Another "Why is Linux Better?"

DeffeningRock · 12-17-2004, 07:38 AM

I felt I might be "stealing" the previous thread from it's starting user. So, please forgive me for starting a whole new thread.

I am completely unexperienced with Linux or any UNIX OS. I have never so much as clicked a mouse on anything to do with UNIX. However, I do know that in world of webmasters, administrators, and lol....even hackers UNIX seems to be everyone's weapon of choice.

My first thread here was a question about sending TCP/IP packets manually across a network or internet. I have read articles elsewhere which declare UNIX as the omnipotent network component with the most control. Obviously Windows would be restricted in that area due to the fact it is the utmost targetted OS for virus-writers and other malicious users.

After reading my "Datagram/Packet Help" thread in the "Internet" forum, would anyone agree I should be content to turn to UNIX as the solution to my problem?
Furthermore, is UNIX capable of working with my Windows applications on a network?

Thank You in advance!

**gotissues68** · 12-17-2004, 01:29 PM

Its a pretty common question. The bottom line in my opinion is to choose an operating system whether it be windows or linux that lets you do what you want to do. Linux is incredibly customizable and flexible but you lose some things like gaming to an extent. So there are definate trade offs. The answer to your question is best served by going out there, grabbing a distro, installing it and playing around with it! If it does what you want them you're good to go, if it doesn't then you can go back to using windows and you've spent nothing more then a few hours of your time :)

Skie · 12-17-2004, 02:17 PM

I've replied to your other thread. Windows has usually been a bit restrictive in terms of its TCP/IP implementation. This was a good thing really in that it helped to prevent spoofing packets. However, with WinXP, things changed as MS allowed more control over this. I don't know if this is on par with how Linux handles things, but it's a lot closer at least.

shylock · 12-22-2004, 07:01 PM

I believe one of the biggest reason why a lot more people are not switching to Linux/FC is because it's not the most user-friendly thing around. Many people are already spoiled by the things they can do with Windows/Macs... as I used to be. It might take some time for Linux/FC to catch up to what Windows has to offer, but even if people are just switching to using Mozilla Firefox browsers, that's a start. I just asked my g/f why she doesn't use Linux. Her reply is this: 'cuz I don't know sh*t about it. I hadn't even heard about it until I met you'. If that statement doesn't say it all, I don't know what else will. I talked to a couple of techie guys I know and they don't have good things to say about it. Their comments primarily stem from their lack of knowlege about anything to do with Linux/FC. Why? It's what they learned on in school and it's what they took with them when they left college. A lot of people don't want to spend the time to get Linux/FC working... at least those who know about it. Think about the typical user. Who wants to mess around as much as we do, especially when we've just installed the o/s? They want it to be like plug 'n play. I know I do.

The lack of a widespread use of Linux also stems from the beginning: the school system. As far as I know, it's not there... at least not that I hear of. Ask any college student who is not involved in the computer science department and see the answer you get. Although it could save the school system a LOT of money, the operating system is not in use. Go figure. Some people don't know any better.

I could go on until I'm blue in the face but I just hope that one day Windows will be a thing of the past. Competition is a good thing.

12-17-2004, 07:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
DeffeningRock Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 14 OS: winxp pro	Another "Why is Linux Better?" I felt I might be "stealing" the previous thread from it's starting user. So, please forgive me for starting a whole new thread. I am completely unexperienced with Linux or any UNIX OS. I have never so much as clicked a mouse on anything to do with UNIX. However, I do know that in world of webmasters, administrators, and lol....even hackers UNIX seems to be everyone's weapon of choice. My first thread here was a question about sending TCP/IP packets manually across a network or internet. I have read articles elsewhere which declare UNIX as the omnipotent network component with the most control. Obviously Windows would be restricted in that area due to the fact it is the utmost targetted OS for virus-writers and other malicious users. After reading my "Datagram/Packet Help" thread in the "Internet" forum, would anyone agree I should be content to turn to UNIX as the solution to my problem? Furthermore, is UNIX capable of working with my Windows applications on a network? Thank You in advance!

12-17-2004, 01:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
gotissues68 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver Washington, Mountain View CA and Atlanta GA you pick the week! Posts: 716 OS: Linux/FreeBSD	Its a pretty common question. The bottom line in my opinion is to choose an operating system whether it be windows or linux that lets you do what you want to do. Linux is incredibly customizable and flexible but you lose some things like gaming to an extent. So there are definate trade offs. The answer to your question is best served by going out there, grabbing a distro, installing it and playing around with it! If it does what you want them you're good to go, if it doesn't then you can go back to using windows and you've spent nothing more then a few hours of your time :) __________________

12-17-2004, 02:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
Skie Manager, Alternative Comp Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago burbs Posts: 2,194 OS: Gentoo Linux, CentOS, OS X My System	I've replied to your other thread. Windows has usually been a bit restrictive in terms of its TCP/IP implementation. This was a good thing really in that it helped to prevent spoofing packets. However, with WinXP, things changed as MS allowed more control over this. I don't know if this is on par with how Linux handles things, but it's a lot closer at least. __________________

12-22-2004, 07:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
shylock Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: BC Posts: 28 OS: WinXP Pro/FC2	Normal Users I believe one of the biggest reason why a lot more people are not switching to Linux/FC is because it's not the most user-friendly thing around. Many people are already spoiled by the things they can do with Windows/Macs... as I used to be. It might take some time for Linux/FC to catch up to what Windows has to offer, but even if people are just switching to using Mozilla Firefox browsers, that's a start. I just asked my g/f why she doesn't use Linux. Her reply is this: 'cuz I don't know sh*t about it. I hadn't even heard about it until I met you'. If that statement doesn't say it all, I don't know what else will. I talked to a couple of techie guys I know and they don't have good things to say about it. Their comments primarily stem from their lack of knowlege about anything to do with Linux/FC. Why? It's what they learned on in school and it's what they took with them when they left college. A lot of people don't want to spend the time to get Linux/FC working... at least those who know about it. Think about the typical user. Who wants to mess around as much as we do, especially when we've just installed the o/s? They want it to be like plug 'n play. I know I do. The lack of a widespread use of Linux also stems from the beginning: the school system. As far as I know, it's not there... at least not that I hear of. Ask any college student who is not involved in the computer science department and see the answer you get. Although it could save the school system a LOT of money, the operating system is not in use. Go figure. Some people don't know any better. I could go on until I'm blue in the face but I just hope that one day Windows will be a thing of the past. Competition is a good thing.