Windows vs. Mac vs. Linux vs. Other Thread
gamefreak
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Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,119
Location: Citrus County, Florida
16 Mar 2008, 12:34 pm
polarity wrote:
I think half of the supposed user friendliness of Windows is that it comes pre-installed. It's amazing how few people are capable of installing Windows off a CD (I'd happily charge them £8/hour to sit in front of their computer and click the odd thing while windows installed), so it's no wonder they can't manage Linux.
I think it's fundamental to NT thinking that they're incapable of putting written information into their brains and making use of it. Most seem unwilling to read more than a paragraph or so, and only read books/magazines that don't have any thought provoking subject matter. I got thoroughly sick of teachers at school telling me I couldn't learn anything just from reading books.
I use whatever OS is best for the job.
I've got OSX Leopard on my laptop, as well as XP. OSX is used because it's a lot safer on the internet*, and it's just quicker for hopping around web browser/text editor/file manager windows, and ties into BSD/Linux/Windows networks better than any other OS I've found. XP is only on it because I want to play games when I get bored with programming/web editing (and a 17" MacBook Pro is a pretty good gaming system).
XP is on my gaming system, because there's no alternative. Linux only supports the hardware months after the Windows drivers are out, and doesn't get updates very often. Also GL is losing a lot of ground to DirectX. Vista came out in all these different options, except one for gamers. Far too much bloat from useless features.
I've got OpenBSD on my firewall and web server, because there's no OS that comes close for security. It's also really nice to work with, as in securing it the developers made all the code very clean and easy to work with, so it's harder to make mistakes that open security holes. They've also done an excellent job of documenting every command and config file. RTFM is quite literally said to list members who ask stupid questions. I've been using it for several years now, and have to say it's my favorite OS, because it does the job it's designed for exceptionally well.
At the moment I'm setting up a game server that's going to be colocated at a datacenter. Initially I was installing FreeBSD on it, but it turns out that the Linux emulation isn't up to date (only 32bit Linux support). I think FreeBSD has got too bloated, as they're trying to cater to too many markets, and aren't updating things as much as they should in order to keep ahead as a high performing server OS. My server's a PowerEdge 1950, which has been out for a good few years, and is a very widely used server, but there's no definite claim of compatability for it in the hardware lists, and there are still a lot of unsolved problems with it, despite it being the kind of thing FreeBSD is supposed to have good support for. DragonFly BSD is a new branch off from FreeBSD that's really focusing on performance and modern server hardware. They're even including highly optimized virtualization in the kernel.
In the end I decided to go for Gentoo Linux for my game server, as it looks like it can have a sufficiently stripped down install, and right from the get go was as simple to use as OpenBSD (simple for me means having a good selection of shell/prompt/editor, and having a working network with ssh as soon as possible so I can go and do all the work from my laptop and a comfy seat).
* Why is it that people say Linux/OSX are just as insecure as Windows? 10 years ago there were loads of viruses for Windows computers, and not enough Linux or Mac computers for anyone to bother writing viruses for. Now there are far more OSX/Linux computers than there were Windows ones 10 years ago, so why aren't there any viruses? There are loads of people who go on about how bad Apple/Linux boxes are, and how they've actually got bad security, but have any of them actually written viruses for an Apple/Linux? You'd think with the amount of hate they have for non Windows systems they'd be inclined to make things difficult for the Apple/Linux users they seem to hate so much.
I think it's fundamental to NT thinking that they're incapable of putting written information into their brains and making use of it. Most seem unwilling to read more than a paragraph or so, and only read books/magazines that don't have any thought provoking subject matter. I got thoroughly sick of teachers at school telling me I couldn't learn anything just from reading books.
I use whatever OS is best for the job.
I've got OSX Leopard on my laptop, as well as XP. OSX is used because it's a lot safer on the internet*, and it's just quicker for hopping around web browser/text editor/file manager windows, and ties into BSD/Linux/Windows networks better than any other OS I've found. XP is only on it because I want to play games when I get bored with programming/web editing (and a 17" MacBook Pro is a pretty good gaming system).
XP is on my gaming system, because there's no alternative. Linux only supports the hardware months after the Windows drivers are out, and doesn't get updates very often. Also GL is losing a lot of ground to DirectX. Vista came out in all these different options, except one for gamers. Far too much bloat from useless features.
I've got OpenBSD on my firewall and web server, because there's no OS that comes close for security. It's also really nice to work with, as in securing it the developers made all the code very clean and easy to work with, so it's harder to make mistakes that open security holes. They've also done an excellent job of documenting every command and config file. RTFM is quite literally said to list members who ask stupid questions. I've been using it for several years now, and have to say it's my favorite OS, because it does the job it's designed for exceptionally well.
At the moment I'm setting up a game server that's going to be colocated at a datacenter. Initially I was installing FreeBSD on it, but it turns out that the Linux emulation isn't up to date (only 32bit Linux support). I think FreeBSD has got too bloated, as they're trying to cater to too many markets, and aren't updating things as much as they should in order to keep ahead as a high performing server OS. My server's a PowerEdge 1950, which has been out for a good few years, and is a very widely used server, but there's no definite claim of compatability for it in the hardware lists, and there are still a lot of unsolved problems with it, despite it being the kind of thing FreeBSD is supposed to have good support for. DragonFly BSD is a new branch off from FreeBSD that's really focusing on performance and modern server hardware. They're even including highly optimized virtualization in the kernel.
In the end I decided to go for Gentoo Linux for my game server, as it looks like it can have a sufficiently stripped down install, and right from the get go was as simple to use as OpenBSD (simple for me means having a good selection of shell/prompt/editor, and having a working network with ssh as soon as possible so I can go and do all the work from my laptop and a comfy seat).
* Why is it that people say Linux/OSX are just as insecure as Windows? 10 years ago there were loads of viruses for Windows computers, and not enough Linux or Mac computers for anyone to bother writing viruses for. Now there are far more OSX/Linux computers than there were Windows ones 10 years ago, so why aren't there any viruses? There are loads of people who go on about how bad Apple/Linux boxes are, and how they've actually got bad security, but have any of them actually written viruses for an Apple/Linux? You'd think with the amount of hate they have for non Windows systems they'd be inclined to make things difficult for the Apple/Linux users they seem to hate so much.
Well for one why there is more viruses for Windows is due to the fact that Windows is overall the most used in the world.[Not Microsofts fault there.] Also if you use a good Antivirus like Symantec,[$39.99] Use a good firewall like Outpost Firewall Pro,[$39.99], Use Windows Defender and Firewall and Spybot you should be fine.[This Security Rig is so efficent you will never have a problem with you computer unless you load it up with too much junk or don`t have good drivers.] I find Windows very reliable and easy to use if your running off 2000 Professional, XP, or 98SE.[ME is Microsofts only mistake and other versions older than 98SE are just way too out of date.] I will say Vista is Reliable but due to how Stubborn the People are about Updating Computers and how expensive it is for buisnesses to upgrade i won`t put that on the good list. IBM-Compatible Rigs are also Cheaper than Macs and are overall better to use unless you into Graphics or Your in love with that damn IPOD of yours.
Linux is Best for Servers/ Large Buisnesses/ Schools Systems
Why- Mainly due to the fact that Linux is foolproof when it comes to Grade-School Students, More Reliable to the people who don`t want to apply Security Rigs or know nothing about antivirus Programs. Also not a lot of games are released for linux so students won`t be playing them instead of doing work.[Even Macs are starting to get game releases due to the switch to Intel Processors.] Also such there is not too many junkware/spyware infested programs for linux that makes it were you don`t have to clean up after the students or Home-User as much as opposed to the way Mac/ Windows Machines are.
Windows is Best for gamers and people who know what Spyware Is-
Why-Windows is a great OS but too many Ignorant people slow down there machines with Proprietory Crap and Startup Programs like Instant Messangers.[Not a lot of people know what MSCONFIG is.] You also need to have a Guru 24/7 if you don`t know a thing about keeping a computer up to speed. However if you use CCleaner and have a secirity Rig like i do there is no problem. Also since Windows is a widely used OS a lot of Amateur programmers relese crappy programs that will Possibily Give you a glipse of the BSOD. Unlike Linux you for have to be more careful with your programs.
Mac is the Best For Graphics/ Sound-
Why- Macs have a lot of Sound/ Video Compatibilities. Macs are no longer good for beginners and students due to the switch to Intel Processors making them compatible with Memory-Hogging, Proprietory AOL Crap, Viruses, And Games.
18 Mar 2008, 12:47 pm
To be blunt, here is my bottom line albiet lenghty on the OS 3.
1 Windows: Everything but speed and carefull memory management, and unfreindly on requirements, but it is quite leinent.
2. MAC. The last time I was able to expereice one was when they were mass used in school aprox System 7/8, due to it not being the most right click to configure system. (There was no right click!)
Linux: Many names, compatibilty isuess. Loads of open source however.
