Is there a catch to Linux?

Question

Linux is free, things that are too good to be true usually are, what is the catch to Linux?

Is there an ulterior motive, spyware, adware, popups?

Answer 1

Nope! None of that junk. Actually, linux is almost 100% immune from getting spyware and viruses. Popups are just webpages, the occur in any operating system - and you can use some tools to kill off most of them in any OS also.

The "catch" to running Linux is that most of the time you have to interact with your computer a little bit more and know a little bit more about how computers work. Windows is very "user friendly" and it's made so that grandma is supposed to be able to use it to do anything without thinking twice - Linux is just about at that point also, but most people think it's harder since the have to un-lean windows a little bit and learn a new way to use the machine. I think it is just as user-friendly as windows.

It's free because for the most part, it has been built by people in their spare time. The OS, the programs, the help files, and the support groups are all free. There are versions that cost money, but for those you are mainly paying for support. Some companies that put out Linux versions do charge money for it, but you can usually find the exact same thing as a free download. The money comes in so you don't have to work as much to get it installed, and so you can call someone when something isn't working right.

Answer 2

There is no catch or ulterior motive. Spyware, popups, and adware are problems of free software, but rarely does it strike the Linux (UNIX) community.

The majority of the web is run from Linux servers. You'll find the computing community are more givers than takers - there are tons of free software available.

Answer 3

From what I know of Linux it is open source software, made better by its contributors as an alternative to the ever-increasing costs related to Windows software.

I know of no ulterior motive, spyware, adware, popups.

Answer 4

there is no catch per se.
being free, means nobody is actually responsible if you encounter problem using it. there is no helpdesk to turn to (unless you get those distros that comes with with helpdesk support which is not free). especially when dealing with hardware peripherals... few vendor just don't release driver for linux.
Of course you can visit forums, lookup howtos and wikipedia. but this may take some time.

However, the developers are making linux easier to use every release, then installation is made simple with nice GUI, most of the common programs are already installed, no more dependencies problem with the help of package manager and so on...

Answer 5

Find out for yourself. Go to the UBUNTU.COM and get one of their distributions. You can run it from the CD or do a dual boot with other operating systems. Also explore the following links.