Why should you need to read this article?

Linux is an Operating System which is available FREE of cost. You don't have to pay a single penny for obtaining Linux. There are many Linux distributions. Linux is actually a kernel and all distributions are build around this Linux Kernel. Linux has been developed by hundreds of programmers from around the globe. Linux Distributions have an anti virus software, firewall, office applications, Photoshop (clone), 3D Max (clone) and almost every software that you may demand for. You even get Need for Speed clones that too “FREE OF COST”. It also has software that permits you to run Windows applications and GAMES.

Certain features including 3D Desktop effects, in Windows Vista (the latest Windows Operating System) have been present in Linux since its inception.
In terms of security, if any security hole is found in Linux it can be repaired in a day’s time. It is a long known fact that there have been 0.001 instances of viruses (as good as nil) in Linux as compared to Windows. Windows passwords are the easiest to crack; on the contrary Linux gives a tough time to the hackers by making it very difficult to crack the passwords.
Linux Distributions generally take an hour or more for complete installation, but in this time all additional softwares are also installed. Installing Linux Distributions is child's play – you can use Linux without installing it on your hard drive, thus saving your valuable disk space for those family photos and the new Jlo hits!!

Be it Windows or Linux both are very powerful operating systems and for a newbie there is not much difference but the important divergence is the cost involved. Just Windows XP with no additional software costs around $100+. The biggest drawback of Windows is that it does not include any essential software like anti virus, spy ware and firewall, which have become one of the most vital softwares and hence need to be purchased and installed separately. An Anti virus & Firewall software will cost you around $50 with additional cost for subscription and renewal on annual basis. Users will definitely make use of Office Applications for word processing, spreadsheet, presentation etc. Microsoft liberally charges approximately $200 for the providing the same. There are many other office applications but Microsoft has successfully etched it in the minds of people that “Microsoft Office is the best”. Undoubtedly its features are very good but it comes with a steep price tag, whereas OpenOffice provides the same feature with zero costs.

Microsoft is in the course of releasing its new Windows Operating System – WINDOWS VISTA. The price for its basic home edition is $199; The Ultimate Edition costs $399. It excludes Office & Anti virus software. And forget Windows Vista even working on your 1990's PC. Thus the total cost involved is equivalent to the cost of a brand new PC.
Windows XP may not work on a computer your granddad used in the 1900's, but Linux will!! And what's more, Linux is as easy as windows to use and that too at no extra cost for softwares!

In the Indian context approximately more than 90% of the PCs are purchased from local vendors. The maximum price to be paid to get Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Anti virus and other vital software would be just around $12.
Windows maybe the most popular Operating System, but there's always space for something close to perfection, that's why the world should pave the way for Linux.


Maulik Gordhandas