I am so tired of microsoft releasing a new operating system every two years, and still not delivering the kind of performance you would expect.
I'm an intermediate when it comes to computers. I'm not scared to use them. Not scared to tweak settings, install hardware, or build a new system from scratch. Contrary to popular sentiment, I enjoyed Win 3.1, and even Win '98, but when I got Win XP on my laptop and tried to run some older (and very useful) software, I couldn't.
Now comes Windows Vista, and everything I've heard is mostly bad. Not only is Vista not compatible with ANY software that is pre-Win XP, but now I hear it won't even run a lot of software designed for Windows XP!
I'm fed up. I refuse to buy a new computer every two years, or a new OS every two years. I've been seriously thinking about switching over to Mac's because of their reputation for simplicity, ease of use and stability.
I want a rock-solid OS that will last for years to come. What do you recommend?
2007-03-15 07:49:29 · 11 answers · asked by Treblacram 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Your information on Vista is flawed. Try doing a little research instead of just listening to what people say - most of them haven't even seen it.
I have 32 bit Vista home premium on my new AMD turion 64 x2 machine, and it runs flawlessly. I can use all my programs that I was using on XP, as well as the hardware drivers from XP (I mainly use it for soft-synths, and I plug a USB/midi keyboard into it as a controller).
Now, seriously - just because they come out with a new O/S doesn't mean you need it - if you are running XP, keep on running it - it will be fully supported for a long time (if not by MS, then by people who continue to use it).
Your XP laptop was still capable of running any software you had, but you might have had to dual-boot it with older windows if you wanted to run some dos-based programs (newer versions of which probably exist).
In short, Vista seems fine so far (i was hesitant too at first, but i didn't have anything to lose, because if it gave me any fits, I was going to format it and put win2K pro or XP on it).
Some of the features are nice, but most are unnecessary. I wouldn't suggest upgrading to it though, at least not yet.
2007-03-15 08:01:23 · answer #1 · answered by joemammysbigguns 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
the reason people like yourself like window what ever, is because you don't like change in your life, you don't like to use your brains Yes there is a lot of people like yourself that will go out and spend a fortune on a Mac then put windows on it, Now you justified what you have done by making an excuse that Vista is the best operating system ever, If that was the case why did you buy the Mac in the first place, The truth is you hated how windows messed up, run slow, got viruses, and all the other problems that comes with windows, it is not the computer or the new operating system it's you, Your afraid to admit the truth, you don't want to learn anything new people like you are cheaters you learn from others like the easy life and can't learn on your own
2016-03-29 00:08:54 · answer #2 · answered by Sandra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windows is great if you want lots of commercial software and hardware compatibility in the future.
Mac is good for a lot of things. You won't have as much software and hardware. You won't have as many viruses. You won't have as many customization options. But, there is a good software and hardware market and good support. Biggest down side is cost. Macs cost more than PCs
Linux is good if you are technically inclined, are willing to spend time learning, don't use the latest and greates of anything, don't use a lot of commercial software, and don't mind iffy free software. The documentation and support can be lacking. And asking for help on a message board can get anything from no response to "Go away n00b!" to an actual answer.
If you can afford it, go with the Mac. That is what I am going to do.
2007-03-15 08:06:16 · answer #3 · answered by David V 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bad question. Why are you planning to buy new OS if you don't need? If all your requirements of Software is satisfied by any OS (Win98 or Linux or Tiger), you do not need to change it.
Consider a car, do you buy a new car every time Ford or GM or Honda releases a new model? But when you need certain functionality that you old car does not proivde but new car does, you buy a new car. OS is as simple as that.
Every OS is rock-solid in its own teritorry. You can't play Windows only Software in Mac or linux, similarly you can't play Apple products in Windows. Determine your need and stick to that.
In college days, I found linux and Win98 as best suited OS. In workplace I find Windows XP most useful (have not used Vista yes). Similarly, I use Mac and XP at home.
Rock solid OS .... use UNIX, its really rock solid (probably you might want to switch to a IBM mainframe, that is also rock solid ... running in industries for 50 years or so without many upgrades.)
2007-03-15 08:00:08 · answer #4 · answered by Rajat D 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are good at programming or if you are a computer expert, then I recommend you Linux since it is the best OS for computer experts who like to manipulate the OS environment for their own needs. I have a server run on Linux at home and it is programming friendly than Windows or Mac. Also there is a free version of Linux OS that you can download from Red Hat project web site. If you like a computer, then Linux is the best. If you are not a computer expert, stick with Mac or Win XP.
I love Linux...!!!
2007-03-15 08:05:55 · answer #5 · answered by MSS 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Get UBUNTU (or XUBUNTU if your computer has less than 256MB of RAM).
It's a free, reliable and up to date operating system.
You can explore it from the "LIVE CD".
It's easy to install and use. You can dual boot it with other operating systems.
Once you have it installed, you gain access to thousands of free programs created by the open source community. There is excellent support - see the WIKI starter guide, and the Linux forums.
Always back up your data before making changes to your computer.
Software freedom day is coming. A chance to enlighten your friends and anybody else who will listen.
http://softwarefreedomday.org/
2007-03-15 08:14:48 · answer #6 · answered by hitechsleuth 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I strongly recommend you a mac, but wait until Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 is out ( will be out in a few months). Once you switch to Mac, you will never look back :)
Macs DO NOT have viruses. No known viruses for Mac OS X and if anyone claims different, where is the proof for that? Search the Internet for Mac OS X viruses, you will find none. One important fact, Mac OS X is also unixoide OS.Its kernel is based on Free BDS.
2007-03-15 07:56:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I'd go with a Mac. NO Windows viruses will affect them and I can only remember seeing 1 Mac virus (I use Norton) on the list of viruses that my machine was protected against (out of hundreds of Windows viruses).
10.5 will be coming out in the spring...and I'd hold off for it, if you can!
2007-03-15 08:51:49 · answer #8 · answered by Greg S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you're just like I was before I bought a Mac. Make the switch, you won't regret it. If you want to see where Mac OS X is heading, check out their "sneak peak" of OS X Leopard on the Apple website. Linux has a long way to go before it's as viable as Mac OS X.
The benefits of Mac:
No viruses, or any other malware for that fact. (This is due to Mac OS X's UNIX underpinnings, not "lack of users" or "low market share.")
Seamless integration. Your hardware will work perfectly with your software, because both are designed by Apple.
You will enjoy many advanced features that are not available in Windows, even Vista. Features like Exposé, Spotlight Search, a built-in dictionary that can be invoked in any application with a simple keystroke, easy to build scripting using Automator, zero-configuration networking, system wide spell checking and many more.
Macs can dual-boot with Windows or run Windows within Mac OS X itself. With BootCamp, you can dual-boot with Windows and run any PC application, even high-end games.
Excellent support and customer service. Apple is well known for it's support. I had a wonderful experience with Apple when the logic board in my Mac mini went bad. (This was due to a power issue in my home, not the Mac.)
Great software. Most of the software made for the Mac is better than similar software for Windows. Crap doesn't survive on the Mac market. iLife is absolutely amazing. Mac OS X is compatible with many file formats, right out of the box. As I mentioned before, you can run Windows applications. With a Mac, you can have it both ways.
Beautiful hardware. Quality hardware. Apple puts the sex in tech. Apple hardware is always beautiful, as well as functional. Apple has extremely talented engineers. One look at an iMac will tell you that much. The hardware is of excellent quality and built to last. Macs are well known to have a longer life span than PCs.
Upgrades? Who needs them. A seven year old iMac can still run the latest release of Mac OS X. Sure, you can add more RAM or get a bigger hard drive, but your Mac will run beautifully for years to come. When a new version of Mac OS X is released, you won't need to scramble to purchase upgrades in order to run it. (Leave that to the Vista adopters.)
Crashing. It doesn't happen. I'm not saying Mac OS X is absolutely perfect, but it's damn close. Most problems are easily fixed within minutes. Macs don't require the constant maintenance needed by PCs.
Value. When all of these things add up, you'll actually be saving money, as well as time, in the long run. You'll find yourself actually doing more on a Mac. Things you never thought of doing on a PC.
==
When I say no viruses, I mean in the wild. In that case, Linux has viruses, as well. In both cases, we're not talking about 144,000 viruses!
Lack of software? Hello! Macs can run anything PCs can run.
2007-03-15 07:54:14 · answer #9 · answered by UbiquitousGeek 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Macs do have viruses, don't listen to that idiot. The only virus free software is linux, which comes in a variety of flavors and is completely and utterly FREE.
2007-03-15 07:55:55 · answer #10 · answered by smart stona 1 · 3⤊ 3⤋