Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Boys, Girls and Unicorns,

I am thinking of switching to Linux, because I am sick of Vista.  It takes up memory and downloading is a joke. 

If you have a preference or any suggestions, feel free to chime in.

This poll will last for 7 Days.




Thank You All For Your Input,
Janet

Lala, I'm stuck with Vista right now >.>, and my laptop isn't working with Windows XP too well when I tried it out with it, since there's lack of proper driver support for my video card in it. I know some people that use Ubuntu and I hear it works pretty well and a lot faster and more efficient than Vista ever could be.

If you want to try linux without making permanent changes, I recommend you try a live-cd first.

my *personal* fave is slax (fits on a mini-cd or mini-dvd)
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slax (http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slax)

Buy an iMac and all your troubles will disappear :)

Mac OS 10.6.2 Snow Leopard.
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz
2 GB 667 MHz SD Ram

:)

-={LR}=-

A very easy-to-use linux is Ubuntu. You can download and burn your own (or order) a live-cd, just like with slax.

I love linux because I can break it, I can fix it, I can change it, and it's free.  :laugh:

Janet, if you are going to scrape off your hard drive, yes go to linux.

There are a myriad of types and most of them are a snap to install these days.  Plus they have a *HUGE* selection of free software to choose from.  Many, if not most, are equal or superior to equivalent proprietary software.

The only reason to maintain the window$ monopoly would be because of dependence on a windows version of software that is not available elsewhere.

-Sandy

I'm currently on XP.  I'll probably wait a year to see if Windows 7 is as bad as Vista was.  If it is...I may just have to give the Mac a try again.

Because of work issues I have a few computers with different OS. Vista is possibly the worst OS that has been written (IMO). I'm on XP on this laptop. I like Linux but I need to use Microsoft programs and I don't seem to get them to be compatible. I like the MAC systems but my work IT people don't support MACS very well.

Shouldn't really complain I remember starting on DOS 1.2 or something. That was fun. You youngsters don't know how easy you have it. My first computer was a cardboard box with a thing inside that went beep. (sorry having a Monty Python Attack).

Let us know what you decided Janet.

Cindy

Quote from: CindyJames on November 22, 2009, 01:30:26 AM
Shouldn't really complain I remember starting on DOS 1.2 or something. That was fun.

@ECHO OFF
SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H5 P330 T3
SET PATH=C:\WINDOWS;C:\
LH C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD0001
LH C:\MOUSE.COM
WIN

@ECHO OFF
SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H5 P330 T3
SET PATH=C:\WINDOWS;C:\
LH C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD0001
LH C:\MOUSE.COM
WIN

YO :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

But I didn't have a mouse, but i did have 7.5 discs and I think their capacity was either 5 or 10 KB

Windows Vista  :-\


Jay

I can't answer that poll cause I'd have to do multiple choices.

We have four machines.
1 - Ubuntu storage space
1 - Mac OSX Tiger - School/Art - Laptop (black macbook)
and 2 - Windows Vista playthings.

Now, the only reason we have Windows on the playthings is because they are playthings. They are for games.
Only reason we have 2 is so we can play with each other.

The Vista machines have given us nothing but grief. In the (almost) 2 years since we bought the first one, it's broken down five times! The other one is barely 6 months old and has been in for repairs once and now has a new problem (turns itself off at random).
The playthings are Acer machines.

We are currently "obtaining" Windows 7 for one of the vista machines in order to repair it's latest vista related death. We have heard good things of it, stability wise, but I haven't got "high" hopes for it's stability.

So it comes down to "what do you want to do with the computer?"

If "games" are on the list, you might need windows, in which case I suggest getting XP or 7 instead of Vista, which is the worst thing since 3.1's "keyboard not detected, press F1 to continue"...
If they aren't, then you're just as well off with Linux or a Mac, functionality wise. (Stability wise you're way better off.)

That's my advice anyways..

Quote from: Miniar on November 22, 2009, 08:36:46 AMThe other one is barely 6 months old and has been in for repairs once and now has a new problem (turns itself off at random).

It's probably over heating from dust in the cpu..both computers in the house do that

Canned air/vaccume attachment can fix that

Quote from: CindyJames on November 22, 2009, 02:05:42 AM
@ECHO OFF
SET BLASTER=A220 I7 D1 H5 P330 T3
SET PATH=C:\WINDOWS;C:\
LH C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD0001
LH C:\MOUSE.COM
WIN

YO :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

But I didn't have a mouse, but i did have 7.5 discs and I think their capacity was either 5 or 10 KB

I remember that from my old 386.

I also remember only being able to dial in once a day to the local BBS for a half hour session.

Quote from: insanitylives on November 22, 2009, 08:56:46 AM
It's probably over heating from dust in the cpu..both computers in the house do that

Canned air/vaccume attachment can fix that

Yeah well, if I open it up and clean it then I "might" loose the warranty.

Quote from: Miniar on November 22, 2009, 09:01:56 AM
Yeah well, if I open it up and clean it then I "might" loose the warranty.

How does maintaining a computer void a warranty?

Quote from: insanitylives on November 22, 2009, 02:20:40 PM
How does maintaining a computer void a warranty?

Some companies are still evil enough to use "warranty void if tampered/removed" stickers presuming the end user is too stupid to upgrade or maintain their system.

Yup, what Flan said.

And at the same time, the warranty doesn't cover this, so...

If I take it in for repairs, it'll cost me..
If I fix it myself, it'll cost me...

It's frustrating really.

While I agree with Sandi when she says to each his own, I've installed and used pretty well every OS out there and I must say that when I switched to Mac OS two years ago, computer life has been a dream since.

My 24" iMac has been running 24/7 for almost 9 months now and hasn't crashed yet.

-={LR}=-

As someone who was a developer on the kernel & OS for a major operating system brand, I'm pretty much immune to the advocacy wars as I've had my "hand up the skirt" of all of them at one point - they all have good & bad aspects.  The biggest problem for most folks is familiarity - if one is unfamiliar with something, it's going to seem alien and difficult to use (especially if you have to do something more complex than just fire up your mail or browser).

Quote from: Ladyrider on November 22, 2009, 04:43:58 PM
My 24" iMac has been running 24/7 for almost 9 months now and hasn't crashed yet.

Ooh an uptime compare? :) Ok, 1 machine has 1244 days, 12 hours, 17 minutes so far, the other has 1333 days, 17 hours, 1 minute. (Both are Solaris).

Quote from: Miniar on November 22, 2009, 08:36:46 AM
which is the worst thing since 3.1's "keyboard not detected, press F1 to continue

I am not the least bit techie so this discussion is over my head, but that made me lol...did that really happen or is it an urban myth?

All I've got is a laptop with XP.

All the time I've had it, the only problems I've had are caused by my own incompetence with computers.

Quote from: Miniar on November 22, 2009, 08:36:46 AMIf "games" are on the list, you might need windows, in which case I suggest getting XP or 7 instead of Vista, which is the worst thing since 3.1's "keyboard not detected, press F1 to continue"...
If they aren't, then you're just as well off with Linux or a Mac, functionality wise. (Stability wise you're way better off.)

That's my advice anyways..

Well, I wouldn't suggest XP, considering that hardware support is going to be dropped soon. They already don't sell it bundled with new computers for this reason.

Windows 7 is an excellent OS, imo. It depends what you want to do.

Linux is good if you just want a computer for home and not work or school, as most workplaces either use Windows or Mac. Adobe products also run just as good on Windows as it does on a Mac and has for a very long time now. Windows also has the 64bit version of photoshop whereas it was never released for Mac, despite having the capabilities.  This is because Apple is pushing their own products and Adobe is kind of slowly dropping interest in them. So for media related things, it doesn't matter if it's Mac or Windows, despite what people want to push, the benchmarks don't lie. If you like Mac OS better then take it, if you like Windows better then take it. If someone uses a computer only for media related things then it's obviously not going to run into a lot of problems as if it were to be used a regular everyday computer. I speak this as an artist and as a computer nerd.

If you choose Mac, there is a way you can get around some of the program restrictions, and that's by running bootcamp which is like running a Windows emulator. However, you are still able to run into problems that would happen on a Window's machine. You can also run a Mac OS on a custom built PC and save money(the reason why Macs cost so much is because of the outward aesthetic, not what's inside.)

Windows 7 is similar to OS X Snow Leopard, which is the current Mac OS. Windows 7 have fixed a lot of issues that Vista had, and it's debatable whether or not it's better than OS X Snow Leopard. Some say the same, some say one is better than the other. Either way, they are both great OS' and you can't go wrong with either.

Ubuntu(A unix variant) is also a great OS and it will save you money, however you might find yourself jumping through hurdles trying to get certain licensed programs. It's still great, though, especially if you like tinkering around with computers.

And Finewine is right, you'll probably be more attracted to what you're comfortable with. For me, I prefer to run Windows because I like to multitask and I really don't have the money to have more than one computer at this time. I'd still be open to a different OS to work with.

In the end, choose what you feel is right for you. You can always switch back if you don't like it. :)

Quote from: Janet Lynn on November 21, 2009, 08:07:14 PM
Boys, Girls and Unicorns,

I am thinking of switching to Linux, because I am sick of Vista.  It takes up memory and downloading is a joke. 

If you have a preference or any suggestions, feel free to chime in.


Janet

Hi Sis.... :icon_wave:

..Well I have Vista, XP, and 2000 on different machines...and I still find the 2000 m/c is as stable and fast as it was 6 years ago ! ;D

The Vista sits on my son's machine, and it hits more bugs than my windsheild in summer....So he is thinking of upgrading to "7". :-\

..and even I was really impressed when Microsoft announced in it's marketing that Windows 7 was so good they had added an XP emulator...till I found out that it was only available on the flagship version... ::)

Sooo...if you are trying to get the best out of a system for minimal bucks....I never look at the O/s..but at the hardware, and the application software you run.... Simply because it usually costs more to update them all than the O/s ...ie Office Software, Image Processing, Games, etc..

Vista is just one big mistake all round, so I would either move forward to Windows 7 and start getting used to the new "look" if you don't have too much application software and a decent machine, or grab an old copy of XP Pro from a friend/Ebay if you do... ;)

If you are not sure about computers or how to back up your old data/apps, then moving forward to a "7" upgrade may be safer than starting from scratch if your Vista is not too unstable...

..but regardless of the "support" hype, unless you are a serious leading edge gamer, it will be a few years before XP hits 'any' support issues, as there are still billions of corporate copies in use...

:icon_hug:

Chrissty

Quote from: Becca on November 23, 2009, 01:06:46 AM
I am not the least bit techie so this discussion is over my head, but that made me lol...did that really happen or is it an urban myth?

Saw it with mine own eyes.

Quote from: finewine on November 23, 2009, 12:47:55 AM
As someone who was a developer on the kernel & OS for a major operating system brand, I'm pretty much immune to the advocacy wars as I've had my "hand up the skirt" of all of them at one point - they all have good & bad aspects.  The biggest problem for most folks is familiarity - if one is unfamiliar with something, it's going to seem alien and difficult to use (especially if you have to do something more complex than just fire up your mail or browser).

Ooh an uptime compare? :) Ok, 1 machine has 1244 days, 12 hours, 17 minutes so far, the other has 1333 days, 17 hours, 1 minute. (Both are Solaris).

I agree...

I think most folks get into trouble when they start to tinker and explore their systems.  After all we're a curious bunch and yes the line "Curiosity killed the cat" comes to mind, and in the case of OS's, tinkering with the wrong thing can really cause problems with a computer's OS.

I think that this is where the past Windows OS's fell short.  Most of the Nix based OS's permits re-writing, adding to, deleting from the kernels, writing your own drivers, and routines etc. Windows didn't and probably still doesn't without paying them some cash.  I could be wrong. The other problem that windows had was that it's GUI was hard coded into the OS, so if the GUI crashed, so did the OS.  Nix based OS's, have their GUI layered on top of the OS so if it crashed the OS was not affected.  This was one of the reasons I migrated from MS to Nix based OS's.

That's a great run Finewine.  I'm keeping track of the time my system run's uninterrupted. :)

At the end of the day it really doesn't matter what OS a person uses, it all comes down to individual preferences, abilities and needs. :)

-=(LR}=-

iMac Girl :)

I think the WDK (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/DevTools/WDK/WDKpkg.mspx) (Windows Developer Kit, which includes DDI) is free - or they claim you can register for free.

However, I do recall that we had to pay $$ to go down the MSDN route.

I agree with LR's previous comment, especially that folks used to grubbing around in the innards can find the apparent layer of opaqueness that Windows maintains to be a pain.  Even now, if I don't have access to a command prompt, I feel something is missing :)

Windows (since 2000/NT, if I recall correctly) & MacOS are both based on uts-derived kernels.  Linux has been developed by "unix" heads and contains virtually identical design paradigms making it effectively a unix-clone (but they don't call it unix because you officially have to have standards accreditation to use the "UNIX" name).

I suspect most, maybe all, end-user OS'es of any popularity have some ancestry in uts these days - either directly or by duplication of "signature" unix-like concepts.  This isn't surprising, there are only a finite number of ways to solve generic computing problems - in the same way that all cars are fundamentally the same solution; engine, seats, lights, wheels & steering :)

Currently:
Desktop - Win7 64bit
Notebook - Win7 64bit
Web server - Linux.
Personal file server - Win7 32bit,  most likely switching to a Linux based S.A.N. box after new years.


I really like Windows 7, it works really well, it looks nice, and runs fast. Plus I have to know it and keep a windows box for work.


Others I have used (various versions of each)...
Beos, A the OS, ReactOS, BSD, Apple (not just Mac), OS2, nearly every version of Windows... I'm probably forgetting some.

We have three XP desktops, one XP laptop, two Win 98 laptops not used now, one Win 2000. One has Mepis Linux on it dual boot. At one point, we had upwards of over a dozen PC's for the three of us in regular use. 

I have installed a dozen different flavors of Linux but just never could stick with one long term. I have been watching WINE with great interest because I just can't get excited about any new Windows product.

I expect that I'll have to buy a new computer eventually and I hope it will be Linux based running WINE so I can still run my old copies of AUTOCAD and Indesign.

I love Mac's a lot but the cost is too high.

Maggie

I use a MAC :) I've had my iMac G5 for 4 years now -- actually, over for years! It's still speedy! When I get the money again, I'm getting a newer iMac. :D

Winblows Vista sucks, from every single person I hear! No body seems to like Vista. I don't know if Windows 7 is better or not, although one of my roomies put on it his computer 'cause Vista sux. My other roomie has Windows XP still and won't ever, ever, ever use Vista. My other friend is running a hack-n-tosh 'cause he hated Vista so much, he just figured out how to put OSX (Mac OS) on his PC.

XP works for me!  Love it!

Melan

Just installed Windows 7 on my games machine and boy is it pretty :D

I use the latest Leopard operating system for Mac.  If you're still using PC, you're just giving Bill Gates too much money for something that's gonna fail in a couple of years.  Buy a Mac; yeah it costs twice as much, but it lasts 4 times as long.  (Like the difference between Toyota and Ford.)

XX,
Rachel

Current computer Windows XP. I just ordered a new one and it will have Windows 7, avoided Vista all together.
Andrew