Hi, i just got an dell xps 13 laptop anyway im a student currently studying and i was womdering what operationg system would be best for me? I have heard about linux and i quite like kubuntu plasma, what are perks of linux? what do you guys think will be best operating system for a student whos moderatly pretty good with computers? I want something easy and smooth to use that is quite nice looking but i would like good safety with it, thanks
Best operating system???
- Thread starter Max Young
- Start date
Do you have any OS pre-installed? If not, do you plan on buying an OS or do you want a free one? If you're ok with buying an OS, Windows 8.1 is perfect for a student use. Linux distros such as Mint or Ubuntu are also pretty easy to use if you want a free OS.
Will you be using special softwares in your studies?
Will you be using special softwares in your studies?
I recently just bought the laptop it's in transit I don't actually have it now, I'm pretty sure it will come pre installed with windows 8 or I can upgrade to 10? My dad was hitch hiking and he got picked up by a computer guru, when they were going to there destination this guru told my dad how windows was the worst operating system and was completely money based he then went on to talk about Linux which he said was the best, I think the main draw card I got was the built in virus protection within Linux?i don't wanna be running around needed ing to buy virus protection or office words ect.referring to the programs I'm not sure if I would? Maybe some statistics programs. Ive never really used windows before but I'm quite logical in finding how and where to fix or do stuff, so whatever operating system I chose I'll be learning it, so is it worth learning Linux? Thanks
Ugh, come on man
Linux doesn't have 'built in virus protection', but the malware written around Windows doesn't typically run on Linux boxes. You're going to need at a minimum Office for your studies, you can try to use LibreOffice but it may or may not suit your needs. The compatibility with the MS suite is not 100%.
If you have any course-specific applications there's a huge probability that they may be Windows based only.
I'd suggest sticking with the Windows on the PC, if you want to mess with Linux then install VMware Player and make a Linux VM.
Also, keep in mind a lot of times you can get free software through your university (such as Windows 8.1 and Office Pro). Find out if your organization is a part of Microsoft's DreamSpark.
DMGrier
VIP Member
I boils down to personal preference, each to there own. I am in my senior year of college and have fully worked in Linux thanks to an application called crossover which allows me to run MS office with no problems. Linux does not CURRENTLY need an AV as there are no viruses in the wild for Linux (not saying they do no exist). This is mainly in part thanks to how security permissions are handled with root and the superior way repositories are used.
Beers does have a point in learning a OS so close to classes could be scary and your IT department may not be competent to help as most school IT people I have met are Windows admins.
As mentioned by beers you need to find out what applications you will need to install. With everything going web base compatibility is not to much concern, but I am sure this is very degree program based. Example if you are going into graphic design Linux would not be helpful, this is not to say tools like gimp and Blender are not awesome but you need to use the software required for your classes. For me I got office working with that tool and I am in a IT security program and have yet to find any application we use for my classes not available for Linux.
But I do encourage you to learn as many operating systems as possible as they are fun and makes for a great hobby. If becoming an IT knowing both Windows and Linux makes you more of an asset for critical thinking and coming up with some interesting in house solutions that I watch my Windows admins struggle to accomplish. Just my two cents though.
Beers does have a point in learning a OS so close to classes could be scary and your IT department may not be competent to help as most school IT people I have met are Windows admins.
As mentioned by beers you need to find out what applications you will need to install. With everything going web base compatibility is not to much concern, but I am sure this is very degree program based. Example if you are going into graphic design Linux would not be helpful, this is not to say tools like gimp and Blender are not awesome but you need to use the software required for your classes. For me I got office working with that tool and I am in a IT security program and have yet to find any application we use for my classes not available for Linux.
But I do encourage you to learn as many operating systems as possible as they are fun and makes for a great hobby. If becoming an IT knowing both Windows and Linux makes you more of an asset for critical thinking and coming up with some interesting in house solutions that I watch my Windows admins struggle to accomplish. Just my two cents though.