Need new PC operating system

[Whaler Proud]

Ok folks, I am serious about this inquiry. I have just about had my fill with error messages, disconnects, virus scans, and you name it while operating with Windows.<br /><br />I will be changing out some hardware in the next six months and I would like some guidance (if you all could oblige) on whether to go Apple or Linux.<br /><br />What say all?

 

[JasonB]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I'm a fan of linux for servers, but it isn't quite ready for the average person's desktop, although products like Lindows are getting closer. Apples are ok. Did I just say that! Oh my goodness......

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Need new PC operating system

Whaler,<br /><br />I'm not saying this to be mean so please don't take offense but changing to Linux or Mac isn't going to solve any of your problems. <br /><br />If you stick with Windows, learn how to properly work with it - keep everything up to date, keep several backups of important files, and find where to go for support. (www.google.com and support.microsoft.com)<br /> <br />Switching to Linux or Mac requires you to start all over and learn a new OS. They have problems just like Windows does but you'll get less support because less people use them.<br /><br />I also agree with Jason - Linux is a good server os and a good os for advanced users but, for the average user, it's not very good - there is plenty of documentation but most of the time, it's not very good and doesn't talk about your specific problem.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I am no puter guru for sure, but I have been running windows for a long time and have had 1 hard drive crash and IBM took care of that.<br />I don't get dis-connected, no errors messages and my virus scan, scans ever morning.<br /><br />I feel like the rest, stick with what you know, keep everything updated and you will be ok.<br />Just my .02 worth.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Need new PC operating system

XP professional! Got it on my laptop, home pc and work desktop, best option is if something goes wrong, you can backtrack to last best day(w/ no probs.). Heinz

 

[JoeW]

Re: Need new PC operating system

Whaler Proud,<br />I have to concur with the rest of the folks here. I've been in the computer business (software engineer) for 25 years now. Linux is not for everyone. Going to a mac requires that you re-learn a lot, even though that may be easier than learning it the first time. Mac software tends to be a bit pricey as well. If your working on Windows 95,98 or Me, you'll want to move up to either Windows 2000 or XP Professional. These are much more stable versions of Windows, and you won't have to throw out all of your existing software.<br />-Joe

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Need new PC operating system

Linux

 

[bobingardner]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I've been running Linux for a few years now and would never go back to windows. It's not as easy as windows to install and configure stuff but it's much easier to find your way around and troubleshoot when things go wrong. Many Windows applications have Linux equivalents and there are emulators like Win4Lin that help fill in the gaps.<br /><br />Some hardware vendors, especially modems and printers, design their equipment fow Windows and won't support Linux so before you buy new hardware check the Linux hardware support list available from most Linux vendors for compatability. You can start by looking at linuxquestions.org's HCL.<br /><br />Finding an ISP that supports Linux may also be a problem. I use Earthlink and if something goes wrong I'm completely on my own. Their "support" desk won't even talk to me once I tell them I'm running Linux.<br /><br />That's the bad part. The good part is you can download a number of distributions from the net for free. You can also get the source which can be helpful when something goes wrong. Also, there's a great community of Linux users that can help with problems. There's a large number of Desktop and window managers available that let you pick and choose and customize to suite your needs and preferences.<br /><br />I suggest dual booting Linux with your current Windows installation like I did. After using Linux for about a year I deleted the windows partition and I'd sell my PC before I'd go back to MS.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I use linux on my server,my wife has an apple and a windows side by side and on my pc I run either linux or windows XP.Heinz is right unless you really know your stuff the XP is the stablest windows yet.Depending on your supporting software you may or may not have to deal with popups and spam, but crashes will be few and far between.Its interface is much like windows '98 and 2000.Just get a good technician to set it up for you.

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I really appreciate the input from all of you. I am operating on Windows ME (came with the PC), my company has just converted over to Windows XP and I am quite surprised that I have not experienced any problems with it. Of course we have 250 Tech people to make sure it runs smooth. <br /><br />I posted out of frustration and, in a way, great envy. Another boating site I visit is moderated by someone who does not use Windows and is inhabited by a surprisingly large number of Mac users. The one common theme among the Mac users is the almost zero problems with the system.<br /><br />I am going to play with the XP ( I have a laptop at work so I can bring it home) and run it through some of the same things I do on this PC (which, by the way, got that annoying "waauboot" error message while typing this post).<br /><br />From what I have read, Linux is really great but it is probably beyond my skill level to use or enjoy using it.<br /><br />Again, thanks to all. You're the best.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Need new PC operating system

What OS have you been using? Have you tried XP Pro?<br /><br />I've been using XP Pro for a long time now with absolutely NO problems. It's the most stable system I've ever had.<br /><br />The only issue I have with it is the security concerns. Everybody knows that Windows' security is swiss-cheese compared to Linux.<br /><br />My new computer I'm building is going to have both Linux and Windows. I've always wanted to learn Linux mainly because of the better security.<br /><br />H.

 

[SinisterAngel]

Re: Need new PC operating system

Bah, whoever said there is next to no support for linux doesn't live in a town with a Linux User Group

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Need new PC operating system

I think you will be very surprised by the stability of XP especially coming from buggy ME. Crashes are very rare. Plug & Play is finally where it should be. Performance is excellent. Given the size of the market, finding good, cheap HW & SW is easy. Tough to beat...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Need new PC operating system

Im running Windows XP Profesional Corporate so I can use the software anywhere I want to. It is very stable and is much better than 98!<br /><br />Just my 2 Cents!!

 

[pjc]

Re: Need new PC operating system

XP Pro is sooo bulletproof that even my young kids can't kill it. Is a resource hog to some degree due to bells and whistles.<br /><br />Win 2000 Pro is real good if you do not require all the options XP Pro has.<br /><br />My 2 cents.........