What is the difference between linux and windows, which is better?

Some dell computers are loaded with ubuntu linux as an operating system. I've heard that its more efficient than windows and crashes less. What are its advantages? If i were to get a dell laptop with unbuntu loaded on it would I have a tough time figuring out how to use it?What is the difference between linux and windows, which is better?
Hello Bruce,

Ubuntu is an operating system that has been developed as one of the many alternatives to Windows based and Apple's Operating systems.

The crucial difference is that Ubuntu and related Linux-type operating systems are open-source, which means that a lot of software programmers around the world have worked on it and have the logic behind it accessible to all. The windows and apple family of operating systems are closed source, meaning that those system's logic is a closely guarded secret.



Therefore, Dell computer with Ubuntu installed will probably cost you less ( I hope) compared to one with Microsoft Windows based operating system.



If you plan to use your computer for something as simple as surfing the internet, chatting with your friends and watching movies and stuff, you might be fine with an Ubuntu-installed Dell computer, because of the following reasons:



1) Less number of viruses and worms (because Ubuntu is not as widespread as Microsoft windows based operating systems).



2) Lesser cost, since essentially the operating system is free whereas, a windows based Dell computer will have the cost of the operating system factored into the final price.



3) Relatively faster start-up time based on your hardware.



3) The user interface for Ubuntu is relatively easy to learn and there will be countless resources online to help you out apart from Dell's help desk.





The following reason's go against buying an Ubuntu-based Dell computer:



1) A lot of printers, cameras, web cameras still may not work, if the drivers for those devices do not exist. Most device manufacturers will give you CDs with all your devices which generally support Windows based operating systems or Apple's operating systems.



2) Some of the software may not exist for Ubuntu computers since they are still relatively few. According to one estimate, 90% of the world's computers run on Windows based systems. So it will take some time for Ubuntu like systems.



3) You may have a hard time learning the technicalities of a new operating system and it may take a bit of technical know-how and patience to solve the problems.



These are my 2 cents (it looks more than that :) )



Thanks,

Manan
Hmmm... The following reason's go against buying an Ubuntu-based Dell computer? That's true 5 years ago, but today is a different story. Have u tried Ubuntu Feisty Fawn/ v7.04 ? U might surprise that it can even match MS Vista.What is the difference between linux and windows, which is better?
Windows - is an operating system designed by a company called microsoft. It made for the average person to use very easily. Since it is such a big business it can put windows on all the computers it wants. So everyone uses it. They also know exactly what the average everyday person is going to need in an operating system so they make it as easy and as widespread as possible. Since it is proprietary as of winXP you can't copy it. You are supposed to buy one copy of windows per machine. Also only microsoft can see their own source used to develop the system.



Linux - is open sourced. Linus Torvalds, a college student at the time created the kernel as a way to create an open-sourced and free Unix. Since it is open-sourced people can keep it a lot more bug-free as windows. Linux all around is more efficient than windows.



"What are its advantages? "



Advantages is it is free, and freely distributable. It comes with free software that can mimmick some of the windows programs. It can use some windows programs. Don't have to worry too much about spyware or viruses as you would for windows.



"If i were to get a dell laptop with unbuntu loaded on it would I have a tough time figuring out how to use it?"



Ubuntu isn't really that hard. I would learn how to use the package manager and if can try to learn the bash shell and how it works. Bash is way better than the command prompt.
Would you have a tough time figuring out how to use it?? I Don't know, I don't know anything about you. If you are smart then you shouldn't have a problem.

If you are technophobic then you will most likely have a problem with it.



Basically determine what programs you want to use and see if they work on Linux. If they don't then that is one big con you can put on a list of pro's and cons.What is the difference between linux and windows, which is better?
linux is an open-source and free OS,windows is as we know commercial one.windows is easy to use .linux is not.

in my opinion the big differences between the two is the third-party softoware support .we know there are huge amout of applications run under windows,and make our life easy.Linux is not,this is the weak point of Linux.to choose witchone depend on one's computer skill,if you are a beginer ,i'd like recommend the windows,otherwise get a taste of Linux.