Wanting a reason to switch to Linux

[xtremegreed]

I have recently purchased a new laptop for school work. I was wondering if anyone could point out the pros and cons of linux and if possible some positive sides that a mechanical engineer would use this OS for. I just want a reason to add a linux partition to my computer. Please help!


Thanks!

[snowpine]

I recommend you test-drive Ubuntu as a Live DVD or USB to see for yourself whether you like it.

[xtremegreed]

I briefly scratched the surface of linux about a year ago. Never really got to in depth with what i did though. I will have to try the LIVE DVD, thanks for the suggestion!

[Maverick Meerkat]

Howdy,
If it runs good from the Live DVD, and you have drive space, I'd install it just to have it.
It's cool even if it didn't help your school work directly.
I would look in the Software Center and see what programs are available for mechanical engineering.
You can look at that while running the DVD, I believe.

Rick

[cincinnatus13]

Just a desire to try it is a good enough reason to go for it. It's easy to set up a dual boot and easy enough to remove it if you decide you don't like it (but of course try the live CD first.)
You might find that Linux is a better fit. I recently started using Gnome 13.04 as my daily driver because I like the layout and flow better.

[grahammechanical]

Because you can!

Not a good enough reason?

[Scallyph]

-better support /well documented
-also easy to run from pendrive
-a lot of choice (in distros AND software)
-less viruses written for linux based systems (but for how long)
-more stable
-free
- I forgot a few for sure

the cons
-not always the best choice for newest (on the edge) hardware.
-gaming poor (but growing)


-

[C.S.Cameron]

As a mechanical engineer I can't get very far without Windows for stuff like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CAESAR II, SideWinder, etc.
(SketchUp and Rhino work with wine).

CAELinux is based on Ubuntu and has a good collection of engineering software including CAD and FEA.
CAELinux 2011 is available for 10.04 and CAELinux 2013 is in the works.


Edit:

It is available 64 bit only.

http://www.caelinux.com/CMS/

[coldraven]

If you spill coffee on your laptop then take out the hard drive and put it into a new machine it will refuse to boot.
That is because Windows (or Mac) is only licensed to use in the hardware it was installed on.
No such problem with Linux.

Here are some lists of programs available for Linux,
https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Applications
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ware_for_Linux
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php...f_Applications

[Copper Bezel]

I personally think that Linux tends to have a better workflow than Windows desktops - not just the big, flashy UI stuff, but the little details, like being able to scroll a document with the mouse without selecting that window or being able to copy and paste without using the keyboard, stuff that applies to any Linux UI. But that's little stuff. If you're in a discipline where you'll need Windows programs - and that's most disciplines - it's hard to commit to Linux full-time, and dual-booting and switching between installs is going to be more of a burden to your workflow than will be offset by anything that Linux gives you. That said, it's fun to play with, and tinkering with the bits inside is a good puzzle for an engineer, I think. = )