Opensource

[RobertX]

what does linux give that windows or the apple os doesn't give?

Legally-free software! And lots of it! The best part is that a Linux OS will already have free beer and free speech software in the OS once the OS is installed.

Also, Linux is generally not hackable or prone to viruses. Can't say the same for Windows or Macs.

i've always wondered if i should go the linux route but have in truth been a bit wary of stuff not working.

Well, I can't say anything about that, Ubuntu doesn't seem to give me much problems. However, I didn't like the newest version because they dumped every use application that made it worthwhile to use Ubuntu. To that end, I didn't download the newest version.

If you're not convinced that you should use Linux yet, give it a try. In fact, give five different distros of Linux a try. Then you can make the decision. Also, if you're still indecisive, just make a partition for Linux and dual boot it.

For the time being, I don't think it has surpassed Windows just yet. But I like the idea that it can do stuff that commercial applications can do. I like the idea that it's self-sustainable with excellent update service that you don't get when pirating Windows (ignore the last sentence if you actually went bonkers and bought a WIndows 7 ). I like it because of idea that it doesn't necessarily involve money to enjoy an experience, though I can see that there are people who are trying to make ends meet.