Why and how should I use Linux?

Question

I am not a new computer user, but an inexperienced one. I have no knowledge of programming, hacking, ect... The information on the net 'bout linux confuses me. Exactly what are the advantages of linux over windows, and (if i decied to use it) how do i use it?

Answer 1

Why? 1) Because it is free!!
I would recommend sending for a copy of Ubuntu - unless you have a fast broadband connection to download.
If you order the CD (free) - you can "test out" Linux by booting from the CD - this will not install it on your hard drive and will give you some experience with this cool operating system.
Also, as the other gentleman said, "No viruses."

If you decide you like it - there are two ways to do a full install - you can reformat your hard drive and use Ubuntu exclusively - or partition your hard drive with Ubuntu on one and Windows on the other.

Answer 2

First off, Linux is not really the best operating system for less experienced PC users. However if I would recommend a certain distribution, I'd go with Ubuntu Linux at http://www.ubuntu.com .

Linux can be a really powerful OS and it is very stable, not to mention its open-source meaning its free.

You can try out Linux without installing using a bootable live cd. Just order the CD, or download the .iso image for free off the website and burn it onto a cd or DVD. The insert the CD and restart the computer. It will then boot from the CD. This is when you can officially test-drive Linux without affecting your Windows. Then once you get to the hang of Linux then there should be an option to install Linux of your Hard Drive.

Linux's desktop environment is fairly similar to the interface in Windows and is easy to get to the hang of. However the reason why Linux is really intended to be for the advanced users is because you need a good knowledge with using the command terminal, where the real fun is!! Hopefully I didn't confuse you!! Good Luck.

Answer 3

The advantages are, no viruses (yet), and absolute control over installing any program or running any application. (VISTA has now graduated to this format). In addition, there is no spyware etc. It may take a bit to get all the programs you are looking for, but TUCOWS is a great site for free, and shareware. You would use LINUX just like windows, except some of the new terminology and location of files are a bit of a challenge at first. But EVERYTHING you can do with windows, can be done with LINUX. I also find it operates quite a bit faster, does not need to be rebooted when a new program is installed, and LINUX can run on a 64 based chip if you have it.

Answer 4

Linux is the name for a group of operating Systems that have a completely different internal structure to Windows. They are inherently more secure. It's not so easy to make malware that has a big impact on Linux systems.
They are what is known as 'Open Source' products, that is, the source code is there for all to see, (unlike MS products where they won't tell you what to hack & why.)
This means that many, many people around the Globe are developing Linux stuff.
You do need a bit of experience to install & setup, as it's not as plug n play as MS stuff, but well worth the effort.
Google 'Ubuntu', & look at their site, it'll give you an idea what the Linux community is all about. They give away free CD-rom's of their latest OS, which has long term support.
Good luck

Answer 5

Ubuntu is probably the easiest to use. Google it. Linux really isn't for the inexperienced. Windows is designed for even beginners. If you have problems navigating Windows, stay away from Linux unless you have a spare computer to play around on. There is a good chance that Dell will be selling computers with Linux OS already installed later this year. They have not announced which Linux distro they will be using. If you know how to download and burn to a CD, you can actually run Ubuntu without installing on your harddrive. That is one way to check it out.

Answer 6

I can't add much to what others have said, since you've gotten some good answers. However, I do have a link that may be helpful. It's a detailed article written by a guy who decided to switch from Windows to Ubuntu Linux and use nothing but Linux for 30 days. It's got some good details on problems he encountered as well as things he liked. It also has screenshots and a video. This may give you a better idea of what's involved and if it looks like something you could deal with.

http://consumer.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTI5OCwxLCxoY29uc3VtZXI=

Answer 7

Its got more power. Personally I wouldnt use linux yet as a desktop machine. But an old computer in the closet with free linux on it can replace the internet providor for a small town (I know, Ive done it).

I have a server in my house. I cant picture going back to not having one. I have no limits on email accounts, email sizes, hosting web pages, hosting games, etc etc. Other than a connection to the net (you still have to get DSL or something) you can turn your old desktop into handling every other service your internet providor does for a couple of hundred users

Answer 8

first of all let me clear, by just using a modern computer, browsing, using search engines and so on, dosent make u a experience user,for u its an accessori not a necessaty, the big difference of linux over windows is security, which microsoft never offered in their systems, well nw thay have spoken that security is the first priority, where as linux from the word go is talking about security, it was actually developed for that purpose, network management, firewalling ,all comes in the issue, for individual user using windows is better, as it is very easy and straight forward, leave the linux for the networks,

Answer 9

Linux is Popular because it is more secure.
However if you are not a programmer you will find it hard to utilizes.
Windows is much easier to use and you can do things faster in windows.
My uncle is a programmer and uses Linux and can use it well, but some things which I can do in 5 minutes he has to program the functions and a lot of stuff and it take several hours.
so to sum it up if you need things fast I would stick to windows even though you may hate it.

Answer 10

i ought to assert Ubuntu, it really is amazingly undemanding to apply for a newbie, notwithstanding it nevertheless has the skill to do very advanced issues also GNOME is a operating laptop or computer ecosystem, like KDE. Ubuntu comes with GNOME. in case you want a more advantageous domicile windows-like ecosystem you ought to apply Kubuntu it extremely is Ubuntu with the KDE ecosystem extremely than GNOME. a strong difficulty with Ubuntu is that you'll replace between the variations very easily, merely using synaptic equipment manager (a software you'll use a lot in case you get Ubuntu or Debian) you are able to replace computer environments and upload the best factors of each and every version with very few clicks. also Ubuntu is depending off debian, so that they are similar yet ubuntu is designed to be more advantageous undemanding.