What is your opinion of a Linux operating system?

I'm thinking of buying a laptop that runs on Linux. What are the pros and cons?What is your opinion of a Linux operating system?
Linux is a great OS, not so good like Windows XP or Vista, but almost. It is easy to install and use, and it has a beautiful look, but only some distros. Distros like Ubuntu and Debian are the recommended.
Linux is for computer savy people. Don't use it unless you know a lot about it.



It is usually used by people who want to tweak their system.What is your opinion of a Linux operating system?
Linux OS computer are often cheaper then a windows OS computer.



They are often just as stable as windows and sometimes runs fasters then windows XP. They are also very secure and has virtually no viruses. It is also completly opensoruced with a few exceptions when using third-party software.



the cons are that they can run windows program, although you could still run them through wine. Also the layout of linux OS can be different then windows so this might take a week or so to get used to. Also linux OS does not have as much hardware support then windows.
Linux is not as widely spread as Windows for an average user, but once you learn Linux, most people tend to want to never go back to windows. Linux is more secure and to me it is pretty cool. I have taken many courses on Linux SUSE operating system, from what I have read I like it.



Another thing is that it is a free open source operating system and there are allot of programs that you can get that are open source to use on a Linux System.



Most servers run Linux based operating systems.What is your opinion of a Linux operating system?
I use windows(Vista) for myself but started to learn Linux this year(learning to program). Windows is obviously easier to use and more popular(has its benefits) so id say most are better off with it. I think if you know a bit about computers you will be fine on Linux and or if you are wanting to learn more. I would however say that most people wouldn't do too well on linux, I was talking with several friends about it and they didnt know what a command line was(kinda really important) so yeah.
Despite what most people think, Linux is not more difficult to use than Windows. The problem is, it is very different than Windows. If you can't stand the idea of trying new things--new things that might take a few weeks to get used to--then you should probably stick with windows.



Also, while there is a very large online support base for Linux, most people (and computer repair shops) are still held back by windows. So if you often go to other people you know for computer help, they might not be so helpful with Linux.



On the other hand, Linux was made my Linux users--we really know how it works--so the hundreds of thousands of Linux users online really know how to help you out. Windows was made by Microsoft, and it's inner workings (that is, it's source code) are kept a secret from the users, so while there are more helpful people--they often are unable to help fully.



The best part of Linux is that its free. Not free like free beer, free like free speech. If you come up with an idea that will make it better, you have the right to make it happen. And thousands of people have done just that (which makes for one heck of an operating system). If you come up with an idea that will make Windows better--they'll probably sue you if you make it happen.



Also, there is free software available for linux (again, software that respects your freedom) that is generally as good or better than the paid-for stuff. And, since it all gets along instead of competing, you don't need to update each program individually--one update generally takes care of everything.



The only thing Windows can do that Linux can't is run high-end games. Hardware manufacturers are just warming up to the idea of Linux, so graphics card drivers are often lacking. Game makers also target the windows platform.
First up good choice.and here are the pros and the cons from my point of view.

If you have an internet connections this is the best os to use. Because there is an active community that are willing to help you out with anything.eventhough the no. people who use it are less than that of windows the people who use it are active and more so than windows users. If you don't believe me try searching Ubuntu sucks and Windows sucks and look at the comments and rating. It is sooo fun (that is if you like linux)

and you can do almost anything using it.
Linux is a far more stable OS than Windows. Contrary to what many will say Linux is not difficult to learn. Those who find it difficult are usually people who have a set mindset on Windows. So when trying to learn Linux they think "That's not how windows does it". Remember, Linux is not Windows. It may have similarities in how things are done or look (kind of like how all cars have 4 wheels, but looks how many different models there are!) but in the end it is a completely different than Windows. The longer you stick with Linux the more you will see the differences between Linux and Windows.



With that said, Linux can be a very powerful OS. Think of your computer like a car. When you buy a computer with Windows on it, the hood is welded shut, you can't make any modifications other than what Windows says you can do. Linux on the other hand is an open book, you can go under the hood and modify everything and anything. But don't worry, you don't have to... the option is there. Not everybody is a mechanic with their car, but it is nice to be able to take a look and see how things are run.



Linux is much more secure, you won't have to worry about ad-ware, spyware, or viruses, simply because these applications don't have access to the core files of your OS. So if a virus does get on your system, it won't have the authority to do damage to your system. Unlike windows, where every user is an administrator, so the virus has access to all your files.



Memory management is much better on Linux, you won't have memory leaks where you are forced to restart pretty much everyday because of errors from lack of memory or system slow down. Applications aren't linked to the core of the system in Linux, so if the application crashes, it won't crash your entire system. Everything runs independently on Linux. I say give it a try, it is free, what do you have to lose? If you don't like it, go out and buy windows, but enjoy the viruses, errors, constant security holes, and costly upgrades.
Linux is a great Operating System some of them be difficult to learn wil others are farly easy like Ubuntu with linux you own the OS and you can do what ever you can think of with it Microsoft they pretty much own your computer and you do what ever they say you can do with it.

their are 100s of Linux OS out there their is bound to be one for you going from the very small Damn small Linux "actual name" to the very complex

Red Hat most peoples opinion comes from lack of knowledge of the OS cause for years it has only been for computer people but know their getting easier to use and their is forum sites to help you learn it true their isn't much software and hardware support but most of every thing your going to use is easily installed or already on it do you like Firefox web browser most of them comes with it or another version like it once people start going to it companies are going to have to develop for it a lot already are starting microsoft is a monopoly they areconstantlyy being sued cause of it so their prices keep going up Linux is free

the best way to see if you like it is go to

or http://www.ubuntu.com and request free cd it's the full version not a demo and try it the live CD for yourself if you like it follow the direction carefully and install it if you don't though it away or give it to a friend what's their to lose you have to install

note their other versions available not just ubuntu like open suse and more

I use xubuntu never went back to window after windows crashed i had windows for 3 yrs it crached 2 time I've had xubuntu for 5yrs it never crashed or had a virus window I deleted about 10 a day



go to http://www.linux.com for all other Linux Operating Systems