Ubuntu vs windows whats all the hype?

-whats the good and bad with ubuntu linux vs windowsWindows is pretty much the industry standard so most applications will work in it, however with Linux you get more freedom on the configuration of your desktop and software, better security (free of malware), and a faster/more stable system. There are tons of more differences between the two operating systems as you can see from the responses here, but those are the main differences IMHO.



I would recommend a first time user of Ubuntu dual boot with Windows just like you're doing and expect a steep learning curve as you adapt to doing things differently than you would in Windows. Avoid reinstalling the operating system when you run in to troubles. Instead boot in to Windows and see if your problem can be fixed (95% of the time it can).



PlayOnLinux does an excellent job at configuring WINE to work with various Windows applications, including games. It is one of my favorite applications to use when I want to get something installed on WINE. WineTricks is another good program to keep under your belt if you're interested in running applications under WINE.



http://code.google.com/p/winetricks/



WineTricks and PlayOnLinux both can be found in the Ubuntu Software Center.
I have been running Linux for many years. No Windows box in my house for about 10 years now. In the time I have been running linux I have had no problems with virus/trojans etc. Also never needed to reboot to cure a frozen computer, and never needed to reformat/reinstall due to "performance issues". Also Linux is very innovative. Many features of windows are taken from ideas that have been implemented in Linux for a while already.



I also like to experiment with web based software, and LInux gives me the chance to run everything I want for this free of charge. It is the same software that runs on the majority of servers on the web already, and I can be sure that code I write for a LInux based site will run exactly the same on Windows.



All of this is great, but the thing I like most is the open philosophy of GNU/Linux. All pretty political, and takes a while to really understand the implications, but a very healthy approach in my opinion.



On the downside, LInux is badly supported for commercial gaming, but I have XBox and Wii for this, so it's no problem :D
Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a proprietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a dedicated Windows partition to run specific applications such as Office 2010 etc.



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=鈥?/a>



How To Dual Boot Linux Mint and Windows 7

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2010/12/08/how鈥?/a>



Linux Mint 9 LTS Release Notes/User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 LTS then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Burnin鈥?/a>



Linux Mint 9 LTS can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



Once installed I suggest upgrading from the default Firefox 3.6 to Firefox 5



How To upgrade to Firefox 5 on Linux Mint 9 LTS using the Mozilla Stable PPA

http://www.webupd8.org/2011/06/firefox-5鈥?/a>







LUg.
First the meaning of the word Ubuntu. In some African villages it is the custom of every home to keep one meal as a reserve for any stranger who may walk in unannounced. This is known as Ubuntu. It also means humanity, helping others etc. There is a video clip of Nelson Mandela explaining Ubuntu on the internet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODQ4WiDsE鈥?/a>



I am using Linux for last 16 years and not on a single occassion was it infected by virus or malware. I am presently using Ubuntu 10.10 and it is 20% faster on the internet compared to windows.



But if your main interest is games then go for Windows only. Linux is poor where games are concerned. Also for some of the peripherals like scanners and USB TV tuners no drivers are available in Linux.

In conclusion I will say Linux is Stable, flexible and versatile. And "Linux is free as in freedom".
Ubuntu is not for everybody,it can be complex and you have to live with alternatives or limitations.On the other side there is nothing that won't work with windows