Thread: linux vs. windows

  1. #1
    muttski
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    linux vs. windows

    Govt, dont delete this, Im not trying to start an argument, Im just wondering.

    What is the reason that some people like linux more than windows, other than to mess around with, dont say stability cause thats not true anymore. Also, note that I dont mean windows 9x as that is no longer the standard.

    Please no arguments, Im just wondering what makes some people prefer linux to windows.

  2. #2
    The Artful Lurker Deckard's Avatar
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    Sorry muttski, but I will have to say stability as, regardless of Microsoft marketing, Linux is still more stable than Microsoft. In fact, my Linux box has been running over 100 days as a firewall and a well used server. I'm not familiar with a Microsoft OS that can do that. My box would have been up for much longer had my 2 year old not found the reset button ;)

    Licensing. I can do whatever I want with Linux in a personal or business environment and not have to worry about some Software Pirating Protection organization hassling me to prove what I own or don't own.

    Understanding. I don't have to guess how any part of my OS works. I have the source code right here. This is not a benefit for most users, but it is a selling point for me. I also demand a higher salary because of the understanding I have gained from "getting my hands dirty" from *nix experience. sidenote: a recruiter once told me that if MCSE's were logs of wood, he could burn them forever and never get cold.

    Cost. My Linux distribution came with a mail server, SQL server, and web server (among many other things). A quick check on buy.com shows the same from Microsoft costs over $3,000(USD).

    I don't have to register my copy of Linux with Linus Torvalds if I want to use it after 30 days (or whatever it is with XP). I also like the fact that I don't have to reboot my Linux box for software installations/removals. My system only goes down when I want to make a hardware change, or my baby girl pushes the magic button.

    I am not anti-Microsoft. I am a professional working in the real world with plenty of experience with both Windows and UNIX/Linux. Windows is easier to use than Linux (or UNIX, for that matter), and Windows has a place in the world. I think that place is the desktop, and non-mission critical servers. When (if) Microsoft comes out with something as great as (or better) than *nix, I will sing its praises.

    I'm an observer in the Windows/*nix war, and I have a really great view at center ice.
    Jason Deckard

  3. #3
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    I have to agree with everything Deckard says he has provided excellent reasons too. Although I probably don't understand *nix systems as well as him, because i've been using them for much less time than any windows system, there are all very valid reasons.

    I use both Windows XP and Linux RH7.1. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Although XP has the right idea, and is pretty stable I still prefer NT4 for stability, but sadly i can't use it for many games.

    My linux system is also very stable and i haven't updated it much, definitely no where near as much as I have to update XP.

    Linux systems protects itself from innocent stupidity, where as Microsoft has tried but not really succeeded. I say innocent because if you have a malicious person who really wants to see your files they will sometimes.

    Windows any joe blog can see your files. It really ain't that hard to hack into someones windows especially 9x, ME.

    I really believe it comes down to personal taste and your comfort zone.

    I could go on and on but i don't feel like it at the moment.

    kwigibo

  4. #4
    Registered User xlnk's Avatar
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    I have to agree with deckard also, Linux is extremely stable even compared to XP which now multi-tasking. I've run a linux server before and also a server in windows. Linux ran faster and stayed up longer.

    When it comes to customizability, linux takes my vote. Since Linux is open-source, and most software products for it, you can make it do what ever you want.

    Virus's are alot easier to make for the Windows operating system, because of all the holes in it.

    One downside, Linux has a steep learning curve.

    What Deckard said, Linux is cheaper, alot cheaper.
    the best things in life are simple.

  5. #5
    Fingerstyle Guitarist taylorguitarman's Avatar
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    Try looking into the various BSDs. They're another UNIX variant. I've been looking into FreeBSD and OpenBSD lately and I'm thinking of converting from Linux to one of them. OpenBSD is supposed to be extremely secure and FreeBSD is the backbone of many big websites like Sony, Yahoo and Microsoft's Hotmail . Plus the license agreement (BSD) is much more flexible than the GPL which Linux usually uses.
    Mac OS X is partly based on BSD too.

    www.freebsd.org
    www.openbsd.org

    I think as more devices start getting connected, there will be a push for standardization which will help UNIX OSs take the market, unless MS decides to play nice (yeah right).

    I think the next generation of OS should be standardized.
    Can't we all just get along?
    If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to see it, do the other trees make fun of it?

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    *nix systems do have a standard, sort of. POSIX i believe is the standard.

    As far as open source goes if there is a problem it is fixed alot faster, due to the open source, open sourcer's look out for each other i believe.

    Viruses ...mmm... An attack at microsoft maybe. There is alot less viruses for *nix systems. I have a feeling that alot of viruses (not all though) are created for windows yes due to the holes and yes because windows isn't liked alot by some UNIX and UNIX variant programmers. And also because some programmer might of got fired tried to crash the old bosses network and whoops it spread from there. Too many reason for the writing of viruses, yet none a valid reasons in my opinion. This is another topic altogether though.

    Yes and I strongly agree
    One downside, Linux has a steep learning curve.
    But linux isn't really for computer illiterate either.


    kwigibo

  7. #7
    Microsoft. Who? MethodMan's Avatar
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    I am learning unix/linux at the moment, and its great. Although windows had dos, there is no comparison, LINUX rules. I plan on making a dual boot system, since I am just learning how to use Linux, I dont want to rely on it. Any suggestions for the installations.

    ALso how come computers that run on linux, dont have to be rebooted so often, is it because of the lack of controlling all the memory on windows operating systems?

  8. #8
    muttski
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    ANyone know bill gates email address, gotta send him this thread

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    The biggest reason that linux machines don't have to be rebooted so often is that they are far more modular. That is, if you have a problem with one program, the memory management system is such that it will not let that program cross certain bounds into kernel memory. The program may crash, but the OS goes on ticking.

    This also comes into play when installing software. Becausre the OS is as modular as it is, it doesn't need a complete system reboot to update all systems.

    Of course this also has something to do with the linux security model. Joe user can't install a program that has system-wide implications... it's just not secure. A program only has as much access as the user who runs it, which means that Joe user can't run a program with system wide repercussions (unless root is a world class fool).

    This also brings up the issue of virus'... but that's another story.

    starX
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  10. #10
    Registered User f0ul's Avatar
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    Windows is for people who don't like computers!

    Windows is an OS for people who just are not interested in computers - they are a tool to help them write letters, do accounts and play games - whereas Linux is for people who are only happy when they know how to adjust things to their own needs.

    I think that covers everything in one sentance.

    Imagine that you were a motor enthusiast - u would not find driving a bland mid range saloon up and down the road for hours on end paticualry exciting - but you would find looking at the engine of an old V8 muscle car almost as enjoyable as driving it for a 1/4 of a mile. Or, you might find that you button is pushed by riding a jeep in the desert etc.

    The point is that Linux is for people who want the best or are ready to adapt it to make it the best OS for their needs and Microsoft do not make such a product - and the fact that Linux is a lot cheaper is a bonus!
    I don't want to belong to any club that'll accept me as a member!

  11. #11
    &TH of undefined behavior Fordy's Avatar
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    Windows is an OS for people who just are not interested in computers - they are a tool to help them write letters, do accounts and play games - whereas Linux is for people who are only happy when they know how to adjust things to their own needs.
    Not wanting to start an argument...but what part of windows are you being stopped from changing?.........OK...the GUI.....but is there anything really important that you would like to change?

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    >>In fact, my Linux box has been running over 100 days as a firewall and a well used server. I'm not familiar with a Microsoft OS that can do that. My box would have been up for much longer had my 2 year old not found the reset button
    <<

    My NT4 server I am runing here at work that do a firewall and domain server have been runing for mm lets see..2 years now.

    And my wifes w2k have never crashed sense installed when it was released. If it wasn't for the power outage we have in the winters.

    Although this really don't prove anything and I don't really have a point I want to make more then maybee that the NT kernel is pretty good and 9X should not be mentioned when comparing to Linux.
    Last edited by Barjor; 04-04-2002 at 12:44 PM.

  13. #13
    The Artful Lurker Deckard's Avatar
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    Originally posted by Barjor
    My NT4 server I am runing here at work that do a firewall and domain server have been runing for mm lets see..2 years now.
    If that is two years without a reboot, I'm not sure if I'm more skeptical or impressed ;)
    Jason Deckard

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    The only reboots have been 3 scheduled maintances for virus and service packs. Never any failurs or crashes ever.
    Last edited by Barjor; 04-04-2002 at 04:14 PM.

  15. #15
    Fingerstyle Guitarist taylorguitarman's Avatar
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    The NT architecture is much closer to UNIX than the 9x systems were. I have yet to have a problem with my Windows 2K system, I even recommend it to others.

    However, I think if you loaded any major Linux distro nowdays (with a GUI like KDE or GNOME) on someone's computer they'd proably be able to use it just fine (for word processing, email and stuff).

    It's the configuring that most people are scared of with *nix systems.
    If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to see it, do the other trees make fun of it?

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