Is Linux right for you? Should you switch?

Should you switch to Linux, stick with Windows, or go over to the Mac?

Well Linux runs on both Mac's and PC's so there is no hardware issue there. However what you really need to consider is what programs you use, and what you use your computer for.

Linux is a very powerful operating system, but is best suited for servers in my opinion. With Desktop use there are fewer programs than are available for Mac (That are easily installed, by the begining user). Making the learning curve for Linux very steep.

However Ubuntu solves this by recognizing that Linux from a basic user standpoint is horrible, and improves on the user interface, provides common applications as downloadable and installable packages, and keeps terminology simple where it is needed.

However even with all these improvements with Ubuntu it still suffers from poor game support, and a lag in driver development, and support.

I still only recommend Linux to users who are capable of managing computers and supporting them by themselves. General public support for Linux just is not there yet.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Windows
• Ubuntu
• Linux
• Switch
• operating system
• PC
• Mac
• desktop
• laptop

[cxs00]

have you ever used linux?

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 Yes, each version and distro is different.

[cxs00]

@DefconComputers i mean..."have you ever used linux more than 10:45 min and outside a virtual machine?" Linux is easy is trasnparent and free, most windows user find it dificult because the dont want to change, i switch to linux like 1 year ago and never go back linux is easier my 65 year old father whit 0 experiens in linux or windows, is using linux for almost every day computing w/o any problems he learned in like 1 week and you saying linux is not por desktops and incopatible...

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 I've used it several times, in the mid and late 90's, again for awhile in the early and mid 2000's as well. I still run it on my Macbook as well. Don't get me wrong, it has vastly improved over the years. But the core issues still exist for any power user, and that is poor support and incompatibility issues. Basic use for browsing the internet and checking the email is spot on, but when I start using advanced tools I find I waste more time trying to get it to work than using the tools.

[cxs00]

@DefconComputers im still wondering what incompatibility issues? and what advanced tools?.. you cant argue lack of support. almost every distro have plenty of forums or wiki , like ubuntu forums, linuxquestios, arch wiki, alien pastures etc... if you are talking about hardware incopatibility the only two things that comes in mind are Nvidia optimus and the old dial-up "winmodems" .

PD: sorry my bad english im a spanish speaker

PD2: im not farguing im discussing healthy discussing

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 Pretty much any development or security scanning tools. The issue is alot better with Ubuntu, but many free distros give you bare bones and you end up spending almost an entire day trying to install package after package, and libraries just to get one program to work. The old free Suse versions were bad at this. The forums do provide support, but many new users get shunned on basic questions. Nvidia drivers are a big issue, but any cheap hardware seems to be a problem.

[Raja221]

WHy do people even make a DAMN review before they do their fking research?????? WINE stands for Wine Is Not Emulation. Go look it up!!! it basically tricks software into thinking they are installing their programs on windows with C/drive and system 32. it is not emulation. GET you fking facts right next time. second. when it comes to video editing Linux is better now as KDENlive is a clone of sont vegas but free. !! its better than alot of paid programs 4 winblows. GO DO YOUR F**KING RESEARCH

[DefconComputers]

@GenoSkill Let me know how I can present this in an entertaining and hilarious way in 10 minutes or less, while covering all the issues. Maybe I should put on a hat, dance, and sing a song about it next time?

[ectoplasm12345]

You had me until "More for servers"

[supertruckertom]

Ubuntu user since version 8.10 Intrepid Ibex.

For basic home use by non gamer adults and kids doing homework, what else do you need?

I use Chrome for Linux as the browser.

NO BSOD around this house.

[dvamateur]

I've been using Ubuntu for about a week now on my laptop, and everything seems to be working okay, like DVD player, YouTube, Facebook, and my Firewire MIDI/audio interface. What else do you need, he he? Of course, I am keeping Windows 7 in separate partition just in case of printer drivers unavailability. Anyway, I can't believe how easy it was to install Ubuntu in its own partition, it resised Windows partition for me, I didn't know you could do that.

[Afrocanuk]

Since I have XP all backed up, I'll try Linux again. I first tried it about 7-8 yrs. ago.

[TheAnon08]

You seem to be a bit of a noob. When talking about something as major as an OS, you need to get all ur facts properly documented before rambling incoherently

[geograndsand]

MAC MAC MAC!

[ENightmare69]

I stuck Ubuntu on my laptop 4 years ago and have been perfectly happy with it in every way. No spywear/drm/adware/viruses, it doesn't get slower over time, all software is free (no need to pay every year for the latest version as well!!) and generally.. its faster!! I put Ubuntu/Windows dual boot on the same physical hard drive.. and linux runs faster! I can make a cup of coffee in the time it takes windows to boot, Ubuntu boots in under 15 seconds. I use PS3 for gaming *shrugs*

[Tununias]

You forgot to mention that you can play Minecraft on Linux.

[BadB87]

Matt.....Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamon