Mac vs PC (yes, really) [Switched!]

[DaveInOroValley]

I have extensive time with both OS. I hate Mac OS.

And I am the exact reverse of that statement. And anyone that think the latest version of Windows is a great thing needs to have a psych exam ASAP.

[stix213]

If your PC had an SSD for the windows drive instead of an HDD, all the drive crunching you complain about wouldn't even be noticed. Also, time to get rid of vista....

On Linux if you want to avoid the endless update cycle, go with a distro that doesn't have it, or use a version of a distro that is more stable. I like using Ubuntu LTS releases, which are supported for 3 years.

[sd_shooter]

If your PC had an SSD for the windows drive instead of an HDD, all the drive crunching you complain about wouldn't even be noticed. Also, time to get rid of vista....

On Linux if you want to avoid the endless update cycle, go with a distro that doesn't have it, or use a version of a distro that is more stable. I like using Ubuntu LTS releases, which are supported for 3 years.

I don't know about that: I have Win7 64 Pro on my work machine with SSD and indeed boots quickly. However the machine still "goes out to lunch" periodically when waiting for network, when waking up etc. Turn on machine, it takes ~30s just to discover the keyboard and mouse. No joke, here in 2014 on cutting edge HW: this is how Windows is!

And thanks to the earlier poster about the Win7 install guide. I initially did that when I put Vista on this machine (Vista was new at the time) and it _was_ pretty fast when it was new. But now with many system updates (and corresponding 'restore points' later...) the system is pretty crusty. Given my experience w/ Win7-Pro I'm not convinced things would really be that much better. But I am certain I would blow a couple weekends getting everything running.

[penguin0123]

[cowboy777]

Just get a Mac already!

[TacticalPlinker]

And I am the exact reverse of that statement. And anyone that think the latest version of Windows is a great thing needs to have a psych exam ASAP.

While I have a very limited amount of time on Windows 8, I don't like it. If you're running tablet or some other form of portable touch screen platform, I can definitely see its advantages... But I absolutely disagree with it be marketed, sold and installed as a desktop OS.

I sometimes don't understand the logic, if any, behind the decisions Microsoft makes. But they're driven entirely by greed/money and a 90% market share. As I said earlier, we live in a Windows world. Microsoft does everything in their power to keep it that way... Legal or otherwise. Much like politicians.

I've spent many years using/studying various operating systems and researching the companies behind them. Technically speaking, I think there are better operating systems out there...

But it entirely depends on upon both your needs & your application (what are you using it for) first and foremost. However in terms of simple convenience, mainstream software & hardware compatibility, high availability of support and information, and ease of use, there is no comparison. Windows will always win in those categories until their monopoly, errr... I mean market share, dies a painful death.

[ElvenSoul]

How much longer is that big ugly desk thing going to survive in the marketplace?

Desktop pc sells are way down!

Wearable computing is around the corner!

They are out there working on contact lens with little screens.

Two Weeks!

[sonofeugene]

I have both and generally have no complaints with either. Big improvements inthe PC can be obtained by tweaking the system to not load or run all the crap apps that run in the background that you really don't need.

[TacticalPlinker]

...Big improvements in the PC can be obtained by tweaking the system to not load or run all the crap apps that run in the background that you really don't need.

That, and... Look into service configurations. I have even turned off themes in the past to save memory space on low RAM machines. It can help a lot in both performance and security to turn off unnecessary crap.

http://www.blackviper.com (EDIT WITH CAUTION!)

You can also look into removing pre-loaded bloat ware from your system easily using app's like http://pcdecrapifier.com

I also highly suggest CrapCleaner. Download it. Install it. Use it daily. http://www.piriform.com

Simple steps can be taken to improve stability, performance and security... But it's still putting sugar on-top of a bowl of crap.

[e90bmw]

Mac -> It's BSD unix under the hood.
Built in VPN for work access.
Built in VNC, client and server.

I use what works.
My employer uses Windows for email and such.
They give me a laptop that never leaves my desk.
I take my personal Mac to meetings.
I also have a Linux box on the desk behind me that I also use.

A computer is a tool.
Use the tool that works for you.

[TripleThreat]

I went to the Valley Fair mall yesterday. The Apple store is directly across the way from the Microsoft store now they've add a store there, not the smartest business move IMO.

Apple: Full of customers
Microsoft: Not 1 customer

I was tempted to take a photo of both, but decided against it, now I wish I had taken them.

[TacticalPlinker]

I went to the Valley Fair mall yesterday. The Apple store is directly across the way from the Microsoft store now they've add a store there, not the smartest business move IMO.

Apple: Full of customers
Microsoft: Not 1 customer

I was tempted to take a photo of both, but decided against it, now I wish I had taken them.

Microsoft has a store?

[ocabj]

Microsoft has a store?

Microsoft opened brick and mortar retail stores back in 2009. The one I see the most is at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. It's a pretty sad experience.

[TripleThreat]

Microsoft has a store?

Welcome to the future, what's going out here in Silicon Valley is really cutting edge.

Location
Level: 1
Store: A11
Phone: 408.454.5940
Westfield Valley Fair Mall
Website: Visit Microsoft now.

[Wallabing]

It's like asking which person is better

A rich person who owns a Mercedez

vs

A mechanic which build his own muscle cars.