How does Linux compare to Windows ?

Anyone here also using Linux ?

I hear that you won't get Viruses on a Linux system
How does Linux compare to Windows ?
Can i use all my software ?
Or am i limited ?

Move it to the "Linux & Unix" forum.

Desgnr, please don't double-post. It only causes confusion. This is the same as your other Linux forum post.

Linux uses Linux based software. Getting to be more all the time available, just have to dig for them.

Yes you can still get nasties, reason the sell antivirus programs for both.

Switching from Windows to Linux is not entirely unlike switching from Windows to Mac -- none of your existing apps will work. You need to get Linux versions of the same apps if they're available, or different apps otherwise.

There's a program called WINE which will let some Windows apps run on Linux, but not everything.

There's a learning curve with Linux as there was with Windows when you started out. There's less of a curve now than there was a few years ago with user friendly distros like Ubuntu and Mandriva. I would recommend a dual boot setup or a separate hard drive for Linux. Another popular way for newbie to try Linux is with a "live" CD that you can boot from without having to install it on your hard drive. Any of the Ubuntu CD's will work as a live CD, Knoppix is another distro that will run as a live CD. Here's a link to LinuxQuestions.org's download page; http://iso.linuxquestions.org/
When you download a Linux distro you are downloading an ISO(image) file. There's a tutorial on how to download and burn an Linux ISO file on the left hand side of the page. I hope this answers some of your questions.

Linux and Windows don't compare. It's like comparing an airplane with a maglev train. Both take you from A to B (purpose), both have seats and windows (familiar features), but the way they work is completely different.

Forget about the idea of "my programs" because these are Windows programs which, as is, will not work on Linux. (Wine is just an emulator with partial functionality, don't take it for granted.) Instead, embrace the concept of "my tasks", and find the Linux applications which allow you to perform the same activities you normally do on the computer.

Here is an article you may wish to read.

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Originally Posted by desgnr

I hear that you won't get Viruses on a Linux system

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Virus's are software installed onto your computer. As mentioned above, your windows software will not work on linux and vice versa. Most virus's are written for windows as it's the most used OS. If someone was to write a virus for linux (there are already plenty) then you could become infected with it.

They are out there and like with windows, if you do the wrong thing they can do things you do not want to happen.

If you are a true nerd (you dream in hexadecimal) you will love Linux.

If, however, you are a normal human being stick to Windows.

Linux has come of age now especially Ubuntu. There are many things you will need to relearn just to be able to use the software that is available. It can do many things well just like Windows but there are still a few areas where it is not as polished. From my own experience I have found that certain web pages look different and you may not be able to see all of the "flash" and video that are on the page. For me I also have difficulty using my scanner. Also note that you will not be able to use an iphone with Limux

For most web surfing, email and word processing though I use Ubuntu instead of Windows. I have a dual boot system so I can do it all when I need to but I find that I keep Ubuntu up and runnning more and more as I get better at it.

Just my $0.02

Doc

Doc, I'll refrain from calling you a nerd since some people consider the term offensive, but I know from your many posts here that you are far above average in computer knowledge.

I agree that Linux has come a long way. But for the average user it still presents challenges. For example:

My neighborhood computer store stocks close to 100 printer models. Choose any one, take it home, and plug it into a Windows system. It will install with a few mouse clicks, and work perfectly thereafter.

Ask a clerk which models work with Linux and they don't know (and this is one of the few stores where the sales staff actually know a bit about computers). Go back on a weekend when the HP, Canon and Epson reps are on site. They don't know either. In fact, few printers (all lasers, no ink jets that I could find) include a Linux driver. (No doubt there are others but very few compared to Windows supported units).

Even those that are supported require some effort to install (I haven't used all flavors of Linux so this may not always be true).

Scanners, graphics tablets, etc, same story. Some of us may actually enjoy the challenge but for most people a computer is just a tool and ease of use is primary. Windows wins that test hands down.

Jerry, there are web sites devoted to helping Linux users find and install printer drivers for Linux. Most HP printers are supported and will install right out the box. Ubuntu and all of the newer Linux distros have printer driver included and will install in a few clicks. Linux has came a long way in the last few years. Granted, there are still some things that need to improve before it's on a par with Windows but it's gaining in popularity daily. Personally, I like the security of Linux. You never operate your system as an administrator. If you need to make changes you need to do so as "root" which requires a password.
Linux is not for everybody, but it's an alternative to Windows just as the Mac is. I'm including a link to a Linux printer help site;
http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting

Variety is the spice of life. :)

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there are web sites devoted to helping Linux users find and install printer drivers for Linux

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And that's my point. Windows doesn't need that help.

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Most HP printers are supported and will install right out the box. Ubuntu and all of the newer Linux distros have printer driver included and will install in a few clicks.

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Supported by whom? Not by HP. Don't expect help from the manufacturer if there are problems.

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Granted, there are still some things that need to improve before it's on a par with Windows

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Linux is not for everybody

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So we are in agreement. Please understand, I am pro Linux. But recommending it to most users is counterproductive. They wont like it and we will have created an enemy, not an ally.