Linux vs windows

[Lucysmith]

Among Linux and Windows, Which operating system is better and why?

1) Linux

2) Windows

3) I don't know

Post your answer with relavant reasons and logics

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Edited October 13, 2008 by PureLegend

[EvilDMT]

It really depends on what you want to do I guess, for example I use Ubuntu for everything except for playing games. I like the control and security of Linux, and just the plethora of options you can do to customize it. I must say in Linux is a lot more customizable than Windows. But the draw back of this; you need to have fairly advanced knowledge of computer systems to get the most out of it.

Windows is a good all-purpose operating system, and it works great for the general public. Microsoft have made it in such a way, that even the most illiterate user can't really screw up the OS anymore.

My current set up is Ubuntu 98% of tasks, and then I have a bare-bones XP installed for gaming.

[Farstrider]

To define what OS is "better" is like trying to compare chalk and cheese! Both have their place, this depending on what it is that you or your company require or need! Newer versions of desktop Linux have become more mainstream and as a rule are solid and pretty easy to use!

[zach_]

Which one is better for me? Windows since I already have it and it does what I want (ie gaming). I've tried linux distros but left them once the novelty wore off or due to frustration.

[RAID 0]

You can't ask what OS is better? You have to ask... "What do I want to do with my computer?"

I like both. Ubuntu is awesome, if you don't have a "fake RAID". XP kicks ass for all the games I play.

OS X, *nix, XP, Vista... all have very strong points in different areas; it's like playing a game and having to chose a character to use. All depends on your strategy.

[pyehac]

I like Ubuntu just for the complete customization, and the fact that its a bit faster than my Vista on the same machine. Windows, however, since I've been using it for practically all of my life, is a bit more comfortable - its like having a stuffed animal you kept as a child for a long time, then you got another stuffed animal and it doesn't have that 'used smell' but you still play with both.

[AimLXJ]

I use linux for education and Windows for playing games

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

I think different OS's suit different platforms and uses. I would argue that no one OS is "better" than another.

On my desktop, I would be hard pushed to replace Vista as it suits me perfectly.

On an EeePC, a variant of Linux just feels much more suitable.

Horses for courses...

[Kami-]

My strategy is to win... *Boots Windows 3.1* mwhahahahahhaa!

[EvilDMT]

I like Ubuntu just for the complete customization, and the fact that its a bit faster than my Vista on the same machine. Windows, however, since I've been using it for practically all of my life, is a bit more comfortable - its like having a stuffed animal you kept as a child for a long time, then you got another stuffed animal and it doesn't have that 'used smell' but you still play with both.

Have to agree with you there, I am fairly new to *nix.. I had played around quickly with previous builds over the years but never got any build at that time without same major issue. I remembered codecs back in the day were a huge issue. Three years later I must admit it has progressed greatly. I am still most comfortable with Windows, but learning the ins and out of Linux is entertaining and it helps learning multiple operating systems.

[The_Observer]

Linux for main system, windows for easy to use O/S, and games.

[Sam Symons Veteran]

Linux vs. Windows? Let me ask you then, which is better, Pizza or Hamburgers? Both are good...both get the job done. Both are different. Different things for different people.

I use Windows, myself :p

[Quillz]

I prefer Windows Vista to every other operating system I've ever used.

Now, does that make Windows Vista the best operating system ever? No, of course not. I like Vista, and you may not. And that's just fine. For the record, I've also used Mac OS X (from Tiger onward) and have installed every Ubuntu release since 6.06 (although I've only used 8.04 onward for extended periods of times.) The great thing about using many different OS is that you see the pros and cons of all of them. With Windows, all my software and hardware works. However, I also understand that with such a wide array of software, not all of it will look the same and function the same. Mac OS X has far less software, but I can be assured that most native Mac applications will look the same and function the same. Consistency is key when using the Mac. On Linux, I know that not all my hardware will work immediately, but I also know that I can make it work if I want to. Likewise, I like that when using Linux, I can change anything I want. There are no restrictions on what I can and can't do.

The bottom line is that neither Linux or Windows is better than the other. Use them both and go with the one you like. Or, use both. Or use something else. And that's why we have choice in this world.

[Abhishek kapoor]

depends upon the need .......

Where is markjensen ?

[RAID 0]

My strategy is to win... *Boots Windows 3.1* mwhahahahahhaa!

Are you sure it's not... WINDOWS 2000!?!??!

I mean, DOS 6.22 was bad ass. 3.11 for Workgroups? Smartdrive is forever! Long live memmaker!

depends upon the need .......

Where is markjensen ?

Oh him? He's connected like 7 of 9 to a Borg-Linux node downloading the new kernel. It's like regeneration.... but recompiling.

[Barney T. Administrators]

I appreciate ll of the mature answers here...... *yay*

As everyone has said, the "best" OS is the one that you choose for yourself. Each has it's own pluses and minuses, however, it is completely up to the user to determine what is the best OS for him / her to use. Those who jump on the "my OS is better than your OS" bandwagon fail to realize that the computing world is huge... like a giant tree. And there are many branches on that tree to play on. So therefore, there is room for everyone, no matter the choice.

My criteria for the best OS is one that is stable, secure, and fast....... and easy to use! :yes:

[EvilDMT]

Actually I am surprised no one has actually trolled this thread.. lol

[RAID 0]

Linux vs. Windows? Let me ask you then, which is better, Pizza or Hamburgers? Both are good...both get the job done.

... can't we eat both at the same time?

Actually I am surprised no one has actually trolled this thread.. lol

Dude, you were supposed to save that until at least the forth page! :p

[REM2000]

perhaps if reworded to something like Which OS do you use and why, might get a better picture of the OS landscape.

Personally at home i use only Mac's / Mac OSX 10.5 as i find it suites all my media and other home related needs. I use windows at work as it provides me with all the tools needed to get my work done, Visio, Borland Delphi, MS SQL Server tools etc.. etc..

[wellofsouls]

For Linux, there's also the question of which distro, or more precisely, which package management system you like best.

unless you are a tech junkie, your experience with Linux vastly depends on the package management system the specific distro uses.

[Barney T. Administrators]

For Linux, there's also the question of which distro, or more precisely, which package management system you like best.

Or which desktop manager / window manager you choose. Each produces a different kind of user interface and user experience.

[brentaal]

Obviously, there's no best. It boils down to personal preference, and/or the tasks you need your computer for.

I personally use Linux atm, but in a dual-boot setup just in case I ever need Windows (like, when GTA4 gets released for PC :p )

[markwolfe Veteran]

depends upon the need .......

Where is markjensen ?

Oh him? He's connected like 7 of 9 to a Borg-Linux node downloading the new kernel. It's like regeneration.... but recompiling.

:p

I was sleeping! Darn it, but after being awake for 16 hours of the day, I tend to get sleepy there at the end of it. :laugh:

The answers up to now have been pretty much what I would have said.

Linux suits me perfectly. It just keep chugging along, and is effortless to keep everything updated. I love the package manager, infinitely preferable to Microsoft's "Add/Remove" bit, which really just relies on the app writer to create their own install/remove methods.

If I had a requirement to run AutoCAD at home, or if I were a professional graphics designer who needed the CYMK colorspace of Photoshop (which GIMP does not support), then my answer would probably not be "Linux", but Windows or OSX.

[SabaTime]

Linux 1

Apple 0

Microsoft -1

[EvilDMT]

Obviously, there's no best. It boils down to personal preference, and/or the tasks you need your computer for.

I personally use Linux atm, but in a dual-boot setup just in case I ever need Windows (like, when GTA4 gets released for PC :p )

Yeah same, the amusing part is I had to magically install Windows after I installed Linux.. my bad.. So I had to use a program called Super Grub which recovers the linux mbr after I install Windows. Oh it was a pain, but now I have a nice little 20g partition purely for gaming in Windows.