Advantages to Linux

• You are not limited to having to use Microsoft's Operating System and all of it's flaws, including Spyware/Malware, Registry Problems, Viruses and Trojans, ...etc

• (Most) Linux's are 100% free... at least they are suppose to be (for Home users).... the ones that cost money are for for enterprise/business use anyway

• Not counting a “base system”, you install (or have installed by default) what you want

  • (This sort of goes with the last bullet-point) I have noticed that while sometimes there are Gigabytes of data installed with Windows. have been testing ( “playing with”) a number of distribution is and even after install a large number of packages (Programs), I see “used space” at 3GB TOTAL.

    • Granted that every distribution is different

• Granted that everyone uses different software]
  • Many programs are exactly (different installers, but same program) as in Windows. If you are very familiar with any of these programs, then you will be glad to know they are the same in Linux and its sense of something familiar when you try Linux.
    • Examples:
      • Pidgin
      • Firefox
      • Chromium (The open source browser, Google customizes and calls it's own)
      • VLC Media Player
      • Clementine Media Player
      • Open Office
      • Libre Office

• All of the “System Recovery” Cds/DVDs I have seen ARE Linux. I have to say that I have seen many users not even able to get into Safe Mode in Windows, and they think everything is lost. I have them boot Linux (any of these recovery discs OR any live distribution for that matter), and they can get to ALL of their files and backup no problem.

• In the case of many new Live distribution's (whatever version of Linux it is) , you can even play videos and audio files right away... no need to install ANYTHING. This can be a savior for people that need to get to a certain file or anything of that nature and Windows is not working correctly.