Vista versus ?

Computer Operating Systems

  • I use Vista and love it

    Votes: 8 23.5%
  • It took me a while to learn to like Vista, but I'm getting there

    Votes: 2 5.9%
  • Stick with XP for now; upgrade later

    Votes: 7 20.6%
  • I only use computers named after forbidden fruit

    Votes: 15 44.1%
  • My Tandy 1000 hasn't let me down yet

    Votes: 2 5.9%

  • Total voters
    34

Jacket

2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
nwoods said:
I love Mac, but they age very quickly. If you are going to keep the box for a long time (my goodness man, 9 years?), I would recommend Windows because it will age better and be upgradeable for a longer period of time.

You'd s$&t your pants if you knew how long I've had my TV and Receiver.....
 

Jacket

2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
I guess another thing to consider are all the drivers and software for the interfaced toys. GPS software and maps, camera software and things like that would all have to be repurchased or downloaded under license.

Any you guys that voted for Tandy 1000 need to out yourselves !
 

SafariPacific

Adventurer
I've switched over to Linux for now with an XP dual boot. My new laptop came with Vista and I can't count how many times I've cursed. Just can't get it to work properly. My desktop (powerhouse) runs XP, no issues there.

I'm slowly working my way to the dark side.... :D
Taking the plunge does require buying new versions of all my software, about $7000 in software, which is holding me back. :eek:
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
I made the switch to Apple almost two years ago and primarily because, with all due respect nwoods, for the opposite reasons you have sited.

I was so sick of Windows updates, mandatory downloads and requisite reboots to fix seemingly major problems that I had to do something different. To say there is something stable about Windows seems a bit humorous to me - and brother I used to build my own PC's for better than 7 years.

Apple updates are mostly enhancements to keep up with the times rather than fixes ala SP1 & SP2. My experience is that OIS X is a simpler, more efficient system and therefore easier to test before taking it to market. For instance, Software Update just informed me that there are new updates to incorporate newer digital cameras. They do offer beefed up downloads as well, but they are rare. Also, I have not rebooted my office computer (24" iMac) for almost four months of heavy usage. The full blown MS OFFICE suite for Mac has made my life very compatible with my clients.

And now all Mac's are 64 bit, well built, and uber fast. Also, if you really needed Windows, you can run it natively on a Mac, but you will never run OS X on a PC without some major hacking.

I am very please with Mac and have converted my home computer and all the office computers and could not be happier.

nwoods said:
From an update point of view, Apple rolls out new OS builds every month or so it seems like. Windows has a bit more stable upgrade path. However, Vista is almost three years old now, and is due for replacement in about another year (with Windows 7).

Vista, with SP1, is actually pretty good. Its still not quite as fast as XP, but has a lot of nice features to it that really do improve the user experience. Also, Vista is pretty easy to use. The "new" things are all fairly intuitive.

From everything I have read on the subject, Windows 7 is just going to be a streamlined, reskinned version of Vista, with a bit more polish on the rough spots.

The next major change in home computing that will complicate things is the 32bit verses 64bit operating systems. Windows 7 will be available in both, but many other things might not be. If you are doing hardcore applications, this is something to seriously think about. 64bit has the ability to address more RAM and run faster. 32bit is limited to 3GB of RAM, 64bit can go MUCH higher in the RAM department. New motherboards have 6 slots these days!

I love Mac, but they age very quickly. If you are going to keep the box for a long time (my goodness man, 9 years?), I would recommend Windows because it will age better and be upgradeable for a longer period of time.
 

Superu

Explorer
I run an IMAC G5 for my stuff, a MAC Mini for the kids and an Apple TV in the living room!

I did PC support for years and have a stinkpad at work. I finally got to the point where I told my family and friends that I would no longer be available for PC support but if they ever got a MAC I'd be happy to assist with the transition! :)

They've all slowly come around and not one ever mentions missing the PC.

As far as the .pst files go, check here for info on how to move your mail. Personally, I love my gmail, so wouldn't dream of running Outlook unless forced to!
 

RAV4fun

Observer
Willman said:
I'm a PC.....XP user.....

I have seen many of my friends go to the darkside:shakin: .....I might have to check the darkside out...Looks more friendly than a PC for sure!

:REOutArchery02:

Come to the darkside...we have cookies!

Seriously, I am a Mac user myself, but reading through your wants, needs etc...you may be better served by buying a custom built machine and installing a copy of XP on it. Load it with AVG Free for anti-virus, OpenOffice for work stuff, and Firefox for browsing and you'll be fine. I have my mom on that exact setup(except for the custom part, we get her Dell right before they stopped selling XP) and she's been trouble free for over a year now.

In an ideal world, you'd go with an iMac 20" and be done with it! I've seen Macs last just as long if not longer then the average PC, so don't worry about longevity...
 

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