Ubuntu ( Linux ) is better than Windows due to following reasons:
- The hard drive does not need to be de-fragmented
- Hard drive can be encrypted for extra security
- Faster file system (EXT4)
- No viruses, no malware
- Stable stand-by mode
- Fun to use
- Continues to work great even on older hardware
- Excellent support through the Ubuntu user community
- Network friendly
- Ubuntu is free !
- Linux has no registry
- 35,000 plus free excellent softwares available in linux
- Never needs to be re-booted
- No annoying pop-ups telling you that an upgrade is available. Ubuntu updates all
installed software in one single action.
- Around 300 different Linux distributions available (like windows have win95,
win98, win2000, winXP, Win7, win8)
-Many windows based software can also be run using Wine utility
Different Linux distributions use different desktop environments ( windows have only one desktop look and feel environment ). The two big ones are KDE and GNOME. Other environments are :
GNOME
KDE
LXDE
FLX
XFCE
Fluxbox
Openbox
Kubuntu
KDE plazma desktop, (
http://it-diary.com/linux/ubuntu-linux/install-kde-plasma-desktop-ubuntu-11-10/)
Unity
Classic
GNOME Shell
Razor-qt
Awesome WM
E17
Mate
Cinnamon
All of the above Desktop Environments are customizable. You can add Panels, launchers, applets, indicators, you have a notification area, etc.
Extra info :
Debian and Redhat distributions ( in short "distros" ) use the same kernel and GNU parts, but differ chiefly in packaging. Debian has its own called Deb and Redhat uses RPM. Packaging is confusing for new users. It is essential to know what it is because that is how your applications are installed.
First we generally don't download Debs or RPMs. We get them from controlled sources that are maintained and secure called repositories.
Repositories are maintained by the distribution and you can use them with confidence that they are free of viruses and malware and are meant to work with your version of their distribution