There are many things that you should consider when you are deciding on a Linux operating system. Linux is by far the most popular choice among web developers today. It has many positive aspects to it that would surely catch your attention. However, there are also some disadvantages that you need to consider if you are planning on using this system for your website or for your home computer. Although the list of its advantages is longer than the list of its disadvantages, it is important to look at both sides before settling for any particular operating system. It is also important to learn why choose Linux in the first place.

One of the many reasons why Linux is preferred by web developers is because of its high level of compatibility with all major browsers and programs. Unlike Microsoft Windows, which has been known to have serious compatibility problems with the majority of the software packages used today, Linux is compatible with all of them. Furthermore, this is not the case with Microsoft. Windows users are only able to access a handful of applications, while those using the Linux OS can browse and experience a broader platform for software development and web browsing. This is because there are many more applications available in the Linux OS.

Another plus factor with the Linux system is that it is affordable. It is a cheaper alternative to other systems such as Windows, which are also commonly used by millions of people around the world. For just $ppa dollars (US dollars), you can get a powerful operating system that will definitely be able to meet all your computing needs. However, this price might be a bit higher than what you expect. There might be occasions when you will need to spend more on upgrades and added features that will improve the productivity of your system.

In terms of security, Linux has fewer advantages compared to its competitors. Linux does not implement any type of security measure that can minimize the harm that hackers and other Internet criminals can do. There are still ways, however, to make your system safer and more secure so that you will not have to worry too much about these problems. It is a given fact that the Internet can cause so many troubles to people, especially those who have limited knowledge on how to use the computer system properly.

Linux users also have to deal with a slower boot-up time compared to Windows. Some have claimed that they have to wait for several minutes before they can fully load. This could easily affect your productivity especially if you are a working individual who is always on the go. The system also runs slower when it comes to networking. You will have a hard time finding an online site and using instant messaging if it takes too long to load.

One disadvantage of using Linux is its general simplicity. It has a very basic system that does not provide you many benefits when it comes to adding any advanced functions or plug-ins. You cannot integrate a database, networking, or even a media player into the system. You cannot create your own desktop wallpaper or even install any of your favorite software applications. Many find it boring since all the features in a typical Linux operating system are already available through standard options.

The Linux operating system is also not very flexible when it comes to configuring it for additional software programs. Most users are faced with the problem of not being able to select an application that they want to use just because the program does not support the settings that they have for their Linux system. You may also find it difficult to use third-party applications because they do not fully support the Linux platform.

Despite the disadvantages, many people still prefer to use Linux for their web hosting needs. Even though there are some drawbacks to the system, most people still value the advantages that it offers. If you too are considering using a Linux system for your website hosting needs, then you should know some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Linux.

With our economy having its, well, ups and downs lately, you might be thinking “Is now really a good time to think about purchasing a new computer?” Meanwhile, software applications that once needed robust hardware to run are now moving on to the Internet. The result is an upturn in the purchase of netbooks and low powered “Internet Appliances”, most of which cost less than a really nice new shirt (well, not really, but you get the idea).

With the onslaught of relatively inexpensive PCs coming from every major manufacturer and aimed at the new “cloud” generation, many are running one flavor or another of Linux. Why? Because Linux can be a rock-stable, slim Operating System, making it a perfect choice for these “slimmed-down” machines. In short, Linux maybe THE answer for lower-end hardware-based computers.

When it comes to the rest of the computing world, generally you only see Windows Vista or Mac OS X – but when it comes to netbooks, low requirement PC’s, and many other digital devices (routers, cell phones, televisions, PDA’s, and more), Linux is making some big headway. In short, Linux is an almost perfect fit for lower CPU and power requirements.

For those pinching pennies (and who isn’t these days?), a Linux-based PC may be the best of all worlds. Using Linux, one can resurrect a thought-to-be-obsolete desktop or laptop with an up to date, safe, and easy to use the operating system. One example – our office currently houses six PC’s being used for various tasks by our staff, all running Linux. They are all Dell GX150 PC’s with Pentium 3 CPU’s running at 933Mhz, with 256MB of ram and 20GB hard drive space each, as well as one “server” – a 2.4Ghz Compaq with 512MB of ram and two 500GB hard drives (running Linux, of course, and this is our NAS, print server, firewall/router, and more). Our entire network cost about $800. That’s less than a lot of new workstation PC’s.

The beauty of this OS is its stability, as any Linux user can attest to. Linux is stable. Like rock-solid stable. Linux machines don’t crash, they boot quickly, and are far more reliable computers than their XP and Vista counterparts. However, there are still a few folks out there who are going to go with the XP option for familiarity’s sake. Linux is new to most people, and people generally don’t like having to learn something new unless they have to. Most don’t realize all the software they’re accustomed to can (generally) be replaced by a Linux alternative, and for far less cash outlay. They don’t understand that the savings in computer repairs stemming from Windows’ vulnerabilities to viruses and malware. They haven’t been told about the huge increase in security Linux provides compared to Windows.

All that being said, the move to Linux computing is becoming more noticeable now than ever before. Without the economic crisis to factor in people’s spending decisions, people probably wouldn’t have considered the Linux option as strongly as they’re doing today. When every dollar saved counts, the decision to go Linux may be more about cost savings than anything else, but that might be what it takes to get people to try the OS computer geeks have been raving about for years. Give Linux a shot, and you might be surprised.