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What OS do you use and which is best?

What OS do you use and which is best?


  • Total voters
    40
I have used Windows, OSX and many distributions of Linux extensively. Here is my take on them:

OSX is useful if you prefer their compatible multimedia software. For me, the hardware and software combination is just too expensive to warrant purchasing, especially since I need a lot of useful Windows programs/applications that cannot run on a Mac. When I tell my Mac friends this they all tell me about the options of Boot Camp and such. My response is simple, I am not paying up to 250% more for a computer to then have to go out and purchase another operating system to run the software I need. Forget that.

Linux is always an interesting operating system choice. I know a lot of people who run a Linux variant as their primary OS and they keep trying to convert me back since they know I used it exclusively for quite some time. To be honest, that was some of the most unproductive time I have ever used a computer. It was a constant hassle of setting up the kernel just right, playing with drivers, finding workarounds to perform basic Windows tasks. At the time I was using it mostly for programming which it did an OK job at. But it still wasn't a Windows environment which made it difficult to test and although it worked fine for coding/text editing, it didn't perform the function any better than Windows. Unless you're completely broke and can't afford an OS or you need Linux for your work field I find it a complete waste of time.

People always say the above operating systems are so secure, you don't get viruses, etc. They often cite the Windows flaw that the default user account is an administrator and that is a security risk. Well no ****, if you're smart enough to know this and smart enough to compile a Gentoo installation are you not smart enough to set Windows permissions? Personally I run my Windows as an admin account and I don't get viruses. Most viruses come into your computer due to torrents, clicking on pop-ups, navigating to seedy websites or quite frankly your own stupidity. And even if you do get a virus on your computer it truly isn't a big deal.

So in short, OSX is good for people who prefer their multimedia software or aren't very tech savvy and/or don't mind pissing away their money for ease of use. There is also a trendiness/elitist factor involved that I personally don't understand... it's just a computer, get over it.

And Linux is good for a small niche of developers/network admins who wish to practice their craft. The majority of people I've noticed who use it lately run to Ubuntu because of its ease of use and decent driver support. They tend to all spell Microsoft with a dollar sign and are either anarchists, anti-capitalists or trying to feel like they're techies. Ubuntu is a great means to get started in Linux, but it isn't a distro that's widely used in servers. If you really want to learn Linux use a variant that will give you training for a the job market.

All that said Windows Vista is a garbage operating system and Microsoft completely dropped the ball. Windows XP or 7 is the only way to go if you're using Microsoft. And the travesty that is Windows Vista rightfully turned people off to try out other operating systems.
 
"So in short, OSX is good for people who prefer their multimedia software or aren't very tech savvy and/or don't mind pissing away their money for ease of use. There is also a trendiness/elitist factor involved that I personally don't understand... it's just a computer, get over it."


Aww, here you go!

*passes on the tissues

:mrgreen:
 
"So in short, OSX is good for people who prefer their multimedia software or aren't very tech savvy and/or don't mind pissing away their money for ease of use. There is also a trendiness/elitist factor involved that I personally don't understand... it's just a computer, get over it."


Aww, here you go!

*passes on the tissues

:mrgreen:

It's really not meant to be an insult. I own one because my better half doesn't want to have to worry or deal with Windows issues. We purchased another one a few months ago so we could retire her PC. But for me, Windows is second nature and isn't a chore.
 
It's really not meant to be an insult. I own one because my better half doesn't want to have to worry or deal with Windows issues. We purchased another one a few months ago so we could retire her PC. But for me, Windows is second nature and isn't a chore.

I love being fun with computers, because of the flame wars. I approach fanboyism with humor these days, so please do not think I was offended. lol
 
I was wondering which operating system you all use and which one you think is the best. Personally, I use Mac OS X and I also think it's the best (except for gaming :()

Then you havent tried Linux. The most flexible of all OS. Mac OS X is severely restricted. It lacks functionality and convenience, it lacks options and choice. But then again, many people like that...

I prefer Linux, its free first of all, its excellent, its a good way to learn computers(because you do have to fiddle), it has what you need, its convenient, has tons of good software, its safe to use, it has options and choice everywhere. It does lack some in games at the moment, but Windows emulators are taking care of that.

Aside from that, the best OS is probably BSD. It has the best core, with the best security and the best function. It is also pretty free, like Linux, but certainly more restricted. But nowhere near the limited scope of MacOSx.

Best Linux distroes....
Slackware(for me, not for you)
PcLinuxOS (easy to use one with the best funtions)
Debian(if you want something excellent and advanced)
Fedora KDE (if you want a big complete and easy OS package)

Linux DO NOTs..
Do not choose gnome desktop.

Linux DOs
Do chose KDE desktop.


I see no advantage of MacOS over Windows, I see advantages for Windows over Linux, and I see advantages for Linux over Windows.

Windows XP has become an excellent OS and is my OS of choice alongside any one or several of the mentioned Linux OS in a dual boot system.

If you are minimalist, try "damn small linux".
 
I run Winsucks but only because Linux can't support the games I want to play yet. I keep hoping they'll be able to soon.

Which games? I am sure you heard of "Wine". Its getting pretty stable these days ;)

Why not run dual boot? :mrgreen:
 
Then you havent tried Linux. The most flexible of all OS. Mac OS X is severely restricted. It lacks functionality and convenience, it lacks options and choice. But then again, many people like that...

I prefer Linux, its free first of all, its excellent, its a good way to learn computers(because you do have to fiddle), it has what you need, its convenient, has tons of good software, its safe to use, it has options and choice everywhere. It does lack some in games at the moment, but Windows emulators are taking care of that.

Aside from that, the best OS is probably BSD. It has the best core, with the best security and the best function. It is also pretty free, like Linux, but certainly more restricted. But nowhere near the limited scope of MacOSx.

Best Linux distroes....
Slackware(for me, not for you)
PcLinuxOS (easy to use one with the best funtions)
Debian(if you want something excellent and advanced)
Fedora KDE (if you want a big complete and easy OS package)

Linux DO NOTs..
Do not choose gnome desktop.

Linux DOs
Do chose KDE desktop.


I see no advantage of MacOS over Windows, I see advantages for Windows over Linux, and I see advantages for Linux over Windows.

Windows XP has become an excellent OS and is my OS of choice alongside any one or several of the mentioned Linux OS in a dual boot system.

If you are minimalist, try "damn small linux".

One of the big things I think you didn't mention.

The lack of viruses on Linux. In windows - any version, you need to wear the armor: firewall, malware/spyware prevention, virus prevention, registry cleaner, defragger, etc.... And even with all that stuff, updated religiously, pampered and not going to those "risky" websites --- if you happen to click on an innocent looking advertisement, you'll get whacked with a malware program or virus that gets through the armor - allowing hours of cleaning steps or a trip to your local computer shop for a quick $50-$100 clean & disinfect.

Linux --- there are like 5 viruses ever for Linux. Malware and spyware - not written for Linux. Registry? Linux doesn't have one so that's outta here. That doesn't mean Linux is impervious to attack or brute force take over etc... but if set up properly from the start, it's as safe as Mac and maybe safer in some respects. No more worrying if your on-line banking is at risk. That is ---coming from a Windows user background - the strongest point. I only run virus protection to prevent spreading viruses to Windows users as it's useless on my machines.
 
One of the big things I think you didn't mention.

The lack of viruses on Linux. In windows - any version, you need to wear the armor: firewall, malware/spyware prevention, virus prevention, registry cleaner, defragger, etc.... And even with all that stuff, updated religiously, pampered and not going to those "risky" websites --- if you happen to click on an innocent looking advertisement, you'll get whacked with a malware program or virus that gets through the armor - allowing hours of cleaning steps or a trip to your local computer shop for a quick $50-$100 clean & disinfect.

Ohh my.. I dont miss the constant recoveries and re-installations with Windows.. :3oops:

I didnt have to do it so often luckily, because I am a very careful user, but other people, friends and users I have been around that have used Windows have had to reinstall and recover their OS on a regular basis.

In worse case scanarios loosing valuable data. I have experienced that once, loosing valuable data, when I had to reinstall Windows. Not because my disk broke down or anything, but because of the idiotic way a Windows re-installation works and the miserably lousy partition and formatting options.

I am not angry though. I like Windows XP. I do belive Microsoft is one of the worlds most corrupt companies, which is my biggest worry about using Windows. But then again, after Apples success with Ipod and Iphone mediocre products, I no longer think Microsoft is king of corruption and exploitation. Apple and Microsoft made a deal some years ago that benefitted both, and the corrpution with the software/hardware industry continues.

Linux --- there are like 5 viruses ever for Linux. Malware and spyware - not written for Linux. Registry? Linux doesn't have one so that's outta here. That doesn't mean Linux is impervious to attack or brute force take over etc... but if set up properly from the start, it's as safe as Mac and maybe safer in some respects. No more worrying if your on-line banking is at risk. That is ---coming from a Windows user background - the strongest point. I only run virus protection to prevent spreading viruses to Windows users as it's useless on my machines.

The thing about Linux errors versus Windows errors is that Linux is constructed intelligently, and its far more difficult to have a working virus/malware attack it. Also there are far more intelligent options for intelligent users to avoid any kind of problems, and all errors are transparent, so you can fix them yourself or have a friend do it. Unlike Microsoft which your computer breaks down with some kind of encrypted error message that makes no sense, that you cannot fix, or even understand what the problem actually was.

Be careful however with on-line banking, which is always a risk, no matter what OS you use, because you send those data over the internet. The only way to keep data safe is to NOT have it go over any network at all. Online crime is on the rise, protect your data and be utterly careful with the your privacy.
 
Right now I have Vista installed. I bought W7 when it first came out and installed it, but had some hardware compatibility issues with my soundcard, so I reverted back to Vista for the time being. I may try W7 again in the near future.

In the past, I've also used 2 or 3 different versions of Linux and also OS/2 when it was available.
 
I just reinstalled my OS's because my computer was running slow and my wireless was starting to really suck. I installed Ubuntu 9.10 and XP SP3, although I have yet to use XP since I installed it. :)

Basically just dual booted so I could have the advantages of XP (gaming, some applications) without having to deal with the headache of trying to get them run on Ubuntu. So far it's been working great outside of a few minor issues I still need to get worked out.
 
I just reinstalled my OS's because my computer was running slow and my wireless was starting to really suck. I installed Ubuntu 9.10 and XP SP3, although I have yet to use XP since I installed it. :)

Basically just dual booted so I could have the advantages of XP (gaming, some applications) without having to deal with the headache of trying to get them run on Ubuntu. So far it's been working great outside of a few minor issues I still need to get worked out.

Dual boot is a wonderful thing. I've had dual boot now for over a year maybe a little longer and I forget that I have Vista on my other partition. When I have to reformat, I think Windows will be history.
 
I had the same install of xp from 2004 to 2009 and it ran fine and without a virus :2razz:
 
Currently running Vista 64-bit on my desktop and XP on my laptop, it works for me. Yes, I know Vista is a horrible resource hog, but I refuse to upgrade to any new M$ OS until at least SP1, it takes that long to get the bugs out.

Whether or not it's the "best", who cares? I could certainly imagine ways that *ALL* operating systems could be better. It happens to do what I want it to do, better than any other OS I've tried, therefore I use it. When and if that changes, we'll talk.
 
I use Windows XP Pro. I have used various versions of Windows, including (if memory serves) 2000 Pro, 98, 95, ME. I used this computer running DOS for a while back.

I have no experience with Mac or Linux OSs.

Through work, I may have access on the user end of a I use Windows XP.

I have no experience with Mac or Linux OSs.

Through work, I may have experience on the user end of server running Linux, but I'm not sure.

A friend who has some interest in Linux gave me a copy of a free Linux OS, but I have yet to try it.

I have issues with my XP install. BSOD, random freezes, etc.

However, as most of the games that interest me require it, I put up with the crap.

I plan to purchase Win 7 at some point, once a few bugs are worked out.

Edit: How do you like the entire history of my computer experiance? Interesting stuff, yes? You know you were interested, don't deny it.
 
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I use XP on my Desktop and like it alot.
This Old OS is Manhandled/SPED by an Intel Quad Core Processor and a year old Intel X-25 SSD.

Whatever OS you use, get an SSD rather than a conventional Hard Drive/HDD.
It's like Jumping 3 years into the future.

My computer is 2½ years old but could not be significantly faster.
Aided as well by a 5mb Cable connection.

I have two portables with Vista Biz (Dell e4200 12", and Fujitsu S6510 14") and they're both pretty quick for notebooks but not as fast as the Desktop.
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