In many ways, Linux is not easier than Mac or WinXP, because it is so versatile. Open source development often means that different people provide different solutions to the same problem or need. But, when it comes to security, Windows is vastly inferior. Microsoft went for years ignoring security concerns that are often well-documented, such as RFC's. They now are trying to "patch" in security, but it is hard to fix years of bad basic designs. In general, Linux is vastly superior as an operating system, but you need to read more documentation to make some things work, and you won't find much commercial software. If you NEED access to certain Windows applications, it can be useful to have a 2nd computer (or dual boot) with Windows that you use only for those applications, and avoid the internet.

easiest way to start is with a live CD. you don't have to install anything and if you mess up anything, just restart the computer and everything is back to normal

Personally I don't think Linux is harder to use than Windows these days. I can't say much about the Mac because I haven't used it. But after years of using Windows XP as my main OS I can say that Ubuntu 7.10 is much much easier to use. Obviously there are still some driver issues for some people. But If Windows doesn't have the driver as Windows XP didn't always have when it first appeared and Vista doesn't always have to day then Windows just doesn't work with your kit either.

In the open source world at least we have people working to fix those problems and aren't relying on third party companies to do everything. And if you don't know how to do something you can bet there's a blog or a forum with the answer and a step by step how to.

Installing software in Linux these days is also a snap. Especially if it's included in the distrobutions repositories.

The hardest thing about Linux is the information overload. There's so much help around these days it can be hard to choose. But the modern Linux desktop is just like any other desktop. If you can use Windows XP or Vista you should be able to find your way around Gnome or KDE fairly quickly. All the basic skills are the same.

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@stitlskin wrote:

Yeah, you are right you know...Linux is still kind of difficult for the "mainstream" due to its' versatility... You know, in Spain Dell has released their systems with Ubuntu 7.10 which is very interesting(I'm Spanish). I've visited the ubuntu homepage which was pretty nice and yeah I'm going to get more info on this OS. It's really going to be the future!

 

If anybody has any resources with manuals, how to's, etc post them. In my case they have to be simple!

 

To people experienced in Linux: do you think necessary to learn the command lines in linux? I would like to get to know them. Thnx Bee

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