[absynthe]

I was hoping to get some input on some of the things unique to Linux that you cant do in Windows(or harder to do). Unfortunately, each time I want to drop Windows as a system I have to keep it on my computers for work or for school. I do know this much: You can upgrade for free and the newer is usually faster. You can get different GUI's pretty easily that are completely and infinitely customizable. And that the software is tested and sure to work well with all the other software available so the system stays stable.

[gabehabe]

Linux works.

[homemade-jam]

Doesn't need rebooting

[KYA]

I really like Windows, but you have more control over your computer with linux, BUT it requires a lot more work on the end users part.

[Moonbat]

In *nix systems, you can run programs straight from the command line without having to cd to the program's directory. All you do is type the program's name.

[gabehabe]

You can do that in Windows by setting the %PATH% variable.

In Vista: (I can't remember XP, but I know it's very similar)
-Right click on My Computer.
-Click Properties.
-Select the Advanced tab.
-Click the Environment Variables button.
-Under the System Variables bit, find Path (in the list)
-Click Edit.
-You should get something that looks like this:
c:\devkitPro\msys\bin;c:\ruby\bin;%SystemRoot%\system32;
-Each program path is separated by a semi colon ;
-Add a separator, and type in the path of your application.

[baavgai]

The job of an OS is to run programs. Any OS can do that. It's primarily a function of style and the type of resources that tend to be available for a given system.

Linux doesn't have drive letters. An homogeneous file system has some advantages.

Much functionality is available from the command line. This is seen as both good and bad, depending on you point of view. For automation, a system where most of the programs can be accessed via a CLI beats a GUI oriented system hands down.

From a sysadmin perspective, Linux offers a true "headless" server. It can be administered easily, natively. Windows on attempt at a headless server was a miserable failure.

From a Desktop style graphic environment, Linux is surprisingly equivalent to Windows in most respects. So, you get all the Windows functionality, plus extras.

[KYA]

Linux has less support [generally] for video games.

[gabehabe]

And minus the cost!

I don't see why so many people use Windows~

If you're interested in one of my ramblings which has nothing to do with anything, read on. Otherwise, don't bother.

And before anyone says anything:
I know I have a Windows icon under my name. That sucks. There are many reasons, including the fact that most people want Windows and .NET developers around here. Also, this isn't my laptop, and I've got a lot on my desktop PC to simply just remove it. That said, I don't use it very often, so it might be advantageous. When I get a job, I'll get my own laptop, with a dual, or maybe even tri-boot system: Vista, Ubuntu, and maybe Red Hat or Knoppix. I don't know yet, since I haven't looked into them enough.

[KYA]

However the vast majority of people couldn't handle a *nix system. I know people that can barely use windows. xD

[Nykc]

I would recommend for anyone to try Ubuntu - very user friendly. They might not catch on to the terminal, but there is no reason older people can't use it to surf web, check email and instant message.

[abgorn]

You can change the apperance of the windows and the components in the windows.

[gabehabe]

You can do that in Windows, if you've got the know-how.

[abgorn]

gabehabe, on 30 Oct, 2008 - 04:58 PM, said:

You can do that in Windows, if you've got the know-how.

Not many people do though.

[Damage]

There aren't as many viruses out there for *nix systems