Linux is a superior operating system to OSX and Windows

Rebuttals 1. Cost comparisons Presenting Windows or OSX as the more cost-effective option for the server space is simply wrong. The vast majority of linux operating systems that are used on servers are gratis distributions. A survey of over 10 million web sites determined that of the servers using Apache, Debian and CentOS, two gratis distribution, constitute 27.4% and 27.8% of the market, respectively. Ubuntu came in next with 13%, followed by Red Hat at a mere 10.75%. [1] This demonstrates clearly that the price of a single distribution of Linux does not make it a worse operating system for servers. What this survey does show is that Red Hat is chosen when companies see Red Hat's services as providing them additional value. However, RHEL is just one distribution; for the majority of people using Linux on their server, Linux provides them with a much more cost-effective option as they get security and stability all at no cost. If Windows and/or OSX really were more cost-effective, it would make no sense that more people use Linux on their servers than Windows and OSX. [2][3] 2. Windows familiarity There is a Linux distribution for everyone. No matter how familiar one is with Windows, there are distributions that make it quite easy to make the switch. Take Zorin OS, for example, a Linux distribution that looks and feels like Windows 7 and provides a "Look Changer" that lets users make their desktop look like Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and even OSX.. See for yourself: http://distrowatch.com... http://zosimg.webs.com... You also brought up people liking various features of Windows Vista. However, your point is obsolete because Vista is long in the past. As of February 2014 a mere 3.1% of computer users were still using Windows Vista. As a result of this, there is no point in emphasizing peoples' familiarity with Windows Vista's features, as few people are still using Windows Vista. Most have opted to upgrade to Windows 7 or revert back to Windows XP. Another thing you mention is use of the command line; however, you fail to realize that with modern Linux distributions, use of the command line is fully optional. Modernization in distributions like Ubuntu make it so you don't even need the command line to install new software. The Ubuntu Software Center, shown below, serves as an app store for Ubuntu users. http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com... Even operating system installation for distributions like Ubuntu is very simple for the average user. Tools like Wubi (pictured below), allow users to install Ubuntu using an application inside of Windows as if they were installing a program. https://upload.wikimedia.org... Arguments 1. Security Linux is far more secure than both Windows and OSX. Not only is Linux a virtually virus-free platform, but its source code is publicly visible which prevents backdoors from being added and helps fix security holes. After all, if you have millions of eyes looking at the same code, you're far more likely to find any mistakes. 2. Stability Linux is the champion in operating system stability for a number of reasons. For one, some distributions, such as Debian, make it one of their goals to ensure that all of their software is fully stable before releasing it in the “stable” channel of software for their distribution. It is for this reason that Debian is so popular on servers and that it serves as a basis for many other Linux distributions. Ubuntu, the most popular user Linux distribution, is based on Debian, and as a result, Ubuntu itself is very stable. Linux users don't have to deal with Windows' blue screens and freezes, nor OSX's “spinning beach ball of doom”. 3. Value Linux for users, in almost all cases, is free of charge. This in and of itself is an advantage, but it also points to something else about Linux. The Linux business model has always been different from the business model surrounding the more popular operating systems; whereas Windows and OSX are sold and support is either gratis or an afterthought, Linux was built around making a great operating system and making money on it not by selling it, but by providing fantastic support services. Ubuntu, for example, has a fantastically helpful group of expert users who provide free support to those who need it, and at the same time, provide commercial support to businesses who need it. In this way, Linux provides much better value to the user as it is a better product with better support at a near zero cost. 4. Usability Some might argue that Linux is not usable enough for most users. However, Linux has come a long, long way in that regard. Distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint provide very familiar user interfaces to OSX and Windows users, respectively, while simultaneously providing extensive support for different codecs, Windows applications, and other proprietary software like Adobe Flash Player out of the box. In addition, the lack of crashes and freezes makes Linux just that much more usable to an inexperienced user than OSX or Windows. Citations [1] https://secure1.securityspace.com... [2] http://w3techs.com... [3] http://w3techs.com...