What can Linux do that Windows can't?

[Seren]

I've been trying to get a few people interested in Linux, but when I'm asked "What can i DO with it?", I don't know what to tell them.

I think the question really is, "What can I do with Linux that I couldn't do more easily in Windows?"

How would you answer the question if someone asked it of you?




Also, if you wanted to show someone something on Linux that would make them want to use it, what would that be?

[Javasnob]

1. Development
2. Customization
3. Really wierd tricks, like using unused memory on your graphics card as swap

The thing that seems to hook a lot of windows users is Beryl; I'd show them that.

[unchiujar]

Do you know (have a link) on how the memory trick is done ? Sounds interesting and I would like to try it
Edit: Come to think of it, is it possible to use the graphics card memory as system memory? From what I know video memory should be faster than regular RAM and if you do memory intensive things that don't require the graphic card that would be a real neat way to increase the memory available.

[zba78]

I'm not sure if Linux's strength is doing things that Windows can't. I believe it's (Linux's) strength is being able to deliver what most users need from their computer with the benefits of increased security, stability and great community support. Linux and the open source apps that run on it also have a very fast development cycle so you're constantly up to date with the latest technologies.

Of course one of the biggest selling points is that it can deliver all of the above absolutely free.

[KyKo]

Well I can upgrade my entire Debian system with apt-get update followed by apt-get upgrade. Every program I have installed is updated. Windows updates update WINDOWS... but not all the software I have installed on my own.

It might not make people run away from their Windows boxes, but I remember I really liked that when I was first getting into Linux.

[fingal]

I agree with zba78 above. I no longer think comparisons with Windows are helpful (though I'm about to make a couple anyway ). Mainly because such conversations have to include Windows as 'the benchmark against which things must be measured'. As if we need to do that as Linux users ...

Ironically I value Linux because of how easily it is to install / uninstall packages. On Mandriva (or Debian or whatever) it's just a case of issuing a single command, sitting back and waiting and not having to reboot anything or fill in a form etc.

The security is a huge selling point for me. I have a couple of firewalls running on my home box, intrusion detection software and anti-rootkit measures. My browsing is secure at a time when Internet malware is rife, and on the rise. If I want to carry out a transaction online, I don't feel like I'm being ripped off.

Stability: that key concept. I have a low spec PC which I built over 3 years ago, but there's no rush to upgrade until I feel like it. It never crashes now ... And I mean never. If you want a can of beans run Windows; if you want a gourmet service and actually like learning new things, stick with da penguin.

[benjamin20]

i dont think you can use video memory as system memory. data is sent to the video memory from the system memory. so it can be used as swap but not for system memory.

[zba78]

...If you want a can of beans run Windows; if you want a gourmet service and actually like learning new things, stick with da penguin

Hey, are you saying beans on toast isn't gourmet? how dare you! Got me through 3 years of university that did

[fingal]

Hey, are you saying beans on toast isn't gourmet? how dare you! Got me through 3 years of university that did

I bet it was great sitting next to you in lectures.

[deliriumlabs]

First at all i will say hello to this forum this is goin to be my fisrt reply.
Ok well i used to be a devote windows user (im not really proud of this)
What first make me install linux was i needed a free OS so i dont have to pay for it.
2nd .- A really secure OS at user level so i cant damage the configuration.
3rd .- A free virus OS.
4th .- A really customizable interface because we have to accept that customizing windows is not really great until StyleXP comes out or by using WindBlinds.
5th .- Recentlly Compiz was released and when you show somthing like Compiz to a windows user the 1st thing the say is "Can you please install that thing on my Computer" and of course the answer is yes but you have to use Linux. But when Bery appears with all the cool effects the users ask for this "Please install that thing on my Computer "
6th .- The windows users normally just accese a few things (Word,excel.powerPoint, Messenger, etc) and the usally by the right way the have to pay for using it the you tell them about OpenOffice, aMsn,ThinderBird,Firefox etc.
7th.- If there is an application that have not a n equivalent in Lunux tell them about Wine .
well after that all 1st show them Beryl that will capture all their attention.