OS Debate Thread

[blue_moon]

Ok... You've seen it pop up in numerous topics before. This is basically the ultimate showdown of the OS. Lets just make clear these few rules to keep this from getting locked:
1. No OS is better than the other. What Mac has Windows may not, what Windows has, Mac may not.
2. Please don't just say "All Mac users are stupid dumb-dumbs." That is not saying what you like more.
3. Keep in mind that as I said, no OS is better than the other. Keep this to why you like Mac or Windows. Or Linux, but... Yeah. Keep this to why you like Mac or Windows. Fine. And Linux.
4. NO flaming. As this is a thread is the Blitwise forums, please don't insult somebody.
5. Dont make stuff up, or go by rumors, like "I heard Mac is buying PC, so HAH!"
Go crazy.
I'll start by saying I use a PC with Windows because of two things:
1. It runs games, without having to buy 2 OSs.
2. I am not paying for a computer so good it has a speed so fast that it responds instantaneously whereas on PC/Windows it takes half a second. I can wait.

[Rex Nex]

PC becouse mac has no good software.

[blue_moon]

I wouldn't say so. Mac has plenty of good software. They've got a lot of Mac-exclusive video editing tools, and quite a few others that escaped my head right now.

[Everlast]

Well I use Windows, but I like Linux because Linux is what people use to hack consoles, and I like my Linux-Xbox very much. And something good about Mac is that, there aren't as many Mac-compatible virus's.

[blue_moon]

The first Mac virus/trojan originated in the December of '06. Over 10,000 people got it. I don't like Linux because its basically the show-off OS that actually isn't that good. Besides, in order to hack most consoles, wouldn't you need more than just the OS and computer in terms of hardware?

[Loofiloo]

1. No OS is better than the other. What Mac has Windows may not, what Windows has, Mac may not.
3. Keep in mind that as I said, no OS is better than the other. Keep this to why you like Mac or Windows. Or Linux, but... Yeah. Keep this to why you like Mac or Windows. Fine. And Linux.

If anybody actually thought that no OS was better than another, then this thread wouldn't exist.

[Everlast]

No, I added no new hardware when I put Linux on my Xbox. Some people use Mod Chips, but for the original Xbox, mod chips are unnecessary. And what Linux is, is an OS that is open source, meaning anyone can get the build code for it and change it. So for the Xbox, first they got it to run on the Xbox, then they re-built Linux to work on the Xbox, with the controller and such, which eventually lead to porting of emulators and Xbox Media Center.

[Pyrobellum]

Well, I finally make my appearance in this thread! Bwahaha.

I like Macintosh primarily because of the user interface. I have an obsessive dislike of clutter. Massive, massive dislike. A factory-fresh mac comes with exactly one thing on the desktop: Your hard drive. Now, of course owning a computer means you're going to add software, videos, and a lot of random stuff. *cough* Now, there's the little search feature called spotlight that is extremely convenient for finding those files. That means you can put them into obscure places like your applications folder, nested deep within your home folder, and they're only a few keystrokes away. I notice from the desktop thread that most of you have pocket tanks on your desktop. Too much clutter! I have it hidden deep within my games folder. But I can easily get to pocket tanks.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/4337/spotlightrm3.png

Granted, Vista has a similar (suspiciously so) search feature that works equally well, but there's not a convenient command shortcut. You have to open the windows menu, put focus in the little bar, type, and hit enter. It's a few more steps. For Macintosh, you just click the little magnifying glass or hit command-space to search.

The dock is another way to reduce clutter. It's like a desktop. You can put your frequently used applications in there, and it's always there, at the bottom, or at the sides if you choose. If you don't like your "desktop" to always be there, you can set it to auto-hide like I do:

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/9046/dockot7.png

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2456/hiddenjx8.png

You can also put shortcuts to folders in the dock. You can explore them by right-clicking, or just open them by left clicking.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/681/foldersfv6.png

There's also consistent keyboard shortcuts for each and every application. Command-M minimizes, Command-H hides the app (useful when your boss decides to see what you're doing on your computer), Alt-Command-H hides all apps except for the focused application, command-Q completely exits and quits all application windows, and command-? brings up a help-viewer for every application. The help viewer is actually extremely useful, because it has a wide variety of help topics as well as links to online help resources.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2131/helpiv5.png

The hardware on this thing is also very nice. I'm trying to cut down on the size of this post, so I'm just lazy linking you to the Hardware summary (http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9351/hardwarexa9.png), but there's a high-resolution display, standard things like dvd reader/burner, wireless internet (airport) and bluetooth for wireless devices, and so much more. Granted, if you really need to upgrade your computer for some reason, it's quite difficult, but it starts with such high-quality hardware that you won't be needing a hardware upgrade for quite some time.

Now, software... There is a lot of Macintosh software, and some of the best software comes free: Video editing, audio recording and editing software (as well as a host of digital instruments), Calender software (microsoft outlook essentially, but easier to use), non web-based mail software photo organization software, etcetera, etcetera. I'm linking a video (made with desktop recording software O.o) that runs through the software. There's 3-D rendering software for macintosh (haven't tried that), Photoshop, and Gimp for those of you without the money to pay for photoshop (or the skills to obtain it in other ways). In fact, there is only one chief complaint about Macintosh software: Gaming (And software piracy I guess, but we aren't supposed to do that).

Gaming on a Mac: Sure, it's difficult. However, the most popular games (such as Halo PC, Starcraft, Warcraft) in most of gaming history are cross-developed for Macintosh. Also, if gaming is really important to you, you can purchase a windows license (boot camp is free). I think that the Macintosh system is only unsuitable for the most hardcore of gamers who must have every game the day it comes out, and buy new hardware every few months. I'm a semi-avid gamer, and I don't find myself hindered by the Mac OS. (By the way, Blizzard makes awesome games, and releases them for Mac at the same time as Windows. Mac gamers always have a few Blizzard games on their shelves) I'm only mildly annoyed by things such as slow pocket tanks updates. I am now going to make that video I mentioned in the software section, while you guys read this. By the way, apologies to you guys on dial-up for linking so many pictures.

[Rex Nex]

0.0

Wtf Is Starcraft Carbon!!!?!?!?

Gimme!

[Pyrobellum]

Mac OS 9 and OS X (10) are vastly different operating systems (OS X was a massive upgrade to the Macintosh operating system a few years ago). Many files that ran in OS 9 (exe files, for example) no longer work with OS X. When an application is made to work natively in OS X, it is referred to as carbon or carbonized. Starcraft (carbon) is the exact same thing as starcraft, just ported to run on Mac OS X.

Older Macs that had OS 9 but upgraded to OS X can still run exe files, they just have to refer to the OS 9 operating files on the computer. Newer Intel-based Macs start with OS X, and therefore cannot run exe files. However, older Macs do not have the ability to run dual-boot.

[Rex Nex]

If you have a windows, and you are reading this post, hold control, then zoom the mouse wheel backwords.

MINIBLIT!

[Everlast]

Now a retort from me! :D

NOTE: This is Windows XP not Vista.

I have an obsessive dislike of clutter.
I notice from the desktop thread that most of you have pocket tanks on your desktop.

That is why Windows has this feature.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/amenu4.png

The dock is another way to reduce clutter. It's like a desktop. You can put your frequently used applications in there, and it's always there, at the bottom, or at the sides if you choose. If you don't like your "desktop" to always be there, you can set it to auto-hide like I do:

Windows can do this also, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/atoolbar3.png

You can also put shortcuts to folders in the dock. You can explore them by right-clicking, or just open them by left clicking.

Windows can do this also, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/atoolbar2.png

Windows also can have a Internet Search in the taskbar, mine is Google, although I couldn't get a picture of it, once you type something in the box, a box comes up and says "Search 'blank' on Google", observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/atoolbar.png

There's also consistent keyboard shortcuts for each and every application. Command-M minimizes, Command-H hides the app (useful when your boss decides to see what you're doing on your computer), Alt-Command-H hides all apps except for the focused application, command-Q completely exits and quits all application windows, and command-? brings up a help-viewer for every application. The help viewer is actually extremely useful, because it has a wide variety of help topics as well as links to online help resources.

Windows can do these things also, observe!

F1 activates the help menu for any app you are in, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/amenu3help.png

F11 makes your window full screen, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/Afullview.png

The Windows Logo button, minimizes the full screen app your in.

Ctrl + Exit, brings up the start menu.

Alt + Tab brings up a menu that shows you all the apps running on your computer.

Calender software (microsoft outlook essentially, but easier to use), non web-based mail software photo organization software, etcetera,

Windows has Microsoft Works, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/mworks1.png
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/mworks2.png
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/mworks3.png
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/mworks4.png

Video editing, audio recording and editing software

Windows has this too, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/amovie.png
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/aSR.png

And last but not least, the mighty Task Manager! Observe, it's fearsome power!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/ataskmanager.png

Sorry for dial-up people, with the pictures.

Any way, just saying Windows can do that stuff also. :D


EDIT: Wait I almost forgot about the Start Menu, observe!

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l161/jflake/Amenu-1.png

[Loofiloo]

My roommate's Windows computer has a dock really similar to a Mac's on his desktop. There exists a program that lets you have something exactly like that in Windows. I might get it, but I think I'd rather make myself a customized desktop. I hear you can set your desktop to be a web page, with links to local directories in your computer.

[Pyrobellum]

Ah, a long post! And yes, I recognize that that's XP.

Desktop cleanup wizard: Why do you need a program to tell you what desktop icons you haven't used in a while? Besides, there are some annoying things on the desktop that you can't move elsewhere, or the computer will whine about "system performance". I think the AOL trial is one of those. More to the point, once you move it off your desktop, you then have to dig through those files if you want to find it. This may be practical for a few applications (like pocket tanks that I see you've moved there), but for instant access to any program on your computer, I don't think you'd want to cram everything into that little bar down there.

Internet search in toolbar: Lol, I don't know how useful that is, but cool. (I assume it just opens a browser window...)

Fullscreen: Yeah, macs do fullscreen too. Default key's F11, but I rewrote it to another key because it interferes with the expose functinos.

Keyboard: I suppose I was really getting at the hiding function, which is completely different from minimizing. Suppose you've got 50 video files open for... some reason. Sure, you can minimize them, but you have to individually click each one, or do the shortcut. With hide, you press command-H, and each and every single window of the currently active program disappears. With windows, you still see all of the files in the toolbar, where hide puts up no indication that the files are open. I'm not sure how many legitimate purposes that has, but it sure is useful when you're supposed to be working! And then clicking on the app icon brings back all your windows.

Command-M toggles fullscreen mode in fullscreen apps, so I guess that's the same.

Alt-tab: Mac has that too, but it's obviously command tab.

There is microsoft works for Mac (it's the blue W in my dock)

Editing: Well, editing is pretty universal, I was saying that iMovie is very powerful and easy to use. The compression's pretty good too. A 100 mb movie file was compressed to 5 mb a very mild reduction in size. Here's the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-CWXaiQia8). I'd also like to note that my video is the only bloons td video with decent framerate. (Asides from the idiots who pointed cameras at their computer screens). I'll post a video of using imovie when I get around to making that video. Probably next weekend.

Task manager: Behold, the mighty force quit:
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1223/picture1ik7.png
The only time force quit doesn't work is when your computer is FUBAR. More than can be said for task manager. There's also an activity monitor for cpu usage, processes, and network usage.

Start menu... I think the search bar is easier. Unless you've forgotten what you have on your computer. :shocked: Also, expose, ftw! Screenshots don't do it justice. When I do my video, I'll show you the expose. It's useful if you have a crapload of open windows and are having a hard time sorting through them all.

[Pyrobellum]

My roommate's Windows computer has a dock really similar to a Mac's on his desktop. There exists a program that lets you have something exactly like that in Windows. I might get it, but I think I'd rather make myself a customized desktop. I hear you can set your desktop to be a web page, with links to local directories in your computer.

Yeah. There was this one hilarious thread on bungie.net where a guy had made some pictures and was trying to link them like this: Users/bob/documents/halopistol... I forget exactly what it was, but he was trying to link us via root path over the internet. It was funny as hell. And I believe you would set your desktop as an html file. Of course that would require knowledge of html coding.

[Everlast]

You can put a web page as your background.

[blue_moon]

I KNEW THIS THREAD WOULD PICK UP! Anyway, here is my long response to stuff... That needs a response.
(note: some may be in color)
If anybody actually thought that no OS was better than another, then this thread wouldn't exist.
Actually, this thread is why YOU feel that your OS is better than the other. Not which is globally better.
Well, I finally make my appearance in this thread! Bwahaha.

I like Macintosh primarily because of the user interface. I have an obsessive dislike of clutter. Massive, massive dislike. A factory-fresh mac comes with exactly one thing on the desktop: Your hard drive. Now, of course owning a computer means you're going to add software, videos, and a lot of random stuff. *cough* Now, there's the little search feature called spotlight that is extremely convenient for finding those files. That means you can put them into obscure places like your applications folder, nested deep within your home folder, and they're only a few keystrokes away. I notice from the desktop thread that most of you have pocket tanks on your desktop. Too much clutter! I have it hidden deep within my games folder. But I can easily get to pocket tanks.

Granted, Vista has a similar (suspiciously so) search feature that works equally well, but there's not a convenient command shortcut. You have to open the windows menu, put focus in the little bar, type, and hit enter. It's a few more steps. For Macintosh, you just click the little magnifying glass or hit command-space to search.

The dock is another way to reduce clutter. It's like a desktop. You can put your frequently used applications in there, and it's always there, at the bottom, or at the sides if you choose. If you don't like your "desktop" to always be there, you can set it to auto-hide like I do:

You can also put shortcuts to folders in the dock. You can explore them by right-clicking, or just open them by left clicking.

There's also consistent keyboard shortcuts for each and every application. Command-M minimizes, Command-H hides the app (useful when your boss decides to see what you're doing on your computer), Alt-Command-H hides all apps except for the focused application, command-Q completely exits and quits all application windows, and command-? brings up a help-viewer for every application. The help viewer is actually extremely useful, because it has a wide variety of help topics as well as links to online help resources.

The hardware on this thing is also very nice. I'm trying to cut down on the size of this post, so I'm just lazy linking you to the Hardware summary (http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9351/hardwarexa9.png), but there's a high-resolution display, standard things like dvd reader/burner, wireless internet (airport) and bluetooth for wireless devices, and so much more. Granted, if you really need to upgrade your computer for some reason, it's quite difficult, but it starts with such high-quality hardware that you won't be needing a hardware upgrade for quite some time.

Now, software... There is a lot of Macintosh software, and some of the best software comes free: Video editing, audio recording and editing software (as well as a host of digital instruments), Calender software (microsoft outlook essentially, but easier to use), non web-based mail software photo organization software, etcetera, etcetera. I'm linking a video (made with desktop recording software O.o) that runs through the software. There's 3-D rendering software for macintosh (haven't tried that), Photoshop, and Gimp for those of you without the money to pay for photoshop (or the skills to obtain it in other ways). In fact, there is only one chief complaint about Macintosh software: Gaming (And software piracy I guess, but we aren't supposed to do that).

Gaming on a Mac: Sure, it's difficult. However, the most popular games (such as Halo PC, Starcraft, Warcraft) in most of gaming history are cross-developed for Macintosh. Also, if gaming is really important to you, you can purchase a windows license (boot camp is free). I think that the Macintosh system is only unsuitable for the most hardcore of gamers who must have every game the day it comes out, and buy new hardware every few months. I'm a semi-avid gamer, and I don't find myself hindered by the Mac OS. (By the way, Blizzard makes awesome games, and releases them for Mac at the same time as Windows. Mac gamers always have a few Blizzard games on their shelves) I'm only mildly annoyed by things such as slow pocket tanks updates. I am now going to make that video I mentioned in the software section, while you guys read this. By the way, apologies to you guys on dial-up for linking so many pictures.
Yeah, when I got my PC, it had three things. Those were My Computer, My Documents, and Recycle Bin. It was pretty scary. I mean, I couldn't decide which one I wanted to click first. That was a joke. Seriously, Windows can do much of that too. I could make a program that had a list of my ten most used games/apps and if I click on one, it launches. Just because Searchlight comes with Mac doesn't mean some 14 year old can make it in an hour, then post it online for everyone to have. I leave only my most used stuff on my desktop, I don't bother with command keys. I have run for that. I could also create a .bat file that runs a program that acts just like that at start-up. Also, if you press the "windows" key, then press the letter that is at the start of the word of the program you want to open, you can easily open it in 7 keystrokes max if you have ten programs that all start with the same letter. For me, I open pivot be pressing "windows," then "p," then "enter." Pretty simple.
Oh... I forgot. You can't put a shortcut on your desktop that requires only a click. Or you could assign a command key yourself. Like, "ctrl+alt+g (or any other letter or number.)"
Don't get me started about the Dock menu. I hate it. Sure, it takes some time to get used to your shortcuts moving around whenever you have your mouse to the left-bottom side of the screen and the shortcut is on the other side. Most people (that use Windows) recognize that, and go straight over the other shortcuts but undershoot it, because when you went over that last shortcut, the position of the one you wanted moves, because the one beside it increases in size and the other shrinks. Then you end up running your Mac version of PTanks, wait for it to load up, then close, and try again. And, when did the Mac mouse get a right click? I thought the only way to click is to move your wrist down while keeping your hand in some awkward position so that when you click, you don't accidentally nudge the mouse up or down and someone miss. Again.
Command keys on a Mac are like... Command keys on Windows. Except they can be self assigned, yet there is a downside. They only work for programs. You can of course use the built in macros or make your own for certain things like word, excel and even WoW. Or you could use some of the others, like:
Press To http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif Display or hide the Start menu. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +BREAK Display the System Properties dialog box. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +D Show the desktop. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +M Minimize all windows. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +Shift+M Restores minimized windows. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +E Open My Computer. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +F Search for a file or folder. CTRL+ http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +F Search for computers. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +F1 Display Windows Help. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif + L Lock your computer if you are connected to a network domain, or switch users if you are not connected to a network domain. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +R Open the Run dialog box. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/menukey.gif Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. http://forums.blitwise.com/forums/ms-its:NTArt.chm::/winkey.gif +U Open Utility Manager.Yes, and unlike PCs, you can't add 2 GBs of RAM to your already existing 2 GBs of Ram because you already paid for it. PCs can upgrade quickly. Just pop off the side, insert whatever you need (and possibly take out some stuff too) and turn it on. I have seen the upgrading process for a Mac. Let me tell you, that huge screen does get in the way, and unscrewing it is not fun either.
Ok... Basically Mac compatible stuff of what PCs come with or can download from a trusted source in the the blink of an eye. Also, how would non-web based email help if you need the internet to access your mail? Its like Outlook still. I used to have it on my desktop, but I have an email account on Yahoo.
You can't say the Mac OS is better than Windows if... You need to run dual-boot. Plus, thats a pain. You can only run it from start-up, so you'd have to actually turn off the Mac, which is something a Mac is not made for. Oh, and not everything is Mac compatible, even with dual-boot. Download Slime Online in dual-boot, and run it. It won't work. Thats because it was made in Game Maker. Game Maker games, as well as quite a few other things are not Mac compatible. Plus, why get a Mac for gaming if you aren't going to use its OS, let that take up half of the hard drive and use the other 80 GBs for games?
One more thing. I noticed you said you generally didn't like the desktop/start menu for windows. Explorer is basically the exe that controls that. I have a theory that even I could make something similar to explorer (if I had some programming skill) and run that in place of it. I'm gonna try something new for the next response.


Mac OS 9 and OS X (10) are vastly different operating systems (OS X was a massive upgrade to the Macintosh operating system a few years ago). Many files that ran in OS 9 (exe files, for example) no longer work with OS X. When an application is made to work natively in OS X, it is referred to as carbon or carbonized. Starcraft (carbon) is the exact same thing as starcraft, just ported to run on Mac OS X.

Incompatibility issues with the previous OS? I can run almost any Windows game mad, without changing much, if anything.

Older Macs that had OS 9 but upgraded to OS X can still run exe files, they just have to refer to the OS 9 operating files on the computer. Newer Intel-based Macs start with OS X, and therefore cannot run exe files. However, older Macs do not have the ability to run dual-boot.

Two OSs on one computer without dual boot? Gimme a break! Soon, you'll have every Mac OS on there, plus the latest version of Windows and the entire hard drive will be full!

My roommate's Windows computer has a dock really similar to a Mac's on his desktop. There exists a program that lets you have something exactly like that in Windows. I might get it, but I think I'd rather make myself a customized desktop. I hear you can set your desktop to be a web page, with links to local directories in your computer.
Yeah, I bet he removed explorer from the start-up folder and added a Mac Dock analog. Pretty cool idea.

Ah, a long post! And yes, I recognize that that's XP.

Desktop cleanup wizard: Why do you need a program to tell you what desktop icons you haven't used in a while? Besides, there are some annoying things on the desktop that you can't move elsewhere, or the computer will whine about "system performance". I think the AOL trial is one of those. More to the point, once you move it off your desktop, you then have to dig through those files if you want to find it. This may be practical for a few applications (like pocket tanks that I see you've moved there), but for instant access to any program on your computer, I don't think you'd want to cram everything into that little bar down there.

Why do you need Searchlight when you can just take a second to locate the program on your desktop? I've never heard about any moving problems. You just can't move My Computer, My Documents, My Net Places, and Recycle Bin, but you can toggle them off.

Internet search in toolbar: Lol, I don't know how useful that is, but cool. (I assume it just opens a browser window...)

Yeah, I assume you know that is what the internet displays itself in. I can't think of any place it could run and have space to do it.

Fullscreen: Yeah, macs do fullscreen too. Default key's F11, but I rewrote it to another key because it interferes with the expose functinos.

Nothing else to say except this is an equally matched point.

Keyboard: I suppose I was really getting at the hiding function, which is completely different from minimizing. Suppose you've got 50 video files open for... some reason. Sure, you can minimize them, but you have to individually click each one, or do the shortcut. With hide, you press command-H, and each and every single window of the currently active program disappears. With windows, you still see all of the files in the toolbar, where hide puts up no indication that the files are open. I'm not sure how many legitimate purposes that has, but it sure is useful when you're supposed to be working! And then clicking on the app icon brings back all your windows.

Strange... I just press "windows+m." Works very well.

Command-M toggles fullscreen mode in fullscreen apps, so I guess that's the same.

Alt-tab: Mac has that too, but it's obviously command tab.

There is microsoft works for Mac (it's the blue W in my dock)

Isn't that WORD? Its not the same.

Editing: Well, editing is pretty universal, I was saying that iMovie is very powerful and easy to use. The compression's pretty good too. A 100 mb movie file was compressed to 5 mb a very mild reduction in size. Here's the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-CWXaiQia8). I'd also like to note that my video is the only bloons td video with decent framerate. (Asides from the idiots who pointed cameras at their computer screens). I'll post a video of using imovie when I get around to making that video. Probably next weekend.

Actually, I saw some that took less time to load and had a frame rate nice enough so that it looked like it could be the game. Its basically whatever screen recorder you use.

Task manager: Behold, the mighty force quit:

The only time force quit doesn't work is when your computer is FUBAR. More than can be said for task manager. There's also an activity monitor for cpu usage, processes, and network usage.

Task Manager has worked reliably for me the only few times I need to use it. Its pretty decent, and has tabs that can switch to other things too, including monitoring other users on the network, cpu usage (performance), processes and networking.

Start menu... I think the search bar is easier. Unless you've forgotten what you have on your computer. :shocked: Also, expose, ftw! Screenshots don't do it justice. When I do my video, I'll show you the expose. It's useful if you have a crapload of open windows and are having a hard time sorting through them all.

Why use that start menu or search bar when you can use Quick Launch? It has all the items located conveniently right next to the search bar, and require one click. It also has a right click feature too, which lets you

[XRaiderV1]

wow
just
wow.

multi colored pyrotechnics anyone?

[Rex Nex]

Blue moon likes making me feel like a noob :o

[Pyrobellum]

Oh no, wall'o'text! Right now I have to get to my next class, so I'm afraid I'll have to reply later. Hm, this thread could get big if we all write big posts dissecting other big posts. :)

[XRaiderV1]

ok, that spoiled it, lol

[Everlast]

Does anyone here have Linux?

[???revived]

Argh the posts are too long for a regular school day's read...

And I two approximately three things on my computer: gaming, browsing the Internet, and gaming. Nothing else really. I don't care about any "Movie Maker" or "Sound Recorder" or anything like that. My computer is first and foremost my gaming device, that that won't ever change. I don't find any of the games offered on the Mac particularly interesting. I never liked Blizzard, lol. AoE for the win!

And my desktop isn't cluttered at all; see the Desktop Thread for details. I really don't care about a whole bunch of shortcuts either. I don't mind spending a tenth of a second more to get what I want, really. The only shortcuts that I really use are copy and paste, lol...

[blue_moon]

See my desktop. It has my 5 most used programs at the bottom and some essentials up top. Plus, it has the C: drive my the clock so I can access anything from there.

[Leon]

A few of this thread's popular topics, summarized in accordance with my opinions.

Windows (general): Somewhat like quantum physics. You can do almost anything you can imagine, as long as you've got enough time and intelligence to figure it out for yourself.

XP: My personal favorite. Nicely customizable and plays almost any game I install to it.

Vista: Also known as "Windows XP Shiny Edition". It's Windows that attempts to copy Mac, which means it's inherently inferior to both.

Macintosh (general): Seems to be better than Windows for anything creative: art, music, video, etc. Too bad it's a little limited.

blue_moon: [puts on an asbestos suit] Come and get me!

[Rex Nex]

Argh the posts are too long for a regular school day's read...

And I two approximately three things on my computer: gaming, browsing the Internet, and gaming. Nothing else really. I don't care about any "Movie Maker" or "Sound Recorder" or anything like that. My computer is first and foremost my gaming device, that that won't ever change. I don't find any of the games offered on the Mac particularly interesting. I never liked Blizzard, lol. AoE for the win!

And my desktop isn't cluttered at all; see the Desktop Thread for details. I really don't care about a whole bunch of shortcuts either. I don't mind spending a tenth of a second more to get what I want, really. The only shortcuts that I really use are copy and paste, lol...

Your my clone :shocked:
Sept Im a Nazi and your a... Potzi?
What to call a polish notzie...

[blue_moon]

blue_moon: [puts on an asbestos suit] Come and get me!
Eh... I think I'll pass.
Anyway, yeah. Windows is customizable. Its nice.

[ekoz]

he's coming blue moon...he's coming...run away...before he gets you...

[Pyrobellum]

Yes... I am coming to get you

A few of this thread's popular topics, summarized in accordance with my opinions.

I like summaries

Windows (general): Somewhat like quantum physics. You can do almost anything you can imagine, as long as you've got enough time and intelligence to figure it out for yourself.

Very true.

XP: My personal favorite. Nicely customizable and plays almost any game I install to it.

Requires some computer knowledge to be profficient. If you don't know about a feature, you're not likely to find out by accident.

Vista: Also known as "Windows XP Shiny Edition". It's Windows that attempts to copy Mac, which means it's inherently inferior to both.

Definitely. For a product with such high minimum operating requirements, I see no improvement over OS X or Vista. My family bought a new computer that was all pimped-out with hardware, and had vista installed. It was an attempt to 1-up my macbook. There's a crapload of driver issues and bugs. Already they're saying "we should buy a Mac for our next computer."

Macintosh (general): Seems to be better than Windows for anything creative: art, music, video, etc. Too bad it's a little limited.

[b]I think that windows has an equal capacity for video editing, music and art (photoshop is on both systems), however it just doesn't come with quality software installed for those purposes. Sony Vegas is a high-quality editing program (think photoshop for videos), but not a single computer comes with it installed. A factory-fresh mac has most of the software an average user would ever want pre-installed.

I think the main limitation for Mac is the lack of games out there. Lack of games does not mean that the OS in general is limited. I think the main deal is that games are a vital function of having a computer for you guys. ^.^
Other than gaming, I don't think a Mac is limited at all. The video is coming, and in that I plan to address that wall'o'text I haven't commented on yet.

blue_moon: [puts on an asbestos suit] Come and get me!

*dials up flamethrower to max* lol

[Everlast]

Vista: Also known as "Windows XP Shiny Edition". It's Windows that attempts to copy Mac, which means it's inherently inferior to both.

Why do people accuse Windows of copying Mac? Do you realize how long it takes to code an OS? It has millions of lines of code. Microsoft probably started Vista after it created XP, and are probably working on the next one right now. They both had the same basic ideas that they realized they needed in their new OS, so they added them, and just because they are similar, doesn't mean someone copied the other. For it to be copied Microsoft would of had to wait till the Mac's new OS was out, and then start theirs, but they didn't, they started theirs, way before they knew what Mac had put in theirs. So stop saying Windows copied Mac!

[Rex Nex]

Vista is still teh_gayness though.

[???revived]

Your my clone :shocked:
Sept Im a Nazi and your a... Potzi?
What to call a polish notzie...

Lol ok.

And @ above post: It's shiiiiiny... And has lots of transpaaaaarency...

[Loofiloo]

Why do people accuse Windows of copying Mac? Do you realize how long it takes to code an OS? It has millions of lines of code. Microsoft probably started Vista after it created XP, and are probably working on the next one right now. They both had the same basic ideas that they realized they needed in their new OS, so they added them, and just because they are similar, doesn't mean someone copied the other. For it to be copied Microsoft would of had to wait till the Mac's new OS was out, and then start theirs, but they didn't, they started theirs, way before they knew what Mac had put in theirs. So stop saying Windows copied Mac!

They are working on a new one. I think it's called Windows Vienna.

I think the people who say Vista copies Mac don't really look at anything deeper than the graphical interface. That's nothing but pretty pictures to draw people in, and takes a tiny fraction of the work of building a full operating system.

[Samail]

I can sum up what Windows, Mac, and Linux are useful for. It all depends on your needs...

Windows is the gaming system. It's also the most versatile system. For my uses, Windows is for me.
Of course Windows has it's problems. Cripes does it ever. But it's just the way to go.

Mac is for those who enjoy mostly fun things. Editing... ah screw. You've all seen the ads. It's a user-friendly computer that anyone can use. Problem is, not nearly as many games for the thing, and the software is so specialized that you can't really mess with anything.

Linux... wow. Uhh, the nerd system. With Linux, you basically have the power to do everything. I've used some of it's programs, and compared to it's office programs, Microsoft Word is a flaming pile of crap.
Linux is also the best way to make your own programs and your own hardware. You can do that. (Don't ask me how.) it is also the best way to secure anything.
Linux also has an awesome thing where you basically type in any program or game, and it appears on a list. Click and install it. (I've even found ROM emulators on there.) A part of the Linux philosophy is that everything should be free. It isn't about money you corporate overlords!
Of course, game play is painfully limited here. Can't really say anything there. But I'm sure there's ways around that.


So... yeah. I'm not going to say who's better. Windows is the best for my purposes, Mac is interesting and I'd like to give one a whirl, and Linux is kick-awesome when in the right hands.

I HAVE to get some info from a friend of mine/boss. He knows everything about every system, and is a Linux whiz.


Any spelling errors? Probably. I'm too lazy to go and read through this a second time.

[XRaiderV1]

Vista observations so far, aside from indeed being far easier to use than xp, looking nice and spiffy, and a few terms i cant really mention here: more bugs than the average household garbage can.

if anyone's considering an upgrade, wait about 6 more months or so, XP still has plenty of life left in it.

when XP first came out, far as i could tell, while it probably had more bugs than vista, still at least ran without complaint.

first update my stepsister's laptop (preloaded with vista when she got it) downloaded, and whamo! at least 2 dosen popups telling us that the os was missing several important files needed for various functions.

the next updaye, however, fixed all of that.

i ask this, how come you need an update to fix problems created by a previous update?!?

[Samail]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxOIebkmrqs
:)
Security issues with Vista.

[Pyrobellum]

OMFG funny. That literally pops up every time on my family's computer. :)
and an article for you: Link (http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/Home/660E746C-F388-4AC7-98F5-6CB951501472.html)
http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/02/osx_vs_vista_upgrades.jpg
The video is coming! I just have a lot to do this week. :/
IRC, ftw!

[Everlast]

Yeah, Windows has to many versions, that make so little difference. :)

[blue_moon]

Why do people accuse Windows of copying Mac? Do you realize how long it takes to code an OS? It has millions of lines of code. Microsoft probably started Vista after it created XP, and are probably working on the next one right now. They both had the same basic ideas that they realized they needed in their new OS, so they added them, and just because they are similar, doesn't mean someone copied the other. For it to be copied Microsoft would of had to wait till the Mac's new OS was out, and then start theirs, but they didn't, they started theirs, way before they knew what Mac had put in theirs. So stop saying Windows copied Mac!
Yeah, thats one of the facts overseen a lot. People just think OSs are thrown together in a day. Like the new Windows Surface (I need one), people say it copied this thing that came out two years before it, when the idea for Surface actually started back in 2002.

Vista is still teh_gayness though.
I can't think of a way to react to that statement. Its so... immature.

Lol ok.

And @ above post: It's shiiiiiny... And has lots of transpaaaaarency...
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

They are working on a new one. I think it's called Windows Vienna.

Hopefully it won't receive as much of a bad rep as Vista did.

I think the people who say Vista copies Mac don't really look at anything deeper than the graphical interface. That's nothing but pretty pictures to draw people in, and takes a tiny fraction of the work of building a full operating system.

It still shows a huge resemblance to XP, which is a super-stable OS, but I think the bugs are caused by new things. XP is basically a beefed up fusion of all the past OSs. Vista took a new route, like when Nintendo started with disks, there are bugs.

I can sum up what Windows, Mac, and Linux are useful for. It all depends on your needs...

Yeah... PC is for almost everybody, Mac is for video producers and such, and Linux is for hackers who don't buy software because they think everything should be for free.
(somewhat of a joke, bad stereotype)
I've got news for ya, Linux users! If you start doing this, there won't be anything for you to pirate! The fall of the gaming, music and movie industry!

Windows is the gaming system. It's also the most versatile system. For my uses, Windows is for me.
Of course Windows has it's problems. Cripes does it ever. But it's just the way to go.

Windows is versatile. I like Windows. Its not just a gaming system, you can also make apps, make games, program (in general), do some basic editing, play music, movies, and slideshows, perform office tasks.

Mac is for those who enjoy mostly fun things. Editing... ah screw. You've all seen the ads. It's a user-friendly computer that anyone can use. Problem is, not nearly as many games for the thing, and the software is so specialized that you can't really mess with anything.

Yeah, the hack-proof, near virus-proof computer. "You aren't really using a Mac as you are sharing the Mac experience." Its not that bad if you don't intend to have your computer actually change anything to meet your needs, but to change your needs to meet the computer's.

Linux... wow. Uhh, the nerd system. With Linux, you basically have the power to do everything. I've used some of it's programs, and compared to it's office programs, Microsoft Word is a flaming pile of crap.

Thats because everything is open source and anything can be made. I remember hearing about a verison of Linux called "Red Hat." It has over 100,000,000 lines of code or something and was released for free and would cost 1.87 billion to make in a company. I guess there is power in free, non-paid groups. But not more than motivated, paid groups. You just don't have to pay Linux users.

Linux is also the best way to make your own programs and your own hardware. You can do that. (Don't ask me how.) it is also the best way to secure anything.

I don't think "secure" and "make your own (or edit open source)" go well together. In my opinion, there are less viruses for this OS because it can be written in code into the programs people make.

Linux also has an awesome thing where you basically type in any program or game, and it appears on a list. Lick and install it. (I've even found ROM emulators on there.) A part of the Linux philosophy is that everything should be free. It isn't about money you corporate overlords!

Is this paid software too? If so, isn't that illegal and harmful?

Of course, game play is painfully limited here. Can't really say anything there. But I'm sure there's ways around that.

Yeah, I but somebody will release some sort of Linux OS that can emulate Mac and Windows software.

So... yeah. I'm not going to say who's better. Windows is the best for my purposes, Mac is interesting and I'd like to give one a whirl, and Linux is kick-awesome when in the right hands.

Don't bother. I've used them before, and all they do is waste your time with flashy graphics and animations. Thats my opinion.

I HAVE to get some info from a friend of mine/boss. He knows everything about every system, and is a Linux whiz.

Why don't you do some of your own research, instead of listening to a Linux devotee? You and I both don't blindly follow an OS (as far as I can tell), and I just pick the one I think is best after researching it. (I will not edit this quote, I am not insulting your friend/boss, I am saying research is best done with non-biased resources)

Any spelling errors? Probably. I'm too lazy to go and read through this a second time.

Spelling doesn't count as long as its legible. I know.


Vista observations so far, aside from indeed being far easier to use than xp, looking nice and spiffy, and a few terms i cant really mention here: more bugs than the average household garbage can.

Please, flatter me and point out a bug. Just one. I want a SPECIFIC bug. All of the time I have heard this, I haven't heard an actual problem with Vista aside from the fact that it uses more RAM, with comes along with being a more complex OS.

if anyone's considering an upgrade, wait about 6 more months or so, XP still has plenty of life left in it.

XP is perfectly fine, period. There is no reason to move just because one is older than the other.

when XP first came out, far as i could tell, while it probably had more bugs than vista, still at least ran without complaint.

I thought bugs basically made an OS run with complaints. And of course, OSs will have what you call a "bug" until they have been released for long enough and people finally get used to something different.

first update my stepsister's laptop (preloaded with vista when she got it) downloaded, and whamo! at least 2 dosen popups telling us that the os was missing several important files needed for various functions.

Most of this stuff is always caused on the user's end. It could also be caused on the installer's end.

the next updaye, however, fixed all of that.

An update fixed a download of an update?

i ask this, how come you need an update to fix problems created by a previous update?!?

Well, the bugs probably came out while trying to fix a subtle, yet annoying flaw. However, the update that was supposed to fix that actually made a new bug, and they have to make an update to fix that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxOIebkmrqs
:)
Security issues with Vista.

IF ANYONE POSTS A "GET A MAC" AD ON HERE, I WILL PERSONALLY RAIN THUNDER DOWN FROM THE HEAVENS AND BORE THEM INTO YOUR FOREHEAD.
(that was a joke. I promise I will keep my thunder away from your foreheads)
I seriously dislike those Mac ads, as they stretch, mutilate and twist the truth.


OMFG funny. That literally pops up every time on my family's computer. :)
and an article for you: Link (http://www.roughlydrafted.com/RD/Home/660E746C-F388-4AC7-98F5-6CB951501472.html)

That article is the worst crap I have ever seen. Did you know that almost all the hardware is identical? So I'm paying over $2500 for the same hardware the Windows offers for $400? Something is wrong. I am not changing this because this is how I feel.

http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/02/osx_vs_vista_upgrades.jpg
The video is coming! I just have a lot to do this week. :/
IRC, ftw!

Wouldn't having multiple levels of an OS be better, so that way families with no real need for a power packed, expensive OS don't have to pay for it? I think having just one version is bad. Like, some games install in certain modes and refer to the CD more the less you install.
Ya know, as long as I edit in the quotes, my posts can be as long as possible. Here are some of my own points about why Mac is less than a Windows PC:
1. Right clicking.
Sure, now Mac has right clicking. Where'd ya think they go that? PC! They stole that! Sure, you may be saying its not a big deal, but how come you Mac users are making such a huge deal about Vista having similar graphics to Mac when its really not that close?
2. Everything.
Ok. Not everything. But Mac has only a little bit. I'm talking about drives. My XP has 8 USB drives, a mic jack, a headset jack, an SD card slot, a Microdrive slot, two slots that I assume are 6 pin firewire slots, slots for a monitor, printer, keyboard, speakers and loads more. The only slot I see blemishing that Mac is... A CD drive and I think 2 USB drives.
3. Cheap Plastic.
Mac users tend to brag that their Macs are in expensive metal. Sure. Thats nice. When was the last time your PC fell far enough to actually brake the outside and still be functional internally?

[Rex Nex]

Yea... Im immature.

[Everlast]

teh_gayness

You may not be immature, but that phrase is.

[Rex Nex]

It was just a immatation of 1337 speak.

[ekoz]

nub...

[Pyrobellum]

Blue Moon, I dislike the tone of your reply. We have been respectful so far in this thread (at least towards eachother). I think we can expect the same from you.

[Samail]

I was confused with all the quotes there. You should reply outside the quote tags...

And for my quotes, I know spelling doesn't matter. Just threw that in there...

Also, I wasn't trying to say any system was better than the other with that Windows VS Mac ad. It was on topic with what X was saying. And they do have a point. That rule should be removed. Keep your thunder to yourself.

[blue_moon]

The thunder thing was a joke. I will edit my entire post. Th e reason why I reply inside the quotes now is because I don't have that many distinct colors at my control. I'll make them red though.

[Samail]

That was obviously a joke... ah forget it.

What do you need colors for?

[blue_moon]

Well, sometimes people don't see what I am responding to (and I sometimes have trouble myself) so I use colors to prevent confusion.

[???revived]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxOIebkmrqs
:)
Security issues with Vista.


I turned that silly thing off the first day I got Vista. No spyware, viruses or anything like that yet...

And in my opinion spelling is extremely important, but that's a whole different argument, so I'll shut up now...

[XRaiderV1]

spelling is irrelevant, as long as you can get your point accross, without making the guy on the other end sit there and go 'what the' while trying to figure out what the point was.

[blue_moon]

Thats not really the point. This topic is for OS debate and nothing but.
@ ???Revived:
Yeah, its just extra software that some people like. For others, its a pain in the neck.

[Samail]

I HAVE to get some info from a friend of mine/boss. He knows everything about every system, and is a Linux whiz.

Why don't you do some of your own research, instead of listening to a Linux devotee? You and I both don't blindly follow an OS (as far as I can tell), and I just pick the one I think is best after researching it. (I will not edit this quote, I am not insulting your friend/boss, I am saying research is best done with non-biased resources)

I do. I was saying that it would be useful to get some info from an all-OS guru. (A little less guru in the Mac field, though.)

[blue_moon]

...I thought this died... I like MacBooks, as they are the better of the two OS's when on a laptop. Runs faster. When I go to college, I'm not wasting my money on a laptop with Windows. It's like buying juice in a cardboard box. However, I was looking at the prices of a Mac Pro, and at that price I could get a gaming PC with way better performance overall.

[Samail]

When I go to college, I'm not wasting my money on a laptop with Windows. It's like buying juice in a cardboard box.

And that's another quote. :)

[Pyrobellum]

I thought this died as well... And I suppose I never got around to making a video :D Oh well. I think the normal macbook is probably a much better deal for your money, unless you truly need 240+ gigabytes.

[blue_moon]

Well, I may. But that's beside the point. I made a theory about Apple.
Apple Theory
The Apple Theory is an assumed plan made to produce iProducts. There is the base unit, the iProduct. It does not exist. It can handle music, pictures and video. It also has a hard drive, and flashy animations. From there, you have the iPod, iPhone, iMac, MacBook, and Mac Pro. Each one branches from the tree of iProduct. The iPod can perform all of the functions of the iProduct, and it gains the quality of being ridiculously small. The iPhone gains the quality of phone/web access. The iMac gains the quality of editing content and internet, the MacBook gains the quality of a portable computer, and the Mac Pro gains the quality of a PC with an overkilled processor.

[Was It Me?]

... and the Mac Pro gains the quality of a medium end PC.

Wait, you can't tell me that two 3.0 GHz quad-core Intel Xenon processors and 16 GB of RAM is "medium end." :rolleyes:

[blue_moon]

Yeah, but most computer users would never need that.

[Was It Me?]

Yes, I agree. Regardless, you called it "medium end." ;)

[blue_moon]

Ok. I'll fix that.

[Rex Nex]

You guys are so seriouse... loosen up a bit... be... random.


http://i22.tinypic.com/mj75zs.png http://i22.tinypic.com/15ofbqu.png http://i21.tinypic.com/35k6i4i.png

[blue_moon]

I can't wait until Game Maker comes out for the Mac, that will almost make me get a Mac Book Pro.

[Rex Nex]

Bringing Back Old Memories Since 2007
-Rex Nex

Done.

[Drow Elf]

Stop necro-ing stuff. It's annoying.

[Samail]

Unless said post is on topic.
Think this can slide since the last posts were off topic anyway.

[Pyrobellum]

Don't make me get out of this chair.

[Drow Elf]

Yeah, to do what? Go to the bathroom? Aren't you chained to your laptop anyway? (lol)

[TH155]

Yeah, to do what? Go to the bathroom? Aren't you chained to your laptop anyway? (lol)

What stops him takeing his laptop with him?

[Red_Cracker]

Bringing Back Old Memories Since 2007
-Rex Nex

Done.

Stop doing that.

[Drow Elf]

@th:

You missed the point.

What's stopping him? Hmm, for one: laptop, electric powered, going into a room that has a lot of water in it; (sarcasm) that's not a bad idea at all (/sarcasm).

Another reason: being chained to a laptop means you most likely won't be able to use one hand to well.

Stop doing that.

You stop too.

[TH155]

You missed the point.

What's stopping him? Hmm, for one: laptop, electric powered, going into a room that has a lot of water in it; (sarcasm) that's not a bad idea at all (/sarcasm).

Another reason: being chained to a laptop means you most likely won't be able to use one hand to well.

What's not stopping him? Hmm, for one: Laptop, battery. and it is probably water proof, what is he going to drop it in the toilt?

[Pyrobellum]

While I haven't tested how this computer fares in the shower, I've certainly put it through enough abuse to know that it can survive coming to the bathroom with me. Besides, it's entirely possible that it's chained to my leg or something, leaving both hands free.

[Drow Elf]

Okay, a bit too much information,

[AWP]

Disturbing image created...

[XRaiderV1]

agreed.

laptops, gods gift to those who are always mobile.

also, I'm pleased to report, that aside from the expected annoyance of the UAC and a few other odds and ends, that vista is pretty ok in my book.

basically, my stepsister was right, I worry too much.

[Pyrobellum]

Sheesh, I don't see why that would be disturbing. I tried to keep it family-friendly >.>

[Samail]

agreed.

laptops, gods gift to those who are always mobile.

also, I'm pleased to report, that aside from the expected annoyance of the UAC and a few other odds and ends, that vista is pretty ok in my book.

basically, my stepsister was right, I worry too much.

You can shut User Access Control off.

[Rex Nex]

Wow, thought you guys would be all like "Hey, I remember this thread!", but no, your yelling at me.

[Samail]

Not really in this thread. The other one. :rolleyes:

Wow, thought you guys would be all like "Hey, I remember this thread!"

That's what entered my mind.

[Drow Elf]

Well, I wasn't around then, so no memories for me.

[ekoz]

well, it's really because we already have too many contraversial debates raging right now anyway.

[Rex Nex]

I dont think so. Notice how the flaming threads down there in the corner?

[Samail]

Hmm... Indeed.

[Rex Nex]

Quite.

So, I was thinking about a labtop. Since it would be for schoolwork, would I be better off with a mac? And any good models?

[Samail]

A labtop, eh?
I wouldn't know.

[AWP]

You mean laptop, right. It's on the top of your lap when you use it (not always on the lap, sometimes it's on the table). That's where laptop got it's name from.

[XRaiderV1]

and I did kill UAC, first thing I did , actually.

[Rex Nex]

Huh. UAC. Reminds me of a certain game. Specifically a certain room where you get a certain double barreled gun.

[Zwaken]

On topic with thread, not with the current conversation.

I'm proably going to put my linux in my brother's room (he just moved off to college and I claim the room mine...I'll call it...Hell Hole #2...Actually just #2 works just as well) and put an XP in my room, with good hardware. I'll use the XP for Orion, (a music program I'm about to get) Pocket Tanks, and anything else that only PCs can run. I'll just keep the linux because it has a cube...Shiny.

[Pyrobellum]

Quite.

So, I was thinking about a labtop. Since it would be for schoolwork, would I be better off with a mac? And any good models?

If you're going for a laptop, go for the macbook. Normal model is good, but limited on memory (sort of). I think you can get one with 160 gb, possibly more by now, I bought mine about 2 years ago when 120gb was the max. You probably won't use all the memory, but it's possible (I did). You'll probably want to to buy Word for mac or the iWork suite, which is equivalent to the MS office software. Comes with a lot of good stuff software.

Limitations: Cooling power. When I play graphic-intensive games, computer can get really hot. I use a usb-powered cooling pad with my laptop. Other limitation: only 2 usb ports. This may or may not be an issue, depending on how you are going to use the computer. The other obvious one is software. There is an equivalent for just about everything (when deciding between windows/mac), but if you are taking computer courses, you're probably going to be using something made by microsoft. I'm taking a programming class, and we need to use microsoft visual studio, so I am going to have to put a windows dual-boot on my hard drive if I decide to install it. If you're just using it for word processing, it probably doesn't matter much. If you're really into PC gaming (I mean stuff like crysis and team fortress), you probably won't be able to run that stuff on a mac. I doubt most laptops would handle it very well anyways. There are lots of good games (like pocket tanks) out for mac, you just have to find them. Basically, the only reasons you shouldn't get a macbook are if you are likely to use windows-only software or are a heavy gamer. I think the macbook pro is probably far more than most people will need, and the macbook air is just a vanity item that isn't practical.

[TH155]

So let me guess you prefer mac cos of ur sig right

[Rex Nex]

He does, but its not because of his sig... macs are nice...

Thanks pyro. Ill see if I can get a good deal on one.

[Samail]

So let me guess, you prefer mac cos of ur sig right.

His sig is a reference to Linux, actually.

[Pyrobellum]

Note the penguin :P I just thought it was a funny bash on windows.

[Zwaken]

His sig is a reference to Linux, actually.

Yay for Ubuntu!

[blue_moon]

Actually, for laptops with Windows, I'd recommend this recently released laptop from Gateway. It costs around 1200-1400 dollars, but it's really nice.

However, Macbooks are better for schoolwork IMO. You most likely won't need high end hardware to write up a two page report, so I bet the low end models will be better. The only reason why I'm recommending a Macbook is because they get fewer viruses than Windows. They aren't virus free.

Or, you could spend $400 on the worlds smallest laptop, with an Intel Atom processor.

[Samail]

Linux is virus-free. :rolleyes:

[blue_moon]

Nothing is virus free.

Linux to me is the kind of thing that you feel forced to accept once you have it. Your sound card may suddenly not be recognized, but that's ok.

[wildgoosespeeder]

PC owns all! Most of the world's software uses the Windows OS.

[Drow Elf]

Oy, blue, where did you go?

@WGS: Because of that, about 90% of all viruses, spyware, and the like are made for the Windows OS.

[Pyrobellum]

Oy, blue, where did you go?

@WGS: Because of that, about 90% of all viruses, spyware, and the like are made for the Windows OS.

Well, spyware is software :P
It's merely, uh, a surprise installation.

[wildgoosespeeder]

@WGS: Because of that, about 90% of all viruses, spyware, and the like are made for the Windows OS.

Well, spyware is software :P
It's merely, uh, a surprise installation.

I guess the people that make those bad things are jealous that Windows is the most popular OS out there. :D

[blue_moon]

The only reason Windows has more viruses is because more people use Windows as opposed to Mac and Linux. Once Apple introduces a Mac desktop computer cheaper than MacPro, more people will buy Mac and then more Mac viruses will be made. The operating system is no more secure than Windows. It does not come with any form of anti-virus, so once you get a virus, or trojan, your screwed.

[Rex Nex]

Quite.

[Zwaken]

It does not come with any form of anti-virus, so once you get a virus, or trojan, your screwed.

Man, I just realized that.

And with the rest of the post, I think that it's just going to be a big old teeter toter with sales soon enough, with Linux as the fulcrum.

[Rex Nex]

True that. Like your word usage.

Though, microsoft will be the fatter of the two on the teeter-totter, as always.

[Zwaken]

You mean the lighter...(The lighter on a see-saw, the higher up, so higher sales...I guess.)

[Rex Nex]

Hmm... yes. This isnt a anti-gravity see-saw teeter-totter thing.

[Zwaken]

I had a feeling it wasn't.