Why do we need Linux? Need some basic understanding, please.

guitarman · fourth grade Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 728

I wonder why people are looking forward to Linux platform instead of window? Yes indeed window cost $$$ but what so good about Linux that is so superior than window? I wonder if there's Word, Dreamweaver alike to Linux as well? Why do we choose linux afterall?

For me, I am so used to Window and i can't see reason why i would like to switch to Linux.

Singachea · fourth grade Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 258

Personally I think Linux is fast improved since it is an open-source. I have just installed Ubuntu Linux (linux for human beings). I found that it was very interesting, and I would suggest the new LINUXers install it since it needs only one CD.

The good thing about it is that it is not so complicated like other linux such as Red hat, Suse, Fedora core, ...

Ubuntu is a good start of new users because it is designed in the way which is similar to Windows.

Even though most of software were written in Windows platform, it's not much a problem now because we can use those Windows applications to run on Linux machine even the entire Windows OS. Is it cool?

Actually, there are more advantages of Linux such as Security and Stability.

guitarman · fourth grade Joined: 04 Nov 2005 Posts: 728

You have mentioned that we can use "entire" OS to run in Linux? how is it possible? Or you mean "having two separate OS"?

Can we run like winword or excel i.e. the extension in .doc and .xsl in Linux as well?

I remember i installed the Red Hat last time but i find its UI to be something i'm not very familiar with and hence drop the idea of using LInux. What are the main different between those you have mentioned? i.e. Suse, Ubuntu ... red hat?

Singachea · fourth grade Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 258

I'm using Ubuntu Linux right now.

Running the entire Windows OS mean that you use X-window of Windows OS on Linux OS. You can take a look here: http://www.win4lin.com/

However, the above is a commercial one. You can try http://www.winehq.org which is free. It allows you to set Windows application on Linux machine. Ex: you can run IE to view internet.

Before I installed Ubuntu, I already installed Linux Red hat 9, and I found it difficult to interact with since it's old. Ubuntu is released the new version in every six months time; therefore you will always get the new one.

I'm not so sure about the differences among them, but what I knew is that they have different interfaces and different components added.