1. It does not crash
Linux has proven to be a reliable operating system over time. Although the desktop is not a new use case for Linux, most Linux-based systems have been used as servers and embedded systems. Sensational websites like Google use Linux-based systems, but Linux can also be found in the TiVo set-top box in many living rooms.
Linux has proven to be so reliable and secure that it is often found in specialized firewall and router systems used by well-known companies to secure their networks. For more than a decade, it has not been uncommon for Linux systems to run for months or even years without requiring a single reboot.
2. Viruses are rare and widespread
Although it is possible to create a virus that targets Linux systems, the design of the system itself makes it very difficult to get infected. An individual user could damage their files locally by running a virus on their system; however, this would be an isolated incident rather than something that could spread uncontrollably.
In addition, virtually all Linux vendors offer free online security updates. The general philosophy of the Linux community is to close possible security holes before they become a problem, not to hope that the vulnerability will go unnoticed.
3. Virtually hardware-independent
Linux was designed and written to be easily deployed on a variety of hardware. For the desktop user, this means that Linux was and probably always will be the first operating system to take advantage of advances in hardware technology such as AMD's 64-bit processor French fries.
4. Freedom of choice
Linux gives you the freedom to choose which vendor you get the software from and which application programs you want to use. Freedom of choice of vendor means that you have a real choice in the type of support you receive. Since it is open source software, new vendors can enter the market to meet the needs of customers.
The selection of application programs means that you can choose the tools that best suit your needs. For example, there are three popular word processing programs available. All three are free and work with Microsoft Word, but each offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The same goes for web browsers.
5. Standards
Linux itself and many common applications follow open standards. This means that an upgrade on one system does not make other systems obsolete.
6. Applications, applications, applications
Every Linux distribution ships with hundreds and possibly thousands of application programs. This alone can save you thousands of dollars for each desktop system you configure. Although this is only a small sample, keep in mind that the OpenOffice.org office suite is included, as is GIMP, a program similar to (and said by many to be more powerful than) Adobe Photoshop; Scribus, a document layout program similar to Quark Xpress; Evolution, an e-mail system equivalent to Microsoft's Outlook Express; and hundreds more.
For the technically inclined, development tools include compilers for C, C++, Ada, Fortran, Pascal and other languages, as well as interpreters for Perl, PHP and Python. Editors and versioning tools are also included in this category.
Whether you are looking for instant messaging clients, backup tools, or website development packages, they are probably all included in your base Linux distribution.
7. Interoperability
More and more computers are being connected to networks. No system would be complete without tools that allow interoperability with computers running other operating systems. Linux is also very strong in this area.
Linux includes Samba, software that allows Linux to act as a client on a Microsoft Windows-based network. Samba even includes server capabilities, so you can use a Linux system as a server for a group of Linux and Windows-based client systems.
In addition, Linux includes software for networking with Apple networks and Novell Netware. NFS, the networking technology developed on UNIX systems, is also included.
8. It's about a community relationship, not a client relationship
Other operating systems are the products of individual vendors. Linux, on the other hand, is developed openly, and this technology is shared among vendors. This means that you become part of a community, not a customer of a single vendor. Also, the vendor community can easily adapt to the needs of different user communities, rather than a "one size fits all" philosophy.
This means that you can choose a Linux vendor that best suits your needs and be confident that you can switch vendors at a later date without losing your investment- both in terms of cost and learning.
Comments
Post a Comment