...it's really more subjective than that. It really depends on the person and the application. I find it a highly stable environement that shines with server type applications: Apache web server for instance. On the desktop side, I really like the built in compilers like C++ and Java. It also comes standard with a Perl interpreter and a has great built-in command line shell language (Bash) that puts MS-DOS to shame. It does come with some nice, free applications that basically give you everything you can get from a Windows workstation. Some of the big differences are ease of configuration, and compatibility. Lemme 'splain....
First, as you probably know, Linux is open and highly configurable by design. Because you have access to the source code, you can change the way your operating system works on a fundamental level that is not possible with Windows. This is great, but it
can also make the configuration process more complex to the new user. It really depends on what you are trying to do.
Second, Microsoft uses a proprietary format for their office products. It may not seem like it because "everyone" has a copy of Word.
But even if you send someone a MS Word document that appears to have no formatting at all, it cannot be read by someone that doesn't have MS Word. This can be a problem if you depend on being able to read or snd MS Word docs. I think there are programs now that can read them, but because the format changes with every "upgrade", it's hard to say if those programs will work next year, or even next month.
That said...I love Linux. It has a great many strengths. It is not without weaknesses, but many of its perceived weaknesses are a direct result of the stranglehold Microsoft has on the software market. But every day more businesses are using Linux for it's stability and cost effectiveness. The more acceptance it gets - the more software gets developed for it. If you're a computer nut lke me and like getting your hands dirty, then I highly recommend it. Yes, computers are workhorses, but I think they should be fun as well. Just my 2 cents.
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