Windows or Linux? - The big debate!

[Ben]

Okay - I spent at least 2 minutes deciding where this topic should go - I couldn't find any particular forum so it's in this forum, just incase you are wondering .

I want to make a topic that has a huge debate - like the one about PHP, JSP, ASP.NET & Ruby on Rails.

Basically, what is your favourite operating system? Linux or Windows?

I like Linux because, a) it's open source, b) it works with so many SQL Server databases and c) because it's used all over the world, it's very well known. However, the thing that bugs me is that it doesn't support ASP.NET - for obvious reasons.

I like Windows because it supports PHP, MySQL, MSSQL, ASP.NET and other useful tools. The only problem for me with Windows is Plesk, it always has problems.

How about you, and why?

[DPS Computing]

Linux - hands down.

The only reason that a lot of things are Windows dependant is because Microsoft make it this way. And the pure reason for that is to hold onto customers rather than further computing (which the makers of Linux are trying to do).

[paul]

Originally Posted by Ben

I like Windows because it supports PHP, MySQL, MSSQL, ASP.NET and other useful tools. The only problem for me with Windows is Plesk, it always has problems.

Best to wait for cPanel for window which is expected in Feb.

[John]

Hello,

I would say that it is largely down to personal preference. I would personally recommend going with Linux unless you have a specific need for Windows. For example, if your application/site can run on both Linux and Windows, it is generally cheaper to go for the Linux option. Also, you have to take into account resource usage. By default Windows will use more than the equivalent Linux setup.

For desktop, I have Ubuntu on my laptop and like it a lot. Hard to imagine going back to windows now. I can certainly see why people still choose Windows though. Lack of any realistic gaming for Linux (not a problem for a work station) and such things such as Photoshop are always going to lure people to Windows and Mac.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by John

Hello,

I would say that it is largely down to personal preference. I would personally recommend going with Linux unless you have a specific need for Windows. For example, if your application/site can run on both Linux and Windows, it is generally cheaper to go for the Linux option. Also, you have to take into account resource usage. By default Windows will use more than the equivalent Linux setup.

For desktop, I have Ubuntu on my laptop and like it a lot. Hard to imagine going back to windows now. I can certainly see why people still choose Windows though. Lack of any realistic gaming for Linux (not a problem for a work station) and such things such as Photoshop are always going to lure people to Windows and Mac.

Price tag for Windows-related Web hosting is obviously going to be more expensive than Linux - and Windows usually (or almost does so) create products for their operating systems only, which forces users to go for the Windows operating system. The everlasting problem is that Microsoft won't release some of their biggest ever inventions open source (i.e. ASP.NET)

[KellyJ]

Ben,

ASP.Net is now available on Linux, via the Novell's Mono ptoject, currently at version 1.2:
"Mono provides the necessary software to develop and run .NET client and server applications on Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X, Windows, and Unix." http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page

Microsoft's Silverlight (alternative to Adobe's Flash) will also be available for Linux, via a partnership with Novell.

Myself, I'm a Windows platform developer, but not for technical reasons, rather because my initial programming experience was with VB. I don't claim one OS to be superior to the other. I couldn't anyway, since I have no Linux experience. I find the most informative comments are from those who have extensive experience of both.

James

[paul]

Also they've a pre-compiled live cd which is easiest way to start over; monoppix.com/