|
Re: To Linux or not to Linux that is the Question
The thing is, it's fear of unchartered waters and unfamiliarity. Linux OS's are capable of doing the same as Windows or Mac, but as with the differences between Windows and Macs, Linux is different again. Microsoft have a monopoly and most hardware and software works with Microsoft software. However, the Linux community is strong enough to produce applications and drivers for the same purpose, something which they usually do. I tried to do a switch to Linux but it is very very difficult because everything has to be adjusted, something which people don't want to do when they have everything ticking away nicely.
For example, Linux doesn't have the licensing to provide some proprietary formats like WMA and WMV of Microsoft. I wouldn't be able to use Visual Basic in Linux for my college course.
I also think Linux suffers due to the many different distributions available. This is really confusing for users and means that Linux lacks a definitive brand and brand image, making advertising and promotion extremely difficult. Because Linux distros range from friendly home user interfaces to fully functioning sever software, Linux can't be marketed as just "Linux". I think Linux are at a disadvantage, because people trust big brands, huge companies to deliver, when the Linux community actually does a darn good job.
The fact that Linux is more secure is open to debate. You can't accurately assess this when the market share is so small and hackers are less likely to target. The one thing that does maker Linux appear more secure is the fact that is Open Source so anyone in the community can look for security flaws and help fix them when a problem arises. Such an active community allows flaws to be shut quickly.
|