Are there a lot of people leaving windows and going to Linux? if so why?

Answer 1

Microsoft is charging huge cost for their new Operating System.
Secondly thier component are not free.
Linux has developed as good as Windows XP but their issue is win32 compatiblity.

Answer 2

I don't think alot of people are leaving windows. I do believe that more now than before, people are TRYING Linux. Linux Ubuntu has gotten alot of free publicity so people are more willing to experiment with it. Most people who I know that have tried linux have returned to Windows after less than a week.

The why? Linux is free. It's also immune to windows viruses. I honestly don't know if any linux viruses exist. Ubuntu also comes with some free software like Openoffice.

There are also myths about linux that get people to try it. Some claim it is more stable. Some say it doesn't need to be restarted after you install software or download updates. Some say it can do anything Windows can do better.

Answer 3

This is generally a loaded question and one that will require much forethought and research from yourself. I firmly believe that there is a right tool for the job. Generally speaking, (although this continues to change as does most technology) if you're a hardcore gamer enthusiast, you'll want some form of a somewhat latest Windows version lying around. There are simply more games for the Windows platform than any other operating system. If you're not so concerned with games, then you need to start asking questions like, what are 3-5 main purposes behind my computer usage. If you're easily frustrated with new ways of doing things, linux may not be for you. If you need reliability but don't want to sacrifice usability or automation, you may want to check out Apple computers. You'll hear arguments from every side of the fence on all of these choices, but it all boils down to which best suits your needs. The hardware for Apple is actually reasonable when pricing comparably-equipped PC's. Make sure you research thoroughly before being swayed one way or another. A Mac makes sense if you're going to be doing a lot of multimedia, graphics such as Photoshop or sound recording, although a lot of viable alternatives exist with Linux and, yes, even Windows. If, however, cost is of the essence and you simply don't want to keep forking out upgrade money for the newer version of operating system/office suites, linux may be your answer. You have several distributions of linux to choose from and they are making it easier by the month to do the things you're use to doing on Windows (See Ubuntu Linux or Fedora Core 6, for instance). Free, stable, reliable, secure (with the right configuration) and robust are some solid reasons to choose linux. However, much can be said about Apple as well, with the exception of "free". Another thing to consider regarding Apple is that the hardware is mated to the operating system which creates a very compatible environment for most things computing. Year after year of extremely satisfied Apple owners (research statistics from PCWorld, Consumer Reports, etc.) with more switching from Windows just about every day as well as the ability to now run Windows natively make the Mac an appetizing decision. Spend some time reading up on these different operating systems will be the best decision you'll make because it will be your own.

Regards,
John aka tau_zeppelin

Answer 4

I wouldn't say "a lot" but definitely more than few years ago: so far, three friends of mine have switched to Ubuntu.
It's mostly because Linux is free and you don't need to pay for updatings nor software created for Linux (e.g. GIMP instead of Photoshop): Also, apparently Linux get less viruses than MS. Some others are simply "rebellious" against the big bad corporation that MS is.

Answer 5

Linux is a great operating system, truly superior to Windows in every way save one. Getting work done, Windows just beats linux for MS has an excellent office suite. In addition, Windows has a huge range of software available for it.

Anyone who has ever attempted to use StarOffice will agree that MSOffice is infinitely better.

For computers that perform a task, such as handing email, resolving DNS names, etc etc, Linux is great. For anything you use daily, Linux makes life more difficult than it needs to be.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

Why not try it? You can do a dual boot with your current operating system. Always back up your data before making changes to your computer.

All of my family, brothers, sisters and children have switched to UBUNTU. Also, some of my friends have switched or are trying it out with a LIVE CD.

Answer 7

I changed from WXP to Linux and was not at all impressed.

Linux seem to be a rather "lifeless" system and nothing was
gained from using it.

Am back to WinXP again.