Why install Linux?

I have a friend who runs Linux (Ubuntu) on his computer (He also runs Windows Vista on it), and I am just wondering, as I've seen people do it, why you would install (through virtualization software) both windows and Linux on your mac, as I don't see the advantages of doing so. As I see it, you already have everything you'd need when using Windows and Mac Os X. Is it just a matter of preference, one day you feel like running linux, the other day you feel like running windows Os X, or is there a real advantages with running these 3 systems? I would just like to know your opinion.

I run Win XP and Solaris 10 using VMWare in addition to OS X. I work in IT and need to have access to Windows and Solaris. Rather than running and maintaining 3 different machines I do it all on my MBP.

If you're on the Mac, the only thing I can see is running Windows through a virtual machine because there's something Windows specific (IE usually) that you have to do. Other than that, there's no real advantage..

Regards

Well, I have XP and Ubuntu running in VM Ware virtual machines on my Macbook. I like Ubuntu a lot, mostly I just use it for fun. My son likes the games ... lol But I like working with the command line too - I used to do that a lot back in the old MS-DOS days and I think Linux provides a nice mix of a great user interface, a well-built and packaged standalone system (in the case of Ubuntu), and a powerful set of tools if you want to wander off the reservation a bit. But to be honest, it's mostly just recreational for me. I guess I need to get out more ...

Cheers

Before I had my mac, I used to install Ubuntu on external hard drives, for fun and try to make them working. You're not the only one who needs to get out more.

WinXP here for the obvious work/office stuff, SUSE for working with AIX and mainframe, and OS X for personal stuff. It takes a chunk of space on the MBP disk, but it's better than carrying around 3 boxes.

Some developers do it. My dad has a friend who runs Linux, OS/2 Warp (yeah, seriously!), Windows, and Mac OS X, although I'm not sure if he does it all on one computer. I've tried to do it, just because I wanted to play around with Linux, however I keep having install problems.

If you have old hardware and you like cutting edge software, go for Linux.