Oh yes! Linux distributions are free in every sense of the word. Free of onerous restrictions for the end user, free of spy-ware and other mal-ware, free of purchase and upgrade cost (though you are also free to buy a CD and/or pay for 24/7 support), and freely modifiable for your own purposes.
Basically, your Windows-based programs and games are not compatible with Linux. Linux is its own system, totally distinct from Windows. Having said that, there are Windows emulators which you can run under Linux, enabling some Windows programs to be used under Linux plus the Windows emulator. But that is a transitional concern.
Don't have high-speed Internet? Buy a Linux CD at your local store (even Wal-Mart!). The need for high-speed Internet is much greater with Windows than with Linux. Security patch and security update data volume for Windows is massive - and getting it downloaded and then installed is VERY obtrusive (reboot again and again and again). With Linux it is not trivial (if you take advantage of all the free upgrades), but the way it works on Linux is effective and relatively transparent, even by dialup.
You will experience some incompatibilities with Windows data formats, but surprisingly few. Microsoft is propped up by its data format schemes, where incompatibilities are planned and executed to prevent easy transition away from their products such as Office.
These days, OpenOffice.org and many other Linux programs can handle Microsoft proprietary formats despite Microsoft's wishes.
To taste the world of software freedom before switching, try out the many excellent packages compiled for Windows, straight out of the Linux world. These include OpenOffice (to replace MS Office), Firefox (instead of Internet Explorer), and many others which will be there waiting in Linux when you convert away from Windows.
Though many (even some less-than-impressive sys-admin's) deny it, the most dramatic way that Linux is better than Windows is in SECURITY. Setting up a server for maximum security is complex, with either OS. But a secure desktop system installation is TRIVIAL with Linux.
All Linux distributions I have tested recently (and I have 6 at the moment on this machine, septuplet-booted with Windows XP Pro) have been totally secure at the completion of a normal install. I have (as a consultant and as a friend) installed Windows from the installation CD, only to see successful attacks from the Internet, within seconds of beginning the hours-long process of downloading security updates. I have never seen such a problem with Linux. Never. To compare security on out-of-the-box Linux (such as SuSE or PCLinuxOS) with Windows XP Pro is a joke - a very bad joke - at the expense of Bill Gates.
What are you waiting for? It is indeed trivial to install Linux as a second operating system. Test your computer first by booting a "Live CD" of Linux. Then, you create a "dual-boot" machine, choosing to run Windows or Linux each time you power on the computer. It's a great way to personally see how the two compare in capability, speed, stability, security, hardware compatibility - whatever.
2006-08-13 13:38:10
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answer #1
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answered by widowmate 6
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If you have already installed Windows XP then, you have to unpartition one of the drives and then insert the bootable Linux disc and restart the system. Then, you have to boot Linux from the disc and the procedure will be briefly defined and then you have to carry on the process by telling the OS to use the free space, which is the unpartitioned area. Your Linux is ready to use once you have installed completely.
2016-03-27 00:36:40
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answer #2
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answered by Deborah 4
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Based on my experience running both Linux and Windows networks, both have pro and cons and I personally believe both are equally good. You probably read and hear about Windows being unsafe, unreliable, etc and to be honest I'm getting sick of users who don't know 2 bits about security and claim Linux is better. Both systems require you to be knowledgeable about security and require you to harden your systems if security is your objective. Only very few operating systems come hardened from the word go and they include FreeBSD and OpenBSD.
In my opinion if you want to run many of the applications and games out there in the market, you are best suited to stick with Wndows. You could probably get away with running some Windows applications and games on Linux using WINE but be prepared to read lots and configure. If you intend on simply browsing the web, reading and sending emails, word processing,etc you can either go with Linux or Windows.
For all purposes, you need to secure your PC regardless if it is Linux or Windows. You'll need a good firewall and antivirus software. You have plenty of choices with both.
I believe that there is choice and I prefer having multiple choices rather than just sticking with one and Linux offers that choice. We run a massive network running both environments and I personally run multiple instances of Linux and Windows.
I can can't emphasize enough on security. Don't be fooled by security by obscurity. Ask any security specialists and they'll tell you that you need to secure both Windows and Linux if you intend on keeping your data safe. Patch on a regular basis, subscribe to news articles, etc.
2006-08-13 13:47:25
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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1)yes 2)yes 3)no 4)no 5)no Pros: stable, free, all software for Linux is completely free Cons: Windows software won't run on Linux, you HAVE to have a high-speed internet connection to get Linux
2006-08-13 13:40:32
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answer #4
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answered by alchemist_n_tx 6
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well linux is good os and also its free if u wanna go for programming and other stuff thn u should go for it. normally the windows programs arent compatible with linux cos of different formation. but still i would suggest u to try ur softwares and games with linux cos the latest version has changed to a great level
2006-08-13 13:39:11
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answer #5
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answered by joey 3
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Linux being betetr than windows is a matter of opinion (and in mine it is a little better). You have to be highly skilled at computers or you risk screwing absolutely everything up. Windows programs will run if you have the windows emulator installed (this will be slow though, so it isn't recommended). Just stick with windows.
2006-08-13 13:37:25
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answer #6
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answered by shmifty__14 5
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linux really designed for server type of work. webservers, web hosting, etc. Linux isn't as compatiable to all programs as win xp. however, if you know what you are doing then you can make it work. sounds like windows xp is better for your situation.
2006-08-13 13:38:34
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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ANYTHING is better than Windows...and yes, it's free.
2006-08-13 13:37:05
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answer #8
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answered by keepsondancing 5
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in less you are a pro on computers don't try it you will run into more problems then what it's worth
2006-08-13 13:40:21
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answer #9
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answered by Bob 3
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yes....quite agree with most of the answers already given
2006-08-13 13:52:26
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answer #10
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answered by larholu 2
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