at alternative systems can be interesting and beneficial. Linux can be harder to use than windows (generally more keystrokes are needed to install s/w than windows, and more syntax to remember).

XP is actually quite good and I quite like it - however I don't like the "activation" component to it and also the limited number of "activations" before you have to ring u-soft representatives on the phone for new keycodes!) I didn't like Vista (equally I didn't like Fedora) but Windows 7 might "perhaps" offer a better operating system "OS".

************************************************** *
Perhaps an equally valid question is to ask software developers

"Why not design your s/w to be OS independent?"

After all, an OS is a user interface so if user requirements / machine constraints are similar, having multiple operating systems could be considered a bit odd. Does s/w written in Python, for example, attempt to address OS independence?

I guess I ask this as OS emulators/translators/virtualizers seem very much in vogue these days so should this universality be all that difficult?

gonkyouka

April 11th, 2009, 11:08 AM

simply because i dun have a credit card lol

mjp_

April 11th, 2009, 04:52 PM

I've been using Ubuntu on my laptop for a few days now, and have managed to get everything working on it that I need.

I have to say it's been a couple of years since I last tried Ubuntu (outside of a Virtual Machine) and I'm impressed with how far it has come, it's recognised my WLAN adapter for a start!

I wouldn't be able to move away from Windows on my main desktop, purely due to two reasons:

1) Gaming
2) Some specialist apps which do not run under Wine.

Ubuntu has come far, but the reluctance of publishers to make games available for the *nix platform is still a major problem for wide spread adoption.

gmanigault

April 11th, 2009, 05:03 PM

Are you serious? Unless their is one application that you need XP for then stick with it. Here are a few reasons.

1. Less viruses.
2. Their update patches work.
3. FTP server, ssh, and many other useful tools.
4. Postgres, MySQL
5. OpenOffice
6. If your hardware is build for xp or vista then you have and xtreme Linux box.
7. Do I need to go on?

pwnst*r

April 11th, 2009, 05:08 PM

Are you serious? Unless their is one application that you need XP for then stick with it. Here are a few reasons.

1. Less viruses. Yes
2. Their update patches work.no problems here with Vista
3. FTP server, ssh, and many other useful tools.you can do that in windows
4. Postgres, MySQLyep
5. OpenOffice you can use that in windows
6. If your hardware is build for xp or vista then you have and xtreme Linux box. xp, no, vista, yeah
7. Do I need to go on?sure, if you want, cuz you only came up with 3 out of 7 :P

^^

pbpersson

April 11th, 2009, 05:18 PM

Linux can be harder to use than windows (generally more keystrokes are needed to install s/w than windows, and more syntax to remember).

:confused::confused::confused::confused:

It is way more difficult to install software on Windows:

1. Look for the web site
2. Find the product
3. Enter credit card information - buy product
4. Download product
5. Get activation key from email
6. Enter the activation key and finally get to install

Here is how it works in Ubuntu:

Right-click on software in Synaptic, say install, you are done.

Oh.....I do need to remember my password.....but I cannot imagine ever saying that software installation in Windows is easier! :o

Giant Speck

April 11th, 2009, 10:07 PM

Here is how it works in Ubuntu:

Right-click on software in Synaptic, say install, you are done.

Ubuntu has voice recognition software installed by default and can read my mind as to which application I want to install?

pwnst*r

April 11th, 2009, 10:08 PM

lol

Jpardue

April 12th, 2009, 11:28 PM

Off the top of my head two major things stand out as why I use linux. I love how most of your programs come from repositories that can be updated all at one time. I don't have to go out and search the internet for all of my apps they are either in the repos or a binary can be easily found. Though you hardly ever have to compile binaries yourself with all of the programs available in Ubuntus repos. Also, linux is free lol, I am not paying a cent for using an OS that has just as much functionality as Windows.

mamamia88

April 14th, 2009, 05:08 PM

vista pushed me over the edge when video driver severely slowed down my laptop

IHeartMyiBook

April 14th, 2009, 07:01 PM

Cuz windows was mean to me! >.< after 10 reinstalls of windows i decided to try something else, i got a mac and put ubuntu on the windows computer ^_^

Vrekk

April 14th, 2009, 07:44 PM

I really like Ubuntu over Windows just for the way it feels. Windows is still a great os, as long as you know how to set it up, which is the same with Ubuntu. Ubuntu just "feels right" to me. I still use a dual boot becuase of the few games that dont run on windows and for programming.

Basicly what i am saying is Windows is NOT evil.

0per4t0r

April 15th, 2009, 01:07 AM

Ubuntu is not made by the evilness of microsoft, and it's free.

Also, many other good things like compiz, lack of stupid errors, and so on.

EDIT: No, I'm not thrashing MS, I just dislike them a little because they get annoying very easily.

0per4t0r

April 15th, 2009, 01:11 AM

Better security, anti-malware, graphics, it's open source and free, it's more customizable, you have more admin priviliges(sorry for bad spelling), I don't really care for microsoft, and it's just good software that doesn't endorse it's own products.

jrabbitb

April 15th, 2009, 02:13 AM

ya know what, stop reading this.

go play with your windows or OS X box. start making a list of what you use, and what you do. list how well you think it works in your current system.

go try to do the same things in linux with wine (skip the xp vm, that defeats the purpose). make notes of how it works, search for solutions to simple problems like "flash seems slow", you probably just need to flip a bit, simple stuff. oh, and when you are doing those simple tweaks remember, if Dell and HP started shipping with ubuntu, they'd have 99% of those tweaks done for you (ya know, for grandma).

now go back to windows/OS X and see how you feel setting it up from scratch and trying to use it. compare, contrast, for yourself. you test drive cars, so testdrive linux.
******************************************
Windows Rot, look it up, it's one of the big known problems of windows that linux does not suffer from.

bottom line, it would take me less time to set up,
less time to mantain,
less time to train someone to use once i've set it up for them,
then windows. Most people do not do very much on their computers that you cant do in linux easily. Given greater addoption (time) and more great work from projects like wine, linux will have it all.

edit: I use xp at work (not my choice, not sure if i'd use linux at work, i havnt weighed that out yet), my laptop has vista only because i havnt reformatted it yet (came with vista, been using it for over a year, vista got better with time but still, meh) and my primary box is ubuntu, which is still a new indevor for me to use as a desktop and not a server, so this is proving to be fun, and yeah, easy, cake, i kinda wish it would break so i had something to fix like when i was learning all the ins and outs of windows.

Ericyzfr1

April 15th, 2009, 02:27 AM

I just read the first post...So I apologize if someone already answered in the same direction.

1) Ubuntu or any distribution being Mandriva, Opensuse, etc are doing a great job providing you and me with a free as in free software and free $ Operating system. With Linux that is the extend of your expenses, you can list every expenses necessary for a functional MS system.

2) A lot of griefs attributed to Ubuntu and Linux is the lack of hardware support. I have a Sony Vaio, does Sony provides any drivers compatible with Linux. I have not seen any on their website, the last time I wanted to install a fresh version of XP, I had to download the drivers myself.

So if after buying your hardware, you want to pay additional fees for activating Office and Norton Internet security or Trend Micro, feel free. But you cannot come here and try to compare windows that is dependent from other vendors that also will charge you for their services with a free OS like Ubuntu or any Linux distributions.

chris.willis

April 15th, 2009, 11:43 AM

Security, diversity, cost, and to phase out Windows. Linux (Ubuntu) is an innovator. The ideas behind Windows are tired and I for one, am sick of paying for software to fix paid software, ie, antiviruses, firewalls, malware removers, and so on to fix Windows problems. Linux is stable, effective, efficient, and will get better faster because of its underlying contributor sources. At least, that's why I'm switching. I think Linux is the best antivirus for Windows.

kenweill

April 15th, 2009, 12:22 PM

Windows for MMORPG Onling Game Server.

Linux for browsing. And administering windows server, remotely.

MoreCowBell

April 15th, 2009, 02:25 PM

I have to weigh-in on this one...

After using Ubuntu for two years, I still consider myself a Newbie. However, I have discovered a few bonafide reasons to stick with Linux, especially Ubuntu. For one thing, I can't get my Canon LiDE 50 scanner to work with 64-bit Windows Vista. It worked fine with XP Pro, but I no longer have XP. It works with 64-bit Ubuntu 8.10 though. My system is a dual-boot PC with Vista Home Premium and Ubuntu 8.10. Both are 64-bit versions.

Over the years, I had made numerous changes to my XP system hardware. Eventually, I had used up the number of times that I can reinstall Windows. Microsoft wanted $150 to renew my license for XP Pro. Instead, I Installed Ubuntu and gave it to a friend who plays games on it. I built myself this new PC that I'm using now.

Another reason is that I use Linux is to visit adult sites. I don't worry as much about getting infected.

A dual-boot system is also good for those times when, for some reason, Windows does not work or it works poorly. It also can be used as a diagnostic tool.

If using a dual-boot system, one can boot into the other operating system to try to determine if a problem is hardware related or if it is software related.

interestinfellow

April 15th, 2009, 07:19 PM

GOOOD BYEEEE M$

Ok, not completely. I still have to get a viable cad alternative.

But otherwise, screw Windows....

Linux does everything windows can do, but better, faster, more tailored to you, cheaper, with higher stability, more security (without asking you for permission to wipe it's own a$$ first), with a wider variety of better programs.

The only thing linux won't do is video games: although, this is a matter of perspective and what you consider a video game. So, really, we need to propogate this wonderful system into mainstream, and get the big boys to play nice with and without M$.

juancarlospaco

April 15th, 2009, 07:48 PM

Be a Man, use Linux.

if you are a Girl, Be a Girl use Linux.

James_Lochhead

April 15th, 2009, 11:31 PM

I am too paranoid to use XP. It is far too unsecured.

XubuRoxMySox

April 16th, 2009, 01:13 PM

I have used only XP 'til pretty recently, but sometimes I felt like I was being held hostage by my computer! I would ask it to do something and it's like, "Not until YOU do something for ME first!" Or it would start telling me what I am required to do to keep it happy.

Um 'scuse me? A computer is a tool. It's a screwdriver. A chisel. It's s'posed to do what I tell it to do! If it doesn't, I either repair it or toss it. My XP is just so high-maintenance!

Defrag. Update. Clean the registry. Update this program and that program all separately (and you don't know they have updates 'til you open one but then you can't - or shouldn't - or you're scared to - use it 'til it downloads a huge update first). Reboot. Scan for malware, adware, viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! I found myself doing more work for the computer than the computer ever did for me, and that's just wrong! It's backwards!

It's also very expensive to maintain my XP machine - just for the software! The "free" stuff, like AVG antivirus, is put down as useless by most of the geeks and techs I talked to. Nah, you want to spend big bucks for this software - and we can even include a warranty (for a few more bucks) if a virus damages your machine.

I thought about switching to Mac, but my big brother told me about Linux and why he loves it. But I was scared of Linux. "Don't you have to be like some kinda super-geek to use that?" I asked. I need simplicity! I need point-and-click graphical ease and elegance. I Googled something like, "super-simple easy graphical Linux for scared-to-death little total n00bs" and found Ubuntu.

Played with it a little - and found quite by accident that my printer "just worked!" On XP it wouldn't, because XP always insisted that the printer was out of ink, even right after a new cartridge install using the software that came with the printer! But on Ubuntu, it printed a perfect, pretty test page without loading any software at all. I was so happy I showed the test page to my family and said, "I'm gonna frame this and hang it on my wall!"

But y'know what the best part is? My computer respects me now! It makes no demands. When I give it instructions, it says, "Yes, Master! Right away!" and does it with so much more speed than before that it makes me wonder if it's just scared that I'm gonna bash it to pieces if it sasses back ever again, since I was willing to do something as drastic as changing the whole operating system.

I'm "full penguin" now, having permanently wiped Windows away, and I couldn't be more delighted with my computer's performance. Even the accessories (printer and wifi connection) work better! It seems to make better and faster use of broadband than XP did, and certainly better use of the machine's resources.

Who knew that a scared little computer n00b, total non-geek, point-and-click-only person could even use Linux - much less totally convert from Windows!

When I tell my friends they all act like they think I became some kinda computer genius overnight or something, 'til I tell them what a model of simplicity Ubuntu is! Elegant, functional, easy! Y'know what they say when they see it in action? "I can't believe it's not Windows!"

Wow, I didn't mean for this to be so lengthy, sorry. I'm just excited about my new OS!! I want the world to know!!

Better shut up now,
Robin

dualbooter

April 17th, 2009, 04:32 PM

custumize

Copernicus1234

April 17th, 2009, 04:37 PM

Because it brings the fun back to computing. Linux is amazing and becomes more fun the more you learn. Windows is great for beginners to computers though. Windows is like a demo version of Linux in the sense that it shows what a operating system can do without actually doing it as good as it could have done. Once you get tired of being limited, check out Linux.

wsonar

April 17th, 2009, 05:18 PM

Think of Windows XP in a work environment

think how many users and groups may be setup as local administrators for one reason or another

think how all those groups and users have access to everything in your profile

they can browse and modify any directory on the system when they log on even your profile

on a home network
most users don't even have an admin password setup

\\computername/c$

access to all files

dnguyen1963

April 17th, 2009, 07:14 PM

Here are two reasons why I switched to Ubuntu...

"Daddy...my computer is broken again!!!!"

"Honey...there is something wrong with the computer. Can you fix it before dinner?"

But, I have to admit that Windows still resides in my computer. Many websites that my wife uses requires the infamous "IE" to operate. Otherwise, I would have Windows removed from my computer. I do not play games so Linux is just fine for everything I need.:P

lindis

April 17th, 2009, 10:42 PM

haaa ... stupid question points to an stupid answer ..
windows sucks - linux dont..

pwnst*r

April 17th, 2009, 10:43 PM

haaa ... stupid question points to an stupid answer ..
windows sucks - linux dont..

wow.

medicalystoned

April 17th, 2009, 10:52 PM

xp crashed...and linux was free... what part of free would not apeal to anyone. i have had ubuntu for less than a year and now have turned on 5 other user to it, we all love it. Thank you all ubuntu programers and developers, i can't wait to put Jaunty on my machine------peace

blade1950

April 17th, 2009, 11:28 PM

Why do I use Ubuntu instead of Microsoft,

WOW! Where do I start?

Ok, let’s start with what REALLY matters to us ALL. MONEY! Yes MS will do all those things Ubuntu will do BUT, you WILL PAY for it. If it doesn’t work right out of the box you’ll PAY MORE to MAYBE get it fixed (Microsoft charges for tech support and many other software developers are moving in that direction for obvious reasons). Yes, there is a plethora of applications available for MS based systems but again $$$$$ and at times LOTS of it. As for gaming, that is RAPIDLY moving to online venues and subscriptions not to mention X-Box, Wii, etc.

Each diehard user of MS anything should list those things they use the PC for and then add up all the $$$ they have spent to do those things. Then see if Ubuntu can fill the bill without the wallet drain.

For me, I use my PC for photos (Gimp), music (Rhythmbox), Video editing (Still trying to decide, VERY surprised at the number available), Palm T/X (Jpalm), Sony Ericsson cell phone (no special software needed with Ubuntu, in XP I needed to purchase MOBiledit), Video playback (Totem, in XP I had to buy DivX (MS is junk, constantly had to download codex, of course MS had NUMEROUS vendor pals that would SELL you those), Games (not very often I prefer simulators like MS Flight sim which is now no longer supported) X-Plane is looking REAL good. My one wish is for a sub sim comparable to Silent Hunter Wolves of The Pacific.

“The straw that broke the camels back” for me was when I bought a DVD writer with Lightscribe. The Lightscribe function absolutely would NOT work in XP. But it worked PERFECTLY right from the start in Ubuntu. That's when I dumped the Gates monopoly completely.

I know, for many of the MS applications I’ve listed there are shareware, freeware, etc available but, are they REALLY worth it? Most are NOT. I know, I've done a whole lot of it. Yes, some work but, (fill this part in yourself).

I haven’t even started on the “necessary” additional applications like Norton 360, Uniblue, MS Office and don’t forget the never ending patch, patch, patch.

I will say this about MS, it is MUCH more user friendly out of the box than Ubuntu and is defiantly for those who don’t want to be bothered with understanding HOW their PC works or WHY.

I am reminded of Newton’s 34th law of physics, “one MUST be 10% smarter than their equipment BEFORE they should be allowed use it”. :D

Bios Element

April 17th, 2009, 11:52 PM

Linux keeps me from being distracted by games but i am distracted by more interesting controls in Ubuntu >.<............

It used to do that for me as well...Until freaken Wine started working with everything under the sun. I gotta file a bug report one of these days... "Wine is too darned good and there are way too many native games!"

perpetualcacophany

April 18th, 2009, 12:23 AM

I will say this about MS, it is MUCH more user friendly out of the box than Ubuntu and is defiantly for those who don’t want to be bothered with understanding HOW their PC works or WHY.

This is not always true. If you ever try doing a vanilla install of XP or Vista, you will find out that it can actually be very difficult. The reason most people find Windows so easy to get started on is because it comes pre-installed with all the drivers that the OEM knows that you need. If there were more systems sold with Linux pre-installed, I think that it would get wider adoption due to it's ease of use once configured.

peyre

April 18th, 2009, 12:51 AM

Good question. I've used Windows since the 3.1 days, but running Linux seriously for less than a month. I love/loved Windows 98, 2000, and XP. But times are changing, and Microsoft is obviously intent on moving on. (I can't complain really--we had XP for a long time.) But since I'll be forced to change sooner or later--and more likely sooner--I decided to take a realistic look at my choices. They were, basically, deal with Vista, wait for Windows 7 and hope it's better, or switch to Linux.

Learning Linux is good for me job-wise, since we manage several OpenBSD boxes and I need to get comfy with them eventually. Learning Linux is a big step toward understanding BSD.

Linux users basically don't have to worry about viruses, spyware, or disk fragmentation.

In my experience, most Windows software runs in Wine. Windows doesn't have a built-in method for running *nix apps.

Linux is free, and is finally on a par with Windows as a desktop OS for the average user (this wasn't true when I first flirted with it back in 2000-2002).

With Linux, EULAs are almost unknown, and there's no Windows Product Activation nonsense to worry about. I don't have to deal with Microsoft treating me as a suspect when I'm setting up my computer.

Something I love to do is refurbish old used systems and give them to people who don't have one but could use an old computer for basic things like email, word processing, and simple games. I don't have to BUY a copy of Linux for a computer I'm going to GIVE away.

Every new version of Windows changes the UI in ways I don't like, and there isn't usually much choice about it. Since X is more customizable, you have more choices about your UI and can minimize the changes you don't like. It's still going to change of course, but at least no one's making me PAY to accept changes I don't want.

Speedwise on older computers, Ubuntu seems to be roughly on a par with XP; Xubuntu seems to run about like Windows 2000. A six-MONTH-old operating system (that's also free) runs at the same speed as a six-YEAR-old (or older) operating system that I have to pay for, if I'm lucky enough to be able to buy it (you mostly have to buy Vista now).

Linux is community-driven; there are so many distros out there that if you're dissatisfied with one (say, if it starts charging for the OS or makes changes you consider unacceptable), you can switch to another fairly easily. But with Windows, you're stuck in a monopoly. Speaking as a public servant, I call that a potential security issue. Speaking as a private citizen, it makes me uneasy, or at least I find it annoying: they can change anything they want and I have little choice but to go along with it.

Also, I have to say that as a user starting out with Ubuntu and going to forums for support, I feel more like a member of a community than a customer, someone you're nice to only because the customer is paying you for help. Maybe I'm not being treated as someone who has to be satisfied, but I'm being treated as an equal by the other users, and they're very friendly and welcoming. Linux has a reputation as a geek's operating system, and that's not really the case with Ubuntu.

Those are the main reasons I'm switching over.

uxen

April 18th, 2009, 10:25 AM

When I use Linux, I feel myself as a villager who grows a plant without hormone or any other unnatural things. I water and take care of it and at last it gives me marvellous pure fruits. And the best part is you learn how to give others these fruits which they will give you in some way later, and which you have had from the others before.
Shortly Linux is the best way of feeling to be helped by others at first and help the others later.

h2o82

April 18th, 2009, 10:56 PM

i could just reply to this with a one liner:
"Because its brilliant"

but im not going to!

1 Unlike Micro$oft you dont have to trawl through 5 pages of google searches to find out what the error message actually means!

2. I agree with the past numerous posts "the registry should be shot"

3. it keeps my kids websurfing safe by using a transparent proxy to filter all internet traffic and block the bad ones (dansguardian, squid and Clam) which was extremely easy to setup.

4. it runs 99% better than windows, no massive service list.

5. its updated more frequently and the developers actually care about ubuntu for what it is, not how much money its making.

6. Linux comes in a wide variety of flavours to suit all situations, unlike windows

7. Linux doesnt get Malware/viruses/spyware

8. anything windows can do linux can do better (except gaming unfortunately)

9. its far more configurable and customisable and powerful[

and finally

10. APT-GET (had to get that one in)

I think when gaming really comes to linux i will be a linux only man.
until then I will persistently use both.

samurai_47

April 19th, 2009, 02:49 AM

why i use ubuntu:

no viruses - that we know of

FREE - i will always love free stuff

does everything and more than XP does

Open source write you own programs - though im not a programmer

runs ALOT cooler than vista/XP, on my laptop at least

GRUB is a way better bootloader

i do have a few dislikes though too :(

cant play my windows games - im a big PC gamer

no Adobe software

zune is not supported - i only have myself to blame for that though

tsger

April 19th, 2009, 04:20 AM

I have been dual booting XP and Ubuntu for a couple years now. There are advantages to both, so I am happy I can have both on one machine.

I use Ubuntu when I want a fast, responsive system that isn't (as) prone to malware. I love how customisable it is. I'm learning to use the community resources more and more.

One program that I can use on both platforms is the GIMP. However, when using it in Windows there is a significant and noticeable loss of performance. Doing the same tasks in Gimp under Linux is just so much faster, and the machine is barely breaking a sweat.

I need Windows to run Cakewalk Sonar, a digital audio workstation for music writing and recording of midi. Despite the heroic efforts of many developers, I just haven't found Linux to be suitable (at this time) for my music production needs.

Ericyzfr1

April 19th, 2009, 04:24 AM

I saw that thread started in 2005...I guess it was before the Vista experience. There are even more reasons to use Linux in 2009.

ginjninj

April 19th, 2009, 12:04 PM

Nice to be part of such a long thread- I've been windows only, then ubuntu only, then dual boot. Linux only- suits me to a tee can't get enough of it-Any issues(there been a couple-initramfs, resolution after wine.., open arena hangin because of compiz) no prob- heaps of online support, someone will have the answer!

I only have to have windows available so the missus can run adobe lightroom and some photoshopping, told her no internet! I won't put up with windows having access to the net for a second without owning an anti-virus/spyware company.

All in all windows nice to use- just needs to be open source.

I'm not a sheep, I won't conform, Linux for everybody. And COA's please could they make it more difficult..

Fight the power!!!!!!!!!!!

kingswood71

April 20th, 2009, 06:25 AM

Why ubuntu over windows?? example: I run 3 malware programs on windows.. I can scan and clean the system then connect to any site for 5 minutes, then scan again... at least 90 infections found!!
Windows is ok, but the constant infections are crap, so the option is use something with less infections for browsing! XP is fine for my desktop for anything other than the internet
I need security more than anything...

Exciterusa

April 20th, 2009, 10:17 AM

A mouse whose pixels you can't see!
Seriously though, free and freedom. It's free as in $0. It's free as in spy/mal/somethingelse-ware free. You have the freedom to do whatever you'd like with it - this is by far the biggest plus, but the hardest one to really pick up on. I'm still finding cool stuff to change every day that I didn't even think possible.

The registry ought to be shot.

The registry is why you can't copy programs from one computer to another. (or back to your computer if you clean install) Most likely this was created for copy protection for microsoft.

nandemonai

April 20th, 2009, 06:31 PM

pwnst*r

April 20th, 2009, 06:32 PM

nandemonai

April 20th, 2009, 06:36 PM

Why Linux over Windows?

Well I use both. Plus OSX and a few others.

Right tool for the right job n all.

That being said my MAIN OS is Linux and always will be. Following the above statement, for me, it's the right tool for most the jobs I perform.

Simple as that really.

There are 100s of reasons why open is better but also some valid arguments as to why the opposite is true... for now.

Until we get some decent backing from hardware manufacturers, gaming companies and the like within the FOSS community you wont see MS or any of the others disappearing.

kaweka

April 20th, 2009, 10:47 PM

- after many years without linux I want to get familiarized
with this OS once again
- just to see how the world sees from linux point of view
- I'm setting up sand-box platform (linux on VirtualBox on Win XP) for my friends/visitors needing to use my PC for internet or similar for a short time

shark1997

April 21st, 2009, 01:23 AM

I run an anti-virus program that starts every single login. It takes such a long time i feel like kicking the computer.

Why can't Windows XP upgrade to Vista? Because Microsoft is so dumb and monopolistic it cant think about anything other than money$$.

With Linux you can do so much more (like setup an SSH server and login to your computer from halfway across the world.)

Can Windows EVER be able to do that so easily?

The problem is that the average computer user is so stupid. They just play games, check email, and browse the web. No programming in Python.

I think this argument is pointless, Windows will never be as good as Linux.

Integral Void

April 21st, 2009, 05:19 AM

so i'm brand new to linux, reformatted over XP with ubuntu 8.10 couple of days ago (2-3). i have a desktop running Vista (and yes every time i get on it i want to slit my wrists but i keep it running vista cause my wife would go nuts if i made her use something that i was clueless about) i keep my video games on it which i rarely play anymore there came a point where i just got over it, that and besides i have a ps3 anyways with way better games (have you seen assassin's creed, resident evil 5, little big planet, metal gear, etc.) so i'm migrating files from vista to linux and just using my usb 4gb flash drive is a 3x difference, way faster when using it with ubuntu. yes i had some difficulty getting started but why would you want to run all that propriety garbage on windows. do you realize how much system resources it takes to run Internet explorer and AIM, World of Warcraft takes less resources. All that spyware, all those virus's. if i could i would run Google Chrome but it's windows only atm and lets not get into all that adware that computer manufacturers add to your computer when they sell it you. I can't even start a program on vista without it asking me to upgrade for $40. Have you ever realized that when you have a file that you don't have a program to operate windows always redirects you to a website that requires you to pay up for more proprietary crap that slows down your machine. have you ran MSCONFIG lately to see how many program intentionally installed themselves in your startup services without your permission? i got reminded how much i hate windows this week when i had to spend 4+ hours fixing my parents computer because of the huge mess left behind having so many different programs installed, they have over 30 s/u programs and over 50 services, it's bananas.

let it show, for the record, WoW runs better on my laptop with wine now then it did when i had windows XP installed,
loads 3x faster
doesn't start up programs randomly
and i'm sure i'll have more once i give it a week of operating time

you'll never get much out of linux until you're willing to put time into it, i forced myself and every experience i've had in the last few days have been rewarding, even if i've had to spend some time looking for a solution because my knowledge is increasing and making my next new task even easier

I<3ubuntu

and these forums rock =D

geogur

April 21st, 2009, 05:38 AM

xp is on one of my 4 pc`s i run Ubuntu/Suse/Zandros in the other pc`s . Xp is a work thing , If you leave the choice to me linux wins but i have to work and work is afraid of linux so they use nonlinux products.

DishBreak

April 21st, 2009, 07:44 AM

I use Linux because it makes for a great always-on system. Leave a Windows XP machine on for 24 hours, and things grind to a halt. The reason? Windows management of virtual memory eventually requires the OS to continually access the disk, which takes a long time.

Linux is stable when it's confingured and left alone. Windows eventually degrades, and eventually you either re-install windows or (if you're a dumb consumer) you go out and buy a new computer and relegate the old one to the basement.

That said, Windows is pervasive, and I like the application base that Windows comes with. I run XP on my laptop, but I keep my desktop with all my important files running Linux. My desktop is much older, and Linux is all the thing will run at this point.

Oh yeah, that's the other thing. A standard copy of Ubuntu will run on any old AMD/Intel system, but you need a copy of TinyXP to do the same thing with XP.

richaustin

April 21st, 2009, 10:49 AM

Personally, well, I just prefer the feel of Linux. I love being able to switch the desktop on and 30 seconds later I can use the net, read email etc. I dual boot XP (my daughter does not see the reason to learn Linux) and it takes about 5 minutes to boot into XP Home - hey, isn't that alone a good enough reason to adopt a Penguin?
I also love the feeling of people coming together in the world. I'm not a sentimental type of guy (I do cry at Ghost mind you! Sad huh?) but it seems like Linux users actually care, whereas ******* users just want to throw the PC out of the window!
By the way, I actually use XP all day at work. I also switch into ******* occassionally to write a CD - Nero I know how to use, Brasero just seems to give me coasters! I connect through AOL (daughter / wife issue) but never, ever use AOL software. In fact, at home, apart from Nero, I can't remember the last time I used a Win$ app'.
Games - well, I don't know much about any games, but OpenArena really rocks and always makes me laugh!! I am rubbish at it though!

Alacrity

April 22nd, 2009, 03:40 AM

well, with linux, I can use injection techniques and also "see" windows files for troubleshooting. and, i like the fast boot of linux.

Buttttttttttttttt, windows 7 has a very very fast boot and shutoff capability so it looks attractive.

Finally, I need Windows XP or 7 to run my multiplayer gaming....so that's that.

starfry

April 22nd, 2009, 01:50 PM

With VirtualBox, Windows XP is just another Linux application :lolflag:

juancarlospaco

April 23rd, 2009, 03:31 PM

Because i can re/name a file :
con

try to do it on Windows, you can't

perspectoff

April 24th, 2009, 09:37 PM

Video editing for me is wayyyy easier in Linux.

There is nothing like FFMPEG in windows (yeah, yeah, I know you can use FFMPEG in Windows, but it's not easy).

Also, since Microsoft hobbled Movie Maker, the Linux video editors (KDENLive, Kino, Cinelerra) are much easier and more powerful to use.

And I love how fast things are in Linux.

The version of XP that was sold with my quad-core 64 bit computer was 32-bit Home Premium. Are you kidding?

So I got 64-bit Kubuntu (I prefer Kubuntu to Ubuntu) and can multi-task out the Hooray! Can't do that very well on XP anyway (which doesn't really multi-task -- it just task switches).

If you want to see all the stuff I like to do on my Linux computer, look at

Kubuntu guide (kubuntuguide.org) at http://kubuntuguide.org

or

Ubuntu guide (ubuntuguide.org) at http://ubuntuguide.org

stlsaint

April 26th, 2009, 02:02 AM

ubuntu=freedom

ubuntunewb75

April 26th, 2009, 02:20 AM

I use linux because the voices in my head tell me to

Actually, the only reason I keep a copy of windows on any boxen is for Sonic Stage. I am a bit of a MiniDisc geek and SonicStage won't run in anything but Windows. No Wine, No nothing. I love ATRAC, but Sony just dumped SonicStage and still refuses to release the code. Bunch of buttheads.

irishbreakfast

April 26th, 2009, 08:27 AM

I purchased a Dell Inspiron about 6 months age and it comes with Vista - I had no choice.

I only use it for MSAccess, MSWord (to edit a few files that oo and I can't seem to keep in format my work mates can use, and to do some editing of newlines that oo just wont do the way I want) and the occasional diversion into DungeonSiege.

Recent experiences with ipods once again showed that the 'free' world provides better functionality and more choice.

In the next few months I want to explore tools that will allow me to do those jobs under Vista (I can skip the game). But the games will be a major concern on the older desktop the children use...

DracoJesi

April 26th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Still, many games dont' work on Linux. I've got Doom3, UT2004 and Red Orchestra working on Linux. However, they all perform quite badly, and I can't turn on AA/AF/vsync. I can live without AA, but AF and vsync are very important. If I could turn them on I'd probably get around 2 fps, so I guess it's a good thing that they don't work. :-? Frankly, I don't give a damn who's fault it is that my games run poorly on Linux, but the fact of the matter is that if you have an ATI videocard you'll suffer from the limitations I've mentioned, and pointing out that it's ATI's fault won't fix anything.

Oh, and you can't minimize in fullscreen mode, which I like to do on occasion.

well, I saw AMD claiming Linux support for there new FireStream, supercomputing GPU!, so may you'll get your drivers :)

anyone know if the FireStream can be used for gaming? I though I saw that mentioned...

telmac

April 26th, 2009, 09:04 AM

DracoJesi

April 26th, 2009, 09:05 AM

Its fun. ;)

Really Im kinda of the same opinion as you in that I dont have a big need for linux but I like the Idea of it. I have 3 out of my 6 PCs running linux now. Those 3 machines are really day-to-day machines. Web browsing, e-mail, chatting, Music and video. All done pretty easy with Ubuntu. I dual-boot on my powerhouse machine. I play games and do graphic design on it. I actually paid for Photoshop and Im not gonna let that money go to waste.

There are also some apps I really like on windows. So it stays for when I need them. ;) On a day-to-day basis though Ubuntu gets used. Its fun for me and I dont have to worry about my kids/wife gettin a virus and infecting my home network. That is untill people start targeting Linux. :(

I started also because I like to tinker and I dont agree with some things MS does. Just me. ;)

I'm pretty sure Photoshop runs in Wine?

anyway, they can target all they want, unless they have permissions, it's over...

DracoJesi

April 26th, 2009, 09:22 AM

there is no point if your XP machine works fine, but many of us use ubuntu on older machines which using their native os have died. My mother intended to throw away her old compaq presario r4000, because it constantly crashed, but I installed ubuntu on it and it runs as fast (if not faster) than her new Dell inspiron 530s.

nice,

my dad DJ's, he's got a bunch of nice audio equipment... he hooks up to his laptop, which is pretty sweet, with a Quad Core CPU (most likely Intel as I don't think Phenom was out yet, I forget the clock as well :( ), and 4 Gigs of RAM, running Vista... which he hates with a passion

my laptop is a Sony Vaio PGN-72zl running a core 2 duo @1.8 Ghz, 1Gig of RAM, and a not-anything-special Via Unichrome onboard GPU, he obviously paid a bunch on his laptop, and yet mine was running much faster (was running 8.10) and thats with all the eye-candy... he couldn't believe how fast my laptop was, and then you should have seen his face when I showed off compiz....

yeah, needless to say, my live cd has been drafted and must report for duty the next time I go over there, I'm not sure it it will return :lolflag:

If I can find a spare disk, I'll make a live cd for 9.04

DracoJesi

April 26th, 2009, 09:43 AM

thats not really the issue. kde 3.2 is no longer supported in the same way that windows 2000 is no longer supported. the difference with linux is that kde 3.5 is free and actually runs faster than kde 3.2, whereas windows xp is $100-$200 and performs worse than windows 2000.

looking down the road, KDE 4 should be as fast if not faster than kde 3.5. windows vista on the other hand will have insane system requirements.

basically, with KDE/Gnome, you get increased features, increased stability and increased security every 6-12 months for free, whereas with windows you get more features, less stability(until a couple service packs later), worse performance and more secuiryt holes every 3-5 years(depending on how much time MS's employees actually spend working) and you get charged for it.

to put it simply, its like the difference between sex with a beautiful women and getting anal raped in a prison shower.

true, very true, very disturbing but true o.0

Kilon

April 27th, 2009, 03:44 PM

I use windows because of GREEK OCR.

JC Cheloven

April 29th, 2009, 02:02 AM

I do. That's why:

Because monopolies are bad for the society.
Because I dislike being tied to M$ caprices.
Because I see the need of using open standards for as many things as posssible.
Because I like to share.
Because the long-term benefits for the society would be huge.
Because I appreciate freedom, in a wide sense.
Because I can do (almost) everything I need with gnu-linux.

... The question should be "why some people insist in using exorbitant proprietary software?"

networm1230

April 29th, 2009, 02:28 AM

linux is open sorce and free of charg and I can modify it as I wish. I have a old pc going on 10 years. haveing linux ubuntu 8.04 installd. speeds up my old pc. I am dule booting Windows vista/Linux on separit hard drives I have windows vista I barely meat the lowest requirements to run vista. but on linux fast,easy, and ready to go.

Dr.Vista

April 29th, 2009, 02:37 AM

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
Adding to that, with Ubuntu you will always have a stable and supported version from Canonical as opposed to Microsoft.

Keithhed

April 29th, 2009, 02:44 AM

I use my ps3 for games. everything else is Ubuntu. I don't have a "need" for windows. I don't have any software that doesn't have a Linux equivilent. If I ever find that I need it, then i'll just use my girlfriends laptop. Other than gaming, can't see the need to stay with windows.

mamamia88

April 29th, 2009, 03:46 AM

why drive a Camry when you can drive a Porsche?

tsali

April 29th, 2009, 12:45 PM

why drive a Camry when you can drive a Porsche?

Because it can do more in the real world for a quarter the cost?

nortexoid

April 29th, 2009, 01:37 PM

Because it can do more in the real world for a quarter the cost?

Uh, didn't he mean Porsche=Ubuntu, Camry=XP?

Giant Speck

April 29th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Uh, didn't he mean Porsche=Ubuntu, Camry=XP?

I think tsali was trying to point out that it was a very bad comparison.

charly17201

April 29th, 2009, 03:39 PM

I run Linux on one computer, XP on another. The only reason I have XP is that I have to be able to run AS400 at home (I bought an Asus Eee for that). If I ever can find a linux version I can run I'll reformat the XP to linux.

Why linux? Clean system, speed of boot - linux in about 20 seconds, XP in a minute or 2 or 3 or so (heck, the office computer I turn on, start a pot of coffe, smoke a cig and then it might be ready for me to log in). Free software on linux that does almost everything that XP will do. Lack of viruses, malware, etc.

adw

April 29th, 2009, 03:49 PM

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.

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.

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.

I believe the casual user is the most important reason for a switch from windows to linux. This beeing that a configured linux system often if not most of the time works better out of the box for casual tasks like mail and browsing.
I've helped a couple of friends fixing theyre windows machines when it went down, and everytime it's been some bad code that's trashed the system. I bet that if those non-computer-savvy people had run linux, the problem they experienced would not have occured.

marco123

April 29th, 2009, 04:48 PM

:lolflag:

The title of the thread amused me so much I've forgotten nearly all the reasons why I switched.:confused:

I switched to Linux because of XP.:lol:

Anyway, I think it was something to do with spyware, viruses, system slowdown, endless maintenance and the fact that I was only renting the OS, so my data was never truly safe/mine.

Cheers, Marco.

Dy1anW

April 29th, 2009, 05:47 PM

Wanted a free OS and customisable server. Also gives me hours of entertainment trying (desperately) to get things working properly. Seems there's a lot more you can do with linux right out of the box...(?) off the torrent? You get the idea.

Prisma

April 29th, 2009, 07:07 PM

I cant remember how many times I had to reinstall Windows on my PC due to viruses and spyware and how often I loose my data back in my Windows years. I remember years ago my computer running Windows 2000 and later Windows XP was a real pain, extremely slow, always sending network packets to unknown locations. I had to download antivirus suites, anti spyware utilities, i have to clean the register, install firewall applications and even then, with such a protection and care I was still getting myself infected with worms and trojans. unbelievable!

One day, I could not use IE 6 anymore. Gods knows why. It just crashed, I learned about Firefox in an interview with a security expert on NPR (national public radio). I had to download the program on another machine, then burn a disc, then install it in my Virus infested PC.

It worked fine, and then i learned about other open source programs and this lead me to the Linux operating system. I stumble upon Ubuntu and i was excited, I burned a copy of it and first I dual booted with XP, slowly I moved away from the miserable experience of Windows XP to the security and stability of Linux.

A year later, by the time I purchased my next computer, I ensured myself every piece of hardware was compatible with Ubuntu, including my HP printer. That was back in 2006. I have never look back. My Linux machine has never failed me.
A year later my wifes laptop was terrible slow, i convinced her to move to Ubuntu. She is extremely happy now. 0 problems with viruses and stuff like that and her machine runs very fast on ubuntu for a single core with 1GB of RAM.

At home we have piece of mind, we feel secure and our machines runs extremely fast for the hardware we have. For me my past experience with Windows is like when you wake up from a nightmare.

I am happy and my private data is safe. Ubuntu is not perfect but is way ahead of XP and Vista in design, features, customization, security, user friendliness etc. In my opinion people do not switch because they are not even aware it exists at all.

RuneGeek

April 29th, 2009, 09:02 PM

Apparently when you activate a copy of Windows XP it builds a checksum based on your hardware and sends this to MS. A few years ago I built a PC out of parts from my old one and also with several new components. I reinstalled XP, and when I tried to activate it told me that I needed to call MS. I did, and the guy just point-blank asked me if I was installing that copy of Windows on multiple PCs... even after I'd already explained to him that I'd rebuilt the PC and was just reinstalling.

When you have to go through things like that to install a piece of software that you've paid for on your upgraded PC... that's just crazy. On top of that, a new version of Windows isn't even viable until at least SP1 these days. And Vista, even with SP1... why should I need a minimum of 2GB just for the O/S?

My laptop - which is not exactly high-end - came with Vista on it. I got tired of waiting on it to do things. Mostly what I use it for is office apps and browsing... and I was already using OpenOffice and FireFox. So I tried Ubuntu on it and I was happy with it. I wanted my newly-built desktop to run optimally so I put Ubuntu on it as well. Still dual-booting to XP for now... but the more time I spent with Ubuntu, the more I find new ways to do what I used to think I needed Windows to do.

Why do people use Macs? You pay for a Mac and the software that runs on it, and you have the same issues when trying to run Windows software. Yet some people swear by their Macs. Maybe they like Apple in general, maybe they have a couple of software packages that are Mac-only that they want to run, or maybe they just think that Macs and/or its OS is better than Windows.

That's why I have three copies of Windows at home and only one copy still in use. I like my hardware and I don't want to strangle it with an unwieldy operating system that I have to pay for and yet still do not own.

gadgetman1

April 30th, 2009, 03:14 AM

Dear Happy Windows XP user,
I hope you get a small part of your answer from me on this post.
I have been using Windows OS for years (since 3.0 in 1989) and in fact I was Windows sysadmin for many years (NT 3.5 to 2003 server).
Setting every other benefit aside and take the cost factor in consideration. Windows OS is just to expensive. I have spent more than $2200.00 Windows software applications since 2004. Then when vista got release last year, more than half of the applications did not work on Vista and I had to shell out at least another $800.00 to upgrade those applications that I already paid for it. This has been the pattern with Microsoft for as many years as long as I know and every time they release a new operating system.
I have been using Linux for a little more than a year now and there are only two applications that are stopping me to dump my Windows for good. One is a Windows Media Recorder ( from Applian Technologies) and the other one is outlook (waiting for Thunderbird 3.0). Beside these two application, I am doing every thing else on Linux and very very happy with it's stability, the powerful features and ability to totally tweak it and customize it.
it is long term thought and I think Windows OS is on it's last leg.

Ada

Megrimn

May 3rd, 2009, 05:44 AM

It's challenging. Especially when something goes wrong, or doesn't want to install. Probably why I am running Hardy 64-bit. It's all about the work-arounds.

Sometimes it's also a bit of a relief when things go perfect, too.

It's quick, too. No 5 minute boot-time like my mom's computer. She blames US (her kids) for installing too much on it or putting too many music files on it. Sorry to say, I've done just about everything to get it running like it did out of the box.

Though if she found out I was dual-booting Hardy on my machine, she'd probably freak out, and be afraid that I'm going to screw up the HDD or something. Just 5 more months until the insurance expires, then I can pop it open and look at its insides.... Mwa-ha-ha-ha!

But yeah, its a lot of fun. Living on the edge, I guess.

stanca

May 3rd, 2009, 03:12 PM

For challenge and new too,64 bit too.
Much more flexible and customizable,faster,nicer even,never bored yet.
:guitar:

dagrump

May 3rd, 2009, 03:58 PM

I still use XP for the things it's useful for, but I prefer to use Ubuntu or some other FOSS distro. I don't miss virus scans, defragging, & all the upkeep required w/ MS OSs. Replace your CPU or video card, have to reactivate, may even need to call to do it. Do that too many times (game box) they insist you need a new licence. Never seem to have that issue with Ubuntu.
Buying anti-virus software, dvd ripping software, you name it, it adds up quick. Yes, I'm aware there is freeware, but with a windows system do you trust that it's not malware?
I also hate tracking down drivers, & the reboots every time anything is updated. I just don't need the headaches.
Well if push came to shove, the games & XP would lose, I'll take the benefits of Ubuntu over the supposed ease of windows.

lordyosch

May 3rd, 2009, 07:15 PM

I prefer Ubuntu because its faster, i prefer the way you use it (though I did need to be weaned off windows), I like the way it looks, I LOVE the fact its free (as in beer) I respect the fact its free (as in speech but I haven't the skills
to make use of that!) Its virus free (ish)

Everytime I encounter an issue/bug/problem with Ubuntu and free software' I get annoyed but how many times have I shouted at MS office because 'Word knew best'?

Jay

nathang1392

May 4th, 2009, 02:17 AM

i like it because it is alot simpler. when something is un-installed you dont still have broken icons and all that dumb stuff. plus i kinda like going against 'the man.' it doesnt require you to upgrade your computer to upgrade operating systems either. and i really like the look of gnome.

hamparawa

May 4th, 2009, 07:32 AM

because........ its cool... :P

stape

May 4th, 2009, 10:49 AM

I chose Ubuntu over Windows because I hated the way Microsoft has such a hold over PC users and most folk seem reluctant to move away from this 'brand'.

Amongst those I encounter around the world that are using netbooks, I fly the flag for Ubuntu.

Having said that, I had problems from the start, which were very unwelcome:

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1138066

The one thing I see as missing with a OS you can 'tweek' is the ability to reset, as with system restore on MS XP. I say this as a complete novice, maybe there is a way and someone could point this out.

To sum up the main reason for me to choose Unbuntu over Windows is that it is not Windows.

canadiandude007

May 4th, 2009, 10:53 AM

(Sicarius)

May 4th, 2009, 11:14 PM

The main reason I switched to ubuntu over 2 years ago was that I was constantly getting annoyed with windows. Every time I try to do something it complains. If all you do on windows is use it to launch other applications then it works, but is a waste of computer resources in running all the windows nonsense. If you try to do anything with windows itself you get a hard time. I have had trouble doing the simplest things such as safely removing hardware or just even copying files. Ubuntu has none of these problems and an infinite amount of cool free software. For example if you want a program that allows you to use one mouse on two computers just search and you will find, x2x. This is one of my favourite programs on ubuntu because it makes my desk alot easier to use between my desktop and laptop and is such a simple program.

Sicarius :smile:

Frak

May 5th, 2009, 01:16 AM

hockeyhead019

May 5th, 2009, 02:09 AM

ubuntu worked faster on my computer and was safer...

easy installation as well as incredible community support...

overall great experience...

nuff said haha:D

LasherHN

May 5th, 2009, 02:19 AM

Why not?

Lysander10

May 5th, 2009, 02:25 AM

Try the latest 9.0.4 version of Ubuntu. It's by far the easiest, smoothest installation I've found.

However if you would prefer to have everything run out of the box with minimal configuration on your part, little in the way of tweaks to do, and you are looking for stability than try out the Mac OS (based on Linux anyway) but hardly any errors exist since the hardware is all built around the operating system and not the other way around.

What Frak said. I was beaten to it. I'd like to add something, however...
OS X, while "built around the hardware"(kinda), is still far from free of bugs. And I would take a serious look at the security issues that platform has had recently before recommending it to somebody, if that is a concern.

If you want a Unix-based OS, but don't like tweaking it yourself, why not buy a computer with Linux pre-installed? I've never understood why the "I can't stand tweaking" crowd doesn't just do this....