What is so good about linux?

[astros99]

Linux has gotten so popular over the years, that it really provides serious competition with Microsoft? But what is so good about it. What does it have that makes it better than windows? To me, Windows XP is amazing. I don't get what can make Linux better. But I want your opinion because I'm trying to figure out what's so good about Linux.

[tammy87]

i think linux is only good/better in certain aspects and only programmers would know how to appreciate these beauties of linux

for mere consumers like us, it'll just make us spin round n round trying to figure out how the heck to use linux

mostly coz we've grown so comfortable with windows ever since we make use of a PC

[astros99]

I hear that if you use linux it's impossible to get spyware or adware or stuff like that. How is that possible? I mean with stuff out on the internet all you have to do is go to a website and click on stuff and you can get spyware easily. So if you do that with Linux, I'd imagine you'd get some spyware too. Anyone have any idea how they prevent spyware? Microsoft needs to do that too..

[colenn]

That is one difference. The way that Linux works prevent viruses and spyware to infect all files (it doesn't infect administrator's files, only user's). administrator can than fix them, rewrite or delete them.

Linux doesn't need defragmenting. Its defragmenting hardrives while working.

Have you ever seen a Linux need a restart like Windows. Linux is much more stable.

These 3 differences are some of the things that makes Linux so great.

[astros99]

I haven't really ever seen linux work. What I want to know is how user friendly is Linux? The more user friendly the better. I like the spyware feature in Linux. But one thing, most downloads on the internet are made for Windows and Mac, so how would you get certain stuff for Linux. How do people get Linux, do they just download it?

[fadyllan]

I agree with colenn. However, i wouldn't say linux is user friendly. The newer version maybe a bit easier, although it still requires some programming knowledge. But not to worry, linux offers plenty of supports and help if you need any. Plus, now a day, there's plenty of programmes that have linux version too. And i believe, yes, you can simply download linux, which is why i odn't really get it when they still sel pirated linux cd. :D

[astros99]

Yeah, that's really the main reason why I'm hesitant to get Linux. I literally have like ZERO knowledge about programming, so I don't want to get a new OS and then not know how to use it. I remember my cousin had Linux like a few years back and had no clue how to use it, so I guess that's the other reason why I'm really not sure if I should get Linux. Hopefully, Vista will give me a reason not to change OS's.

[fadyllan]

The thing is, my government spent billions every year for Windows as their operating system. But they could've save some money if they use linux and other open source applications. For individuals, maybe it isn't suitable to use linux because some don't know how to handle it themselves. But, for big organisation, they usually hired a technician for these, so using linux wouldn't be a problem. But NOoo, they still wanna stick with Microsoft.

[astros99]

Yeah, that's true and on the other hand I've never seen a company or a business use Linux. They all use XP . On the other hand, Microsoft does provide offices and businesses the software they need for everyday work that they do such as Access, Word, Excel, Publisher, etc. Basically Microsoft Office. So for Linux, do they have software like that?

[fadyllan]

Yes, they do. It is called OpenOffice. It's pretty much the same with the Microsoft Office applications. They have words, spreadsheets which is their version of excell, presentation which is an equivalent of power point..etc. And if you're thinking of photo editing, there's always gimp. Which work kinda like photo shop.

[astros99]

So tell me about Open Office, how is it? Is it anything good compared to Microsoft Office? I thought Microsoft Office was really nice, and did a really good job. Does Open Office have anything that Office XP doesn't. If you had to choose between them two, which one would you choose? I think if Linux can really prove to people that they are better than the rest, then more people might start using it.

[smartgk]

Open Office is also one of the finest Office software like MS-Office. Please try it .