Mac/Windows/Linux?

Following on from my thread about the differences between them, which do you prefer and why?

I'm going into a profession that may well necessitate me moving platforms (out of my comfort zone ) and migrating to Mac.

I like Windows, and have used Linux (at a novice level). I've not used a Mac for anything more than making prank calls to my shift-working mate after a beer or two

What reasons do people cite for their choice of system and why should I move over to a Mac?

For reference, I'm planning on going into a sort of print and publication role...

I'm an absolute convert to Linux.

Having toyed with the idea for a couple of years I got wind of the latest LTS version of Ubuntu, did a bit of research and downloaded the image.

It installed and ran straight away. No faffing about. I then spent many days playing with it, installing loads of cool add-ons and software.

I now only use Windows at work or on my other halfs PC if I can't be bothered powering up my laptop. A few weeks ago I even formatted over the HDD that had Vista on it. That's how sure I am that I won't ever use it again.

Good points: Secure, stable, free, infinitely customisable, not Microsoft. Makes you learn.

Bad points: Makes you learn(!), a bit too much user involvement to ever appeal to the guy in the street.

Issues that I have:

I can't get the webcam to work. Then again I never used it anyway.

Can't get my Synaptic Touchpad to do page scrolling when you run your finger down the side of the pad. It's partly an issue with the Acer 5920 and the way the hardware is designed but it is solvable. I just need to understand what the solution does!

I've also managed to install and play Half-Life 2, Bioshock, Prey, Fear (it was a PITA but I did it), Portal and Stalker. All of these run using either WINE or PlayOnLinux. They also run faster than when I ran them on the same laptop using Vista!

Basically, totally free system that can do everything that a Windows system does. Just a lot better.

-snip-

Thanks Martin - that's a very concise view on things. It concerns me that I won't be able to get things working. I'll be using a laptop (albeit a rather decent one) and I'm playing see-saw between making the most out of my kit (Linux) and having everything working. Or just binning the old Alienware and buying Apples latest offering...

I've got a month until I move, maybe I'll try flashing a Linux OS and see how it goes...

I do prefer the idea of Linux and also love the learning element involved but when I need a plug-in-and-go machine is Linux really going to get me through? Or will it end up in the bin, with the rest of my laptop?

Linux is free. Download whatever distribution takes your fancy. Try it out and if you don't like it wipe your drive. It'll only cost you your time.

I went for Ubuntu because it's supposed to be the easiest to set up. Of those that I've tried (Fedora 9, Suse, Mandriva) it was dead simple to do. You can even run the install from within Windows using Wubi. You can run the image from a cd so you don't even need to install it.

I have a fully working OS with all the trimmings on a 32gb USB stick. It's like having my computer in my pocket. I can run it on any available machine. Nice.

And here was me thinking this was a car forum.

My OS is better than your OS....can't we just have another discussion on which is better, NA or TT?

-snip again-

You see this is where things get harder for me. I feel like I NEED that in my life I'm a typical bloke in that respect, I love my gadgets.

This is going to be a hard decision for me but you're right, I need to try out Linux and see how stable I am with it

And here was me thinking this was a car forum.

My OS is better than your OS....can't we just have another discussion on which is better, NA or TT?

And there was me waiting for an insightful response from you...

And here was me thinking this was a car forum.

My OS is better than your OS....can't we just have another discussion on which is better, NA or TT?

Sounds like somebody has a case of the Mondays.

From my POV.

OS : Linux

Pro : Mostly open source, lots of software, highly configurable, can optimize easily, plenty of drivers

Cons : Difficult to configure properly

OS : Mac OSX flavours

Pro : Excellent GUI interface, all software retains same controls, very stable

Cons : VERY limited hardware options

OS : Windows

Pro : Common market acceptance, plenty of software available.

Cons : Not much room for optimization, not overly stable,

I run all three at home, but in different roles. I do like using the Mac purely for the interface, but forced to use a windows laptop for work. (I am working on getting a Macbook Pro)

I can get an identical OSX interface within a few minutes using Compiz, Emerald and the like.

In fact I did and decided that I didn't like it.

-snippy snip snip-

So you would choose Mac over Windows then as a rule? Can I draw that conclusion?

The main reason for such intense deliberation is that I'm ready to commit and buy a system... but I don't want to buy 3

Maybe I should go for a Mac laptop and a small barebones Linux system to play with... all of a sudden I'm feeling experimental...

Sounds like somebody has a case of the Mondays.

Not at all...I just hear this kind of talk everyday. I'm tired of telling everyone how great OSX is, especially the MS certified engineers - but then I make a living off Windows so I can't go round saying it's crap now can I?

Ok, best OS ever? FreeBSD.

But that of course depends what you're using it for.

Horses for courses.

Get a Mac and then run Windows on a Linux system. I keep meaning to give it a go but I can't think of any need for using Windows!

So you would choose Mac over Windows then as a rule? Can I draw that conclusion?

Nope, it isn't that easy *grin*....

I run linux on my home firewall and home automation/soon to be solar system.

Windows on the media centres because frankly windows media centre works and works well, on the laptops and on the kids machines.

Tiger on mel's desktop, she does a bit of creative work on it.

The thing is, windows will run on a lot more hardware for your money than any mac software IMHO. There are options around this

On my macbook i have all thre systems installed via bootcamp, full speed too. Mac then linux then windows if i put them in order i prefer.

 

Ok, best OS ever? FreeBSD.

 

Fair point, so taking into consideration what I'll be using the system for, what is your recommendation? I'm not asking you to reiterate what you've told others, I'm concerned about my particular situation and would appreciate advice from people such as yourself who have professional experience

I chose Windows as its the easiest to support. Almost any geek can look at it and fix problems. With Mac and Linux you need a special sort of geek to fix it and they are much harder to find.

The main reason for such intense deliberation is that I'm ready to commit and buy a system... but I don't want to buy 3

Build a system with two hard drives. Run OSx86 (Mac OSX on the PC like I'm typing on now - works a treat) and Vista 64 bit for games on another drive, forget Linux.

The Hackingtosh as it's so called is perfectly stable, runs as a mac does only much much cheaper. Yes, I run official unhacked kernel, original drivers and can install official updates all thanks to EFi.

See here for a method to use original OSX install disc

I chose Windows as its the easiest to support. Almost any geek can look at it and fix problems. With Mac and Linux you need a special sort of geek to fix it and they are much harder to find.

You're kidding right? I can never find a decent report log in Windows. Event Log only tells you so much. With BSD it logs everything and you can find out EXACTLY why some service, app or service failed. Mostly from Console

That combined with Google and you've no worries.

Are you calling me a Special Geek?

The thing is, windows will run on a lot more hardware for your money than any mac software

This is of course true.

I chose Windows as its the easiest to support. Almost any geek can look at it and fix problems. With Mac and Linux you need a special sort of geek to fix it and they are much harder to find.

That is a VERY good point and quite relevent. I'm not exactly a n00b at these things but I'm no expert either. Although my expertise is probably in the networking side of IT I've done a little bit here and there in other areas. What bothers me is a situation where I've lost information that is essential just by playing around.

Build a system with two hard drives. Run OSx86 (Mac OSX on the PC like I'm typing on now - works a treat) and Vista 64 bit for games on another drive, forget Linux.

 

The Hackingtosh as it's so called is perfectly stable, runs as a mac does only much much cheaper. Yes, I run official unhacked kernel, original drivers and can install official updates all thanks to EFi.

See here for a method to use original OSX install disc

Now we're talking!! That sounds like a fantastic system for me to use in theory. I'm thinking you're talking about a desktop system here though rather than laptop compatible? I'm not 100% sure why I'm fixated on a laptop... I've got a PDA phone etc but I'm used to having a laptop!

With Mac and Linux you need a special sort of geek to fix it and they are much harder to find.

I'm no geek and certainly not a special sort of one.

With Linux I've been able to get on the net from the get go. Every time I've had a problem or enquiry I've gone straight to Google and ALWAYS found a solution. I'm genuinely amazed about that.

Even when I've erm.. managed to balls up my system it's because I've been tinkering where I shouldn't have been and have always managed to get it back running properly within minutes.

...and I'm no geek so....

LOOK THERES ONE NOW

Ask me where device manager is in Windows and I will know, ask me what voodoo the Mac uses for managing devices and I and 90% of the forum wouldnt be able to tell you.

The geeks can only really support something if they know how to use it. Almost everybody will know how to use Windows, people really have no choice. They wont know how to use a Mac and will probably get frustrated when trying to work out what the problem is, let alone try to fix it.

At the end of the day if your computer goes wrong you have to ask a geek to fix it, and geeks all know windows.

JB

I'm no geek and certainly not a special sort of one.

 

With Linux I've been able to get on the net from the get go. Every time I've had a problem or enquiry I've gone straight to Google and ALWAYS found a solution. I'm genuinely amazed about that.

 

Even when I've erm.. managed to balls up my system it's because I've been tinkering where I shouldn't have been and have always managed to get it back running properly within minutes.

 

...and I'm no geek so....

yes, but can your dad or mum use Linux? If they need something fixed and you werent around would they be able to take it to PC World?

Mac and Linux are obviously great operating systems. But when it all hits the fan everybody just wants it fixed. If Im asked to fix a Mac or Linux system I will generally walk away. They chose the OS, they can find a way to get it fixed.

I don't know about OSX but on Linux I've found that I have to intentionally log in as a superuser in order to actively mess up my system. The core 'stuff' seems to be untouchable in everyday use.

Yet with Windows.....