2007-01-05 06:29:50 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
It's open source, much more reliable than Windows and works very well, especially for servers.
2007-01-05 06:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many are not. Linux is indeed open source and free, but expertise to manage/use these systems to their utmost is extremely expensive.
By that I mean a good Windows admin may be worth $x, but a good Linux admin is worth $x + 10,000 at least.
Despite all of the press about security holes, Windows XP and the newer Vista is MUCH, MUCH more stable and secure than Windows 2000 and earlier.
In addition, security holes in Windows does not, by any means imply that there are none in Linux. The fact is that a security hole in Linux takes a lot loger to close. When these are found in Windows, fixes become part of an automatic update within two weeks.
The simple fact is that, although Windows has a LONG way to go to catch up to Linux in terms of security and reliability, it is getting better very quickly. Linux is improving more slowly.
2007-01-05 07:36:24 · answer #2 · answered by Doug k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are certain business tasks for which Linux is ideally suited, and within those domains, it is unmistakably both the cheapest and best option. one such task is performing as a web server. another good example is running email. with the proper expertise, it is easy to set up a solid, secure, linux server for these sorts of tasks that will require little if any maintenance using only standard PC hardware. the hardware required to get the same performance from IIS or Exchange server, not to mention the software license cost, makes Linux the best option for many businesses, especially smaller ones.
regardless of these strengths, linux lags behind significantly in many areas. it is much harder to initially set up and install than windows, and requires more specialized expertise. also, it can be difficult to upgrade, should the need arise.
my company for instance, runs all our email and web servers on linux, (more than 10 total servers) and yet I am the only person here with significant linux experience.
2007-01-05 09:27:48 · answer #3 · answered by buhatkj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open source: anyone can modify it to fix bugs & add new features. And most important: no royalties to pay to Microsoft.
2007-01-05 06:39:31 · answer #4 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's cheaper.
2007-01-05 06:38:48 · answer #5 · answered by Jon A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋