1. Linux vs Windows: Which is better? David North

2. Defining terms

3. Me ● Windows user for 10 years ● Linux user for 10 months ● Then I joined CompSoc...

4. Evolution of a geek ● Many of my fellow CompSoc members ran Linux all the time ● But they still couldn't persuade me: Windows did everything I wanted, and who better than the market leader?

5. Giving it a go ● Then I started using Linux at the ComLab, got an account on the CompSoc network, took over as a JCR Computer Rep and became responsible for a couple of Linux servers ● Finally changed my laptop to dual Windows/Linux in March 2007

6. Case distinction ● (Very) broadly speaking, two different things you can do with Linux (much as with Windows): run it on a server, or run it on a desktop/laptop PC ● Two entirely different tasks

7. On a server ● Linux beats Windows, almost every time ● 12.7% of the global market and rising; about 60% of web servers run some form of Linux ● I believe it will increase

8. On the desktop ● Much less clear-cut (to my mind) ● If I want to sit down and do some serious work – web development, systems administration, talking on IRC, academic work, other vital stuff - which is better?

9. For and against ● Linux is (effectively) free, but Windows costs money ● Linux is more difficult to install, but Windows has silly activation ● Microsoft and OEMs provide fairly comprehensive support for Windows – but it's often crap, and Linux forums online are full of helpful people

10. More for and against ● Windows interface is more familiar, but Linux needn't be massively different ● Windows is vulnerable to viruses and spyware – but Linux has problems too, and spam/phishing are inescapable on both

11. In short ● It's a very close call. ● Personally, I find Linux better these days, if I can get the hardware to work ● Your mileage may vary

12. BUT: The goalposts are moving Time Number of reasons 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009(?)

13. There are great days ahead! ● With the release of Vista, Microsoft have detracted hugely from the number of reasons to use Windows ● “Friendly” Linux distributions like Ubuntu are adding to the number of reasons to use Linux ● I believe 2009 will be the year “real people” start using Linux

14. Questions?