Linux is by FAR the better OS and always will be. Just the kernel alone and how memory is managed etc is enough of a reason to state that Linux is the better OS. As far as usability goes, Yeah your right. Dubasses with no brains cannot figure out how to use Linux however if you have an ounce of common sense you should be able to get Linux installed and learn pretty damn quickly how to use it, especially with the welth of information available on the net in regards to Linux. I have no run across a single application that I have wante dto use on Linux that there has not been multiple How-To papers available for on the net. This is just my opinion
They are both about the same in the end. But if you want your hard disk to last longer, I would recommend vista. Linux is just for web browsing, coding and web hosting. (It has some good games)
Linux, well ubuntu to be more specific.. I've been using linux (for servers) for more then 10 years, and linux on my desktop for about 3 years. Its amazing to see the improvements. And also the support that linux is getting these days from important software companies. Anyway, i can understand that people do want their microsoft thing.. change is difficult for people. Look how much people cant even switch from XP to vista!
There is alot more troubleshooting with Linux in regards to getting things working but you just need patience. For someone who loves computers it can actually be fun figuring out how to use Linux, thats why its as popular as it is oh yeah and the whole stability, resource management and security thing.
I have been using Linux since 1994...also windows for years. Without a doubt Ubuntu is a great distro based on rock solid debian. I would take it over vista or xp... Not to mention the software available...open the package manager and it is like being in a software store where they are giving away free software. Ubuntu has come a long way. A newbie can actually do things pretty easily after using it for a day. My youngest daughter is 12...she always uses windows...or she steals my laptop and has no problem using ubuntu on my laptop.
Well the average user is not going to need the command line. The average person is going to be using email, open office, web browser, web development software, etc...Anything that is not unusual...really doesn't require a command line at all anymore. I have to use a command line a lot because I am compiling goofy things that most people don't have a need for. And if you have a need for some of the crazy stuff...you more than likely have the ability to install it or to comprehend how to install it. Not to mention the community is just huge. They are pretty willing to help anyone over at their forums etc... Now when I was using slackware back in the days...a lot of them were ego nutcases that weren't willing to help anyone LOL...as far as they were concerned everyone was an idiot but them.
I definately don't agree with that...it goes way beyond that. Most people that don't like it are 3d gamers. Dreamweaver 8 actually runs better in ubuntu than windows under wine...heh
I use XP for games thats why you dual boot so you can have the best of both worlds. The Ubuntu installation will set it all up for you, there no need really to choose one of the other.