quote:
what can linux provide that windows doesn't?
Security, for one thing. Linux doesn't run all the most popular WinViruses such as Code Red, Nimda, etc. Nor does it come with an E-mail client that's really just a virus magnet. For the last several years, two and three (or more) times a year some script kiddie has launched some worm or virus that has spread from one Win system to another, going half way around the world in a matter of hours. The last *NIX worm that did that was the infamous Morris Worm, some twenty years ago. Linux systems aren't so wide-open as there are so many distros and ways to configure a Linux rig a security hole in one doesn't mean it exists in others. One Win rig is so much like another, that they all share security holes. Secondly, Linux doesn't have spyware. You download that really cool MP3 player for Win, and the next thing you know, you're running a web server without ever knowing it - until the spam starts hitting your inbox, or your browser starts taking you to places on the web you never intended to visit. And only God knows what's being served up and for what purpose. Unless you're stupid enough to give some unknown app root priveledge, spyware can't phone home without your knowing about it. Install Linux and you don't have to worry about daemons that go running home to mother every time you go on-line.
With Linux, you don't have to spend the $70.00 or so for the protection you should have had all along. Nor do you have to keep sending Symantec, McAfee, etc. those yearly subscriptions for anti-virus updates.
Since Linux is open source, there aren't any nasty little surprises hidden in there. The governments of both Germany and Denmark are seriously considering ditching all Win systems for official business. There was another thread here where the notorious NSA key is discussed. And since Linux is open source, there is a large community of developers and users who are quite knowledgeable, and willing to help out. You won't have to pay MS tech support to fix their broken software. Nor does the threat of a Linux company's demise need be a cause for concern. The company may go under, but the distro won't. Therefore, you won't find yourself at risk of being left out in the cold, as Win users were threatened by Ballmer that MS would pull Windows if he didn't get his way in court.
Using Linux isn't an insult to one's intelligence every time you boot up. There are no talking paper clips, and wizards are used judiciously. So you don't have these idiot boxes popping up every time you try to do some simple task. Unlike Winders, which keeps its users dumb, Linux gives you the opportunity to learn and grow if you so choose.
There's no WPA - use Linux however you want without being treated like a criminal.
Powered by GNU/Linux and Freedom
If software can be free, why can't dolphins?
[ March 21, 2002: Message edited by: jtpenrod ]