Way OT-Linux vs. Windows

Its the most practical, especially for playing video games.

But what you use your OS/computer for. I don't program and frankly I don't do anything too high tech so for me Windows is the way to go (plus if I ever want to play video games I'd like to be able to).

I use Windows just because that's what I've always used. I've tried out Linux a couple of times, but I just didn't see the point in putting in the time to understand it as well as I do Windows. It does what I need it to do, I can run the software I want, and I got a free copy of 7 through my school's MSDNAA site.

I'm a Ubuntu user, and it definitely boils down to a practicality vs. philosophy. I definitely like Linux better as an OS, but sometimes it is a pain due to the lack of application support. I always hated Windows and became very familiar with Unix during my undergrad time, but I was cautious about the switch on my home computer due to the lack of apps. Eventually I just dove in, figuring if everyone waited until there were enough Linux users to get mainstream support there would never be enough users. I would never switch back, and Linux recognition is getting better all the time, but I still run into headaches. There is no Linux iTunes. I use Songbird to sync my old iPod, but apparently it doesn't work with the iPhone or iPod touch. Mgoblue.com just switched to CBS All-Access for streaming sports events, and that uses Silverlight, which doesn't have a Linux version (I swear the only point of Silverlight is to frustrate Linux users that were finally getting used to a non-IE dependent web experience). There is Moonlight, but it apparently is not currently compatible with the version of Silverlight being used to stream (and may never be if the stream uses DRM). OpenOffice opens Office docs, but doesn't always format them right. But it isn't all headaches. I never have to worry about viruses. I love multiple desktops when I have lots of windows open. And, despite reports to the contrary, you never *have* to use the command line for anything (although I do occasionally since I'm used to it). So like I said, it's practicality vs. philosophy. If all you care about is being able to play the latest games, easily sync with the latest hardware, or watch sports over Silverlight, Linux isn't there yet. But if you hate Windows and can live without some of those things or don't mind trying to hack them to work, another user would help build the critical mass where it can't be ignored and Linux users won't have to live without those things.

I use Red Hat and Windows simultaneously at work. For every day applications I suggest using Windows but if you do any programming, Linux is definitely the way to go.

Mostly depends on what you would like to do. All my machines dual boot Windows and Linux. I use Ubuntu for most of my daily computing needs and only switch to Windows for work stuff or to connect to the UM VPN and watch michigan football on zattoo :) The days when you had to be a master hacker to get stuff done on linux is long gone. Ubuntu and some of the other debian distros are becoming increasingly "common man" friendly. Things just work. And if you run into trouble, the forums are incredibly helpful. As you become more comfortable with linux and start tinkering around, you will begin to truly appreciate what the OS offers. Literally everything is customizable. If you want to stop paying MS money and are tired of windows bloatware, then I would suggest using Linux. Plus, it is a useful career skill to have if you are in the programming/computer field.

religious / political discussions on this website? Seriously, I've liked Windows as a novice to semi-advanced user of computer apps, but my frustration level is growing since my new netbook with Windows 7 can't run my Axis & Allies program, my pirate copy of Joe Montana Football, and has some bugs with my NES emulator (JNES). I just recently got over not being able to play my original copy of X-Wing anymore, so if my copy of Heroes of Might & Magic 2 / 3 stops working, Ima be straight pissed enough to throw Leroy out the 7th story window. But for running detailed STK 9 sims of satellite constellation designs, I have no issues. So I guess I can do my work (whine).

that what you REALLY want to hear are the opinions of pretentious, koolaid drinking, iphone-groping Mac users like myself. No? Well, we're here if you need us.

Mostly just dual boot. Both of my laptops dual boot - one XP/Ubuntu, the other 7/Ubuntu - and I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses. While *nix used to be only for computer majors and system admins, it is now pretty user-friendly with Fedora, Suse, and Ubuntu. The available applications are now on par with Windows for most users (especially since firefox, thunderbird, google apps, etc. are cross-platform), and you will probably see better performance on older systems with linux compared to the relative Windows distribution. This is especially true on netbooks, or at least ones without 2+ GB of ram and an older atom processor. Still, it basically comes down to preference and what you plan on using that system for.

I've always been a windows user and over the years have become more and more frustrated with windows computers, especially how slow they run in particular once they get a couple of years old. After years of my wife pushing me I took the plunge and bought a MAC Probook laptop and I'll never go back to a PC. Single best purchase I have EVER made. With that said there are a couple of windows programs I need to run so I am looking at installing either Linux or windows as a secondary OS on a partition. I'm leaning toward Linux since I've heard it can be downloaded for free.