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Do I use a Linux or Windows based operating system? This is a question many computer users are faced with when they purchase a new computer. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article I will debate the topic at hand and show you which operating system will fit your individual needs.

Linux - Linux comes in many different flavors(distributions): Red Hat, SuSE, MandrakeSoft and many others. Some Linux versions you can get for a fairly inexpensive price while others you can get for absolutely free. That is just one of the many advantages of this innovative software. Here is a compacted list of advantages you will find with Linux:

1.Very inexpensive or free.
2.Able to run numerous programs at once without lag.
3.One of the best server operating systems out there for its price.
4.Compatible with most if not all Personal Computers.
5.Comes with many free tools that you can use for: programming, graphics editing, word processing, and development kits.
6.Extremely secure.
7.Very customizable.
Here are some disadvantages:
1.Inexperienced computer users will find it very hard to use.
2.It can be difficult to install.
3.It usually lacks support for certain hardware and can be difficult to install drivers.
4.Games, Movies, and other popular media will usually not run on Linux.
5.It is not very user friendly.
6.Start up times can sometimes take a long period of time.
7.Corrupts very easily when not shut down properly.

Windows It's been around a long time and most new users are going to be using this operating system. The newest version windows has come out with is Windows Vista, in my opinion, their worst accomplishment yet. If you're a new user and not very good with computers I really recommend you go with windows. Here are some advantages to using windows:
1.Very user friendly.
2.Almost anyone can use it.
3.Very easy to install.
4.Compatible with almost all new hardware.
5.Great for games, movies, or basically anything you want to do.
6.Has its own updating tool.
Disadvantages:
1.Expensive, usually costs more than $100.
2.Lacks security, susceptible to viruses, worms, and hackers.
3.Runs fairly slow compared to Linux and requires a higher-grade computer.
4.Not a good choice for Graphic editing.

Basically each of these operating system have both their advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on the purpose you have for your computer.

Learn more about this author, Kohl Linsberg.
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