Linux Vs. Mac: Which Is The Better Alternative To Microsoft Windows?

For the average (typical) computer user, I'd say Mac over Linux every time. (I use both...) For the more computer savvy, Linux is an option, although Mac OS X can make a power user very happy with its Unix-y goodness.

One of my biggest complaints with most Linux distros (still) is driver support. I had to jump through some major hoops to get Ubuntu to recognize the Broadcom wireless built-in to our work laptops (HP.) From surfing around the forums, I realize Broadcom is a real problem...Unfortunately, a LOT of laptops use Broadcom for wireless.

For the less technical user, hunting down drivers is a killer. Also, most users won't understand the concept of how most software is downloaded and installed in Linux. For the power user, this isn't much of an issue.

What's good to see is that Linux has come such a long way that we're even able to have this conversation. Choice is good.

Depends on your needs. If you see computers as a hobby, or if you're really really cheap, Linux may be a good choice.

If you just want to get things done with as little drama as possible, OS X is tough to beat.

Linux hands down.

The one thing I really hate about macs these days is iCal, and how easy it makes it to send the annoying reminders with the link to acknowledge the reminder that never does anything.

Windows

As a longtime Apple user you may be surprised that I'm partially rooting for Linux.

The best part of Apple's OS has always been the effiiency and intuitiveness with which it handles the job. And right now, my productivity is very high -- the only thing I need the PC for is an Excel spreadsheet. Most of my work is developing Ruby on Rails, and OS X is Unix-y enough, and user-friendly enough to pretty much seal the deal right there.

But I've also been VERY unsatisfied with the new Intel hardware in the mac. Namely, the annoying low-CPU-mode high pitched whine (google macbook whine) which Apple refuses to acknowledge despite a petition with nearly 2,000 signatures. I sent my refurb macbook back a half-dozen times, and finally they replaced it with a new 2007 model, which still has the same damn problem.

I currently use debian for my webserver, and it's come a long way... but it's been years since I've used a Linux GUI, so I really can't comment on its ease of use, or environment. I'd say for those who are considering buying new equipment, take a serious look at Linux.

You could also buy a Mac and install Ubuntu Linux in Parallels.

Punch-cards are a better alternative to Windows.

The rest of my familiy runs Apple, I run Mandriva Linux, with a Windows partition for my Windows-only clients. The external firewall box and server runs BSD. I still think of Apple's OS as a BSD, probably better than Linux in some ways, certainly more secure.

I may cut over to BSD from Linux, performance and security considerations. BSD can run Linux binaries, but not the other way round.

My folks are about to partake in "the great experiment". Switching from Windows XP to Linux. I talked them into ordering a Dell Inspiron E1505N laptop pre-loaded with Ubuntu. Wish them luck!

The upcoming release of Apple's much heralded (and delayed) Mac OS X Leopard will likely be my excuse to dump Windows XP.

I'm already a Mac partisan so my comment is biased to the extreme but.....everytime I contemplate serisously using Linux, I stop and think about all the things I take for granted that I would have to leave behind.

This seems apropos...
http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/2007/07/freetards-in-deep-denial.html

I love my Mac. We are nigh inseparable.

I have always been comfortable with the command line, so Linux is the best choice for me.

The only problem with Linux is that before I build a computer, I have to check out how much various companies support the various parts. I believe the Linux Foundation is working to get companies to start putting a Linux-supported label on their components, as there currently is now with Mac and Windows.

I think it depends if you're a computer person or not. Most younger kids could pick up on the intricacies and quirks of Linux pretty quickly, but someone coming from Windows or from a non-computing background would be pretty confused by a lot of the settings you have to take care of yourself. And beyond that, Linux simply isn't as supported for regular folks.

We get these flame wars constantly. Mac vs. Windows. Windows vs. Linux. Everyone comes out of the woodwork and hawks their side, but in the end, it's all a matter of personal preference.

From the article:

It comes at a time in Obama's campaign when the freshman senator is drawing more financial support from more voters than any other candidate, though he has yet to vault from his second-place position in the polls.

More financial support from more voters than any other candidate?! Yet 2nd in the polls behind Hillary?

This is because the liberal media has already determined our President: Hillary. Which is what those behind the scenes want: whether it's a neocon or a Clinton, it doesn't really matter for the globalist agenda. Both the Clintons and the neocons support Saudi imperialist interests in the Middle East and multinational corporate interests in China, South America, and Africa.

It is amazing to think of how far Linux has come - that it is even being compared to big name OS's such as OSX. I still remember when there were linux groups that would week in week out help newbies through the utter horror that was installing Linux to a computer back in the mid 90's. You literally had to have a team of people who really knew their stuff to even consider it. Now, with the exception of things such as broadcom wireless drivers and a lot of the cheep and cheerful brand stuff you can find in smaller computer stores, you can, often with very little tinkering go from a fresh untouched computer to a fully setup desktop system in around 30 minutes.

As far as desktops go I really do like Enlightenment - OSX pretty, but a damned sight snappier on what would probably be considered today as very old hardware. Certainly faster then either GNOME or KDE on the same system.

It suits my (somewhat limited) needs very aptly, doesn't crash or freeze, is secure and most importantly - leaves me to get on with what I want to do.

This is a question that's been on my mind for a while. As a PC user, all I've heard are complaints about Vista's compatibility issues with certain software programs and have worried that if I buy a new personal computer, it will come with Vista. Not to mention the hassles and headaches that come with keeping a PC in good working order. Macs seem like a less maintence option, but I'm worried about files and programs I have that are PC-specific.
But Linux and Ubuntu are really getting rave reviews from people, so this article was really helpful.

oh if only Linux would run (smoothly) Adobe Products...especially adobe illustrator. I'd switch this godforsaken laptop over the linux in a heartbeat

Mac OSX is the natural alternative to Windows. Linux (as whole) just doesn't care about being better than either of them. Perhaps certain distributions care enough to make it easier for you to transition over, but that is a community driven product which cuts to the heart of what Linux is, a community driven project.

A pragmatists dream come true, Linux along with BSD won't ever die because it is so pervasive and "free" that if anyone truly cares to, can pick it up and use it.

For some of us, we choose OSX because it simply works and we get what we pay for. This is more true than PCs with Windows, but I give them the benefit of the doubt as MS is plagued with @!$%#ty drivers that they sometimes have no control over that cause all sorts of problems.

With Linux, all of it is an open book. Are the drivers @!$%#ty? Then there is the source code, fix them yourself. If you can't, or unwilling, hire someone to do it for you! Isn't that a terrific idea? Not only are you given the option to fix the problem yourself, if you are unable to, you can pay anyone to do it for you. That is key to understanding what Linux is and is not.

Linux fills that niche just nicely and doesn't need a marketing department because frankly, it's community just doesn't care about dominating the market, nor doesn't care about making a profit. All the community cares about is:

How do I or my company modify this thing to fit our needs?

With that question comes the thought of: I hope the changes I've made also help other people who have had the same problem as I.

For a brief history, just read this: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/rhasan/linux/

Here I run a iMac as my primary workstation, a Ubuntu Dapper Server and Ubuntu Feisty on my laptop.

I got a great deal on the laptop so I can't really complain that I had to scrape Vista off of it. I missed my Linux workstation when I had to gut it when the server motherboard died so I got a Lenovo laptop.

Macs and Linux work very nicely together. Netatalk for file sharing and Avahi for Bonjour make a Linux server work very nicely with a Mac.

Oh, I don't think I ever said my configuration. Dell Dimension 4700 w/ Kubuntu 7.04 Feisty and Windows XP (for when I need it, which is virtually never). I'm debating between getting a Mac laptop and dual-booting/virtualizing Kubuntu on it, or just getting a Dell laptop (since I hate Mac keyboards and mice, and Dell is the best Windows/Linux-based PC maker).

After using Ubuntu for a month, I don't see why anyone would pay for an OS.