What is Linux (Ubuntu) really good for?

Question

I want to know what ubuntu is good for. I know its cool and stuff

but what can it do that windows really can't?

I've used it before and I figured out a lot but I don't really see what's the point.I know it doesn't get any viruses but it seems like easier to worry about viruses and spyware in Windows than figuring out how to do things in Linux.

Answer 1

Ubuntu is not really good for anything that windows isn't. It seems like there is a trend these days to use "Ubuntu" and say windows sucks.

Yes Ubuntu uses less resources, but with a dual or quad core cpu and 2 - 4 GB Ram which most computers have these days, there is no need to think about resources, as there is plenty of them.

Be course of it's stability, linux is a preferred OS for servers which requires a high uptime, but for the normal home user, there is no need what so ever for using linux.

Answer 2

Ubuntu 7.10/8.04.1 is an extremely capable operating platform. When you say it is cool I take it you are referring to Compiz Fusion. There is so much more to Ubuntu than the 3D desktop as good as it is, although I am a great fan of it though some Linux users consider it a pointless drain on system resources.

Down to the basics and how it pans out. The open source packages are every bit as capable.

Microsoft Office 2007 = Very Expensive.

OpenOffice 2.4 (soon to be OpenOffice 3.0) =Free.

Windows Vista Home Premium/Ultimate = Very Expensive

Ubuntu 8.04.1 = Free

If I am reading your question correctly you would rather spend large amounts of money on viruses and additional bloated software to remove them, than to spend a little time getting to learn Ubuntu properly as the rewards are tenfold.

If you are interested in a further outing with Linux. I recommend Linux Mint 4.0 (Main Edition) which is based directly on Ubuntu 7.10, the best of the bunch in my opnion http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php Its easy to install and easy to use with a more straightforward software installer and work in the Terminal is minimal, and I have always considered the Ubuntu Synaptic Package Manager easy enough . It also looks the part http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Mint and is capable of running the 3D desktop of Compiz Fusion http://wiki.compiz-fusion.org/ which is included in the package.

The latest release is Linux Mint 5.0 however I still rate the older 4.0 to be better.

Open your mind and stop thinking it is acceptable to pay for viruses.

LUg.

Answer 3

thats it no viruses thats the only reason I needed to switch I ruind to  many computers with windows I used to go through at least 1 every year now I keep the same box for several years my last 6 computers are still running all with linux  

Answer 4

Ubuntu or suse linux for the same hardware uses less resources (cpu,memory) to finish the same task you do in windows. Moreover it is free and it's applications are free and you are not forced to upgrade every year. Doing things in ubuntu is not that hard like you think. It is basically different way of doing things than doing it in windows. opensuse.org has excellent tutorials to learn and work on linux. The only downsize i see is finding drivers. If linux distributions has an easy way to figure out and install drivers I would say there are millions of unsatisfied vista customers will move to linux.

Answer 5

well, Linux just has Ninja Power behind it! xD