windows vs mac vs linux

[n3xus]

This is a poll about which operating system you would prefer.

Windows Xp, Vista- Windows controls most of the market share. Windows is popular as an industrial working operating system and is favored by gamers because most pc games run on windows.

Mac Os X, tiger, leapard(not released)- Mac has a friendlier interface and is favored by people who like to enjoy multimedia, its gaming capabilities only works for pc games that have mac versions. Mac is also widely used by the music industry.

Linux- Linux is a free, open-source operating system created by Linus torvalds. It can be downloaded on virtually any pc. It is popular among programmers and gnu-fans. It has many distributions. Linux is gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe but it is also well known among developing countries.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1224/flip7cq.jpg
http://img252.imageshack.us

[Matt]

Windows, I am a gamer.

[anti bones]

Xp cause a lot of programs are compatible with it, its constantly updated, ok there are a few bugs in it but there always is a few bugs in any operating system.
Vista is a different story though it is compatible with very few programs and those are the more resource hungry programs, it doesn't get updated very often and crashes, I had vista as soon as it came out and believe me I didn't even bother activating it cause i didn't have it that long.

My system just couldn't keep up, I have specialised memory that runs at a very fast speed (1066) DDR 3 has just started to catch up and 512mb of it and I still found it slow.
My CPU runs at 3 GHz but its also specialised that runs in co-operation with the memory.

[Matt]

Xp cause a lot of programs are compatible with it, its constantly updated, ok there are a few bugs in it but there always is a few bugs in any operating system.
Vista is a different story though it is compatible with very few programs and those are the more resource hungry programs, it doesn't get updated very often and crashes, I had vista as soon as it came out and believe me I didn't even bother activating it cause i didn't have it that long.

My system just couldn't keep up, I have specialised memory that runs at a very fast speed (1066) DDR 3 has just started to catch up and 512mb of it and I still found it slow.
My CPU runs at 3 GHz but its also specialised that runs in co-operation with the memory.
3 GHz? Nnnniiiccceee
My laptop runs at 2 GHz.
Although if I were to upgrade it... I use XP, my laptop was made for XP and as said pretty much every program you could ever want is compatable with it. I didn't bother getting Vista it looks like crap and all the horror stories...
Mac's are just a big fat "NO". I will never use apple made crap. ihate ianything istarting iwith "i" ior iis imade iby iapple.
Linux? Err no.

[Impulse]

I've yet to try out Mac OS X, Vista, or any Linux OS aside from Ubuntu, but Ubuntu has been a lot better than XP so far.

[Mr. Anderson]

XP. Gamez r mi frendz.

[Cool_on_the_Inside]

I vote for Windows XP. I don't have Vista.

[RocStar]

XP. The only thing I'll use from apple is an iPod.

[Squidude]

I use Mac OS X, and used to use Windows. After about 10 years of using windows, I got fed up, and bought a Mac. I've never used Linux for an extended period of time, but I don't really have the patience needed to set up and use it.

Obivously the problem is the games. I'm trying to find some way to get Windows up and running so I can play the new Civ 4 expansion.

[Logic]

LINUX IS NOT AN OPERATING SYSTEM.

Linux is a kernel which handles system calls, memory management, and other processes vital to applications and the operating system. You need more than a kernel to have an operating system.

http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html

That being said, an operating system with a GNU/Linux setup is far and away my choice.

[Minimoose]

Linux is an operating system, I've got it on a laptop and it has no relevance to Windows or Mac
But anyways, Windows XP Because Macs and Linux are incompatible with almost everything

[Almanio]

Vista, simply because many new games such as gears of war will only work for vista.

[Tanktunker]

No, you uh, don't.
Linux OS doesn't exist, it never has either.
Ubuntu OS, Mandriva OS, and other distributions of Linux exist as OSes, but "bare" Linux can't be used as an OS.

[Max]

Windows - Error.dll File.exe not found, nuff' said

Mac Os - Only runs on mac machines, no regular pc compatibility , plus macs have a short lifespan

Linux - Virus free, runs some games and programs that windows can, and gets better and better every week.

[Mr. Anderson]

Windows - Error.dll File.exe not found, nuff' said

Strangely enough, I've never gotten that.

[Max]

Well, I'm just speaking of general issues with windows, here, i'll list all it's flaws and problems that come to mind.

- Can get viruses, adware, spyware, keyloggers, etc
- With vista, most software is now "not supported"
- With each release of windows, the price for purchase increases
- Internet browsing, is extremely reisky without a firewall
- Go to google, and search up "window's issues and bugs"

[Mr. Anderson]

Well, I'm just speaking of general issues with windows, here, i'll list all it's flaws and problems that come to mind.

- Can get viruses, adware, spyware, keyloggers, etc
- With vista, most software is now "not supported"
- With each release of windows, the price for purchase increases
- Internet browsing, is extremely reisky without a firewall
- Go to google, and search up "window's issues and bugs"

-True, but anyone who knows #### about computers can recognize one, provided the distributor isn't very sneaky.
-True, but it is very new.
-Inflation. I blame the midgets.
-Once again; those things are very easy to identify. And it isn't 'extremely risky'.
-Soz.

[Max]

Meh, whatever ... im not gonna just start boasting about how linux does this and linux does that, I'll stick with my own oppinions, and if i really do need to share them, then maybe I will. But I don't think my oppinion is needed. This thread is a useless attempt at trying to decide which OS is the best one. What good will it do the people who voted? When the final results are in, people will go "OHH MY OS WON THE VOTE WOWOWOWOWOW WHAT DO I GET NOW!!?" ? ... It's really a useless thread, with a very very slight point.

[Anonymous]

Obivously the problem is the games. I'm trying to find some way to get Windows up and running so I can play the new Civ 4 expansion.

.....?

http://www.aspyr.com/product/info/8


I want someone to give me an example of something a PC can do (program wise) that a Mac can't.

Not including games. :P

[Logic]

I want someone to give me an example of something a PC can do (program wise) that a Mac can't.

Right-click. Oh, err, program wise...

I guess the only program advantage is that there are thousands of free programs available for PCs in contrast to a smaller portion for Macs (still a large amount though).

PCs have more users and get more development. :\

[Vagrant]

Windows, because I'm used to the interface, and I don't need to do anything special to play games.

I've seen some of the stuff Mac and Linux can do, and I'm impressed. But I'm going to stay with Windows merely because I got used to the interface.

[Blaze Zero-Three]

It all depends on what you want to do. I do all my gaming on my PC, programming and editing on my Mac, and... I don't do much on Ubuntu.

And why the hell does everyone have the impression that Macs can't right click? Pfft. Even the Mighty Mouse can right-click.

[Max]

Macs can right click, take a regular usb mouse, plug it in and ta-da.

[n3xus]

ok...well i havent been keeping up on this thread but, im sick and tired of all those linux distros, omg theres like 1000's, their multiplying like alien spawn!

[Blaze Zero-Three]

ok...well i havent been keeping up on this thread but, im sick and tired of all those linux distros, omg theres like 1000's, their multiplying like alien spawn!

All are unique, and have their differences. And, no one ever said you had to have all 359 distro's on your computer. Does it matter if there are quite a few distro's out there?

[Mara]

.....?

http://www.aspyr.com/product/info/8


I want someone to give me an example of something a PC can do (program wise) that a Mac can't.

Not including games. :P

Not including games? Then, basically nothing.

However, you can transport that exact same argument into any GNU/Linux based OS. What can a Mac do that one of the easiest distro's (Ubuntu) can't do? Maybe small programs like iLife, iMovie, and so forth?

Well possibly. I personally find that Kino works great for movies. Amarok works great for music. There are too many photo programs to count (I don't use them, so I can't answer here, but I know there's a lot, even Picassa). The only thing Ubuntu might not have is GarageBand.

On top of that, Mac's are incredibly proprietary, and expensive! You know how unnecessarily hard it was originally to use an iPod on another computer? Now it's easy as clicking 'iPod support', but why wouldn't Apple release some sort of API, even if not for modifying the firmware, but at least to interface with it? In this respect, I find Apple as bad as Microsoft. Both are trying to hold your computer hostage so you have to buy a complete bundle so they make more money. You can use Microsoft Office on Mac's, then why not iLife on PC's?

Mac's can also be pricey too. Sure, the Operating System itself is relatively cheap. $129 for Leopard is relatively cheap compared to Vista, it's basically the cost of XP. But you have so many decisions taken away from you by using a Mac. You need to use Mac hardware, the only specs you get are what Apple offers you. Because Windows is far more of an open playing field than Mac's, I'm apple to get a tablet laptop, with the latest Windows OS on it. For me, this is hugely necessary. A quick google tells me that the 'MacBook Tablet' is purely theoretical, what a few guys make in photoshop as a prototype.

But compare both to any Linux based OS? (I'll pick Ubuntu, it's one I'm familiar with, and it suits majority of peoples needs). Ubuntu is free. It works basically out of the box. It's simple, nearly Mac simple, but you're not held hostage to certain pieces of hardware.

The only thing a Mac has over Ubuntu, as far as I can tell, is GarageBand, and maybe a little bit more simplicity. I find it hard to justify spending all that money to corner yourself into a Mac, simply for a little bit more simplicity. Both Macs and Ubuntu both lack games (for the most part, yes, you can emualte games on Ubuntu, but it's not as easy, and even though Wesnoth doesn't get boring, it gets boring).

The way I see it is, Windows is for gaming, Ubuntu is for work / everything else. Where does a Mac fit into that?

[RocketSoldier]

Mac OS X. I have Boot Camp installed on this so I can play my games too.

[YSMM]

The way I see it is, Windows is for gaming, Ubuntu is for work / everything else. Where does a Mac fit into that?

Digital art, photography, music.

[Woolfenstien]

I want someone to give me an example of something a PC can do (program wise) that a Mac can't.Take advantage of 64GiB of memory (RAM).

[Blaze Zero-Three]

Not including games? Then, basically nothing.

However, you can transport that exact same argument into any GNU/Linux based OS. What can a Mac do that one of the easiest distro's (Ubuntu) can't do? Maybe small programs like iLife, iMovie, and so forth?

Well possibly. I personally find that Kino works great for movies. Amarok works great for music. There are too many photo programs to count (I don't use them, so I can't answer here, but I know there's a lot, even Picassa). The only thing Ubuntu might not have is GarageBand.

If you're comparing OS X vs. Ubuntu (Studio) out of the box, Ubuntu wins.

What about Pro Apps? Do any Ubuntu programs get near any of those? (Eg. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Color...)

Mac's can also be pricey too. Sure, the Operating System itself is relatively cheap. $129 for Leopard is relatively cheap compared to Vista, it's basically the cost of XP. But you have so many decisions taken away from you by using a Mac. You need to use Mac hardware, the only specs you get are what Apple offers you. Because Windows is far more of an open playing field than Mac's, I'm apple to get a tablet laptop, with the latest Windows OS on it. For me, this is hugely necessary. A quick google tells me that the 'MacBook Tablet' is purely theoretical, what a few guys make in photoshop as a prototype.

Is there something wrong with having an easier selection? I guess so, if you need more (unreasonable) hardware.

Tablet PC's are overpriced. You can just get a table the same size for hundreds of dollars less.

But compare both to any Linux based OS? (I'll pick Ubuntu, it's one I'm familiar with, and it suits majority of peoples needs). Ubuntu is free. It works basically out of the box. It's simple, nearly Mac simple, but you're not held hostage to certain pieces of hardware.

Unless you want a wireless Internet connection. Or if you're not getting the native resolution, and it's not available. Or if you aren't confident to partition your drive, even if the tools are just as friendly as Boot Camp.

The only thing a Mac has over Ubuntu, as far as I can tell, is GarageBand, and maybe a little bit more simplicity. I find it hard to justify spending all that money to corner yourself into a Mac, simply for a little bit more simplicity. Both Macs and Ubuntu both lack games (for the most part, yes, you can emualte games on Ubuntu, but it's not as easy, and even though Wesnoth doesn't get boring, it gets boring).

Depends what you do. Since there are only PC programs that match the power of Pro Apps, and since they cost thousands of dollars more, that's your justification to spending so much money into the Mac computer.

The way I see it is, Windows is for gaming, Ubuntu is for work / everything else. Where does a Mac fit into that?

Post-production, photography, music, digital art, and very, very lazy IT guys.

-Runs from thread to avoid being flamed from smart people-

[Mikeh]

1. .EXE
2. Games

See ya Mac!

[shotgunkill2]

linux? linux is not an operating system!!! linux is just something u can by for your pc

[shotgunkill2]

oh yes and my choice here is windows. GO GATES!!!!

[RocketSoldier]

linux? linux is not an operating system!!! linux is just something u can by for your pc

Do you know what you're talking about?

[n3xus]

uhh, well i guess the raw linux kernel isnt an operating system but the distros definitely are.

[Vagrant]

Digital art, photography, music.

*shrug* I do photography just fine on my Windows. Photoshop, photomatix, PTGui, and Paint Shop Pro all work on my computer just fine... Wavepad works amazingly well for freeware music editing. I really don't know what art stuff you could do on a Mac you couldn't do on a PC. I think that's just a stereotype that's been perpetuated for too long.

[shotgunkill2]

Do you know what you're talking about?
unfortunatley no, i just like to sound smart:cool:

[Mara]

If you're comparing OS X vs. Ubuntu (Studio) out of the box, Ubuntu wins.

What about Pro Apps? Do any Ubuntu programs get near any of those? (Eg. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Color...)


Cinerella does probably 90% of what Final Cut Pro does, and it's free. Yes, if you need that last 10%, I've nothing wrong with getting a Mac. That being said, how many people at XGen surpass the prosumer range?


Is there something wrong with having an easier selection? I guess so, if you need more (unreasonable) hardware.

Tablet PC's are overpriced. You can just get a table the same size for hundreds of dollars less.


An easier selection, no. A limited selection? Yes. The options are either that the thing is undeniably the best choice (program) for the job. Nothing surpasses it, and logically it would then have an incredibly high market share, as the thing is gold, or secondarily, there is a limited selection.

As for tablets, I need it for notetaking.




Unless you want a wireless Internet connection. Or if you're not getting the native resolution, and it's not available. Or if you aren't confident to partition your drive, even if the tools are just as friendly as Boot Camp.


Ubuntu 7.04 has worked on 7 different wireless computers out of the box for me. And have you ever heard of ndiswrapper? Again, resolution issues are nonexistent. Yes, if you have a very new ATI card you might have some graphic issues, but they get sorted out fast. What about a very new ATI card for a Mac? You won't get one. Top of the line killer gaming emulation/virtualization) isn't feasible with Macs, as you have to really go out of your way to use an 8800. With Ubuntu, it's basically out of the box.



Depends what you do. Since there are only PC programs that match the power of Pro Apps, and since they cost thousands of dollars more, that's your justification to spending so much money into the Mac computer.

Post-production, photography, music, digital art, and very, very lazy IT guys.


Even ignoring that if it's popular and works for PC, it'll work for Linux, there are a lot of choices out there. If you don't use the Pro Apps to their fullest extent, then there certainly will be Linux alternatives.

[ehntoo]

Anyone who's debating professional media apps on Linux needs to check out Krita and Ardour. Krita is better than Photoshop in many respects, and Ardour is a fully-featured DAW. Unfortunately, Video editing is still lagging behind. Cinelerra does a decent job, but it isn't really a production quality program, and Kino does a great job for simple editing, but nothing really amazing (think iMovie).

I choose Linux whenever possible. Unfortunately, I end up running XP more often than I'd like, but it can't really be helped.

Ubuntu is by far one of the easiest OSes I've ever used in pretty much every aspect, from installation to customization.

Which is why I don't run it. After a certain amount of time getting into the groove of another Linux distro, you get used to the package managers, the various quirks, the procedures that you really should write a shell script for but don't have time. I run Sabayon on all my machines that can take it. It's fast, it's well-optimized, and it works out of the box (sometimes better than Ubuntu).

[n3xus]

gimp or gimpshop pro has versions for windows, linux, and mac, it pretty much has all the same calibre as adobe products.
I generally dont like macs but the software is multi-os so that earns some points.

[salsport]

i use windows, but i perfer linex sence it doesn't crash more than half the time!

[Vagrant]

i use windows, but i perfer linex sence it doesn't crash more than half the time!

If you've had XP, then you would know Windows has significantly stopped crashing from it's Windows 95 days. In fact, the only thing that really crashes Windows is either overloading your RAM with too much work, or a program not designed by Microsoft that causes problems.

[zbooyjack]

Windows, because none of the good games like Half Life 2 are compatible with Mac, and I've heard that Linux isn't very user-friendly.

[n3xus]

yeah, linux appeals more to software developers and programmers.

[h00pla]

-_- barring some issues you might have with dual booting (I couldn't get my CD drive and one of my hard drives to show up on Ubuntu) the main snag for Ubuntu is the fact that it is user friendly. Seriously installing is a matter of switching your boot order and then clicking "install" on the desktop when Ubuntu boots.

[Woolfenstien]

Windows is either overloading your RAM with too much workThe user is the only one capable of doing that :P

But even so, processing a 60MB GIF in Fireworks8 makes it look like it crashes, but it's not crashing.

Protip: You, the user, is the problem.

[ManUpstairs]

unfortunatley no, i just like to sound smart:cool:
Well, REEAAALL good job there, buddy.

[ehntoo]

The user is the only one capable of doing that :P

But even so, processing a 60MB GIF in Fireworks8 makes it look like it crashes, but it's not crashing.

Protip: You, the user, is the problem.

PEBKAC.

whoever said that The Gimp is the same caliber as Photoshop is rather wrong. The Gimp is perfectly suitable for many things, but it is not as good as Photoshop.

[joeman6]

Guess what?
Windows wins.