Linux?

1. 61

   Mentalist acerposted 13 years ago

   Can you use Linux on a computer with Windows 7,and would you want to? If a person can use Linux on a Windows 7 computer,are there any advantages,and what some of these advatages?

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   1. 91

      Pcunixposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      As Skyfire noted, the easier way to run Linux there is through a VM.  You can find ready to run Vmplayer images so that you don't even have to actually install it, too.
      
      You could set up your machine for dual boot and can even run a slightly brain damaged Linux within Windows itself.
      
      I'll disagree slightly on the "not newbie friendly".  Modern Linuxes are as friendly as anything else if you are starting from square one. The only thing that makes Windows easier for most folks is years of familiarity.
      
      As to Linux malware, it is very rare.  As noted, it exists, but, just as is the case with Macs, few users even bother with any preventative measures because the odds are so low. Remember that the odds of winning the lottery are low too, yet people do win
      
      The advantage of Linux and Macs over Windows is that they aren't Windows.  If you want to try to understand that better, Google for "Unix philosophy".

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   2. 61

      smelloftruthposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The more expensive option is Parallel which treats both your desktop a linux system.
      
      The advantage of having a linux system is easily you can play around installing web server without eating tons of your resources. Most web hosting are using linux as their platform and once you become so familiar with it, it's a great addition to your web knowledge.

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2. 61

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   Hubber Pcunix is your guy.

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3. 69

   Peter Hogganposted 13 years ago

   I run a dual-boot laptop running vista and linux, the benefit to me is the ability to check website compatibility over multiple browsers/operating systems. I am sure there are other benefits too.

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4. 79

   skyfireposted 13 years ago

   Instead of installing it on your hard disk use virtual machine softwares.
   
   http://www.virtualbox.org  (It's free)
   
   Virtualbox can let you use linux and access all your drives, or files from windows and connect to internet without having to install on disk. Your linux installation will be in large file inside windows which has cryptic extension so there is no security leak for windows.
   
   If you're 'Getting things done' type of person then there is no real advantage with linux as involves a steep learning curve,it's not newbie friendly. You can get your work done with any other operating system and there is no real advantage for average/casual users IMO. If you need it for secure browsing then installing linux on virtualbox and then using the internet is one good option. Viruses will be there once anti-virus companies observe profit from it, and to debunk myth of malware for linux do google or search wikipedia for linux viruses. Though the number of viruses are less but they do exist for linux.

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5. 68

   simeonvisserposted 13 years ago

   I agree with Pcunix here: there are various Linux distributions out there that are user friendly and easy to use. In particular Ubuntu Linux is starting to look more like Mac in terms of user interface and for all daily tasks it's easy to use. The idea that Linux is not user friendly stems from its origins and the older Linux distributions. Linux is certainly making its way towards the desktop.

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6. 73

   Hauntyposted 13 years ago

   I can recommend Ubuntu Linux. I've been running it without any problems for years. It's user-friendly too. I just know, I've never used a console in my life. Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but still...

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7. 59

   tonybaldwinposted 12 years ago

   Why would you want to run windows?
   
   Never mind that, and just install gnu/linux.
   
   You'll be glad you did.
   I did it 11 years ago, and have not once regretted the decision.  On the contrary, I think it was one of the smartest things I ever did.

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8. 62

   transinataposted 12 years ago

   the benefit you can get when you have linux on windows 7 is you don't need to switch the OS (restart and then choose another OS) when you need to.

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