Windows XP VS LINUX and their comparison?

I think it is easiest to understand when you first understand Windows vs Mac, then throw Linux into the mix (because Linux is of a similar technology to Mac, and has the same benefits):

Most obvious to the user is that there are no viruses that affect Macs. Not that it would be impossible to create one. It's just that nobody has. Under the hood, Mac OSX is BSD (a variant of Unix), which is considered one of--if not the most secure and stable operating system.

Now let's talk about where all the settings are stored. In every Unix operating system (including Mac, which is Unix, remember?), settings are stored in various text files (usually in the /etc/ directory). These text files are well documented, and settings can be changed with any text editor. In Windows, settings are stored in a database called the "Registry." The problem with this is that the Registry...

1) Has a finite size limitation unless you manually change it.

2) Gets fragmented, slowing down your computer.

3) Is cryptic, poorly documented, and difficult to edit.

4) When you uninstall software, it still leaves a bunch of junk in the Registry. This also can happen with those text files in Unix/Mac; however, with lots of text files, extra leftover settings aren't a big deal, but in the Registry--because it's a single database, this causes it to keep growing over time, which can severely affect performance.

5) If a text file with settings gets messed up, corrupted, or deleted, then you've only lost the settings for one application. If your Registry gets messed up, then you may not even be able to start Windows.

From beginning to end, the Apple experience is pleasant; from the excellent customer service at the Apple store to the superior engineering of the hardware and software, with lots of thought put into the little details. Case in point: The power supply port on Macbooks: It has a magnet that sucks the power supply right into it, making it easier and nicer to plug in the laptop. It's like the difference between driving a Nissan Sentra or a BMW. Either car will get you where you're going, but the BMW is just nicer.

Having said that, I've been a network administrator for 12 years. I've worked on Windows, Mac, more Linux distros than I can name, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Minuet, ReactOS, BeOS, and more. As far as I have ever been able to tell, the only differences between Mac and Ubuntu Linux are these:

1) Mac has the Dock.

2) If you really want to PAY for commercial software, you can on a Mac, but on Ubuntu, you're limited to only free software.

I used all free software on my first OSX computer and then wondered why I had payed for a Mac when it wasn't doing anything that Ubuntu wouldn't do just as well or better. By better I mean that I had to use that weird AppFresh thingy to keep my Mac software up to date (and it didn't always work); however, Ubuntu keeps EVERYTHING up to date automatically. For $1,200 you can get an Alienware laptop that will run Ubuntu, and has better hardware than the $2,500 Macbook Pro 15".

Therefore my conclusion is this: If you're happy with all free software, then don't pay the Mac Tax; go with Ubuntu. You'll get all the security features of a Mac with Ubuntu as well. If you want to use commercial software, then go with Windows since it supports more commercial software than Mac anyway. In my opinion, there are only three circumstances where you *really* need Windows/commercial software:

1) If you're an avid gamer

2) If you're in a corporate environment where they have very specialized Windows-only programs. For example, I work for a court of law. The program that helps Judges to calculate alimony and child support in divorce cases is only available for Windows.

3) Video editing (which Mac is also good at, but not Linux)

For everything else, you'll find good free alternatives to what you're used to. http://www.openoffice.org/ for example is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point, and it'll run on Windows, Mac, or Linux (or BSD or Solaris if you know what those are)

I'm a big Linux advocate since you can have the benefits of a Mac without paying the extra price for the Apple brand. Unfortunately, most people (incorrectly) think that Linux requires a bunch of computer knowledge, but they know that everyday Joe's can use a Mac. Because of that, and all of the above, it's easier to persuade folks to switch to Mac than to Linux.

Go to Google and type "Windows XP VS LINUX"

Select result

Do you actually think that we have the time to do your own research for you? We don't...

Just Goggle search for:

compare XP to Ubuntu Linux

(or, the Linux Distro (version) of your choice)

And, start reading. When done, we'd be happy to answer any specific questions that arise.

I use a Linux interface called CENTOS. It is so much faster than Windows. Takes a little while to get used to, but is amazing. Kinda like a mix betweeen a MAC OS and the PC OS. I definately am impressed with it.

Linux is free it is secured OS where as Windows is not free but it has no security when compared to Linux..But Windows is user friendly But Linux is not user Friendly.....

funny - i have a dock on my linux - its called cairodock,

linux is not for programmers, although it can be, but so can windows,

internet - firefox on linux and windows

virus - for windows

spyware - for windows

trojans - for windows

media player - vlc for windows and linux (although i prefer xine for video on my linux)

linux only apps

amarok or xmms for music files

all codecs supported in linux, i have found no media files i cannot play or open

digikam and showfoto for my digital camera

kbluetooth for remote control of my pc through my mobile phone (cause i'm lazy)

kbluetooth for voice control of my pc (yes - i am really that lazy)

dvdrip for ripping dvd's

k3b and brasero for burning

mandvd and devede for video creation

amsn for instant messaging

quat and xaos for fractal generating and art creation

more, more and more

there are hundreds more pieces of software - all free and in my repositories, but i only use multi-media apps as my pc is total home entertainment,

oh - i also have compiz-fusion, this is unbelievable 3D for your pc - only for linux though,

i can have 128 desktops on one monitor, but i stick to 4 - 1 on each side of my cube, which is semi-transparent,

i have exploding windows when i X out, wobbly windows when i move them, all colours of the rainbow,

my dock auto-hides and i can choose the application i want via bluetooth,

i have an app switcher, window switcher, ring switcher,

i can do fire writing, have it raining with window wipers,

i have penguins being raided by ufo's,

and its all free and done without any programming,

its that easy my 7 year old daughter uses linux

windows has ???? 2 colours for the desktop (my xp is green)

Links links and more links

Windows XP is better if you play games, play on internet , and other kinds of stuff.

if you are a programmer , then linux is much better.

For gaming there is XP

For everything else there is Linux

Why Linux is Better

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/

Here are the options for installing or trying out Linux

Option One (Full installation)

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 8 Main Edition which is built upon the outstanding Ubuntu 9.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint 8 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=44

The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 8 (Helena) Installation

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linu...

Linux Mint 8 Helena User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/23787138/Linux-Mint-8-He...

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 8 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

Linux Mint 8 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive

Option Two (Install Linux inside Windows)

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning (XP,Vista and Windows 7)

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi

You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.

Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 9.10 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.

Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu

Ubuntu 9.10 Download

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic

Linux Mint 7 has a similar feature called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed (Windows 7 run mint4win in Vista compatability mode)

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-bas...

Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

Linux Mint 7 Gloria User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15884753/Linux-Mint-7-Gl...

Ubuntu 9.10 and Linux Mint 7 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive

Option Three (LiveCD)

Here the possibilities are endless as you can try out as many different Linux distros. until you find the one thats right for you DISTROWATCH.COM gives full listings (second lists the major distributions)

http://distrowatch.com/

Major Linux Distributions

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

LUg.