not that i want to, i just like whining

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Incidentally this signature is available in the foyer.

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i'm pissed off i can't choose other unix platforms

not that i want to, i just like whining

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Having used all 3, I find Linux to be the only one I found worthwhile to use on my computers. Windows is tremendously crippled when it comes to doing anything on its own, and seeing as getting third party software actually winds up being easier on a Linux distro, it doesn't really have third party applications going for it. It's mostly useful if you want to play games and don't feel like mucking about with a virtual console to run it.

Mac is at least Unix based, so it comes with a lot more functionality out of the box. Besides, Apple Computers has spent years honing the whole "make it so even complete novices can use a computer" thing so it's got ease of use. That said it annoys me to all hell and if I want to get anything done on it I retreat to the command line and refuse to leave.

So really, that just leaves Linux. It has a huge advantage over Mac in that not only is it cheap, and open source, but it's got all of the advantages of being a Unix based system and more. Most Distros come with a good package manager which make it absolute child's play to find a good third party application to suit your needs, and it's a programmer's dream system for customizing to your liking.

So, as can clearly be seen, I much prefer Linux, but I've laid out my reasons why here so you can analyze them as you will.

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Livewire Wifey: Katie :D
Windows, For when you don't know any better.
Mac, for when you think you do.
Linux, for when you actually want to get something done.

It turned out far better than expected and I'm very happy I made the switch.

It's much more reliable than all of my previous Windows computers and it satisfies every need that I want in a computer.

Plus, it's sexy.

XP was fairly stable but I've still had the occasional crash a few times a week.  Also, you have to constantly have your anti-virus software up to date and run it a few times a week to get rid of the countless number of viruses that always seem to reappear.  Not dissing on windows or anything, I still use XP every now and then, but I have yet to even download an anti-virus program on my mac.

I'd have to say linux comes in 2nd IMO and windows as a last choice.  Linux is an excellent choice for computer experts.  Its open source, so its the most customizable OS out there.  Many distros are also free.  The only thing I find windows useful for is for gaming.  There are a lot more games out for windows, but slowly that is changing.  With more and more people buying macs these days, a lot of game titles are being released for the mac as well.

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XBL Gamertag: techn9ne4lyf

But then, I started thinking  bit more, and I am going to go with Linux based systems based on the ideas and parts of the software in it, the way it does things like managing software, with package management, is far superior to how Windows and OSX do this.

I like that nearly all my software is tied into the same system, and is kept up to date using the same tools, is much better than having each application do this its own way or not at all.

The way drivers are handled in Linux is very nice also, for the most part, you plug something in, and it works, no fussing around needed (at least, that is how things work for me).  There are exceptions to this, but that is mainly because the manufacturers of the hardware that does not work have refused to allow open drivers to be made, resulting in these drivers not being in distributions.

I find that Linux works with more hardware out of the box than either Windows or OSX, and it does so reasonably seamlessly. I bought a web camera last week because it was cheap, had no real idea if it would work or not (though I assumed it would), got to the office, plugged it in, opened an application to see the output of webcameras, and within moments I was waving at myself. The driver CD for windows is in the bin.

Also, another thing, many distributions come with Network Manager, which is the best GUI tool I have ever seen for setting up networks. It beats what is available in Windows and OSX, and looks like it is only going to get better.

Currently, from the one menu, I can connect to whatever networks are available from whatever cards are in the computer with a click. If one wireless card isn't connecting, I plug in a USB one, it shows up seperately in the list with its own list of wireless networks, I click on the one I want, it connects.

Same thing with GSM cards and suchlike.

Anyhow, this may not be entirely coherent, is late, but I think that Linux based distributions already provide a better user experience than anything else in several areas  and it is probably only a matter of time before they provide a better user experience in all or nearly all areas.