Help

[Ian]

Many of you who have known me for a while know that I'm a numpty on a computer, advice here would be greatly appreciated.

Should I stick with Windows 7 or upgrade to Windows 10 ?

[Scott]

iMac 

[Ian]

Na na na na na 

[Alianora La Canta]

Windows 7. It's a nice stable platform now that Microsoft's finally transferred the program-breaking upgrades to newer platforms (and unlike XP, it's still getting necessary updates).

Windows 10 has data privacy problems and has the right to unilaterally uninstall any software that in its sole opinion is copyrighted or pirated. This in addition to the usual driver update issues that plague Microsoft operating system upgrades in general. At this time, I can think of no upside to taking Windows 10 (unless your only Windows alternative is 8.0).

[Jericoke]

iMac 

I have never had anyone anytime explain in what way a Mac is 'better' than a Windows computer.

Perhaps when they were using Motorola or IBM designs one could argue about superior hardware, but when they run identical hardware, it's hard to explain the difference.

[Ian]

Cheers Jeri 

[cosworth151]

I have never had anyone anytime explain in what way a Mac is 'better' than a Windows computer.

The explanation is is simple - It isn't!   

Apple keeps a very tight control over any hardware or software that connect with its system. As a result, the amount of both available for use on Apple is extremely limited. On the other hand, the few things available interface with the system very well.

Windows is far more open. That means that there are tons of things that run on it but they don't always get along with each other all that well.

When it comes Apple vs Windows, the choice is obvious:


Linux! 

[Jericoke]

I have never had anyone anytime explain in what way a Mac is 'better' than a Windows computer.

The explanation is is simple - It isn't!   

Apple keeps a very tight control over any hardware or software that connect with its system. As a result, the amount of both available for use on Apple is extremely limited. On the other hand, the few things available interface with the system very well.

Windows is far more open. That means that there are tons of things that run on it but they don't always get along with each other all that well.

When it comes Apple vs Windows, the choice is obvious:


Linux! 

Considering that OSX is just a 'flavour' of Linux I guess that puts you in the Apple camp?   

I would certainly consider both OSX and Windows ahead of any free versions of Linux in terms of overall reliability.  I'm not familiar with any paid distributions enough to comment.

[Scott]

I was a windows guy until Windows98, when I got my first Mac.  Never looked back.  They aren't perfect, but I've thrown out half the hardware that I used to in the same time span.  I only had clones, but man, it seemed like every couple of months some component would die on them, power supply, DVD drive, hard drive, video card...seemed to never stop.  When I buy a mac, I know it will work just great for 3-4 years, then slow down as I top up the hard drive or otherwise over use it.  Then I retire it to  a public space in the hotel (where the one I am typing on will go in about a month).  It'll be fine for another 2-3 years as a surfer for guests.  Only thing broken on it is the DVD drive where I accidentally stuck a memory card from my camera in because that slot is directly below the drive slot.  Cant seem to shake it out, but DVD's won't play anymore.  Apple has solved that problem, they don't include DVD drives anymore   

Plus an Asus laptop that didn't work from day one.  After fighting with Asus for almost 3months, they finally took it back and offered a refund (that kind of blew my mind).  Went out with the cash and bought my first macbook pro.

Honestly, it's a bit more of the Ford vs GM argument.  Their fans LOVE them, and will never switch sides.  Depends on who you ask what is better. 

[Ian]

Ali, thanks very much, I'll stick with Windows 7.

[cosworth151]

Considering that OSX is just a 'flavour' of Linux I guess that puts you in the Apple camp?

As opposite as possible. Apple is a very closed system. Linux is a open as possible.

[F1fanaticBD]

When it comes Apple vs Windows, the choice is obvious:


Linux! 

The man says the verdict with the wit he exude. 

I think there cannot be a simple verdict regarding Apple vs Windows, but one thing for sure, both have huge consumers behind them. Apple gives you a paradise defined by them, if are happy within it, then you will not go looking for an alternative. Linus gives you the space to make your own paradise, there is no limitation but you have to build it on your own. Windows lies in between two, both regarding the price and the performance, and perhaps the reason it draws the biggest crowd among these three. If you ask me I am still wandering which to choose, so chances are there I will end up using all of them. But I think I must give Windows a bit fair chance, because I earn my salary from Gates Foundation