Is Linux a good type of computer?

Question

Hello people, because my family isn't very good on money terms, my school gave us this computer (even though i didn't really need it but i'm very happy i have it). It is a Linux computer, and i have barely ever heard of that type, is that because no one likes to have them or are they just bad? Would i be able to have mircosoft office stuff on it? Or should i settle with this other computer that we don't use that is a windows computer?

Answer 1

Linux is only a Kernel, it's not really an operating system until other files link to it. There is no Linux Computer. It's not a manufacturer. Linux is totally different than Windows and takes a little time to get use to it and the names of the programs. Linux has alternative type of programs that are similar to Window programs. Stick with Windows if you are into gaming or have specific programs you have installed. The only thing I could suggest it to play around with the operating system and decide for your self if it is some thing you would want to use. I dual boot all six of my computers with Windows and Linux. Wouldn't have them any other way. Both systems have their pros and cons and both systems compliment each other in their own way.

Answer 2

Linux is not a computer, it is a Kernel , and when coupled with software it makes an Operating System.



Linux on the Desktop is not as well know as Linux is not really in the marketing business. However, it is the most used when it comes to Supercomputers, MainFrames, Servers, Embedded Devices, Etc. Most people don't even realize that they are using a Linux Based OS. Take Android for instance, that is a Linux OS.



As to what you should do. Take this opportunity to learn something about Linux and computers. Go to Distrowatch and look through the various flavors of Linux out there and give a few a try.



I recommend that you try out these first :

Linux Mint : http://www.linuxmint.com/

ZorinOS : http://zorin-os.com/

Sabayon : http://www.sabayon.org/

Bodhi : http://www.bodhilinux.com/



Remember, Linux is all about freedom of choice!



⋘It is a Linux computer, and i have barely ever heard of that type, is that because no one likes to have them or are they just bad?⋙



No Linux is not a bad OS, it is not marketed and thus is not well known. Linux is for the most part completely free (there are several which have subscription fees like Red Hat Enterprise Linux ; However, there is a clone called CentOS and Scientific Linux which are completely free without the professional support).



⋘Would i be able to have Microsoft office stuff on it?⋙



For the most part, yes, you can run some Windows software under a Windows Compatibility Layer known as WINE. Though, there is pretty much an Open Source Equivalent for most of the commercial counter parts., e.g., Instead of MS Office, there is LibreOffice, OpenOffice, AbiWord, KOffice, Calligra, &c. http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Linux_software_equivalent_to_Windows_software && http://www.linuxrsp.ru/win-lin-soft/table-eng.html



⋘Or should i settle with this other computer that we don't use that is a windows computer?⋙



The thing about Linux is that it's free. There are so many distros because various distros are designed to cater to one's own personal preferences. The distro that you feel most comfortable with is designed by others who think closely alike to you. In the Linux world, once you download, install and start using that OS, you become apart of that structured community. You can then make suggestions to the developers to improve the OS experience. For instance, I use Sabayon (http://www.sabayon.org/ ). Sabayon from version 9 and below, only had three Desktop Environments to choose from (as official releases; there are others DEs to choose from via the repository after installation, viz., E17, LXDE, Cinnamon, &c.), namely., Gnome 3, KDE 4, & Xfce 4. Due to various community members requesting for a Gnome 2 experience, the Mate Desktop Environment has become available as an official release as of last month.



All I'm saying is, give Linux a try and see if you like it. You can also use the Windows machine on the side, thus you know have two comprters to use.

Answer 3

Linux is superior operating system in how it principally works. However, the main problem that makes a lot of people unwilling to use it is program compatibility. For profit companies don't like developing programs for it because there are few digital rights management features available.



However, there is usually free alternatives to the most widely used software. For example Libre Office to Microsoft Office. Libre Office files are compatible both ways with Microsoft Office and can mostly what Microsoft Office can do. Other than games, there is usually a free alternative to many popular programs available on Windows and Macintosh.



For school purposes it should be enough. Plus it is fun to play around with and test free programs available.

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure you can get a Microsoft office type program on Linux. Linux is great for business and speed. It really depends on what your using it for. Gaming isn't a very practical thing for Linux. Also There aren't many programs for Linux that are for windows and mac. Overall it;s not a bad computer, it just depends on what your using it for.

Answer 5

Linux is an operating system, not a type of computer. (which would refer to the cpu instruction set used)



Office is a supported program via Wine, and there should be openoffice or libreoffice availible int he repository.