Windows 7 versus Linux?
Thoughts on one OS over the other? I'm considering transferring from Windows to Linux, but I'd like to know if the upgrade to Windows 7 would be worth it.
Software/Hardware used:
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ASKED:
March 8, 2011 7:16 PM
UPDATED:
April 13, 2011 6:39 AM
Answer Wiki:
The best answer for your question is "it depends" - Not being funny, but consider the following:
1) What type of services / applications will you be using?
2) Do you have knowledge and experience with Linux?
3) What version of windows do you currently have?
4) What flavor of Linux would you consider moving to?
5) Does your Linux choice support the applications you need?
If you're on a Windows deployment, and all your software / users are entrenched in, say, Windows XP, then Win7 is a great choice. Just be sure your gear can handle the upgrade...
As said, you can try to do a dual-boot of both Windows and Linux (like what I do), or have one of the OSes installed in a virtual machine. Another option is download a live CD of a Linux flavor you're wanting to try, and see how it works on your current set up. Beyond that, there's really nothing else people can say.
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Windows 7 is really nice. I run Linux @ home, and thought about switching here at work as well on a new PC build. (I would have put 7 in a vm for any needs I might have had.) But, after using it for a while, I was really impressed. So, it is my main OS here at work, and I have Linux in a vm.
But…I’m running a 4-core, 8GB RAM system. So…it’s beefy. On older hardware I may have went with Linux. The easiest thing to do in your situation might be to install both to a partitioned hard drive (install 7 first, not using the whole hard drive, then install Linux last) and try them both out!
Not mentioned is the environment that the machine is being used. If it is an office machine, and the business is firmly entrenched in the Microsoft world, you really have no choice but to go with Windows 7. There simply is not enough comparability between Linux programs and their Microsoft cousins to go with Linux. Open Office does a very good job, but there is no guarantee that the conversion of a document either way will be 100% faithful to the original.
If this is for your use at home, we have a whole different ball game. You’ll need to sit down and analyze how you use your home machine. Once you have done that, look to see what is available for Linux equivalents to perform your tasks. If you decide that the trade off of staying with the relatively known (Windows environment) and going to the relatively unknown (Linux distro) is worth it, go with Linux. If you do not feel that you would be comfortable, then stick with Windows.
One thing I think I should point out is that if your current machine is more than about 3 years old, and you wish to go with Windows 7, you may be better off buying a new machine.
I should point out that I am a Windows guy who has skimmed the surface of bot Linux and Mac OS’s but do not feel I know enough about either to pontificate about them.
I agree with Ehanse24.
It comes down to how much effort you want to put into it and how well your environment is designed.
You can always go dual-boot and run Linux along side with Windows 7. With an OEM license windows 7 is fairly affordable and most Linux distros are free to use.
Good suggestions r here ! but where is the Q asker reply