Linux users: what are three advantages and three drawbacks of using your platform?

Answer 1

1) It is free.
2) It can run on "old" hardware
3) It is not a big target for viri & malware like Windows

Downside
1) It has no "standard" there are 100's of distros out there.
2) Not really user friendly - no real PNP, driver support is thin etc..
3) It is user supported (for the most part) being open sourced, the aren't many companies that sell & SUPPORT it. All support is generally fourm based.

My BIG complaint is software distrobution, no easy Installshield programs, some you have to download extra libraries (and know where to put them), and compile your sources you downloaded, that generally have little instruction.
Not for the typical end (l)user I guess they'd say. There are RPM (redhat packet manager) and some others but it depends on which distro you run, what installer are supported - no standardization.

Answer 2

1.Free
2. License doesn't restrict the usage of the software you are free to make changes ( if you know how ) and copy and distribute the software without being a pirate
3. You can find many versions with many different strong points .
here's the cons
1. you have to be willing to read and learn ( not a con to me, but alot of people who try linux and post on the forums like just clicking a button and complain it is hard)
2.updating and installing new software can be a real learning experience.
3. My electric bill went up a bit after installing on some older boxes picked up on trash night.
I am dual booting win xp pro service pack 2 and sabayon linux. The live dvd I downloaded has great 3-d fps games included with it .
Link for anyone interested,
http://www.sabayonlinux.org/

Answer 3

its free, and the software for it is free
its safe and secure. less risk of viruses and malware/spuware
there's a great community of support for it

takes a bit to learn how to use it
its not great for playing games
software installation can be trickier than windoze

For me, I would have stuck with Linux (favourite distro, Kubuntu), but I like to play computer games and there's just no contest between linux and windoze for that. If I was just running a home pc for internet and office, photos, mp3's movies, etc; then it would be linux.