Things to consider going from Windows to Linux [closed]

Going to Linux from Windows have advantages and disadvantages. Also there are things that we can do in Windows that are so difficult on Linux and vice-versa.

Which things I have to consider when going from windows to linux? Which pros and cons of using windows and using linux.

This don't want to be another windows-linux war but an objective windows-linux pros cons. For instance, linux have free upgrades, windows have more software, and so on...

Solution 1:

As a Linux aficionado I can only say: Give it a try, you will see what specific advantages and disadvantages it has for you.

That said: You don't primarily use an operating system, what you use is your applications. You can make a list with the applications you use most often and then decide which operating system fits your needs.

Solution 2:

I love Linux, but the only time that I will advise against it is when your are very heavily dependent on the software you use.

Highly specialized CAD software and other specialty software are sometimes only available on Windows.
If you love Adobe products rather stick to Windows / Mac.

Won't list any other products here, but I'm sure you get the point. Linux usually has alternatives to these products, some of them are actually VERY well maintained, but I would rather stick with the Windows alternative - sadly.

Solution 3:

There is no general answer to your question, that covers all aspects of such a switch.

The best way to get an overview of what to consider and prepare for such a switch, is to

Install applications that are available on both Windows and Linux, on your current Windows system, and try using them, and/or...
Get a Linux live CD, or install a separate Linux test environment on your hardware as a dual install, and try it.

Solution 4:

One advantage of linux that I especially like, is that the applications become "part of" the system, as the system itself essentially consists of different applications (or packages, rather). That is, at least as long as the applications are installed through the system package manager. The advantage is, that everything is updated via the same system.

Coming from World of Windows where each application is a separate entity, distinct from the system itself, this took a while getting used to. I wanted my applications to go in some "Programs" folder and stay there. But after a few system updates that not only updated my system, but all of my applications as well, I realized that there's going to be no more quirky auto-updaters for each application, no need to run a "check for updates" from some menu, no more downloading and installing patches manually. They just update. Just like that. You do get a tiny taste of this in Windows these days as Office updates itself via Microsoft update. Now just think of that for every application.

The downside is that you might have to mess with packet repositories, which still has some quirks. You can ignore this as long as you use applications that are available in the general distribution repositories - and most are, really - but if the application isn't there, you'll need to add it's repository for it to become available. Also, at least with Ubuntu, there's quite a huge delay before completely new versions of applications, like OpenOffice 3, become available unless you add their own repositories. I hope that adding repositories some day becomes as easy as adding applications, and we can forget all the mess about manually downloading and adding authorization keys and all that.

Solution 5:

I've just started using Linux instead of Windows. I've still got Windows as second boot option though, to be safe. Here is what I've learned:

It's really difficult to choose a distro. As a non-Linux person, you have no chance. Best bet is to approach a Linux-savvy friend and use whatever he uses.
If that's impossible, then use Wubi (Ubuntu) because you can install it from within Windows as if it were just another Windows application. It gets you up and running within five minutes, and you are spared the talk about partitions and window managers and so on. It's really painless!
If you work mainly with Internet (like Gmail and Facebook) then the choice of operating system is irrelevant and you can more easily switch to Linux. But if you must use Windows because your favorite application XYZ only exists in Windows, then it's difficult to switch.
Some Windows programs can be run inside Linux (using Wine or VirtualBox), but some can't. Apple iTunes is a famous problem because that absolutely won't run on Linux. If you have an iPhone, then you still need to keep Windows (or Mac) around, perhaps as second boot option on the same computer.
Prepare to spend some time researching: I used to do X; I want to do Y; how does that work on Linux? Use Google, and use the support forum of the Linux variant you use - and use SuperUser, too! When you post a question, try to include as much information as possible. What is your situation, and what are you trying to achieve?
Some hardware may not work. Your monitor may run with a lower resolution; that can usually be fixed (see previous item). Your scanner may not be supported; that requires someone to write the driver, which is often unlikely, and you won't/can't do it yourself!
You will be using new applications. Yes, Firefox runs in Linux, and so does Picasa. But your Quicken and iTunes and MS PowerPoint do not. Expect to learn new applications for the tasks you already perform. Be open to these changes! You may be attached to your applications because you know them well, but alternatives can sometimes be even better.
At first, it's daunting to solve problems. Say you want to find an application to replace your Quicken. There a million financial applications for Linux; the difficulty is figuring out which one to use.
Don't listen to the experts too much. There are people with strong opinions about whether ACME or AJAX is best (application/system/tool/whatever), and they try to convert everyone. Such people are everywhere (Win/Mac too.) You can ignore these most of the time, except when they answer your questions (see item 5 above). Ask good questions, get good answers. If you didn't ask, don't listen, move on.