Linked by Eugenia Loli-Queru on Fri 31st Jan 2003 00:09 UTC
Well, we all have used Unix, in one form or another (maybe even through embeded products). But which one is your favorite flavor of Unix-based/Unix-alike OSes? Read more and vote! Update: SHAME on you, who ever you are: Messing/hacking with go2poll's code and altering the results in favor of FreeBSD. By doing so, you are doing MORE BAD than good to your favorite platform.
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How?
Though I need to admin it a little, it's mostly desktop tasks, trying new apps or new interfaces and reading news about trends inside the Linux movement.
Games, too.
My family also uses Linux as we don't have other OSes installed (no, no dual-boot).
Now and them, I take some time to experiment with new technologies -- somewhat easy since all I have to do is mostly read superb How-tos. And I can afford it, it's all free, no strings attached etc.
Why Linux?
Because of people. I don't contend some Unixes can be better (*BSD, QNX, even OS X)... but this is missing the point. Linux is a rare experience, even inside IT. Its development pace is astounding and folks are (almost) all very bright guys, always wanting to collaborate and displaying normal egos -- few people are stars, and even these are very approachable.
Because of apps. Some are simply incredible: lean, powerful, versatile.
Because of entry-cost. I won't even touch the TCO question... Linux is great because anyone can enter for free (i.e., gratis). And not just Linux, but anything: there are tons of free apps, many of them complete or nearing completion.
Because of source code. I feel safe to install new apps and compile from source, using a few pre-compiled binaries from trusted sources; nowadays, I'd expect some trouble with a few of the many .exe shareware programs available for Windows.
What qualities Linux have that others don't?
Linux is open. Much, much more than any other, including *BSD. So basically, anyone can become important -- and this really happens. Even annoying highly-disliked guys can and do contribute.
Linux is Free. That is the GNU part: it can be made available to anyone who needs it -- it's like a software cornucopia. It doesn't matter how poor you are, if you can get a small computer, you can have Linux. And you will continue to have it, because of the GPL licence.
Linux is fun. Everyone does new projects on Linux, because you will be showing your baby to guys who want to hear you -- not for elitists who look at you and think you're a weirdo. Maybe this is because inside Linux everyone is weirdo, too. %-P