All is explained here WHY LINUX IS BETTER
http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/
LUg.
I'll start off by saying that, particularly for a computer science student, Linux will be an excellent choice of system. I'll try to make that clear in the rest of my answer.
Advantages:
Freedom. That is, you are free to use, distribute, modify, tinker-with and otherwise do as you wish with the system. As a student of Computer Science it will afford you a closer relationship with the inner workings of the system - if you want that - so that you can use your own computer as a sort of laboratory.
Freedom is also afforded in the wide range of software options. You are not limited to a single desktop environment, nor is any high-level application integral to the system. Consider here how fully integrated Inernet Explorer is in the WIndows OS, almost impossible to remove; there is no analogous piece of software so deeply embedded in a Linux-based system.
Security. Some like to put about the myth that the reason for the security of Linux is its small market share, but that is not the case (especially when we consider servers). Linux is inherently more secure than Windows and even Mac OS X (due to some of Apple's customisations of BSD). The kernel employs exceptional management of kernel space and user space, keeping everything separate, on top of which the file permissions in file systems such as ext3 are far more powerful and secure than, for instance, NTFS.
Once again, variety of software comes to the fore in the realm of security. Taking again the example of IE, that application is known to have large security flaws and, as it is so embedded in the system, those flaws are somewhat inescapable. Not the case in Linux. On top of which, Open Source software is known to have far faster resolution when any security flaw is identified, due to the enormous developer community.
Scalability. If, like me, you become enamoured with the system you may find yourself curious as to where else it can be employed. I wonder, as well, whether this would be particularly interesting in your field of study. The fact is that Linux can run on anything from an ARM device to a vast cluster-computing system such as a Beowulf cluster. In point of fact, some phones use Linux as do various new eBook readers.
Stability. Linux will happily run into uptimes of years. I'd like to see someone try that with Windows!
Resource management. Your RAM and CPU cycles will go a lot further and you'll be amazed how much longer it takes to fill your hard drive. The latter is due to the journalled file systems used by Linux.
Enough of the advantages then, you want to know the other side too!
Disadvantages:
Questionable driver support. It's true, many hardware vendors do little to support this system. But the Open Source community work to create drivers where proprietary options are lacking, for all that these are often imperfect.
Currently no ability to watch DRM-infested media. It's debatable how much of a disadvantage that is, but if you make a lot of use of DRMed media it would count. However I suspect it's only a matter of time. (Note that standard DVDs CAN be played.)
Not much in the way of commercial gaming. There are projects to remedy that problem, but any hard-core gamer should probably retain a Windows partition.
And I think that will do. I'll repeat here the previously offered link to http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/ because it is a good website.What are the advantages and disadvantages of switching to linux?
First, I am an avid Mac user. The reasons are that it is a stable platform, no virus problems and great product. However the source code is not openly available. There are many applications for it also. Linux has many of the qualities of MAC. It is stable, no virus problems but as far as software goes you need to research to see if all the apps you need are available. The other really cool feature is that the source code is open. I am looking for a mini laptop, and am considering one with Linux. Absolutely no windows!
I know that to go on the web Linux with Firefox works really well.
Bottom line is...do your research because it is based on your needs.
Advantages: Most versions are free or cost very little money to get. Very very few viruses and spyware can effect Linux better security, programs are well written and very stable not bloated compared to some windows programs. There are many Linux applications out there that do the same thing as windows applications but are free. Like open office which can do most things office 2003 and 2007 can.
Disadvantages: Program computability most programs that are written for windows and osx are not written for Linux although you can use emulators however there complicated to setup. Although newer verisons of Linux don't need you to do it as much as in the past at one time or another your going to have to use DOS commands to fix repair, or install something which can become complicated. The Documentation to fix or install something can be complicated to understand if your a newbie to Linux and don't know your way around it.What are the advantages and disadvantages of switching to linux?
Advantages:
- Is not Windows, you can do what you want and is fully customizable and forget viruses, spywares, adwares... etc. All windows problems.
- Is OpenSource, that means, anyone can know how works, anyone can find and fix bugs.
- Is GNU, that means, you can download it, use it without restrictions, you are not forced to pay for use the software, on addition, if you want improve/add some functionality, you are forced to share this upgrade, that's good for the main developer, and rest of users. That improve Linux everyday, making it better and safe!
- You haven't limited versions of Linux, Ubuntu is ubuntu, Fedora is Fedora, OpenSuse is Opensuse... forget the Basic, Professional, Ultimate, Business versions...
- Linux is not one, is based on distributions, that means, you can choose the most comfortable for you, for ex., im a Gentoo user, i like modify and do optimizations to my Linux, but maybe you want some distribution like Ubuntu, Mandriva or Fedora, are very easy to use!
Disadvantages:
- Is not Windows (You must forget all your known software and games, Linux is not Windows, you can do the same, but is another software), but you can run Windows software/games with an application called Wine.
- Some professional software is not on Linux, like Adobe Photoshop, Avid, Autocad and other stuff, but you can find software with similar functionality and compatibility, like Gimp, Cinelerra, QCad and others...
- Exist multiple visual desktops, like Gnome, KDE, XFCE and you can confuse a bit... my recommendation: That's better, some distributions have better feeling with specific desktops, try Gnome, KDE (power desktops) and XFCE (light desktop based) and choose your most comfortable desktop.
- A recommendation of some friend on some distribution is not your best recommendation, my advice, only test it and choose!
Some distros to test it and some help:
- Ubuntu: Gnome desktop, usage: Easy, can fit it easy on a CD
- Mandriva: Gnome and KDE4 desktop, usage: Easy
- OpenSUSE: KDE4 desktop, usage: Middle Easy
- Fedora: Gnome desktop, usage: Easy
Advantage:
Stability
Security
Usability
Disadvantages:
Not enough software available.
Learning a New Operating system
I've used Redhat, Fedora, and will soon load Ubuntu. They are awesome operating systems. But like most Windows users the learning curve was steep. You may want to test a flavor of linux before deciding to switch.
Hope this helps
advantages, total control of your computer, access to an amazing array of opensource software, lighter system requirements, increased security etc etc
disadvantages can't game, headaches, fits of swearing
Advantages: Nothing
Disadvantagess: Everything
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