Linux? why?

[slman]

Right now i am using windows xp. I WANT to start using Linux but is it really worth it?

1. Is Linux more stable than windows?
2. Is it more secure in terms of virus attacks or online shopping?
3. Are there programs for Linux that let user work with dvd's? (aka dvdxcopy)
4. Is Linux faster?

In general, i need the reason to use Linux. Why do some people prefer Linux?

If there is a distribution with all the above characteristics, please tell me what it is!

Month ago i tried mandrake, redhat, suse, but didnt really have time to set them up for use, so i went back to xp. My experience - beginner, but that doesnt mean i need something easy. i can learn anything as long as it will provide for what i need. Thanks.

[lost-and-found]

1)Yes, it is much more stable than windows
2)Yes, there are very few virus attacks in linux (windows viruses don't affect linux at all)
3)I'm sure there are, I don't know if they're as user friendly as windows, but I'm sure there are.
4)I wouldn't say faster, it runs about the same speed for me, some apps take a second longer to load even for me.

Another one: It's free

[Droppyale]

if you are willing to spend time configuring linux... yes it can be even better than xp...

but when I say time, I mean HOURS and HOURs trying to figure out something.

Specially if you are just learning.

I run linux just to learn, and to have some fun with som of the applications...

I also like to try somethin different once in a while.

But i canno rely completely on linux... it just doesnt have all the applications needed.... plus it takes too much time to figure out some things.

this is coming from a windows user of course... linux users will tell you otherwise.

[PresterJohn]

Originally posted by slman
I WANT to start using Linux but is it really worth it? ......In general, i need the reason to use Linux.

it's been my experience that people who ask these types questions, ie. they need a convincing reason to try linux...are the ones who won't be happy using it, or at least not happy enough to switch.

stick with windows.

[HeadBand]

i agree with lost and found for the most part but for #2 i would say that is is about the same security for online shopping but mabey a little better because a hacker may try and target windows and #4 i would say yes because there is so much less flashy stuff as in windows and nothing can just install itself like spyware or adware

since you are new to kinux i would suggest mandrake as it is the most user friendly and also i would either dual boot with xp....you only need about 5gig partition for linux then if you need storage give about 20% of the drive to xp in an ntfs partition and give the rest in a fat 32 partiton that linux and windows can access...or if you have a 2nd older machine use that

[teengeek88]

IMO if u take the time to learn Linux the payoff is big.... not to mention i think Linux/open-source software is the wave of the future.... if u got an extra computer or extra hard drive space to put Linux on go ahead. Also, i might recommend a good book.
Its called Kiss The Blue Screen Of Death Goodbye . i forgot the authors name but i can get it to you if you really need it.

Good Luck and definitley give it a try

Originally posted by PresterJohn


it's been my experience that people who ask these types questions, ie. they need a convincing reason to try linux...are the ones who won't be happy using it, or at least not happy enough to switch.

stick with windows.

hit it right on the top of the head, if you need to be convinced perhaps linux is not something you should look into

[slman]

Thanks for all the replies. So far as I understand Linux is stable and secure and applications can be found if really look for them. question: Linux distributions are written by people, how can I be sure that there's no malicious code inside Linux to steal credit card numbers? Is why i should stick to commercial ones? (redhat, mandrake, etc?). I dont mind spend time at first to set up the system - outcome is worth it right?

teengeek88:

IMO if u take the time to learn Linux the payoff is big....

Why do you like Linux that much? Which one are u using?

So can you tell me what the best Linux to use is? right now im looking at mandrake as HeadBand suggested. I might end up dual-booting. Thanks.




GroundZero3:

quote: Originally posted by PresterJohn it's been my experience that people who ask these types questions, ie. they need a convincing reason to try linux...are the ones who won't be happy using it, or at least not happy enough to switch. stick with windows. hit it right on the top of the head, if you need to be convinced perhaps linux is not something you should look into

I am not looking "for convincing reason" to use Linux, but I want to make sure that I wont get myself and my computer into a load of crap. Besides I did not ask for and do not appreciate anyone psyco-analysing me. please do not post this kind of replies.

[vass0922]

slman: They're not trying to psychoanalyze. You have to realize we get these exact same questions day after day from people that read all about Linux and want to give it a try without any real idea of what Linux is good for. We don't mind answsering people's questions if we know the person is going to TRY and not give up when they realize its not windows part 2. It IS DIFFERENT, you will have to learn ALL new things.
Personally I use SuSE Linux 9.0
I have a machine that I can use as a personal webserver, database and a personal work/play machine. I DID pay for my version of Linux but that was certainly my choice. I chose to support this distro... certainly not required.
We won't try to BS you, Linux does take some work to get used to.. if you realize going in that this is NOT windows and you will have to struggle a bit... you'll be OK.
Have questions and we will do our best to answer. You should be best friends with our friend Google (www.google.com) as thats what we answer questions with if we dont' know the answer.
I'd also go with the suggestion of Mandrake.
Ya stick to the mainstream distro's of Linux, not so much for security sake as they're all pretty secure and I've never heard of a distro thats used to steal CC's... but its much easier to search for answers with a common distro.

Good luck, and hope you stick to it... it CAN be worth it!

[QCompson]

Linux distributions are written by people, how can I be sure that there's no malicious code inside Linux to steal credit card numbers?

Lol, at the risk of you thinking this is psychoanalyzing:

I suppose that would be the real advantage of linux if you are that paranoid about malicious code; if you wanted to, you could pour over all the code and make sure that none of it is going to steal your credit card number. That is one of the reasons that people use linux, because it's code can be studied, and something malicious like you mentioned would likely be spotted by a developer/guru/user somewhere in the world . This isn't true in Windows, where you have to put a lot of trust into the Redmond mothership. But in reality, you're probably not going to be inspecting the code. Linux is a lot of work at first, and it can be very frustrating to make the switch from windows. I think that the reason most people gravitate towards linux is because they have a problem with windows, not because of some tremendous advantage in using linux.