can anyone give an explanation for why linux is better than windows or give the pros and cons of linux?

Answer 1

If you want something thats free and awesome download Ubuntu :

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

It takes some getting used to but the end result is awesome :

http://blog.xychen.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/screenshot.png

I run Vista and Ubuntu/Beryl and Vista pales into insignificance when you place the two side by side.

Answer 2

The biggest positive that Linux has going for it is that it's _not_ Windows. The biggest negative is that it can be hard sometimes to find a distribution that is practical and accessible for users who are new to either Linux or Unix. In the early days of Linux, especially, one had to almost know how to write the entire OS in order to know how to install software or carry out some of the most routine functions.

There are plenty of user-friendly distributions out there, though - it's just a matter of doing a little digging. Some are even specially designed to run on slower, older computers, which is a handy way to "recycle" outdated computers and use them as part of a home network (they make great firewalls).

Another positive for Linux is that virtually any application you need can be found for free, and are often as good as - sometimes even better than - anything Windoze has ever put out. Most distributions are themselves free, and you can update your software to all the latest components at any time without hassle or spending any money.

And yet one final positive is that there aren't as many viruses floating around the net that are capable of infecting linux systems. That will likely change, though, as time goes on.

Answer 3

Ive used them all since they were born. For me, at the moment, it goes like this....

Windows for my desktop machines. More games, more toys, more just-to-be-pretty junk available. But more is available because any shmoe can write for windows which also means more crap, more viruses, more things to break my machine.

Linux is for my servers. More power on less computer. The machine that I moved off of because it wouldnt run the latest windows or games is a ton of server with linux. It hosts dozens of domains, hundreds of email accounts, hosts games, etc. Its also a big power-playground for learning computer things. And I dont have nearly as much trouble with it getting trashed.

Mac is for portables and laptops. I just want them to do standard computer stuff (letters, spreadsheets, databases) and standard internet user stuff (browsing, reading email, transfer files, etc) without worrys or lots of learning new things. If I want it to do something there is a great program for it. Probably pricey, but worth it.

Answer 4

Linux is free (if your time is worth nothing).

Additional to Adamb (below).
Mac OS X is *not* Linux based. The kernel uses chunks of BSD which is a *unix*. Not Linux.

Answer 5

Just use Mac. Linux based, but easy to use (especialy if you're used to Vista). Advantages are that there are virtually no viruses and runs most programs that you might use. Usually better, if you're into video or music production.

Answer 6

It isn't windows xp pro is the best out of all of them.

Answer 7

linux is generally more stable, windows is cheaper

Answer 8

windows= better.

linux= confusing and diffucult to use.

Answer 9

i like windows.