First of all, a few of my friends have become very mislead by the idea of Linux in general, and I don't blame them. In itself, Linux is a kernel, but let's not go into details. Linux is more than one OS, it's a lot more. What people use is actually called a Linux distribution, or a Linux distro. A distribution is an OS made with the Linux kernel, that's pretty much all you need to know to become confused. Basically, it's like a Toyota car. There are many kinds of Toyota's, like the Tundra, or the Prius. However, although the designs are entirely different, it's still a Toyota engine underneath. Every Linux distro is different, but underneath, they are all build around the Linux kernel.

You can find information regarding pretty much every distribution on a site called www.distrowatch.com, a nice site which also has a hit counter list displaying which Linux distro's site is most visited. However- this can be very confusing to the newcomer. My first observation while coming to this site was the the first distro listed on the hit counter. It was Ubuntu. Anyone who has gone online searching for "Operating Systems" on Google has probably stubled upon Ubuntu. Known to fellow Linux users as "The Behemoth," it's probably the most loved or hated distro on the planet. If you asked a random person what Linux was, they'd probably respond to it by saying, "Oh, you mean Ubuntu!" But that is not true at all. Ubuntu is just another distro that has gained world-wide popularity. Because of this popularity, many users only compare Ubuntu to Windows Vista and Mac OS 10.5 Leopard. In this article, we are not comparing a single distro, but what all the distros have to offer.

First of all, the main aspect of Linux is the fact that it is practically immune to viruses, malware, spyware, adware, and the like. I've known more people that switch to Linux because of the issue of viruses than I have people switch to Macs. Maybe it's just the advertising that Linux does, "No viruses!" but it seems to be working! Plus one point for Linux! However, Mac users will also argue that they get far less viruses than Windows users. This is true, although Mac computers are also easier to hack. There is no option in the installation of Leopard that allows an encrypted harddrive, which is more important than you think, but in the Ubuntu advanced install, there are numerous options for security. Plus 1/2 a point for Mac users! Now Windows- tsk tsk tsk! This is one thing that Windows users always get annoyed about. Although the advent of a virus checker on Internet Explorer 7 downloads does bring down the virus count down some, even with all the various virus and malware protecters, Windows computers are still the easiest to hack, and to get accidental viruses on. 0 points for Windows...

Mac- 1/2, Linux- 1, Windows- 0

Next up on the list of features- ease of use. This is the only part of Linux that always seems to break it down. Linux tends to be more difficult to use- I don't disagree with that part. But the paradox is that Linux also has the best documentation, better than Windows and Mac has put together. If you're smart enough to search your technological woes on Youtube, you will come to the greatest list of search results ever. This is especially true for Ubuntu users. The Ubuntu Forums has a reputation to be the most active forums page ever. If you post a question on the forums, it will be answered within 2 minutes. Trust me- I've tried it. Now Windows and Mac- they have no official forums to request help, so if you have a problem, Vista will give you this response- "Windows has not found any solution to this problem." If you have a Mac, you don't even get that little useless response- you get squat. Another plus for Linux!

Mac- 1/2, Linux- 1, Windows- 0

The next major feature of operating systems is drivers. The ability to use everyday technology with a computer is huge, especially with the advent of the iPod. Linux does pretty poorly on this section of the test. Windows is the main contender, with Mac trailing behind. Windows has the most drivers ever, just do a quick search on Google for any driver you need, and *poof,* it's there. Linux barely has any other support for drivers other than posting a request on the forums. For wireless drivers, however, Linux has a tool called NDis Wrapper, which uses Windows drivers to enable your wireless card. Macs have no such thing. On a Mac, you can ONLY use Mac software and equipement. Sorry, that's all, folks!

Mac- 1/2, Linux- 2, Windows- 1

This is the time that we talk about eye candy. Macs have been known for having the most eye candy, but I have to disagree. I believe the order is such- Linux > Windows > Mac. The newest Mac Leopard operating system has done little to look better, despite the dock. However, Linux has a fancy bit of software called Beryl, or Compiz-Fusion. This makes your desktop look amazing. I'm not just talking about regular amazing, I'm talking about italisized amazing. Take a look at this video, showing EVERYTHING in terms of eye candy you can do with Vista, and then comparing it with Linux.

When you minimize a window in Linux, you can select it to look like fire burns straight down it, or rain to fill it all up. With Vista and a Mac, it just minimizes in an animation. When you use the dock on Linux, when you drag an icon into it, it literally bounces using a physics engine. Linux also has this feature called "multiple desktops," which Mac has just recently shamelessly copied. It enables you to have more than one "screen" at a time, for example- you could have one screen with Firefox browsing the latest videos on Youtube, and another with iTunes up and running, playing your favorite tunes. You can seamlessly switch between these two "screens." When you do, a nice cube appears, and spins to your desired "screen." No such animation for Macs, just a simple screen displaying your "screens." I think Linux really deserves some points for this- it's pretty much alone in this field.

Mac- 1/2, Linux- 4, Windows- 2

That pretty much sums everything up! I do believe that Linux is a strong competitor, and many experts say that by 2020, Linux will have taken over Windows. Viva La Linux!

Windows has conditioned us to run updates and download the latest drivers but with Linux you only have to add software if you want. Drivers or software are not required for it to run at its' best. Linux is flexible in many ways because you can put in the software you want instead of install all the component. By not running all the software and updates than Linux uses less disk space. If a hard drive is almost full than Linux still could run because it doesn't take much to run the system. Linux is really a hassle free operating system and the time we use for updates would be time that businesses could use elsewhere. Businesses worry about the security of their systems especially with windows.

Linux is one of the most secure operating systems we have. That means the system is hack free and if I owned a business that would be important. The reasons that the system is secure is that all the software and downloads are free so that your credit card doesn't have to go over the internet. The administrator has the option of letting his employee have access to the files he wants. Instead of an employee hacking into the computer and getting important information the employer can block their access to that file. He can also see who is on the network and how long. It's real nice with payroll and to see what his employees are doing. The cost of Linux is not even comparable to windows.

Windows cost us a lot of money with all the downloads and buying of newer software or the licenses to run the software. But as for Linux, the software is GNU (General Public License) which means that you can start working right away without the worry that the trial period will be over soon. It is much more stable than windows because we never need to reboot Linux to maintain the performance. In the business aspect, time is money and rebooting a lot will cost time and money. The licenses that we pay for on windows usually are for only a single computer while Linux software can be distributed on as many computers as you like without costing a dime. Businesses that use Linux would be Pizza hut, Chucky Cheese and I'm sure there are more. With business that is high volume customers like in the pizza business than Linux would be perfect and hassle free. You would think with all the money that the pizza businesses are saving with Linux than the cost of pizza would be real low.

As you can see, Linux is a better operating system than window or at least cost less. The cost of software and Licenses sure do add up but with Linux you will never have that. Your credit card or important information will never go over the internet. Linux can run for long period of time without being rebooted unlike windows. If I were a business owner than Linux would be the way to go but the most difficult thing is to teach the employees how to run Linux.

Before you venture out to any retail electronics or computer stores, first sit down and decide exactly what it is you need in a system. One of the most important considerations is choosing between a portable notebook size or a larger permanently placed desktop model. There are several advantages and disadvantages to each of these types.

The smaller, portable notebook obviously is the way to go if you need to take your system with you to work, school, or other location outside of the house. The prevalence of wireless hotspots in major metropolitan areas makes the notebook the computer of choice for many who need Internet access on the go. While these models used to be only economically feasible for information technology professionals and executives, the prices have fallen dramatically and represent an increasingly larger share of today's computer purchases. The down side to notebook computers is that the components and memory are a bit restrictive for upgrades. Upgrading memory in a notebook computer tends to take more out of your wallet than a desktop computer would. Additionally, you cannot upgrade the video or sound cards easily on a laptop. Many of today's newer components usually require more power which a notebook cannot deliver. However, notebook computers are easily expandable with external devices through USB ports so you can connect an additional monitor, keyboard, or mouse as well as many other types of peripherals. Battery power, memory, and video capabilities vary from model to model. Notebook computers are made in all sizes and weights, so if you are planning to transport it often, be sure it is one that you can easily carry. The larger the screen, the heavier and bulkier it will be. Because of their portability, notebooks are more prone to theft, spills, and other accidental damage, so be sure to take extra precautions if you decide to purchase one.

The larger desktop computers have one distinct advantage over their notebook cousins. That is, you get more bang for your buck with more powerful memory, processor, and hard drive components. The power supply on a desktop allows the use of turbo graphic video cards, processors, and other components. If you are a die hard gamer, for example, you will find that a desktop will deliver the effects you are looking for more effectively and inexpensively than a notebook. Certain applications seem to lend themselves more to powerful desktops, such as video editing and production. Additionally, as more powerful video and sound boards are developed, you can easily upgrade them in a desktop.

Once you have decided on the type of computer you are going to purchase, the next step is to research information on the multitude of manufacturers from which to purchase. This can be done online by looking up several computer review web sites, computer trade magazines and other consumer publications, or just by getting recommendations from friends and co-workers. Never instantly assume that a name brand will be the right choice as they tend to be higher in cost. If you want to customize your installation, you may want to order from a manufacturer such as Dell, HP, or Apple. This is easily done online through their web sites or by phone. Be prepared to pay a higher price for your customized order in addition to shipping and handling costs. Quite often, these companies run promotional discounts that you can apply to the cost.

Purchasing a computer does not have to be a confusing or highly technical experience. By properly researching the brands and models and weighing the costs and features of each, you will undoubtedly end up with the best system for your money.

We saved our work on Floppy Disks, and as time progressed, on hard drives, which would be copied to floppy disks, for as you know, Floppies do not last long. Each year a secretary would use the DOS command, Xcopy, and with a brand new box of diskettes, get everything saved in the "Precedent" section of the Hard Drive onto floppies.

As the world went from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 we stayed in DOS, buying new "naked" handmade computers for a fraction of the cost, loading them with DOS and Professional Write, making a Directory for our Precedents, and feeding floppy by floppy into the new computer.

Soon enough we began to burn CDs of our work so that every single computer that came in our office from 1988 until 1999 had a cloned harddrive. Each new computer processed faster, had more storage and move places to plug things in, but there never was a "work" holiday.

The computer arrived, was plugged in, and a secretary installed DOS and Professional Write and made a directory called "Precedents" and either fed it diskettes or a CD. Though our laptops came pre-bloated, we would use the little facility to load our Professional Write, fling an Icon on the desktop.

If we needed Internet accessibility on a computer, we made a D drive, loaded Linux. One day, it was decided to hire an "IT Expert". He examined our systems, made many unpleasant remarks, and during our two week Christmas break, "upgraded" and everyone walked in to find XP on their computers.

There was no Professional Write and this genius imperiously telling the staff they had to learn to use new and modern word processing programs. One of the things that many IT geniuses never take into consideration is the key factor in our world; our work.

We don't have computers in our office to play Spider Solitaire visit You Tube or My Space, we have them to produce documents.

This Genius never thought we would have twenty years of precedents which could only be read in Professional Write, nor that the staff had used this incredibly simple program to great efficiency. As far as he knew, XP was "state of the art", (this is before Vista) and the world had to use whatever word processing program came in the bundle. His idea was that the office was extremely eccentric, compulsive retentive and that it was time for us to Move On.

When clearly instructed that there was twenty years of work we needed to keep, his voice got squeaky, and he muttered, 'oh'. I recount this story with all its gory details to give you enough fortitude to confront all those shills who try to get you to upgrade to unproductivity. This is because of a major disconnect between the Work and the Process.

Managers know what work they need done, even clerks know what they have to do, the IT genius has no idea. He doesn't realise a lawyer's office which deals with fusty old Writs and Petitions doesn't need sound nor graphic nor games, all it needs to do is produce documents. If your system is working, don't touch it. Don't buy prebloated computers unless you can F/Disk and load what you've been using successfully all these years.?

1. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System tools and then Disk Cleanup. It calculates how much space you can make on your computer. You can then delete unneeded files.
2. Empty recycle bin and delete internet files. Open Microsoft iExplorer, and go to tools, internet options and then go to delete cookies and delete files. On Firefox, go to tools, clear private data, and press OK.
3. Run a Disk Defragmentation, and then go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System tools and then Disk Defragmenter. Have at least 15% of your hard drive clear.
4. Get a program such as Mcafee or Nod antivirus systems to scan for virus.
5. Get rid of unused programs/applications. Always use "uninstall" because deleting files doesn't always get rid of everything. You could also use add/remove programs.

So one day I switched on my computer, connected to the net to download files, and went downstairs to get some snacks. Fifteen minutes later, when I went back upstairs and sat in front of my computer I saw so many pop-up windows open on my monitor's screen that I was unable to see the desktop.

Within just a few minutes my computer had been invaded by dozens and dozens of these intrusive programs and and I felt that they were having a nice party on my computer. It took me several days to remove them all. But it was of no use. Only a few of these spyware could be deleted so I had to reformat my whole machine and had to load windows again.

Perhaps you guys have been in this same situatio; you are bombarded and troubled by spyware and all the problems that come along with it - from pop-up windows to hijacked web pages, decreased the speed of your computer, loss of RAM memory, etc.

If you want to remove these malicious spyware from your computer you have a few options that you can follow, but it depends upon how advanced a computer user you are.

For those who know their way around the computer and aren't afraid to edit things such as the computer registry, do some editing with your system software. You can remove spyware by downloading spyware-removing programs that output a log of all the programs running on your computer which may include system software as well as application software.

You can then post these results to a tech forum and they will give you instructions on how to remove spyware from your computer.

If you have some extra money lying around, you could also take your computer in to a technology support place and have their technicians work on your computer for you. You must be ready to do without your computer for about a week and spend a hundred dollars or so for this service, which was something that I wasn't willing to do.

If you want a more automated way to remove spyware from your computer, there are several spyware-removing tools that will scan your computer for free and let you know what problems they detect.

But to clean all spyware from your computer you need to buy a licensed copy of good anti-spyware program. It can then run on your computer, detect spyware and clean it all up for you. There are very few spyware programs that these types of software can't remove automatically.

I would recommend you guys to get a good INTERNET SUITE software like ZONE ALARM INTERNET SUITE,NORTON 360. If you want to be more specifi, I would recommend you to buy ZONE ALARM INTERNET SUITE which contains everything needed to protect your PC fromvirus, spyware, adware, malware, etc.

You can also try this option if you do not want to spend money to buy a INTERNET SUITE. Wipe out spyware, adware and pop-ups, repair your registry and be happy with your computer again. Visit http://www.computerfixers.info/

Windows Vista Versions

Windows Vista comes in several different versions. Based on your budget, and how good your computer is, Microsoft recommends one of these to you. They are as follows, with descriptions:

• Windows Vista Home Basic - This is the cheapest of the versions in the Vista line. However, it is also the most striped down. You don't get Aero, or any of the other new cool features. It is almost like having Windows XP Home for a higher price. If you don't have enough money for Home Premium or above, don't even bother getting Vista, because Basic is not even worth it.
• Windows Vista Home Premium - This version is the best choice for the home user. It comes with Media Center and Aero. If you are looking into getting Vista for your home, then this is your best choice.
• Windows Vista Business - This version of Windows is mainly for small to medium sized businesses. It does not have Media Center, however, it does have Aero (I don't see why it has Aero, because in my opinion, that will just distract employees from doing there jobs because they will be playing with the ALT-TAB Window Tilt feature all the time). If buying for a business, this is your best choice. Home users should just ignore that this edition even exists.
• Windows Vista Ultimate - This edition has all the features of both the Business edition and Home Premium Editions. I like to call it an operating system on steroids, because that is what it seems like. You should only buy this edition if you have a lot of money to spend, and a very high end computer that will be used for both personal and business uses.

Cost? Why should I switch from Windows XP?

Yes, the cost is quite high, and I feel your pain. Having bough Windows Vista Ultimate, I forked out a lot of money for my new computer (which I built). If you are just using your computer for Email, or other general uses, you don't need to switch to Vista, because Windows XP has what you need. However, if you are concerned about your computers security, I do suggest switching to the more secure Vista. Also, if you use your computer for either Business, Video Games, or you are online a lot, you should switch to Vista. Vista is more secure for the online stuff you do, as well as for business uses, and eventually, most PC games will be released for Vista and not support XP.

Full Install Vs. Upgrade Version

If you do decide to get Windows Vista, I suggest buying the Full Install version over the Upgrade Version. The Upgrade Version has more problems after install. As well, never use the download and install option on the website for Windows Vista. This is the upgrade version and causes even more problems then the DVD Upgrade Version.