Windows 2000 Pro or Red Hat Linux?

[funkvibe]

I've been using Windows 2000 Pro for a while now and haven't been having many problems. I mainly use my computer for Internet stuff like FTP, surfing, home networking, IRC servers, newsgroups, client sharing programs...etc. My question is, what would be a better OS for me: Windows 2000 Pro or Red Hat Linux? Does anybody in the forums use Red Hat Linux?

[Ghost_Hacker]

I use Red Hat and if my games played on it too. I wouldn't even use Windows at home. Not that Windows is bad for home use, though it can be a bit tiresome for power users like me. But Linux is so "hackable" I have even changed my GUI to look like something out of Matrix. (can't do that in Windows without buying some 3rd party program. ) So if you don't use any "Windows only" apps and are sure Linux will support the hardware you have or might have, then you won't miss Windows at all


With Red Hat you'll want to keep up to date on patches and learn how to secure your box. (or just run Bastille Linux to secure it) Be warned that unlike Windows, Linux has a steep learning curve. But then what does that matter since Red Hat is so cheap to get http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif If you don't like it you can always go back to Windows having only lost about $50 at most.



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 06-19-2002).]

[sleddog]

The biggest challenge I find when using Linux is handling Windows-specific file types. I work in a group environment and frequently people pass me files in formats such as CorelDraw, Powerpoint, MS Project, etc. Attempting to work with these files with native Linux software is at best difficult and at worst impossible.

I'd advise anyone looking at migrating to Linux to look at this issue carefully. If it isn't an issue for you, then go for it. If it is an issue, plan to keep a Windows machine around (or install in a dual-boot configuration).