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For most computer users, Windows is the only operating system (OS) they’ve ever used. In fact, most people don’t even know about other OSes at all, and that is not good. In our daily lives we always like to have a choice. Whether it’s different flavors of ice-cream or different brands and types of shirts and pants, we like to have a choice. So the question is, why not have a choice with our computers? While we all get to choose whether we want NVIDIA or ATI graphics card, most PCs come with pre-installed Windows operating system. It’s almost shoved down our throats. Where’s the choice in that?
There are many operating systems out there, some are good and some are bad. This list is about Linux, a free open-source operating system. There is a chance you have never heard of it, and even if you have you probably carry a few misconceptions about it. I’ll try to dispel some of these misconceptions starting with the most common:
Misconception: Linux is an Operating System (OS)
Actually – no it isn’t. Linux is an OS kernel. The kernel is the core of all operating systems, and of course Windows has one too. The quality of the kernel is vital to the running of the OS. If your kernel is slow or buggy your entire operating system will be slow and buggy. For end users like you and me, this means more crashes, Blue Screens Of Death (if you don’t know what BSOD is, you’re a lucky bastard), freezes and the most terrible consequence – data loss. There are different types of kernels out there, each with their pros and cons. For more information on them, just google “kernel”, it’s an interesting topic.
The proper name for an operating system using the Linux kernel would be “GNU/Linux”, because the Linux kernel wouldn’t do much for you without the GNU project software. You can find more on that on Google. But, for the sake of readability of this list, we’re going to use the word “Linux” instead of “GNU/Linux” to refer to operating systems that use the Linux kernel.
Misconception: Linux is a command line OS
Wrong. While Linux does rely on command line utilities, it doesn’t mean you have to use them. On Linux, a GUI is only an addition to the operating system. For you, this is a good thing because you can choose between many types of “windows”, or “window managers” as they are called on Linux.
Two most popular window managers are KDE and Gnome. KDE looks similar to Windows in many ways, and it is a good choice for those who don’t want to lose their Windows look and feel. Gnome is different from Windows, and for many (including myself) in a very positive and refreshing way. But KDE and Gnome are not the only choice: Enlightenment, Metacity, IceWM, Blackbox, Window Maker, FVWM and many, many others
Also, if you’re interested in what Linux WMs can do when compared to Windows, take a look at this YouTube video which shows a small subset of available effects on Compiz Fusion window manager; Fun, isn’t it?
Misconception: Linux is for geeks only
Actually, I think it’s quite the opposite. Although this was true years ago, when Linux was an infant and full of pimples, it certainly isn’t like that any longer. If you take a careful look at the user interfaces of Linux and Windows, you’ll often be surprised how intuitive Linux is. As an example, I’ll just mention my wife, who is not particularly computer savvy, yet manages to use Ubuntu Linux on daily basis with no trouble at all. According to her (and I quote): “Linux is far less irritating, it doesn’t stop working for me at random like Windows does.”
Now there’s a candidate for an official Linux slogan.. 
Misconception: Linux is not compatible with Windows stuff
Well, yes and no, it really depends. For most users, Linux is very much compatible. You’ll be able to read your emails, open your Office documents, view and edit your photo albums, and much more. Often with better and faster tools than you’d be able to find on Windows. Flagships of open-source software like The Gimp, Inkscape, OpenOffice and many others, can import, read and often export proprietary file formats (such as Microsoft Office documents, Photoshop PSDs etc). Often, these tools can offer you even more than those you’re used to. For example, I can export my document from OpenOffice to PDF in just one click. No custom printers installed, no “free” web converters. It’s all natively supported.
Of course, there are files which can’t be opened under Linux. You should ask yourself why. Is it Linux to blame, or the authors of that file format, which force their users to use an operating system they find suitable? Think about it. Do you really want to depend on your software vendors to be able to access your data? Or use an open-source and standardized format?
As a side note, a huge collection of open-source applications written for Linux also have a Windows version. Isn’t that neat?
If that’s not good enough for you, Linux comes with a Windows translation layer called Wine. It allows you to run Windows application on Linux. Basically, it serves as a bridge between Linux and Windows applications. For you that means not giving up your familiar Windows programs.
Misconception: Nobody is using Linux
Terribly, terribly wrong. The majority of the World Wide Web is standing on the shoulders of Linux and GNU software. Because Linux is modular and secure, it’s the most logical choice for a web server. Not only that, every year, more and more users recognize the advantages of using Linux,and are using it at home. Many companies and governments have switched their systems to Linux (I am looking at you, New Zealand). It’s cheap, durable and safe, and by the looks of it – it will never die. Unlike commercial operating systems, it is maintained by the community – all of us – instead of a large company. If a company declares bankruptcy and disappears from the face of the Earth, who will maintain your OS?
If you’re still not convinced, let this be a lesson to you: Listverse is written in PHP and it is hosted on an array of Linux machines.
Misconception: Linux doesn’t have technical support
Sure it does. But unlike Windows, you have choice of paid and unpaid technical support. By unpaid technical support, I mean a large number of communities on “the Internets”, available twenty four hours a day. It is a community of enthusiasts, who love using Linux and will be more than willing to help you with your problem. If for no other reason, than to make another Linux convert!
As far as paid technical support goes, there are companies such as Red Hat and Canonical which do just that. If you really need it, you can get the same kind of technical support you get for Windows.
Misconception: Linux is difficult to maintain
This also might have been true many years ago. Today, Linux requires little or no maintenance at all. Unlike Windows, if you just use it, it will never break. Linux makes it very difficult for you to break it. If you have kids, cousins or grandparent who frequently mess up their Windows installation, or their PCs become virus infested – give them Linux. It will make your life easier. I have a testing machine at work, running an ancient Fedora 5 Linux and the only time it needs a reboot is when a power failure occurs. If you can call that a reboot.
Misconception: There are no games for Linux
I partially agree with this one, but let’s be fair about it, shall we? Games have always been – and still are – a major drawback when it comes to switching to Linux. In terms of volume (and I confess, often quality too), there are a lot more games for Windows than for Linux. Only a few companies have decided to make a Linux version of their game. The famous ID Software is one of them. As well as their own Doom, Quake 3, and Quake 4, many other commercial games have been ported to Linux: Heroes of Might and Magic 3, Civilization 3, Soldier of Fortune, Tribes 2 and many others.
This is where the brave Linux community comes to save the day. There are numerous efforts towards creating truly fun and playable games – free of charge. Games like Sauerbraten (pictured above), Nexuiz, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, UFO: Alien Invasion and Glest are all very much free and very much playable.
Also, as mentioned above, you can run many games using the aforementioned Wine. Even the famous World Of Warcraft works on it. And if you’re really addicted, you can also pay for Cedega or CrossOver Games, commercial variants of Wine which specialize in games.
Misconception: A lot of hardware doesn’t work under Linux
Again, this was true many years ago. Today, you can install Linux on almost any machine, and it will recognize all your hardware, install the appropriate drivers and never ask you anything again. It is true that Linux has some compatibility issues with some printers, scanners and wireless cards, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. In fact, Linux contributors are aware of this and things are improving each and every day.
And here’s another thing: if you have sufficient knowledge, *you* can contribute a driver for your device. If you’re missing a feature, or don’t like the existing ones, you have the option of changing them yourself. Keep that in mind next time Microsoft changes the appearance of the start menu.
Misconception: You have to ditch Windows to use Linux
Very much not true. Many Linux distributions also offer the so called Live CD, which enables you to try Linux without the installation. Simply download, burn, reboot your PC and off you go. There are also Live USB flash drives versions. If you try it out and like it, most of those Live distributions have an option of installing Linux – alongside Windows. You can use both operating systems on a same computer with no trouble at all. Linux folks have made sure of that, because they know nobody wants to jump into the unknown.
If you don’t want that, there are always alternatives, like the the Virtual Box, which allows you to install Linux on a virtual machine inside your Windows. Also, nobody’s stopping you from running Virtual Box on Linux and running Windows inside Linux.
So what’s next? My recommendation is to try it out yourself. If you don’t like it, at least you tried. Good places to start would be a Linux Distribution Chooser. After that, give it a spin. My personal recommendation is Ubuntu, it is very simple and straightforward. But, if you don’t like it, there are many others to choose from and discover what suits you – not some corporate monster.
May 31st, 2009 at 1:33 am
tnx
May 31st, 2009 at 1:33 am
But, I’ve barely had any conceptions about linux in the first place… Honest.
May 31st, 2009 at 1:40 am
My roommate is all about Linux. I’ve not made the switch but I have been debating it. Now I know a little bit more.
May 31st, 2009 at 1:40 am
worst list ever, seriously who cares…
May 31st, 2009 at 1:49 am
I’ve heard of linux but I’ve always just thought why the fuck would I want that?
this list has made me seriously consider giving it a try so thanks.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:04 am
It was a nice read
I’m now still running Windows, but it is sometimes very frustrating. Lately I’ve been thinking about buying an Apple, for designing purposes, but Linux seems great to me aswell. Still in consideration, I guess.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:05 am
windows doesn’t have free support? um whats google? there would be as much free support for linux as there is for windows, you just need to know where to look.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:10 am
Nice list, my experience with Unix dates back 30 years, and I first used it I thought this will be brilliant when it’s finished.
There is a saying in software that the last 5% takes 95% of the time and I particularly remember that when using Linux; occasionally, the documentation isn’t quite up to date with software, some things aren’t consistent, open source “clone” version don’t quite do the same as the originals.
I had the same thought when I first used Vista; that it wasn’t quite finished – the last 1% was done after release!
Strangely enough, every time I’ve installed Unix/Linux since – which is quite a few, I’ve thought the same thing.
In fact, I’d argue that Mac OS X is, essentially, Unix or Linux that’s been finished; people have written out a specification for the entire system and that’s been implimented and documented and few would deny that it is brilliant.
-Andrew
May 31st, 2009 at 2:13 am
I knew most of these, and quite a good list, actually, so I care. I have looked into Linux in the past, but I’m too lazy to actually bother.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:23 am
I would LOVE to use Linux (Ubuntu in particular) but I already have OSX, which I love to bits, and my PC has Vista because I use it for some serious gaming.
What I’d love is a laptop that I could install it on, but that would be extreme luxury and wouldn’t get used as much as it should.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:24 am
I use Ubuntu on my laptop, since it’s too crappy to play games on anyway. For my gaming PC I’m pretty much forced to use Windows (Vista because of Dx10) but hopefully that’ll change later on.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:24 am
Good list but being a unix/linux system administrator for quite some time now this list is right up my alley.
While everyone likes a good GUI (myself included) as far as actually doing system work command-line is the way to go.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:33 am
I’m now much closer to switching over. Apathy is the main reason for most people to stick to windows, but vista is just horrible so before I’m forced to use that…….
May 31st, 2009 at 2:37 am
My brother is a programmer and thanks to his mad computer skills we’ve had Linux installed on every machine of the house for several years. By now, whenever I have to use Windows for school or work I pretty much break out in hives. Thanks for publishing this list! Spreading the word on alternative, safe, open source software = WIN
May 31st, 2009 at 2:52 am
I always had a good impression on Linux and this list supported my impression on it. Most people use Windows because they are helpless and not that they “like” Windows. Almost 25 years in making MS was able to achieve only cosmetic changes to their OS and made it mode resource intensive. It is still lot buggy and slow.
I have to use Windows in my office because that is the official OS. 4 GB of RAM and two Intel processors (2 GHz each)and Windows Vista still runs slow (Though i found it little better than XP).
I used Linux once and it was very cool. The Windows key doesn’t work on the version of Linux I used. Is it still like that?
May 31st, 2009 at 3:19 am
Great list, nice to see one about Linux!
I personally run a dual-boot with Vista/Ubuntu, but I had Linux Mint up until a week ago when I felt like a change. I’ve sat on my laptop in the library, and a few times people have come up to me and asked me how ‘you got your computer to look like that’. Gotta love the customization potential of Linux
May 31st, 2009 at 4:27 am
Good list, but in #10 you state that Linux isn’t an operating system, but in the intro it says:
“This list is about Linux, a free open-source operating system.”
Anyway, it’s still a very good list that’s enlightened me on some Linux-knowledge.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:41 am
Quite interesting, even though I knew almost all of those were misconceptions. I really want to switch to Ubuntu from my Windows, although have doubts over the compatibility of a single game (EVE Online) and it is the only reason holding me from doing it.
Intereting post.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:43 am
Ubuntu was developed in South Africa right? Isn’t it a Zulu word?
Anyway, thanks for the list, will definitely check it out now – we need more lists like this one IMO.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:54 am
Misconception: Linux is for geeks only
No Mac is for “geeks”
Linux is for “nerds”
http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-Nerds-and-Geeks
May 31st, 2009 at 5:16 am
I think the biggest problem with Linux is that the vast majority of people (myself included), just want to check their emails, look at Facebook and play solitaire. They don’t need/want all the hassle that goes hand in hand with Linux.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:26 am
@Shadow Lord: It works now. It is a default key for many shortcuts in Compiz Fusion (the one on the YouTube video linked). Except, it’s called “Super key”.
@w00tz: Good observation. It happened because item 10 was initially just a part of the introduction, but then I decided it deserves to be a list item.
@Tornike: Good news for you: http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=15922
May 31st, 2009 at 5:28 am
21 Cheeseface : I think you’ll find that Linux – granted I’ve only worked with Ubuntu – will minimize “hassle”, when compared with Windows in particular.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:29 am
@Cheeseface: This list is trying to tell you that “Linux hassle” is a myth. It is a thing of the past. For your emails, Facebook and solitaire Linux is the perfect choice. You’ll at least save money on antivirus software and Windows licence.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:31 am
@dr. Hannibal Lecter: Thank you so much. Will have a go at Ubuntu surely.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:56 am
Linux is crap!
I wouldn’t put Linux on a computer I was going to throw into the nearest dumpster!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:57 am
On a research I did at my high school I found out that people who use Linux are nerdy as hell. Sorry
May 31st, 2009 at 6:04 am
I have run a variety of unices in the past and loved debian. All of my machines are macs at present but I am considering putting ubuntu on my g5 which I use as a server for Listverse documents and the Listverse book. Once I am over the move I might do it. Having said that – osx will always be my favorite – and it is based on unix too so I get the best if both worlds
May 31st, 2009 at 6:07 am
It’s nice to hear how far the linux variations have come. Way back in college I used linux on my lovely computer. Life got busy and I wound up back on Windows because I just didn’t have the time or the interest in keeping up with the changes that were going on. I’m very tempted to go back to it on my next computer since it won’t be a mac (too expensive) and I’ve gotten used to the mac operating system.
Anyone know which distribution feels most like OS X? I should start looking into it in advance of getting the new netbook. My poor macbook is on it’s last legs.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:08 am
Sounds like Linux is sheer perfection. -_-
I don’t know, I’ve never had problems with my Vista OS EVER, so I don’t see the point of switching over my OS to something like that.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:19 am
We use both Windows and Linux where I work for the testing system we work on. I have 2 computers at my desk and 3 monitors. It’s fun.
Both systems have their good points and bad points. I only use Windows at home for my games. Good list.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:20 am
I use Ubuntu. I prefer it to Windows. Very easy to use.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:22 am
Between this list and the Apple one a few days ago, JFra has officially declared war on Microsoft.
Huzzah!!
Lock and load those ‘mouses’ Listverse, it’s on!!
May 31st, 2009 at 6:22 am
I should get Linux just for the simple fact that my IT friends head will explode if he finds out. Anything other than Windows is a crime against humanity.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:25 am
Quite intriguing list. If the Linux was compatible to most games, I would surely use it.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:25 am
30. Becca,
It’s not perfect, but it is customizable. With all the ways you can tweek it, it makes it easier to have it exactly the way that feels most natural to you. I’ve never had a problem with a mac os, but I have had issues with windows machines from time to time. I don’t really blame anyone for those, but it is nice to have a reliable machine that is easy to fix. I still ask my husband for the occasional spot of help, but I don’t need to very often and less often with a mac.
There is nothing wrong with using Vista or another Microsoft OS. It just isn’t for everyone. Some people want more than the developers at Microsoft can easily accomidate. Linux allows for that more easily than just about anything else out there which does make it the OS of choice for nerds. Nerds are vitally important to the development of new technology so let them have their toys in peace and enjoy the fruits of their labors.
(Nerds make great husbands.)
May 31st, 2009 at 6:40 am
My school uses LINUX on our school computers, its cool but it does have virus issues,
May 31st, 2009 at 6:40 am
Nice list, nice topic. My friend uses Linux all the time and loves it.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:02 am
can’t run yahoo messenger
May 31st, 2009 at 7:18 am
@suman bajracharya:
You don’t need yahoo messenger:
http://www.pidgin.im/
…and it comes preinstalled on Ubuntu.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:20 am
The most hated misconception about Linux
Linux is not only Ubuntu!!
May 31st, 2009 at 7:33 am
NERD ALERT!!!!
May 31st, 2009 at 7:37 am
Excellent list. I’ve used Linux (Pardus) exclusively for nearly a year, and I have one quibble. KDE (and especially KDE 4) is not necessarily “similar to Windows;” both it and Gnome can look as much or as little like Win as you want. Or if you want to get freaky, go for something like Fluxbox or Enlightenment.
It’s nice to see a supporter of Ubuntu who is not a total fanboy-geek about it. Those guys are pretty tiresome. Thank you.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:58 am
dumb question, but here goes:
how do you pronounce it?
Lee-nux?
Lie-nux?
Lih-nux?
May 31st, 2009 at 7:59 am
Firstly I like the list because its not a bashing outlook trying to show that one system is one up over the other. I was always a Windows user and though it took me time to learn about Linux and the various distros it made me realize that the benefits of learning to install and use both is immense. Some of the features of an open source OS and programs surely made their impact on me.
I presently use Ubuntu but earlier have used Fedora. I will admit that I have never used the command line or written one line of code tweaking what I had yet the immense use of open source is clear to me and I really think that its got a great future. The only grouse I have against open source is that it has not moved out to become more marketable and visible. The installation of programs is mildly more tough for people who for years have been using Windows but now that is solved effectively with the repositories. The repository approach is dependent on a good internet connection.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:01 am
frushka, it is pronounced lih_nux.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:11 am
@frushka:
How about Linux being pronounced by the author?
May 31st, 2009 at 8:16 am
Misconception: Linux is not compatible with Windows stuff
Or is Windows stuff not compatible with Linux? This is not a fault of Linux but people like to think it is.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:19 am
Interesting list. For me, it all comes down to the software you can get for each.
The problem is simple: pretty much everything is made for Windows!!! Heck, you can hardly get any mainstream applications for Mac, for gosh sake. So what would the hope be for getting stuff for Linux! If you like PC games, for example, then you’re pretty much screwed: Windows is your only choice.
What you say #7 further proves my point: you ask if we would prefer to depend on software vendors or go open source. Well, sadly, software vendors and developers are hopelessly clung on to Windows (and I don’t blame them since it’s the most used OS in the world), so every major thing that gets made nowadays gets made for Windows… sad but true. And it’s not like there’s an open-source equivalent for every single piece of software made for Windows. But if there was (and if there were more things compatible with Linux), we would all be living in a better world.
Nonetheless, what intrigues me the most about Linux is how customizable it is, and how “cool-looking” you can get it to be, which is something people often talk about. I hope you don’t need to be a 1337 ubergeek in order to pull this off, because this would certainly hook me in, regardless of what I said here.
Oh alright, I’m gonna go test Linux now…
May 31st, 2009 at 8:20 am
actually my TX series notebook from HP runs in Ubuntu when the Vista crashes and it is nowhere near to recoverable. I am suprise by it’s simplicity, it’s easy to manage and to work and the OS was pretty straight forward… And I love it…
Btw my notebook died just like the other HP TXseries user so sad….:(
May 31st, 2009 at 8:23 am
well i have used different flavour of Linux Ubuntu, fedora and puppy linux but I always had to terminate my use because when I tried to install anything then command install or make will pop up some error. I know packages but they also don’t work I have old machine PIII 750MHz, 256 ram can anyone help me find a suitable linux for me.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:25 am
I’m a long time Linux user.
Distro: Debian
Thanks for this list. I’m honestly sick of people thinking Linux is more complicated than Windows.
In my opinion, it’s much easier and more efficient.
Also, if people are wary about the install, just google “Wubi”.
It’ll install Ubuntu for ya with a few clicks.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:30 am
Nice list. I’m going to give this a try, since I can check it out with a live-cd without endangering the HD itself! If I don’t like it I can just throw away the cd! xD But from what I’ve seen on youtube and such that is not very likely
It looks like an awesome alternative to windows. I just have to find out which distribution suits me the best.
The only negative thing, from what I understand, is the lack of commercial games released for linux. Am I right that this is due to ignorant software companies rather than GNU/Linux itself?
May 31st, 2009 at 8:46 am
This list is kinda lame…
May 31st, 2009 at 9:03 am
i had heard of Linux, but never really had any interest in it. now i’m curious and think i’ll start asking questions…
May 31st, 2009 at 9:14 am
Very informative list. It answered alot of questions for me, and now I’m seriously considering switching over.
Hey mouthbreathers, you can get a pretty good idea of what the list is gonna be about by the title. Then you can usually get a good idea of wether or nor you will like it. What compels you to read it and then tell the author that it was lame. If it’s lame at least give your reasons or shut the fuck up. This site would be boring as hell if it was only bizarre/celebrity/animal lists.
Anywho, again, very well written list.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:31 am
Well done list, but for me, a complete dodo when it comes to anything technical about Linux, it may just as well have been written in Klingon.
Even though my children were raised as Orthodox Macies, they are now all multi-lingual, leaving Mom behind in the dust. I’m glad for them, yet comfortable with my own choice.
The little Linux logo is cute though.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:40 am
nice one
every day I want more and more to use Linux, at least once
your list sure explained many things I didn’t know
thanks!
May 31st, 2009 at 10:24 am
I really don’t know anyone that uses Linux except my ex-boyfriend who was a Computer Science Major and played World of Warcraft. enough said.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:47 am
Thanks for this list. I find most people don’t want to change because it’s “different” from what they’ve known. That’s the beauty of it, I think.
Hey @lucyanon – I hate video games, and I’m a grad student in teaching English as a second language. I use Linux. Misconception #8. Enough said.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:53 am
Not a fundi on this subject – have had Windows for years without any problems.
Beats the typewriters ollivetti etc. that we had to use in those days – 3 copies – 3 sheets of A4 blank paper and 2 sheets of carbon paper, to make 3 copies
I honestly think that I could adept to any system – rather than going back to the old system.
Thanks.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:53 am
I’m gonna get a new hard drive for my birthday coming up; I might consider installing Ubuntu on that.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:54 am
This is the first time I did not take the time to read all the responses in order to make sure I would not post something already said. And I barely make a response (because by the time I show up, conversation has moved quite a bit from the original list, usually), but I felt I had to do it here.
This list is possibly the worst list I’ve encountered on listverse. Ever. I say possibly because I can’t be sure. But lets just say I wouldn’t be surprised. I can’t remember a more one-sided-list. And that includes the liberal/conservative hypocrisy lists (both not terrible lists, BTW)..
Apart from that, I would just like to say that while there are certain ups and downs to any OS, Linux is definitely not the holy grail it appears to be here.
My girlfriend, who is arguably the least computer-savvy person I know, had a Linux operated laptop (one of those small cute ones) and, yes, she was able to work on it just fine. But when it broke down (hardware failure, mind you, or possibly user failure), she switched to a windows operated, evenly cute, laptop. And she had zero problems using that either.
When she asked me to install a game for her (Pokemon on a GBA emulator, can’t deny it rocks fellas), it was actually quite annoying to do so, and when I did finally install it, it required her to use a certain line in prompt to start it, every time. Now I know this is just one thing, but not very user friendly.. IMO
Apart from those shitty examples (I’m starting to realize I’m writing this while drinking), people always complain about Microsoft and Windows and what not, me included. But end of the day, no OS allows you as much control (if you use it right) as Windows does. If you really want to be in charge, on top of every aspect, Windows is the way to go. And don’t start about price and all that, I bet half of you never paid a dime for the Windows version you’re using right now. (I’d love to say I didn’t either, but Vista came with my laptop goddammit.. I was gonna go for XP)
May 31st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Emile, I guess the list is one sided because it just talks about linux misconceptions. It would have been fun to compare different OS and start a geek / nerd war, but I guess it wasn’t the point of this article. About the user friendliness, there is, of course, still a lot of issues.
I don’t know with distribution your girlfriend uses, but in mine, I just add a launcher (right click on desktop -> add launcher + brownse file) to avoid having to launch applications with command line. It is still annoying to add a launcher to the start menu equivalent, but it can be done.
I know that windows gives you a lot of control over it, and sometimes that can be a problem (my father used to like to erase all *.sys files he could find…) but I can assure you that you can get even more control with linux (heck, you can even build your own OS from scratch custom tailored for your computer!). You just have to know how, just like windows actually.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:21 am
By the way, the price of windows is included in the price of the computer. Sometimes, if you are not going to use windows, you can get a refund (around 200 bucks generally), but it is extremely difficult.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:25 am
Sorry, the refund it’s around 50 $. Not necessarily worth the time needed to get it.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:55 am
Interesting list, JF
@ Kreachure: “…you can hardly get any mainstream applications for Mac…” Like what, for example? Word and Excel (both originally Mac programs) – no problem. Photoshop/Illustrator et al? Again no problem. In fact I dare say that, except for highly specialised tools such as CADStar (a circuit diagramming and PCB layout tool) there’s nothing on the PC that either doesn’t have a Mac version, or for which there’s a functional equivalent.
Then there’s Apple’s own apps that are frequently regarded as best-in-class: iLife (please show me such a tightly integrated suite of software on Windows and I’ll eat my shorts!); Logic Pro or even Final Cut Studio, which has ousted Avid as the premiere NLE tool on the market.
Couple that with a certificated UNIX core, tough-as-nails hardware, and a corporate ethos that pays attention to the tiniest details and you have a world-class product. As to those that repeat the old outdated meme that “Macs are more expensive” should take a closer look at the actual specs – compare like for like and Macs end up solse to or in many cases cheaper than the PC equivalent.
Linux is outstanding in the server space but cannot hold a candle to the Mac in terms of sheer elegance and functionality, an opinion predicated on nearly forty years of using computers. Forthcoming features in Apple’s new Snow Leopard OS, such as Grand Central and OCL, have me drooling. The computing power that can be potentially be unleashed with these technologies when dealing with the workflow requirements of high-end digital cameras such as the RED One and forthcoming Epic have important ramifications for creative professionals.
If the Linux community does one thing over the next few years, it should be to embrace OCL – oh, and continue to provide a viable and interesting alternative to Windows which, by any rational metric, is an unmitigated disaster.
=:~)
May 31st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Do you have any control of your site anymore. It has turned into an advertising ploy. Bring back the lists about history and fun facts. I could give a damn about Linux.
May 31st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
My hubby put Linux on last year. At first I was pissed, I hate change but I have to say I like it a lot better then windows. Works great!
May 31st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Blah blah blah blah… I’m not interested in changing from Windows to Linux. This list was a waste of time for me.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I installed Linux (openSUSE) on my laptop and I do like it better then Windows. The problem is I’m not tech savvy enough to figure out how to get it to work with my printer and Wi-Fi. I’ve tried downloading various drivers and other things suggested on openSUSE forums. This was about 2 years ago, I should try again.
As a compromise I use a lot of open source software typically used with Linux on Windows such as: OpenOffice, Gimp, and Firefox
May 31st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I am quite impressed with this list. I had ZERO interest in Linux before, but I might try to find one of those CDs and give it a test drive. I probably won’t be switching from Windows anytime soon since jumping into drastically different technology on my laptop- which I consider to be my expensive little baby- really freaks me out. However, I am definitely going to be looking into Linux in the next few years after reading this list.
Great list; it sounds like it has gotten a lot of people thinking about Linux.
May 31st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’m a big fan of linux but this list is incomplete.
>But unlike Windows, you have choice of paid and unpaid technical support
An outright lie. There are plenty of thriving windows communities and you can pay for support as well.
>It is true that Linux has some compatibility issues with some printers,
There are some big compatibility issues with printers and before someone switches they would do well to check that their printer is supported. Scanners too. Updated graphic card drivers and wifi can be an issue as well. The number one issue on laptop is poor wifi support. People should know this going in rather than be disappointed especially since it is very easy to check first.
Random astroturf-sounding quotes from your wife are meaningless. You see, she has you in the house so when an issue does come up you can take of it without her having to get too involved. On my linux box I still have to go to terminal sometimes and can’t imagine all but the most casual user wouldn’t find that also to be the case. I’m not saying that this is bad I’m saying that windows is more geeky is a stretch that you shouldn’t have to make.
There are also some software holes besides games. Video editing and CAD in particular are very, very weak. Of course people will object to this characterization but any poll of linux users most wished for ports always has Autocad and a variety of editing suites at the top of the list.
Everyone should try linux but there are drawbacks to it as well. It is better to have a realistic view than a cherry picked one.
May 31st, 2009 at 3:47 pm
All OSs have their pluses and minuses. Windows is widely used and popular, OSX is user friendly and sleek, and Linux is easily customizable and fun. I’ve used all three and found them enjoyable, though I personally use OSX for day to day stuff.
My only real concern for Windows is the malware. I know it’s only because Windows is so widely used, and from what I’ve heard they are improving, but it’s still a drawback.
I’ve been thinking of installing Ubuntu on my mother’s computer. It’s not because of this article, but because of the amount of malware she tends to pick up. I could tweak it to how she wants it to look, and she doesn’t use her computer for anything except email, casual gaming and LOLcats. The only reason I haven’t before is that the modem requires Windows (can’t even use OSX! thanks HughesNet, I feel so special) and need to find a way around that.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
yeah i sometimes use linux over my windows.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
>>danny
You made excellent point. For average user, linux still have huge wall to break.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
first
May 31st, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Very awesome list.
I once tried a Live CD of Knoppix, but I couldn’t figure out how to access the internet.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
What is Linux?
May 31st, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Nice Yah! Ubuntu User, Long Live!
May 31st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Yeah, its good. But Linux has its limitations too.
Having Linux with Windows in the same PC is kind of unsecure. Linux crashes most of the times.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Good list. I’m surprised to see the negative commentary. It’s just a list!
I’ve considered trying Linux…this list will be useful to me if I do. It’d be only a geeky thing for me, since I am one, but I would like to see what all the Linux hype is all about.
In most of my workplaces, Windows has been the rule. The transition between home use and work use is so much easier by using Windows at home. Sure, Windows requires a lot more processing power and memory, but technology has easily kept up.
I think 76. Monaye pretty much sums up the truth on Linux.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:08 pm
honestly this list is pretty bad
lol @ no free windows support (hint: use google)
compatibility issues are still a significant problem with linux with printers, saying crap like “they’re working on it” doesn’t solve anything
still no AutoCAD (VM use on critical corporate projects? please)
about 30% of my Excel macros still don’t work in Calc
and Windows games > Linux games by a huge margin
May 31st, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I love using Linux, favorite thus far: Kubuntu, but I am trying a few more flavors, so far, haven’t have the time to install it correctly yet, but I think with virtual box I will try it again with support. I have to uninstall due to lack of memory, oops, did not est. correctly. I am self-teaching myself linux. I don’t like taking courses. They drive me nuts, at times. I do have some reading problems. I read slow, read a number of times to get it. I try and try again until I get my linux. Anyway, glad u post this.
June 1st, 2009 at 8:09 am
great list!
I think is since Ubuntu release what improved so much linux popularity. Is far better, nicer, easer and supported that any Windows, and of course it’s totally free. If you try to explain what “aptitude” is to a Windows user I’m sure he/she’ll fairly believe you. Ubuntu is changing the world of personal computers.
About nº 3. You forgott one of the best and hightly costumizable open-source games: The Battle for Wesnoth, I just love it.
And I learn modding games thanks to Sauerbraten, it’s geniously instintive world machine and the integration it have to work with Blender.
June 1st, 2009 at 9:35 am
I have an old laptop on which I have increased the memory and installed Linux Puppy. It runs fine, and I want to use the laptop for web surfing and e-mail. I am impressed with its lean no-fancy-BS approach, but I have not been able to get it to work with a wireless adaptor for the house LAN, even though I have a very common and popular card (Linksys). Still trying, though, and I look forward to when I can crack this nut. It will be a handy thing to have.
June 1st, 2009 at 10:14 am
With no knowledge and no guidance other than the internet, I installed Ubuntu on an older laptop.
There is absolutely no way that the “average user” is going to be bothered with Ubuntu, and the only real skill it takes to install is following directions and searching forums. Look at the Mac vs. PC commercial where the Mac “works right out of the box.”
Still, I’m glad I have to option of a free open OS if I want or need it.
June 1st, 2009 at 10:17 am
Unfortunately this list proves the #1 drawback of Linux:
Linux users are a bunch of self-righteous arseholes!
Seriously. When you guys are ready to make a sales pitch that can’t be summed up as “Windows sucks, and you’re all fools for using it,” then I might consider switching.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
^You ever heard of elitist fanboys? It’s the same with Mac and Windows users. Deal with it.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:26 pm
@Yun: When Windows stops sucking?
Seriously now.. this list is trying to debunk some of the most common misconceptions and get people interested. What would be a better way to do that than comparing it to something already familiar?
Also, to all who criticized this list before you did: yes, it’s incomplete, yes it’s biased (in my originally submission this was clearly stated but obviously removed before publishing). The point of this list is not to claim that Linux is perfect. Far from it, Linux has it’s share of problems. I’m more than willing to admit it.
HOWEVER.
It has *far less problems* than people realize. That’s what this list is all about [My personal opinion is that is has far less problems than Windows, and that's why the list is biased. Don't tell me that Microsoft FUD tactics are not biased]. People still think Linux is some sort of obsolete piece of software, used only by geeks (nerds!) living in their mother’s basement.
This is so unfair. People have seen many Pixar movies and never realized they were made on Linux! They’ve seen space shuttles but never realized NASA uses Linux. Enjoyed special effects of Shrek, LOTR, Harry Potter? Linux, Linux, Linux!
And since I’ve seen more than one comment saying “I’ll give it a try”, I consider this list to be a huge success. Even if they all try it and hate it afterwards, I’m fine with that. Because they will be aware of it’s presence and might take another peek every now and then. This list is about awareness and choice.
Oh and, statistically, there are more arseholes using Windows than Linux..that much is obvious.
June 1st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I hate the fact that there are more than one Oses in the world… Anyway people shouldn’t say windows sucks, windows is extremely flexible and has almost the most software available for it. If you want to hack or learn programming then linux is your best bet, if you want to pay for a shiny version of *nix then get OSX.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Item 5 is the main problem with me.
If I wanted to be satisfied with Windows support I would stay with windows. I want the type of support given by the Linux community, in other words people who really care about Linux and not just those who do it for a living.
Why call India when I can get world wide support from my browser.
I run a dual boot, Windows XP and Ubuntu 9.04.
I like parts of each, and except for the fact my external drive does not have a Linux driver, and does not natively play commercial DVDs, I would probably boot up Linux first and not Windows. But I won’t bash Windows because it does have it’s uses and even though I would prefer Linux over Windows, it does have it’s uses.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I fell in love with Linux the day i found out that it was not a single operating system, but a whole bunch of Operating Systems (figuratively speaking), and all of them being free, easily downloadable, and furthermore, available in Little 700 Mb live CDs!
And when I told my friend about that, he didn’t believe me and said that I must have mistook some linux “theme” for the whole operating system. *sigh* people know so little about Linux…
And furthermore, my love went to unexpected heights when I found out that I could even run Linux from USB. How cool is that ! (But unfortunately that didn’t happen because my 3 year old PC doesn’t support USB booting).
June 1st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
The only problem for me with linux is that it cannot run all windows software. I know it can run office suites, browsers, etc. But what about little freeware stuff, like context menu enhancers, file managers etc.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Mr. the Fifth. Don’t worry about little freeware stuff, you might have problem running those windows programs, but you’ll find tons of it programmed natively for linux doing the same stuff. The software issue is more important for specialized professional software, but small applets that can help you change the look and feel of your OS is one of the things in which linux is particularly good at.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I wonder how much Linux payed listverse to post this???
June 1st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
KDE & Gnome aren’t “window managers” they are desktop environments. KDE runs KWM (see here: http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-8.0-Manual/ref-guide/s1-x-clients.html) and Gnome runs Metacity (see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacity).
June 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 am
@trip: I know, I was just trying to make it simple for newcomers.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 am
thumbs up!
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
I’ve been a linux user (Ubuntu) for the past year and a half. And it pains me to say that the compatibility issue of both software and hardware remains a problem. There are entire lines of printers and scanners that don’t work with linux systems (of course being the ones I owned prior to switching) and a lot of programs will not run under Wine – I have to keep a full installation of Windows on my system in order to use Mixmeister and other professional DJing software rigs.
Even though I try to do my day-to-day computing in linux, I find myself booting up the windows virtual machine at least once or twice a week.
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 am
I became intrigued with Linux about 11 years ago. I spent a lot of time finding my way around it , purchased books,went to forums . Back then there were many more hardware compatibility issues as well .
As one poster noted ,there were then and still are some pretty arrogant open source nerds who spend half their time defending FOSS and the other half bashing MS. It gets old after a while.
To make a long story short , back then I hated my Windows O.S. , which was ME after I “upgraded” from Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. ME “the upgrade” was probably the worst product Microsoft put out.
In those days though the learning curve was pretty steep for Linux , so I went back to Windows and got XP professional. Best OS I ever had , by far .
Lately out of curiosity I downloaded an ISO of Ubuntu ,burned it to cd and the Wubi installer did the rest. Very painless and straight-forward.
A word of advice , this is one good way to test out Linux . I would’nt advise partitioning your hard-drive until you have tried it out to see if you like it. Wubi will install it on your HD alongside Windows on a ‘virtual drive’ and at boot time you choose which operating system you want to boot up. If at some point you don’t want Ubuntu , Wubi has an uninstaller .
Ubuntu has really impressed me. Got the web cam , wireless,printer,DVD burner, sound, everything works flawlessly.
For you guys with older pcs with less than 500 mb of ram consider Puppy Linux or Slax. Link is pretty impressive, I use it on the desktop with a LiveCD.
Sorry for the long post , great list by-the-way.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 am
This is a gay, boring, nerdy list
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Love the list. Didn’t know much about Linux until now. For those who think its boring… go read another list to comment on.
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:45 am
Thanks for making this list! I’ve been considering Linux for years, but I think this might be what makes me try it
June 3rd, 2009 at 3:55 am
Linux is fine so long as you have bog-standard hardware, play no games, and don’t do anything besides surf the web, IM and email. Go beyond that and enjoy hardware incompatibilities and spending half your life compiling code and dealing with bugs and library incompatibilities.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Great list lecterror!
You have oficially got me intrigued about Linux, and I’ve already orderded my cd of Ubuntu to give it a shot.
Thanks for the effort.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Great list lecterror!
You have officially got me intrigued about Linux, and I’ve already orderded my cd of Ubuntu to give it a shot.
Thanks for the effort.
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 am
@deadangst:
Glad to hear it!
Keep in mind that Linux is always evolving, even if you don’t like it, check it out once in a while. That’s how I started years ago, and it turns out it was worth waiting
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Relativly long time Linux user on few PCs, distro(s): Puppy Bpxpup, Puppy NOP, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu, OpenSuSE. In a word – GREAT! In a few more – free, works, and its better than you think!
Salut from Croatia!
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I’ve always wanted to try out Linux, shit is hard. My brother used it, half of it is like DOS and comand prompts but I’ma try the Ubuntu kernel on my computer later. ^_^
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Hey there, – I’ve never tried Linux but I could never rule it out for the future. All they need to do is perfect the emulation/compatability mode so that a user could lauch any PC or MAC proggy from one GUI.
#10 Patrask: DX10 has been converted to Win XP by a group of russian freelance enthusiasts. I’ve installed it and it seems to work just fine – they claim it works for most DX10 games too.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Thats it i’m sold. Downloading Ubuntu 64bit to install on my 2nd hard drive. My computer has a usefull push F11 to select which drive to boot from shortcut on startup so I might as well make use of it. Nothing on my 2nd drive anyway.
Wish me luck
June 4th, 2009 at 5:16 am
“For example, I can export my document from OpenOffice to PDF in just one click. No custom printers installed, no “free” web converters. It’s all natively supported.”
In fact, for Microsoft Office 2007, there is just a little plug in to download on the website of Microsoft.
The plug in isn’t native because Adobe doesn’t give them the right to do it.
June 5th, 2009 at 3:59 am
It was a revelation in 1995 to me when I discovered that the Intel processors could run more than just Windows, that the processor was OS-neutral, that I could run any OS as long as it was Intel-compatible. I tested it by running different Linux and Unix distributions. I’m still exploring Linux distributions, never getting bored. It’s like having Christmas every day of the year.But don’t think I’m not getting work done. This is fun work. Pushing the boundaries.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:17 am
I downloaded and made a cd for ubuntu and it didn’t work. I’m trying to install it on my Mac ibook G4 which I rarely use, the cd was made fine but it won’t run on startup. I used the command to boot with cd but it doesn’t register when I do. Also, does anyone know if the newest version of ubuntu is compatible with airport wireless cards?
After reading this post I thought it might be interesting to give it a go. Is there anyone here who might be able to help? I’ve been searching around on the net but there hasn’t been anything that has helped.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:48 am
@tinydancer
do you have the PowerPC version of ubuntu? The CPU in the G4 is special, I don’t think linux, mac or windows has stuff being made for it today.
June 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
@ikt
Thanks for the response. I downloaded the full version, I did notice that there was a watered down version for notebooks, would you recommend I try that instead?
June 7th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Nice list.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:33 am
this is definitely more advertising than a fair list.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
It’s sad how someone speaking as an authority will use, and quote, “the Internets” when the correct term is “the Internet.”
There is only one.
It shoots down your credibility.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
@Knows the Difference:
Unbelieveable. “Authority”? Heh, funny.
Obviously, you’ve been living under a very heavy menhir lately:
June 10th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Years ago an email list went around. It offered an extended metaphor comparing air travel to the OS choices of the time. The writer listed major oddities, dangers and mishaps with all the OS Airlines until he got to Linux. His metaphorical Linux Airline described the smoothest, most delightful flight one could imagine. The punchline hinged on the passengers having to build their own seats from a nuts & bolts kit.
The key element, though, was that the writer thought this a trivial and simple hurdle to enjoy luxurious travel. Obviously, a tunnel-vision, super geek. The thought of being handed a toolkit and a box of parts before “going on a flight” made me consciously ignore Linux for a long time.
Your list has given me the idea “Linux Air” now offers pre-made seats and may be worth a look.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:36 am
Heh, that’s actually not a bad comparison.
In fact, Linux Air does offer pre-made seats, but you have the option of customizing it, or even throwing it away and building your own. If you’re experienced enough, you can have your own airline company!
June 12th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Linux was my first venture out from windows in 2004 – best decision i ever made. Windows was just getting too full of junk and becoming too unstable – i also wanted more control over what i was doing with my OS (and my kernel for that matter) so i ended up with SUSE linux 10 – very nice for a beginner like me – i was able to freely switch back and forth between command and from a GUI
– i loved using the KDE side of it also 
w00t for linux.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
You are right, people don’t know that Linux (ubuntu in my case) allows you to do the same you do with Windows more safe, easy, and cheap. Look at this http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?CS=19&kc=6VAFF&oc=dncwzl1&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643&acd=10495476-1260291-
June 14th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I would love to try linux out, but unluckily for me this stupid cheap monitor won’t run at anything above 60Hz, and most versions of linux run at about 75Hz.
June 14th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
@Badlands:
?
That sounds suspiciously funny.
No operating system runs at a specific refresh rate (this must be the nastiest sentence I’ve ever used).
The refresh rate depends on the device drivers and the device itself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refresh_rate
June 17th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Sorry, wrong link :S
http://jestasfunhouse.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!250A1EC0CC435EBF!141.entry
June 17th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Quite honestly the only thing stopping myself from using Linux is the fact that none of the games I play are native to it TF2 etc…
If they were then I would use Linux a lot more – it’s just a catch 22, developers wont port to linux if everyone isn’t using it and people wont use it if their games aren’t ported to it :/
I hope that one day Linux will overtake windows – Open source deserves to thrive.
June 19th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
How true!!
June 20th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Cad and games are weak in Linux. Security is weak in Windows. I can work around Linux weaknesses. Qcad != Autocad, but Qcad is not trying to play me the way Autocad did. Same with MS Word vs Open Office and on and on. I’m off the upgrade merry go round.
Ubuntu at least is easier to install than windows. (I’ve done both many times)
The issue here is that most computers are purchased with an OS already installed and that OS is Windows. Don’t know how to re-install your OS? Do not pass go, go to Best Buy and pay $$$.
With linux, I am the owner of my computer. I like that.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
To be honest, Gimp cannot compete with Photoshop. But Gimp has become better with time. Still, it feels like riding a bicycle backwards. It’s possible but not fun. The menus and the whole user interface are a mess. At last, with Gimp 2.4 color management is possible.
No surprise, according to a Novell study Photoshop (which is rather a Mac OS program than a Windows application) is at the top of the most wanted list for software ports.
Open Office is nice, but again, some features, like BIG tables are still not possible with OO. The whole formula stuff is better in Microsoft Office, too. MS Office was a mess and the changes between versions were far from user-friendly. But the current Version delivers very well, compared to OO.
I’ve tried OO several times, but still it’s not as good as MS Office. Maybe that will change in the future. I’ll be the first to change to OO then.
But OO is the best free Office suite you can get for free.
People who want total control and professional features like ligatures and point-level setting of documents with professional science-grade mathematical formula setting use LaTeX or it’s derivatives, anyway.
And for DTP Quark express is the choice.
What was the topic? Oh, yes – Linux!
July 1st, 2009 at 11:15 pm
If you only want to use office tools, then yeah, might as well switch. Other than that you pretty much get into the situation as with Macintosh’s: There are no programs that are for anything else that will run. Why run a Windows emulation program (WINE) when you can just have Windows?!
July 13th, 2009 at 6:42 am
Thank you. I’ll definitely be giving it a go on my 2nd PC now.
July 19th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Wavy windows when I move them? Wow, Impressive. Yawn. I don’t see any way that Linux improves my day to day work. My applications work, my hardware works, my computer is fast enough, why bother changing? Really, this list reminds me a bit of the ones for Islam and the Catholic Church. Dress it up, make it look nice, whitewash the problems. On the other hand, the religion of Linux will not make me go to confession or blow up an airliner so that’s a plus.
July 19th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
@Chuck (135): Neither will the Catholic Church or Islam. Bigotry however may cause some problems maintaining relationships with non-morons.
July 20th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I have been considering switching to Linux from Windows for several years. General thought: I don’t regard a computer (hardware) or an operating system (software) as a religion. I don’t worship at the church of Intel or AMD or the church of Windows or Macintosh or Linux.
On the “no” side: I am not a nerd, though computer literate. I am getting old, and my brain, never swift, is slowing. Solving computer puzzles does not fascinate or entertain me: I just want to use the computer. I like my pritner; it is not compatible with LINUX.
On the “yes” side; years ago I used UNIX some and I have used other systems, such as Macintosh, DOS, etc. About a year ago I started using Open Office instead of MS Office. It has some deficiencies, but is tolerable and sufficient for my needs.
I have become increasingly weary of Windows, which seems to become more cumbersome, unreliable, and vulnerable to malware by the week. I don’t hate Microsoft, but I am more and more weary and irritated with it.
My current desktop is old and underpowered as far as RAM goes. I have been putting off buying a new system until Windows 7 is stabile. I was going to toss the old one. Now I’ve decided to buy a new desktop for Windows 7 and avoid some mistakes I made when I bought my last one (and make some new mistakes, I am sure), and keep the old one and switch it over to LINUX.
Maybe I will add a codicil to my will to have my computers buried with me, rather like a pharaoh having his belongings put in the pyramid with him for the next life. However, I was going to be cremated after I die. Maybe I will have the computers turned into mummies.
After the human race goes extinct and the aliens land and are picking over the remains of our civilization and trying to figure us out, they will be mightily puzzled by a couple of mummy computers in my tomb.
August 25th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I switched to Ubuntu linux the day this list was published.
Before this list ive never really heard about linux. Now im a Ubuntu pro. and very soon i will be taking classes on Computer science with linux open source software development as my focus.
This list changed my life.
way to go lecterror and listverse.
thank you
August 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
@narddawg: Your comment is quite possibly the greatest comment I ever read in my entire life. My work here is done…
September 27th, 2009 at 3:44 am
mastera@eml.cc
I knew it, no misconception -whateverusay
sad baout the games though but who gives a shit bout them games for that Iva got wii!! B-E!
October 1st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Hey guys/gals.
Check out Cedega like the list said(punch it in google), Cedega supports alot of games, and may just support yours!
I’ve been using Linux since the early days, when you had to make boot disks, root disks, ram disks, install your own bootloader, etc. It really has came a long ways over the years.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:58 am
@PoorMe (51): If you have an old computer (256/512 mb) then try Xubuntu: http://www.xubuntu.org
October 16th, 2009 at 2:07 am
@uknowimright (133): Read the article again. You can have both Windows AND Linux. Use Windows for what it does best (running games and overpriced software), and Linux for everything else (which Windows sucks at).
October 16th, 2009 at 2:33 am
@tinydancer (117): Ubuntu is “Intel only”. No G3/G4 Macs. You are looking for Debian: http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/
(Make sure you pick the one named “powerpc” for your G3/G4.)
November 1st, 2009 at 7:17 am
Is this a list of Linux myths or a list of Linux advertisements and/or cheap snipes at Windows?
November 9th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
this list is great!
i am an avid linux user for sometime now. i have tried quite a few distros (ubuntu, linspire, bayanihan, mandriva, dsl, redhat). i am currently using windows at home now though because of hardware incompatibility. i have this tv tuner that i cannot get it working on linux, so it kinda sucks for me. but aside from that, i really like to have it as my primary OS of choice soon…