wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

This post is not intended to start an argument. But, knowledge is power! So if the old Linux vs Windows debate still piques your curiosity, this video does explain my choice much better than I have been able to.

If your mind is still open, check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD6nqQrJx78&hd=1

Gitzo Loc: Indiana

You won't get any argument out of me, regarding Windows or Linux.........I despise every product that MS has ever made, (with the possible exception of "office"), and I've never seen Linux on a computer screen in my life, so I really can't even comment on it; (I have wondered from time to time why anyone would want it)

This will probably sound even stranger........I hardly ever watch a youtube video; ( I think maybe I saw one a year or two ago, but I'm not sure.)

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Makes me wonder if you even have a computer. BTW if you do when you get on the internet, the server you use probably uses Linux. Do they know something that others don't?

My guess is you're a Mac user, hate to tell you this but you are using a Linux derivation according to Steve Jobs.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

I have tried Linux, and I will never try it again. It has caused me problems from simple things like not recognizing my wifi and not installing Java to screwing up the Windows partition on my hard drive. Linux never seems to get it right, so I guess it's worth what you pay for it.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

No problems here in WiFi and never on Java. At first, like most people, I dual booted and never had partition problems with different file system types. My experience is that Linux damn near always gets it right. No freeze, no virus, no bloat, no de-fragment, onboard app repository, desktop workspaces, super customization, choice of many different desktops, free as in no cost apps and blistering fast.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

I expect this thread will eventually be moved to the Chit-Chat section, but in the meantime, Linux rocks! I'm a long-time Windows user, and I continue to use Windows because I have to for my job, but Unix based OS's have always been superior.

Having said this, Windows 7 is pretty good. I've had very few problems---in fact, none that I can recall since the beta release years ago. Of course, I'm not the average user. I'm a MCSE or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. Again, this certification was obtained because of a job requirement. Linux is better. Here's an example:

I support the fab at Intel. Each of our wafer manufacturing tools have Windows as their interface (mostly to make it easier and familiar to the user); however, 90% of the equipment is run by a proprietary version of Unix/Linux. The other 10% is run by the vendor's own custom software. This is not by chance. This equipment is critical to the success of the company. We can't afford to reboot our computers <period>. Every second those systems are down, we lose money.

Outside the fab we have Windows everywhere. Apparently, it's less critical. :-) Anyway, there is no controversy in my mind. It's all about productivity. Users are more comfortable with Windows. It's just the way it is. -Mark

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Best expert confirmation I've seen yet. Please tell people here this also: It is very, very user friendly, not at all geeky and super stable too. As well as very malware resistant. Many people think they know about it but don't at all. MS has done a masterful job at dissing Linux even though it saved MS's bacon in the antitrust suit.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

I once ditched MS in favor of Ubuntu. It ran flawlessly on my computer--much faster than windows on the same system.

What finally brought me back into the MS fold, believe it or not, was a game that wouldn't run without windows.

I'm much more mature at 47 than I was at 44 so perhaps Ubuntu will find its way back onto my hardrive.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

When a user sets down at his computer, he is not thinking what hardware will run on his computer or if his wifi is going to work or what is going on with Java. He doesn't think about de-fragment, onboard app repository, desktop workspaces, super customization, choice of many different desktops. Mostly likely he will open a program and do what he intended to do with a computer. Check E-mail, Work/play in Photoshop, run a game, do a spreadsheet or work out a presentation etc. The point is, he is not thinking about his computer while using his computer.
One of the things I hear most often from people who have never sat down at a computer is - "I don't know how to use a computer". Its not an airplane, its not a train. You don't operate a computer, you use a computer. Its like working in an office. With common sense you will know what to do. What is the difference between working a type writer and typing on a computer? You don't worry about how a type writer works, You don't worry about what Windows and your Computer is doing.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Well said, and very true.

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

Is is true that UHH is going to install "NO TROLL" software to avoid these "Ford vs Chevy" rants?

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

If so, the software must have been written by Microsoft. I see no end to this "rant". :-)

I think the OP is excited to be a Linux user now, and he is just trying to spread the joy. I have no issues with it. However, I suspect that very few people with jump from the MS ship to embrace another OS. The user experience will have to get a lot worse. :-)

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I think it's a small minority that could even tell you the difference. Like Bangee5 said above the majority of users never think about the OS and don't care they just want it to perform the task at hand. Watch a typical buyer at your local Best Buy when the geek starts telling them about the OS they're eyes roll and they just aren't interested. Will in get me on the web and can I do this or that. The end.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Also, I think what hlmichel said is very true---it only takes one application that you really enjoy to make the decision for you.

When I used to be an independent IT consultant several years ago now, businesses (for those starting out anyway) would ask me what platform they should build with? My answer was always, what software do you intend to run? Sometimes it comes down to one app that will only run on Windows for them to decide. Sure, there might be a Linux equivalent, but the big picture has to be considered. Training (even a little) can blow a budget.

I'll say this again, Windows 7 is a pretty stable OS. Is it more prone to viruses and malware? For many, yes. However, it doesn't have to be. A small tweak on our behavior can provide that extra needed protection. Don't visit porn sites, don't download free software, don't open unsolicited emails, read the EULA before accepting and installing, have a hardware firewall installed, keep Windows updated with the latest patches and fixes, use virus protection software and keep it updated, backup your critical files on a regular basis, etc. We should all be doing this anyway. Linux provides us a little more slack. We can be careless and not worry as much, but I'd rather someone build good habits anyway. It reduces the TOC for any company with a Windows or mixed environment.

travelwp Loc: New Jersey

I agree. No gliches, no timeouts, just a stable system.