i downlaoded linux Mandrake the other day. I like it. It works good. But i don't see how it is better than windows or any other OS. What is special about it for an average user like me? What is special about linux? P.S. I'm not trashing Linux or anything, I'm curious as to waht I can do with it.

although i am not even a linux geek, but what ive noticed is that there are no as such virus threats over linux. atleast no rpc virus like it was for xp, very rarely ive seen linux gettin corrupted. secondly when ull start learning commands its a completely different world of liberty, where with logical combination of appropriate switches for each command can do alot of work, not like windows when u have to get your hands of from key board time and again to grab the mouse and search for the right button for every second small thing

For what most people do, Linux is only better than Windows in a few, subtle ways. For one, it is free and not coporate controlled. Also, it is mostly free of viruses and automated malicious programs. It is more stable than Windows XP (though XP is stable). Finally there is the principle of code that can be trusted without a license agreement submitting all your rights away. Most people do not mind coporate control in their desktop, but some do. Linux only really offers itself as an OS you can do anything you want with. However, the learning curve can be sharp, even for seemingly simple things like web cameras. Really, I never compare Windows to Linux, because they are totally different. Linux was never made for the average user to get along with - though some are working on that. It was made for technical users. Maybe one day it will be much more. Windows, conversly, was made for the average user. Windows is definitely easier to use and comes with more impressive features that the average user can relate too.

I've always had the reverse question: What is windows good for? It allows people, who know nothing about computers, to be at the helm of a PC. There is nothing good about that; absolutely nothing. My personal opinion is that if you know nothing about computers, and have no desire to learn, stay away from them. Want to play games? Buy a play station. Want to chat? Use a phone. Wanna surf? Go to the beach. Otherwise, leave the task to those who wish to help society, and advance technology.

Linux is good for programming/hosting/tinkering/getting frustrated LOL. It's a roll-your-own type of operating system. "atleast no rpc virus like it was for xp" There was a patch released a month before Msblast was released. Unfortunately Windows is easy enough for an average user to remain ignorant to the fact that the os needs to be updated regularly. Just curious, Does anybody know of any sites that compares the major Linux distro's to Windows Server 2003? Sandman

How can you compare and apple and an orange? Yes they are both fruit and can be eaten, but does that mean they are compariable? They are different, they do similar things differently. You use the one you want and like and that is all there is, no comparasion needed. It only complicates things to no good end.

I would like to answer this by saying the following: Everything you can do in Windows can be done in Linux, but not everything done in Linux could feasibly be done in Windows. Linux, if I were to describe it, or define it, I would say: Unix for PC platform. If you dont' know Unix, then you are now a whole new world of possibilities. Needless to say, Windows is by far more user friendly, non-tech enough for someone to sit in front of a machine and still be able to figure it out just by playing with it. Linux, on the other hand, is much more powerful, introduces concepts never deleveloped in the windows platform (True Multitasking, but long existing in Unix), and ultimately is open-source, and heart of the system can always be revised, modified, changed in any way that could improve it.Also, its free, or way cheaper than the proprietary Windows. Put that aside, and if you want to explore the powerful side of computing, and the endless possibilities usually found in higher end workstations, install a distro, and learn from the different manuals, and resources in the internet. You could do all this in the same machine (dual boot system) and while continuing to be loyal to your Windows OS. Enjoy....read more and the more you read you will find more reasons why not *trash* a linux distribution. Good Luck