Lately I've been trying to teach myself about computer, and I've been wondering about Linux a lot.Could anyone maybe give me a little run-down on it?
2006-06-20 13:39:43 · 4 answers · asked by Kyle 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
That really depends on what version of Linux you get. Some main benefits are:
1. It can be run alongside windows if needed.
2. It makes hard-drive maintenance (partitions, reformating, etc.) easy.
3. It's free (or at least very affordable).
4. It's smaller and hence easier on your computer.
There are a couple of Linux magazines you can buy at any bookstore that come with the software and tutorials to get started. I bought Linux Mandriva with a magazine for something like 18 dollars.
Contrary to the popular belief Linux is not all command-based. There are command-based versions of Linux, but there are graphic-based versions as well.
2006-06-20 13:50:18 · answer #1 · answered by Irony 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Advantages:
Open source - ah, I am not sure how that helps.
Free - ah, I am not sure how that helps.
Resistant to viruses - that's good.
Resistant to SpyWare - that's good.
Disadvantages:
Nobody you know supports it, you are ON YOUR OWN, except what you can get from the internet.
Doesn't run all of the programs you want. Open Office is good, but darn if it isn't a poor substitute for Microsoft Office.
Can't share with other computers that are non-Linux, or this is very difficult.
Some devices won't work.
Not as robust as they tell you. It can CROAK just as easily as Windows, but you won't have a good RESTORE disk to use to fix it.
Difficult to install new software. Configuration is awkward
Basically Windows is much easier, and easier to maintain. It is not the answer that most hope for.
If you really hate Windows, try getting a MAC.
2006-06-20 13:47:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recomend getting a version that is cd-rom bootable, meaning that it will boot from your drive, so there is no need to load any software on your computer. This is a good way to play with Linux and not make any commitments to the software. Also, having a version that's drive bootable will help you with hard drive recovery, should you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.
2006-06-20 13:49:11 · answer #3 · answered by Nate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linux is free and open-source. It is not as user-friendly as Windows. It exists in many versions, and some versions may be buggy. There aren't as many applications for it, and you can't run Microsoft Office on it.
Try http://www.wikipedia.org and look up "linux" for more information.
2006-06-20 13:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋