Can I do with Linux what I can with XP?
I’ve had so much trouble with Windows (prolly my fault for not having good anti-virus software and downloading too many torrents etc) that I’m thinking of converting. But I have no idea what I can do with Linux, if ABC application works on Windows will it also work on Linux? How about MS Office and other MS software? Also, why do so many people choose to have both on their PCs? (have I just answered my own Qn?). Advantages and disadvantages? Cheers.
From an anti-virus POV I guess Linux is much safer because most hackers will focus on windows.
Tagged with: abc • advantages and disadvantages • anti virus software • application works • cheers • hackers • Linux • ms office • ms software • torrents • trouble with windows
Filed under: Linux Applications
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The one thing Linux is not great for is games, though that is slowly changing. That’s the main reason many people keep Windows. There’s a list of Linux equivalents to Windows applications in my sources. You can also run many windows programs (including Windows games) on Linux with "wine" or "cedega".
Other than that, Linux is much more secure and stable. For some of the most common uses (web browsing, etc.) Linux is just as easy as Windows, and sometimes more so. For other things, Linux has a slightly steeper learning curve, but there is much less hassle in the long run and you have more time to spend actually using your computer, rather than troubleshooting & fixing it.
Windows does get a lot more attention from malicious hackers, but that doesn’t mean Linux is not more secure. Windows was designed with ease of use in mind, and security was more of an afterthought, and now they have to support old and insecure things for backwards compatibility. Linux has been designed from the start with security in mind.
In Linux there is much more freedom to do what you want. If you have the time and knowledge you can do anything, because all the source code is available to modify. If not, that’s OK because there are thousands of others who do, who are working on things 24 hours a day around the world.
The main advantages of Windows are games, ease of use, and availability of software. The main advantages of Linux are security, stability, freedom (everything tends to be completely free and open in every way), extreme customizability, etc.
Windows’ disadvantages are insecurity (viruses, spyware, trojans, etc.), instability (crashing), proprietary formats/protocols/software (lack of freedom), etc.
Linux’s disadvantage is mainly lack of support from game developers (not enough gamers using Linux), imperfect support of some proprietary things, and a steeper learning curve.
I have included a link to help you choose which Linux distribution to start with. Many have liveCD versions so you can try them out first without installing them, and one of the best ways you can see what you can do is to try it out. One of the better distributions recommended to beginners is Ubuntu. It’s easy to use, and has a large and helpful user community, which really helps. Even if you choose another distribution, consider browsing through the Ubuntu forums for help.
Also, something you might be interested in is Beryl, which provides a number of fancy effects like Mac and Windows Vista will have (3D desktop etc.), for free of course.
The 2 are for the most part, incompatible. Linux has the same basic programs, but if you like windoze, better keep it. The worst flaw you will find in Linux is networking, wireless, and video cards. With that in mind I prefer Linux. Freespire and Ubuntu are the most user friendly unless you are a true geek.
hey..u can install Ubuntu Linux on your PC.
Thes people deliver free CDs at ur doorstep..
infact i am using that only…..
and all the software that u want are there in linux and that too free…plus no crashes…no viruses….