Why do you choose Ubuntu over Windows

[doas777]

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?

to be honest the reason I switched is because of all the malware i got while trying to keep all my XP boxen cracked and passing WGA. too many boxes to afford XP pro + office + kaspersky kis + whatever else on every one. no security program in the world is going to help you if you install a rootkit while cracking your core os.

nowadays i have one legit XP box (and several linux), with nothing but legit software on it. I can afford it, I trust the origins of the files (as much as i can trust M$), and I have no worries.

In the end, I'm much happier. I don't have to worry about WGA, i get to learn all kinds of new computery stuff (which really helps if your in IT, but don't have a lot of unix experience), and I feel like i'm helping stab back at the heart of crass commercialism.

don't get me wrong, I remote into my xp box everyday for one reason or other, but I see my focus on working with linux has expanded my computing existence in many favorable ways.


cheers,
franklin

[rickbeton]

Windows:

• good for games
• good for commercial apps (e.g. Adobe Studio)
• everybody knows it, warts and all

A lot of computer users are wedded to MS Office, but I think OpenOffice 3 is closing the gap. I happily do without MS Office.

Ubuntu Linux:

• lower cost of ownership
• easier to use than Windows (yes I really do think that now; even if many will disagree)
• more secure
• more reliable & stable
• better as an engineering tool (it's my day job)

My non-technical wife happily uses Ubuntu for web, email and office apps. My kids prefer WinXP - but they're wedded to games and iTunes. We all use OpenOffice, Firefox and Thunderbird, inter alia.

On the free/non-free thing, I think iTunes is the epitome of non-free software because it locks you into the Apple culture, even though the software itself is free. I'm not making a political point but a commercial one: "vendor lock-in" is ultimately good for vendors but not customers.

Rick

[irish66]

I just like to try out different stuff.
M

[irish66]

I lie.
Actually it's because no matter what browser i use, in windows xp, it crashes, and no matter what direct connect client i use, that crashes too. So seeing whether I get any better results here.
M

[Tomatz]

I lie.
Actually it's because no matter what browser i use, in windows xp, it crashes, and no matter what direct connect client i use, that crashes too. So seeing whether I get any better results here.
M

Well if you want to use an OS that doesn't crash then your out of luck

Computers are crap!

[doas777]

I lie.
Actually it's because no matter what browser i use, in windows xp, it crashes, and no matter what direct connect client i use, that crashes too. So seeing whether I get any better results here.
M

I suspect you have a bad nic

[sodather]

Hi, I thought i'd post this in this thread because it is generally in the same topic area where I need some assistance.
My roommate has a computer with both Windows XP and Linux set up on it. I have been looking a little into Zubuntu as a future operating system, and though i'd try out his, watch some video files on it, etc. However he left town for the weekend, and for fun, he bet me that I would in no way be able to figure out how to run Zubuntu or play the video files which he has on Zubuntu. I know this probably comes across as a really broad request, but if any one can help me out here, i'd really appreciate it. Even just figuring out how to run the linux OS would be really helpful. Sorry if i sound like a total NOOB,
-S

[doas777]

Hi, I thought i'd post this in this thread because it is generally in the same topic area where I need some assistance.
My roommate has a computer with both Windows XP and Linux set up on it. I have been looking a little into Zubuntu as a future operating system, and though i'd try out his, watch some video files on it, etc. However he left town for the weekend, and for fun, he bet me that I would in no way be able to figure out how to run Zubuntu or play the video files which he has on Zubuntu. I know this probably comes across as a really broad request, but if any one can help me out here, i'd really appreciate it. Even just figuring out how to run the linux OS would be really helpful. Sorry if i sound like a total NOOB,
-S

i assume you mean xubuntu? I typically use ubuntu, so hopefully this advice works for you. to watch vid, you probably jsut need codecs.

first open a terminal and enter:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras vlc

then, follow the instructions here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu . it's easy, just copy and paste the commands into a terminal, and viola! that should allow you to run most common video types. if it won;t work in your default media player, try vlc.

good luck,
franklin

[obscur156]

Just have enough of Mr.Bill Gates and his anti-trust tactics and my pc bugged all the time.

Sorry,i feel like i have to <Beep Beep> Microsoft this morning .

Thats just me.

Best regards.

[Palanthas]

The horrific green plastic Start-button is enough for me ;P

Ah, but that's why there is Vista! Its a blue start button!