Is it worth transferring from a MAC OS to a linux OS?

Is it too much hassle?


How long does it take?


Do you have to know heaps about computers to be able to transfer to it?





I probably know more about computers than the average person in Australia but I dont know how to hack a computer or use an emulator for example. Is it too complex for someone like me or should I go for it?Is it worth transferring from a MAC OS to a linux OS?
Well... As stated in previous answers, Linux OS is very vague as there are many different distributions designed for different tasks. The strongest supported distro of linux is Ubuntu, which is aimed for the average home user. Something you should know is that Mac OS and Linux are UNIX based operating systems, so you will see many similarities. The biggest difference is that Ubuntu is much cleaner (but still a little bloated with GUI), and probably faster than Mac OS X. Linux is simple to use, not too much of a hassle, and doesn't take long. The knowledge needed to use depends on what you are doing. If you are simply listening to music, web browsing, or office/school work, you just need to know how to turn on the computer and point and click. The one problem I encountered when switching to Ubuntu was installing software. I discovered that there is a software manager that seeks out and installs any programs you might need automatically. This makes it easier than Windows or Mac OS X. Further more, Ubuntu already comes bundled with essential software, such as a music player, an office suite, web-browser, etc.





In another answer I saw a guy pose the question essentially stating that fee-based software is better than open-source free software. This is NOT true. In fact, quite the contrary really. Windows (~$300) is the least stable and slowest performing operating system, not to mention least secure since it is plagued with viruses and spyware. My question is why would you pay any money for this kind of software when there is a free alternative that is much better. Most servers run on UNIX operating systems (such as Linux) and most have not needed to reboot for years. Further more, if there is a bug found in any opensource software, anyone can contribute to fix it, and there are more eyes to catch it. There is usually a fix available within hours. Windows and other proprietary software only has company employees looking at the code. So it would take longer to both find and fix the bug as it would open-source. A fix is available within in weeks or months. My question is why would you pay to use Windows, Mac OS, or any other proprietary software?








Also Ubuntu comes with a feature called Live-CD. This allows you to boot the entire OS from the CD without making ANY changes to your computer so you can try it out BEFORE you install and commit to it. All you need to do is download the disc image (.iso) and burn it. You can also set up a Live-USB, which is essentially putting the CD on a USB flash drive instead of burning it to a disc. You can also set up a dual-boot configuration, which Ubuntu will do for you with little effort. Just install on a separate partition.





I personally use Ubuntu for school. The ONLY reason why I'm keeping Windows is for the sole purpose of gaming.





Here are some sites you might want to check out:





Ubuntu website:


http://www.ubuntu.com/





Why Linux is better (than Windows):


http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/





Download link:


http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download








If you need help, please let me know via email. I will be glad to assist you.Is it worth transferring from a MAC OS to a linux OS?
I keep seeing this kind of question pop up...





and I always ask - Why would you want to transfer from something you have paid for (meaning it will be of higher qulity) in favour of a free open source OS (being free, meaning it's going to be a lot less user friendly, smooth running, compatable'ness)??





But, to actually answer the question - All I would say is that it can take time depending on how much you know. The less you know, obviously it's going to take more time. If you are willing to put in those extra hours to learn how to use it properly, or to simply get things to work, then yes, all for it!


Just be sure you do want to make the switch though - there are somethings that will need quite a bit of tampering to get working. Beside all that, there is a very active and helpful online community for Linux distros. They will help you with anything you can't figure out yourself - granted that you have actually tried to solve whatever problem has arose yourself first.
Just saying LInux OS doesn't give us much information as there are thousands of Linux operating systems now. Some very complex and set up for computer science geeks some made up for novice users and kids. Here are a couple of good sites to help you find one that fits your needs. Some here are available in Live CD, meaning you can leave everything on your computer alone, just put in the CD and it will start a linux OS and when you shut it down simply take out the disc and you will have your MAC back the next time you start it up.





http://www.linux.org/dist/list.html





http://www.osst.co.uk/category.php?id=3





Live CD downloads. http://www.linux.org/dist/list.html





I just seen the first response to your question. To reply to what they said. Some Linux are very user unfriendly others are more user friendly than Windows or Mac.





Ubuntu is fairly user friendly while having more features offered by Mac or Windows. It is easy to write your own programs using Ubuntu.





Berry and Wolfe are more user friendly and have built in hardware detection.





This webpage shows your linux options. Just click on anyone you want to and you can see screenshots and get details about that particular OS


http://thecodingstudio.com/opensource/li鈥?/a>
Sorry, hey there.


No, not worth.


I don't think Linux is better than Mac.


Hope helps.
Does linux run on apple hardware in native mode?





If in emulator mode it will run like a 2 legged dog.
HELL NO
Seeing as ANY OPPERATING SYSTEM IS AN UPGRADE FROM THE MAC OS.. I say go for it =)