Originally posted by puDDs
Well jeez, its cheaper in the short run than Win98. But cheaper doesn't mean better.
Yes, Linux is stable. Yes linux is fast. Unfortunately, installing/uninstalling software is a bitch, finding software is a bitch, fixing problems is a bitch, and installing the OS itself is a bitch.
Windows 2000 is the OS to have. Not Windows 98. I've had 1 crash since I installed last september, and that was caused by Easy CD Creator (I hate that program). I don't reboot except for software installs or patches, and 2000 never falters.
I tried to give up Windows. I don't like Microsoft, because I don't like the power they have. But I failed. A week with only linux on my computer and I bailed out. No Flash, no Paint Shop Pro, no Unreal Tournament, no UltraEdit, no VB, no IE, no Outlook and no Dreamweaver. Basically, no advantages. The only program I really liked from Linux was Everybuddy, which let me connect to ICQ, Aim, MSN and Yahoo all at once. It was nice, since I hate ICQ and I use it and MSN all the time. But it was hardly a reason to use Linux.
I have copies of Solaris and FreeBSD burned to disc right now for when I get the anti-microsoft urge again. I'm even tempted to switch to a *nix flavour on my server, instead of Win2k, but if I do, I lose ASP, which I much prefer over PHP (I know, Chilisoft ASP, but I have no exp. with that).
Like it or not, Linux is not a viable alternative for 99% of users.