Which Operating System do you use? [Archive]

athenian200

10-22-2007, 07:13 AM

Right now, I'm using Ubuntu. No particular reason, except I didn't want to buy Vista, and I just experiment with various Linux distributions periodically, and this one hasn't given me any problems yet... so I've stuck with it on my main computer. I had to compile a different kernel to optimize speed and add support for a couple of things, including my video card, but then it worked fine.

The only real problem I've had is that I can't use Flash, because I don't want to use a 32-bit Firefox on my 64-bit OS. It runs slower that way, and I think they should actually create a 64-bit version anyway, since we've had 64-bit processors for such a long time now anyway.

Ah, sorry about the complaining. It's hard for me to talk about computers without complaining about Microsoft or other proprietary software. It can really become annoying when you don't use Windows.

HackerX

10-22-2007, 07:51 AM

I use the following currently.
Main Computer:
Vista, OpenSuse 10.3 dual boot

Laptop:
Win 2000

Work:
Win 2000

Work Dev/Test/Live Boxes:
Sun Solaris

generalowk

10-22-2007, 12:15 PM

Mac OS X

jtskinner

10-22-2007, 12:38 PM

Remember, though it's called GNU/Linux, Gnu is the operating system and Linux is the kernel. Also, think of open source as free software instead, because free software says free speech matters, freedom matters, it could be free software and still cost $500. I use ubuntu, if I didn't need it for schoolwork I'd use gNewSense which is better, and also my laptop supports non-free drivers for wireless so gNewSense wouldn't work anyhow.

rwyatt365

10-22-2007, 12:41 PM

We have four computers "living" in our house; 1-Ubuntu (My desktop), 1-Win2K (my laptop), 2-WinXP (wife's desk/lap-top).

All my Windows "stuff" is on the laptop, but I spend most of my time in Ubuntu (where I experiment w/ Linux-type stuff). I "grew up" with Window$, but I can't afford the applications any more so I'm migrating to a more open environment and ceasing to fund Mr Gates' retirement fund.

MichaelH

10-22-2007, 01:16 PM

Why is this a "choose one" type of quiz?!

I use Mac OS X on my home machine and Ubuntu GNU/Linux 7.10 on my work laptop. Windows is available on my work machine for reading eBooks which are required for my MBA, and the PDFs only work on Windows. (Yes, it sucks.)

I'm currently torn between using linux or OS X on my next work laptop. OS X looks better, and I've come to prefer X's font rendering. A lot of things tend to be easier to do on the Mac also. At the same time, I've found Linux creates more-compatible .doc files for sharing with my Windows-using coworkers, and there's freedom and all that. I also want to see what hardware Apple releases with Leopard this week!

ShaiGar

10-22-2007, 01:24 PM

Why is this a "choose one" type of quiz?!
Because it forces the user to choose the one most used, and then reply with what other ones they have, as well as answering the question since they're already typing.

thegnat

10-22-2007, 01:39 PM

Mac OS X, Windows anything (school scientific computers, *any* version of windows excluding Vista - I refuse to use it and we don't have it here at least yet and I hope we don't. We need a computer to replace one that has 1% free space left.), and Linux. Yes...I use all three....probably decently regularly, too...

oh my history? Mac OS X my laptop, um Linux on a desktop I use, and the school's Windows computers.

I recently switched to Mac after I heard Vista was going to be crap and I needed a new laptop.

I prefer Mac OS X and Linux over Windows. I'm a convert. Used to use Windows all the time except in school where we had Macs.

StJimmy

10-22-2007, 02:17 PM

this laptop (which is nominally my wife's) has vista on it, and i really hate it.

my gaming machine has xp on it.

OneBadMother

10-22-2007, 02:23 PM

XP, and I will never submit to Vista. NEVAH!

iamnotspock

10-23-2007, 01:28 AM

XP, RedHat, and plan to get a Mac Mini w/Leopard

snoogit

10-24-2007, 12:20 AM

I think I'm in the minority when I say I actually kind of like Vista on my gaming desktop.

I use XP at work, and I use Windows Server 2003. At work I'd like to move to Windows for a few things (app server, user authentication), and Linux for the heavy lifting (File server, Mail Server, Web Server) But that pesky "budget" is getting in the way.

Other then that on my older systems I always try some flavor of GNU/Linux. Although I've had Xubuntu for a while now.

orange

10-24-2007, 12:59 AM

Main computer has win XP on it, but will be changing to Vista when I upgrade my hardware soon.
Laptop has Vista.

anara

10-24-2007, 01:23 AM

i use microsoft windows vista home premium. i find it most suitable to my needs, which are internet access and word processing. i have used mac, but i find apple to be criminal in the way it prices its products.

HackerX

10-24-2007, 02:35 AM

I rather like Vista. Under the hood there's some pretty interesting changes if you actually understand it.

I also find the ubuntu fanboism laughable (since it's the flavour of the month). I love it how people seem to glaze over the issues that ubuntu, other distros, and macs for that matter have while methodically pointing out the problems with Windows.

Use whatever OS that supports the tools/apps you need to use and get over it.

ShaiGar

10-24-2007, 04:51 AM

My history is thus:
Windows 3.11 - First ever computer.
Windows 95 - YAY! Starcraft, Warcraft, Command and Conquer
Windows ME - *Slams head against the wall* *repeatedly* *some more* *oooh, skull fragments pretty*
Windows XP - Yippee, Starcraft some more. First venture into OpenSource
Red Hat 3 - eeek, back to windows
Windows XP - phew
Fedora Core 4 - Hey, this is actually pretty cool. :( no games though. Wait.. Remote computer control, XP Gateway... STARCRAFT *hug*
Fedora Core 5,6 - still much nice
==Insert much experimenting with every OS i could find==
Ubuntu 5.10 - Very nice, Cedega plays starcraft, cool.
Ubuntu 6.04 - nice upgrade path
Ubuntu 6.10 - you know what? i cannot wait for Feisty Faun to try out the wireless shit.
Windows XP - Reeeally shouldnt have gotten drunk and put a chisel through my 5500 gfx card. now i have no computer.

I have tried everything i can download, Ubuntu is the best for my needs, OpenBSD is quite nice, PCBSD is my favourite.
I dont really like windows, but I use it a lot so I have gotten used to it's constant need to die on me. I have no desire to try Vista, and will never use Windows again (for personal use) after my dream computer is finally built and I get to

thegnat

10-24-2007, 05:17 PM

ooh yeah i was
Windows 3.11 for my first,
" 95 for the second,
" 98 for the third
" XP for home and laptop
and then now which is explained above.

Falcarius

10-25-2007, 09:21 PM

I use Ubuntu and XP.

Up to a few years ago I used Windows exclusively.

HackerX

10-26-2007, 04:37 AM

History? lol, lets see if I can remember. I'll probably get things out of order. Most of these overlap, since I have a habit of dual booting.

MSDOS 3 + Windows 3
MSDOS 4 (we lost the 5 1/4 floppies here for Windows 3, or they were dead or something)
MSDOS 5
MSDOS 6 + Windows 3.11
MSDOS 6 + WFW 3.11 + Win32S
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows 98SE
Redhat 6
Caldera Linux something (2.1 I think?)
Windows ME
Windows 2K
Slackware something
Redhat 7
Windows XP
Redhat 8
Redhat 9
FreeBSD 4
Suse 9.1
Suse 9.2
FreeBSD 5
Suse 9.3
OpenSolaris
Gentoo something
Fedora Core 1
Suse 10
Fedora Core 2
Slackware something more
Suse 10.1
Fedora Core 4
Windows Server 2003
Vista Beta 2
Solaris 5.10
Fedora Core 6
Suse 10.2
(K)Ubuntu 6. something
(K)Ubuntu 7. something
Vista
Fedora Core 7
OpenSuse 10.3

I'm sure I've missed some :(

bucolic_

10-27-2007, 03:13 AM

XP, and I will never submit to Vista. NEVAH!

I'm using vista on my laptop...and it sucks, I knew it would, but the deal was too good...also dual booting fedora core though, and the desktop has XP.

L30

10-27-2007, 01:42 PM

1. desktop PC with Win2003 (for gaming, movies/anime, vmware, and learning Microsoft systems)

2. Notebook with Fedora Linux (for Internet life, music, p2p, studying, and everything else)

Vayate

10-27-2007, 05:32 PM

OS histories, eh? Across various computers and systems:

Win 3.11/DOS 6
Win 98 SE
Win XP
SuSe
Fedora Core 5
Ubuntu
Gentoo
Vista Beta 2
Vista RC1

Currently running Win XP Pro Tablet PC Edition, with XP Pro 32 on my desktop with dead mobo.

Toby

11-12-2007, 01:59 PM

I use OS X nowadays because I was sick and tired of fixing my Linux/Windows installations. OS X allows me to focus on the work I set out to do with my computer which I couldn't before because there was always something not working the way I wanted it to.

I've used:

DOS/Win 3.11
Windows 95
Windows 98 SE
SuSE Linux
RedHat/Fedora Core
Debian
Windows 2000
Gentoo
Windows XP
Ubuntu
and more Linux distributions...

Surion

11-12-2007, 02:14 PM

I use Kubuntu. For no very special reason. My favourite Linux distro is Slackware but I often install some new applications so I need something which make it possible to install things quickly - that's why it's ubuntu family, besides, it instantly works well with multimedia. I need KDE because I got used to certain ways of working. So, overall-reason is that kubuntu makes it all quick for me :)

The Rose

11-12-2007, 02:35 PM

I just bought a new Dell. I refused to switch to Vista.
I bought a business model with XP on it.

brewmaster

11-13-2007, 12:25 PM

Mac OS X

I used to use PCs only, but I was convinced that a Mac was the only choice for me after I grew really tired of punching the computer screen when the damn thing wouldnt work. That was 2004, and I am still using the same iBook G4, and it runs as fast as the day I bought it. It is a very good option for those of us who are more or less computer illiterate (and those of us old enough to have not totally grown up with computers)

MichaelH

11-13-2007, 12:53 PM

OK, we'll see whose list is longest:

Commodore 64
DOS
OS/2 Warp
Windows 95, 98, XP, 2000, in that order
Amiga
Mac OS 8.1-9
Mac OS X
Linux: Fedora and Ubuntu, currently using Ubuntu
FreeBSD, PCBSD

I'm actually trying to narrow down my OS usage and am tying to talk myself into buying a MacBook pro. Having stuff in multiple places on multiple hard drives is inefficient to say the least, and using programs on different systems is finally starting to tire my 34-year-old brain.

Linux has: freedom, cost (can get a good laptop for $750), best integration of OpenOffice and Gnumeric.
OS X has: style and visual appeal, some UI uniformity, corporate backing, easy installs of non-distribution software, Omniweb, Omnigraffle, and iTunes (!). However, getting Gnumeric installed on Leopard is a problem I haven't solved yet.

qwerty

11-13-2007, 06:14 PM

Currently - dual boot between xp and ubuntu - there's no preference, it comes down to whichever I was booted into on the HDD last.

History
Apple IIe
Mac Classic
(School computers - where I'd scratch down MSDos help commands in my notebook, work out something at home and return the next day to type in my 'batch' programs :) )
First Family Home PC - Win95
For there it was win98/ME/2K/XP in sequence with various distros dual booting along the way. (even tried BeOS at one point - vista lasted 1 day on my computer).

-- Never paid for an OS (I normally get given betas or lift serial numbers from school/uni/work).

Operating Systems don't matter too much to me anymore, neither does having a 'personal' computer. I stash my files across the internet on various servers and download from anything that's available for my use. So I guess it could be possible to say the internet is my primary OS now.

Darklord

11-15-2007, 06:36 AM

Laptop - Main OS is Vista. Running Ubuntu and BackTrack 2 under VMware.

Lance Kilkenny

11-15-2007, 09:28 PM

I am running Ubuntu and XP on my laptop

bubbles

11-18-2007, 03:12 AM

I'm using Vista on my laptop right now, though on my old desktop I use Ubuntu. Vista just sort of came with my laptop (an IBM Thinkpad), so since I paid for it, I might as well use it. I also need it for school since just about everyone the world uses Windows.

Sevs

11-19-2007, 01:26 PM

Vista on my laptop - because I can :-p
At uni i usually use the linux machines.

Basically I prefer windows for relaxed surfing and gaming.
Linux is more for hardcore academic work when LaTeX and stuff is needed or i feel really geeky and want to browse the web using links =)

apex.predator

11-19-2007, 02:19 PM

I'm on my third desktop computer. My first was in 1991, and it was then-current MS-DOS 4.0 with the new Windows 3.0 which was later upgraded to 3.1.

Second computer was in '96, and had Windows 95, never upgraded. It still works, now efficiently collecting dust in the corner.

Third computer was purchased in late 2004, and had Windows XP Home SP1. For two years, I ran everything Linux I could install on this machine.

I'm now running Slackware 12.0, and I've never been happier with my OS. I expect my current machine has at least a couple more years left in it because I added an extra 1GB of RAM earlier this year.

Agogo

11-19-2007, 02:29 PM

ubuntu here! :thumbsup:

elsdfr

11-19-2007, 09:00 PM

Archlinux

The 10th Plague

11-20-2007, 06:05 AM

Well, sadly I have to say I'm using Vista at the moment. The computer I'm working on now, is my laptop which I had to buy for school. School recommended Vista, but it really sucks. Even programs that I need for on-line tests (for school) don't work, and my wireless internet connection isn't as stable as it should be. I can't print on this computer; Vista doesn't recognize the printer drivers. On the other hand, some programs written for Windows '95 DO work on Vista. I really hope Service Pack 1 comes out pretty soon, as several bugs are quite annoying. i.e I get prequently the message "program x isn't working any more." when I close down a program.

But lately, it seems that Microsoft is working on the problem. I get windows-updates almost daily the last week.

Sagacious

11-25-2007, 11:36 PM

Windows at home, plus a FreeBSD file server. Plus VMs running Solaris, PC-BSD, Ubuntu, Windows, and OSX.

At work, Ubuntu + Windows (dual-boot XP/Vista64) + OSX + ESX (anyone know what that is?) on four different machines under my desk.

I do operating system stuff for a living. This question, it be very, very dangerous... :cheesy:

Br3nti5

11-29-2007, 04:54 PM

Home PC - XP
Work PC - XP

shaforostoff

12-01-2007, 01:08 PM

i installed debian in laboratory at the university (the largest in Ukraine) for computer_networks labs and now see other students picking it up and installing specifically debian on their notebooks.

drek996

12-01-2007, 02:04 PM

I use OSX and love it, but I also run windows xp as well on my mac though :)

harold

12-05-2007, 12:52 PM

I use Debian Stable.

mielikki

12-11-2007, 02:36 AM

Mac OS X on my desktop
XP Pro on my laptop

Question Everything

12-11-2007, 04:05 AM

I'd love to switch to a Mac, but Windows is so universal and most programs where I live are written for it.

Perhaps later I shall rebel and go for Mac.

mielikki

12-11-2007, 04:21 AM

I'd love to switch to a Mac, but Windows is so universal and most programs where I live are written for it.

Perhaps later I shall rebel and go for Mac.

Buy a new Intel Mac, and you can dual boot :-)

rwyatt365

12-11-2007, 04:00 PM

The motherboard on my desktop is kaput! I'm forced to use Win2K on my laptop :(

SeekingHim80

12-12-2007, 12:00 AM

Very interesting...

I have used pretty much every version of Windows, except for Vista. I used DOS 6.2 at one point. I have used Apple and Mac a couple of times. I used Debian in school.

It pretty much is a matter of what applications you use mixed with what hardware you need to be supported. I require text to speach software, so that pretty much forces me to use windows. OSX has supposedly added this into the Tiger? Anyone know of any good screen readers for Linux?

At home, we have a desktop with XP Pro, a desktop with XP Media Center, another desktop with CentOS 4.3, and a laptop with XP Pro on it. I use Windows to ssh into Linux machines. It seems to work out pretty well. Actually, I have found a way to keep windows pretty happy. Lol, don't install any software!

At work, I use XP Pro, but my work is actually centered around supporting a product we built. the platform is CentOS. One of our past employees built a VM server which hosts a mix of CentOS, Fedora Core, XP Pro, and Server 2003 systems. It's pretty crazy; this server has about 8 gigs of ram and about a terabyte of hdd space. We also use Noppix when the need arises.

Munstead

12-23-2007, 02:30 AM

I run a few different systems my office, 2 PCs an 5 Macs. Two Macs run 10.5 and I recommend that anyone working in an intense design environment (QXP, CS3. MFH) hold off on taking that step. Stick with 10.4.x for the time being. Nothing more stressful than a system adding work to your day, my apps are not loving their new digs.

miaow

01-02-2008, 11:08 AM

Using vista at the moment though not from choice, have tried some linux packages though not really knowing why..

used windows 95
windows 98
windows NT
windows XP pro and home
Redhat
Mandriva

elfece

01-02-2008, 05:31 PM

I've switched to Ubuntu like 2 years ago (well, technically speaking, 3 years ago).

I have Gutsy Gibbon on my laptop, and Hardy Heron on the big, old computer, mainly for KTorrent...

And now I'm pretty happy: No more anti-virus eating up RAM, strange programs appearing at startup, unused registry keys, slow down due to fragmentation...
Also I used to be the one who fixed the PC of my friends whenever they get tons of spyware, etc. Now, when they come crying about a broken Vista, i simply say that I never used it (and never going to do so), except helping them to install Linux :p

(Just one thing I miss from Billy's OS: Visual Basic... I know it's a pretty crappy language, some day I will try with C++ and Python)

Aldanga

01-04-2008, 08:14 PM

What do you do for IP blocking with your torrenting? I've tried IPBlocker and Moblock, both with marginal results. (I believe these both due to my lack of knowledge regarding the inner workings of Linux.)

xhaan

01-04-2008, 08:58 PM

I use Windows XP, Windows 98 (on my other box), Ubuntu (linux, debian), Gentoo (duno what this came from), A bit of Linux From Scratch, and the remote shell I use is some kind of BSD (I think NetBSD). I also had a firewall machine, and an To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. server, both of which ran on FreeBSD.

Oh yeah, and I ran BeOS a long time ago, before Be went under.

lain

01-04-2008, 10:47 PM

I use XP on laptop and Kubuntu on desktop. I also had Debian server running for few years.

justintj

01-05-2008, 12:41 AM

Umm.. I'm not sure which OS suited to me the most, but I just voted for Linux (Deb deriv).

Since 1990s, I'd been using DOS, SCO UNIX, Win9x, Win2K/NT/XP, MacOS System 8, SGI Irix, Linux (RedHat/Fedora Core, Ubuntu, OpenSUSE) and next I'll be evaluating better Linux distros for my old Pentium III machine.

I usually use the machine for Internet browsing/download/upload, and sometimes for computer graphics such as Blender3D and The GIMP.

Any suggestions for my purpose, please?

schmidt

02-17-2008, 04:01 PM

Although I use Mac OS X on my current workstation/laptop I put Linux(other) as vote since my favourite system is Gentoo Linux and all my computers I've owned over the years ran Gentoo.
My motivation for using Gentoo is the DIY approach which I love.

ghyspran

02-17-2008, 05:23 PM

3 Arch Linux desktops, 1 Windows XP laptop. Arch is much easier to maintain than XP.

Scorne

02-20-2008, 03:55 PM

I hover between Windows XP and Windows Vista, but the next computer/laptop will be a Mac, one that can render really fast :).

ssfanatic

02-20-2008, 04:41 PM

Im not familiar with any other, i stick to what i know. But i really wish i would have stuck with XP, Vista is a pain in the ass.

starztimehalo

02-22-2008, 09:32 PM

I am using vista now, but I deplore it. I started out years ago on DOS and windows 3.1 and have used many versions of windows up till this point. I have a little experience with OpenBSD and some linuxes, but not very much.

BadMojo

02-22-2008, 09:33 PM

Vistaaaa Wauw!

DeadSpace

02-23-2008, 02:01 AM

XP pro 2+ years now running since i built this sys, did have pclos on dual...but since upgrading vid card, no *nix will run with the drivers for the card installed.
Past...amigaOS, DOS, win3.1, win95, NT 4.0, win98, fc3~4, kubuntu, DSL (damn small linux).

Feng

02-24-2008, 08:33 PM

I have used Windows, Linux, OS X, DOS, and FreeBSD in the past.

I previously said I had no plans to ever use Vista, but like bucolic, I ended up buying a laptop with it pre-installed (good deal). Given my desktop PC recently died, I am currently using Vista Premium and DSL (Damn Small Linux).

HackerX

02-25-2008, 12:38 AM

I just thought I'd add this in with all the vista bashing.

I happily use Vista every day. Have since Beta 2. I'm just another person who doesn't see what the fuss is all about.

pavman

02-25-2008, 12:43 AM

I only put in a few of the more popular and well known operating systems.

Which one do you use, what's your history with OS's and why did you choose that particular one?

I can't vote. I use about 3 or so everyday. :thumbsdown: You mean primarily to view the forum?

HackerX

02-25-2008, 01:24 AM

I can't vote. I use about 3 or so everyday. :thumbsdown: You mean primarily to view the forum?

I think it's a limitation with the forum software, I can't seem to change it so that multiple votes are allowed. Vote the one you use most often, or the one you prefer to use.

PRBori

02-25-2008, 01:36 AM

I'm stock to windows... actually Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional.

I have play around with LINUX and UNIX systems, but nothing serious... I can only learn so many things at one time... Right now my work doesn't allow me time to play, I'm one mind doing the work of 6 people...

n00b

02-25-2008, 03:32 PM

I have two systems instaled on my PC - Linux Slackware and Windows XP Home Edition (legally bought!). I'm on Windows most of the time.

simoncpu

02-28-2008, 06:00 AM

Ytterbium

02-28-2008, 06:02 PM

On the computers I use most often I have Windows XP installed. Then I have other computers too, where Windows 98SE, DOS and Amiga OS is used.

pavman

02-28-2008, 06:30 PM

FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFlyBSD, Mac OS X, Debian Linux, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Gentoo, Fedora, Redhat, Slackware, Windows XP, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 3.x, MS-DOS, blah, blah, blah.

Next in my list is Plan 9. I'll try to run it on Xen since I don't have an extra box.

Wasn't the question which OS do you use?!

You still use Dos and Windows 3.x/NT/2K?! Umm... yeah right. :p

I for one have used FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Linux (Readhat, Ubuntu, Caldera, Monkey, Fedora, Slackware, Your Mom's version, your cousin's version, your aunt's version, dam just say Linux), AIX, HPUX, SGI's Unix, Solaris, Windows NT/2K/2K3/3.0,3.1.1 for workgroups/95/98/Millennium Ed/XP, PCDOS x.xx/MS Dos 3.x - 7.x/Some other DOS, OS2, Mac OS * (not X tho), C64 Basic ;D, Apple IIe, Macintosh, Mainframe_fill_in_the_blank, TSR, Pong .... I mean, how crazy we gonna get?! Shall we start comparing programming languages? How bout video game console systems?! :thumbsup:

Oh, and I almost forgot my brief stint with BeOS...

I'm also well versed in the ISO Open Systems Interconnect model, as well as the TCP Derivation. Right now I spend most of my time between layers 5 through 7 of the OSI (layer 4 for you TCP newbs), how bout you?

Let me know if your hiring, because I think I just put up half of my resume skills here... ;)

AgentofGaming

02-28-2008, 09:04 PM

Windows XP @ home, Redhat @ EngineeringLabs, Solaris @ Electrical and Computer Enginereing Labs.

I mean, how crazy we gonna get?! Shall we start comparing programming languages? How bout video game console systems?! :thumbsup:
Oh you got to make a topic like that.
So we can talk about:
C++
Nios II Assembly language etc.

Right now I spend most of my time between layers 5 through 7 of the OSI (layer 4 for you TCP newbs), how bout you?

Let me know if your hiring, because I think I just put up half of my resume skills here... ;)
I heard my professors say the OSI model was decided on a napkin that's why it's so badly organized.

HackerX

02-28-2008, 09:37 PM

Well, in response, I've created the programming thread:
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Try and keep all the programming related stuff in there from now on :)

simoncpu

02-29-2008, 01:10 AM

Wasn't the question which OS do you use?!

Except for the DOS and Windows 3.x part, yeah, I use a bunch of BSD flavors (mostly current and unstable code) daily. The P in INTP makes me love diversity.

For Linux, I only use Debian and Ubuntu right now though.

Nausved

02-29-2008, 01:55 AM

In '88 or so, my parents got a Mac Plus. I have used every main Macintosh OS since, up to 10.4.

I have also extensively used MS-DOS, Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4.0, and XP. I have always defaulted back to Mac, though.

I have very little Unix experience (besides OS X, of course). This is a problem I would like to rectify in the near future, funds permitting.

elsdfr

02-29-2008, 07:38 AM

I have very little Unix experience (besides OS X, of course). This is a problem I would like to rectify in the near future, funds permitting.

Ahh the beauty of *NIX... it's free!

If you just want to try it out most of the decent falvours will run on less than a 500MHz machine... FreeBSD is a good UNIX start but a lot has been lost since OS X became popular as a lot of Developers probably left it... and I'm a fan of Archlinux now.

Most of the new Linux ones require a lot more MHz/money and take a lot away from the *NIX experience (in my opinion anyway).

Nausved

02-29-2008, 11:37 AM

Ahh the beauty of *NIX... it's free!

If you just want to try it out most of the decent falvours will run on less than a 500MHz machine... FreeBSD is a good UNIX start but a lot has been lost since OS X became popular as a lot of Developers probably left it... and I'm a fan of Archlinux now.

Most of the new Linux ones require a lot more MHz/money and take a lot away from the *NIX experience (in my opinion anyway).

If only computers (as well as spare desk space) were free, too. :(

bsdaemon

03-09-2008, 04:13 PM

I'm a BSD junkie, but I use BSD-ish Linux on my laptop (while trying to rid it of the GNU userland). OS-X is pretty nice, as are Plan 9 and RISC OS.

I'm not much of a Windows fan, but used to run NT 4, and 2000 for a bit. I only had XP installed for a week, but I've had experience with every edition other than ME (thanks be to the gods). And, of course, I used DOS, and quite a few BASIC prompts (C64/128, ...).

Oh, and I'm just vying for the right to view links and images, here. Someone should change these forum policies. INTJs are supposed to hate bureaucracy, no?

HackerX

03-09-2008, 08:28 PM

Oh, and I'm just vying for the right to view links and images, here. Someone should change these forum policies. INTJs are supposed to hate bureaucracy, no?

The owner of this forum has her reasons :) I don't think it's too much to ask for people to actively and positively contribute to this forum rather than freeloading.

jwp4

03-10-2008, 12:07 AM

I enjoy OSX. It gives me the *NIX experience with the business apps I need to play in a Microsoft world.

I used to play with a lot of operating systems, but I'm over it now. My first non-windows/DOS system was FreeBSD. My transition to OSX was a no brainer.

fortyseventh

03-12-2008, 04:54 PM

Mac OS X
GNU/Linux

Geek007

03-21-2008, 01:50 AM

I am just starting to experiment with Linux. I have been using Backtrack for a short period and getting used to it and working out a few issues. This is a live cd os.

In terms of windows, I have an XP Pro, a Vista premium, an XP Home and a Server 2003.

I am considering ubuntu too, but probably I will experiement with a few more live cds in the meantime.

Sod

03-22-2008, 02:52 AM

I use Win XP, although I recognize that linux may be more efficient. I would probably use linux rather than spend money on windows though. Reasons I haven't switched over from XP include:

(a) Windows works fine for what I do, and I haven't had to pay extra for it so far. (It's a legal copy though, I don't like piracy.) I rarely have problems with XP (98/ME was hell though).

(b) There are other things I'd prefer to invest my time in, rather than learning the nuances of a new OS.

(c) Running games on linux is a hassle. And when I go to play a computer game, I'm not, in the mood for a hassle.

Aldanga

03-22-2008, 04:16 PM

I've had to abandon GNU/Linux for the time being in favor of XP. I can't get a DVI output from my 8800GT to my 22". Makes me sad. :cry:

I use Win XP, although I recognize that linux may be more efficient. I would probably use linux rather than spend money on windows though. Reasons I haven't switched over from XP include:

(a) Windows works fine for what I do, and I haven't had to pay extra for it so far. (It's a legal copy though, I don't like piracy.) I rarely have problems with XP (98/ME was hell though).

(b) There are other things I'd prefer to invest my time in, rather than learning the nuances of a new OS.

(c) Running games on linux is a hassle. And when I go to play a computer game, I'm not, in the mood for a hassle.

Why don't you like piracy? I love piracy, but ninjas own.

I feel ya with the gaming thing. Linux is definitely a hassle there.

cypher72

03-26-2008, 05:13 PM

I use XP for my games, kubuntu for everything else. im very familiar with OSX. i also like Backtrack 3 for some things.

Trym

04-02-2008, 04:07 PM

HackerX

04-02-2008, 07:38 PM

if you are a non-gamer.

That's the kicker...

Uberfuhrer

04-02-2008, 09:13 PM

Windows XP and Windows Vista dual boot.

Aldanga

04-03-2008, 06:31 PM

I am kind of moved by the fact that almost 70% use Windows, not to sound arrogant (lol), but the alternatives are so much greater if you are a non-gamer. I would strongly encourage everyone here to concider trying out and experimenting with the alternatives. I decided I would try both Linux and OSX. I ulitmately switched from Windows to OSX.

Does it work? Hell yes!

Mmhmm. I agree. I'm going to get a MacBook one of these days, but I'm mainly a GNU/Linux guy. I found the Ubuntu 8.04 Beta works with my 8800GT, so I'm eagerly awaiting the official release. I shall then be triple-booting XP, Vista and Ubuntu. w00t!

celesul

04-05-2008, 04:40 PM

I use OS X, currently our home computers have either Tiger or Leopard (the G3 won't run Leopard, but the Macbook does). I hate using Windows, it's clunky and buggy. I've not had the chance to use Linux, but I want to. My dad is obsessed with macs, so he won't try it, plus he's older, so he remembers when all the OS were really primitive (and even before that, when home computers didn't seem even possible). Plus, I'll be in college in only a few years, and having an expensive computer might not happen then.

Do any of the linux users here have any recommendations for someone accustomed to OS X (which means I'm spoiled ;)) and is not a gamer. Any nice, friendly systems?

mono

04-05-2008, 05:57 PM

On my laptop (broom) I only have Ubuntu (gutsy).I really like their approach to providing usable free software. It's not the perfect OS but I like it :)
Desktop/download box (called nexus) uses Windows XP (need some apps there that don't run in wine and too lazy too switch). Windows XP is when managed properly a stable and pretty secure OS.

I voted Linux (Deb deriv) since I use that the most these days.

suzyk

04-06-2008, 02:54 PM

I have Ubuntu on my now dead PC (it was mine, my own), I have XP on my mom's laptop, same with my dad's laptop, and our big computer has only XP right now, I think. My dad is putting Linux on it (Debain, KDE). I dislike Linux, but my dad loves it a lot. I like Penguin Racer (the game with Tux in it/it's 3D), the only good game for Linux.

Aldanga

04-07-2008, 04:55 PM

Do any of the linux users here have any recommendations for someone accustomed to OS X (which means I'm spoiled ;)) and is not a gamer. Any nice, friendly systems?

Friendly? Ubuntu is a really great and user friendly Distro. openSUSE (soo-suh), PCLinuxOS and Fedora are the most popular after Ubuntu.

I personally use Ubuntu. It has a huge community (ubuntuforums.org) and great device support. I greatly recommend it. The 8.04 release comes out at the end of the month. (It's at the end of BETA presently.)

If you want Linux to look like Mac OS X there are hundreds of tutorials online to edit the visual configuration of GNU/Linux.

suzyk

04-07-2008, 05:17 PM

Ubuntu's good. And it's free. It's always been reliable to me, even when I acted like an idiot and I deleted all the stuff on my Desktop by accident. The only thing I found screwy about it was that the toolbar didn't work properly, so whenever I minimized something, it would just disappear. That was really annoying, since I used to make banners and the lot with GIMP.

What about Debian? Fun stuff.

Lout

04-07-2008, 05:49 PM

When I first voted on the poll, it was for Windows because I was on Vista at the time.

Coincidentally, Vista is also the reason I am currently on Kubuntu (Gutsy). I might try Windows 7 when it comes out but since I have no gaming urges, I think I'll simply stick with Linux. I might even experiment with a few others like MEPIS.

Aldanga

04-08-2008, 06:19 PM

I'm actually about to buy 5 PCs (with 5 CRTs, 3 printers, 2 'incomplete' PCs, 3 CPUs, 4 HDD, a few surround sound speakers sets, random routers, PCI cards, etc.) for $450 from a guy. I'm going to turn them into Linux boxes, I think. It'll be really wicked. I'm excited.

My 'rents really need a new PC, so I'll probably give them one of them.

I think we need our own GNU/Linux thread...

geonerd

04-10-2008, 03:06 PM

ChfMojoRising

04-10-2008, 03:29 PM

Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard! Have to say, it's the sexiest one~ low foot-print, useful features, highly stable, UNIX 3 certified... not sure what else to say other than I like it best of all wilst not initially taking part in the "cult of mac" lol

Also have Gutsy running on a 7 year old machine~ I let the kiddie use that one (5 y.o. and learning on Linux~ such a beautiful world lol) I do like Ubuntu tho.

ehares

04-10-2008, 06:30 PM

My laptop came with Vista on it and i hated it. So...installed Gutsy. I enjoy it, except that I can't use iTunes. Thinking about setting up a dual boot with XP for iTunes and various drafting programs (unfortunately I have to be a conformist here and use Adobe Illustrator - i'd rather use InkScape, though).

Have you tried Banshee (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) as an alternative to iTunes?

geonerd

04-10-2008, 08:20 PM

Have you tried Banshee (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) as an alternative to iTunes?

Thanks for the suggestion! :) I've looked into this some...and from what I understand, I still won't be able to play the iTunes AAC files? I have quite a few of these (i was trying to abandon my old illegal ways...).

HackerX

04-10-2008, 08:35 PM

Needs more Amarok. As for your itunes AAC files... if there DRM incumbered you'll need to find if you can crack them somehow. Not sure where to head for that.

mono

04-10-2008, 11:11 PM

I would suggest rhythmbox (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) (if you use gnome).
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

^ here are 2 tutorials dealing with rbox and the i-pod.

There is also open-source firmware available for i-pods, see To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Leitz

04-11-2008, 07:18 AM

Long history of OS's, starting with whatever the Vic-20 had. If you count some pre-computer stuff then ACSII 5 bit code on mechanical machines that were upscale enough to have a few vacuum tubes in the lower cabinet.

Currently use Winderz at work because I have to, CentOS/Fedora at home because I'm an RHCE and need to keep my skills current, and working on NetBSD/Sparc64 because I have some old computers to make webservers that I'm loathe (too cheap) to toss.

Leitz

Frobozz

04-11-2008, 01:51 PM

I use XP. Messed with Vista, but don't see anything worthwhile in it over XP and it needs so much extra memory just to run equally.

I'd really like to play with Linux more but the kids keep my free time to a bare minimum. One day they'll be old enough to play by themselves and leave me alone (yeah, I don't get enough alone time, just have to tune everyone out while they run amok around me).

Rafaelsk

04-12-2008, 05:17 AM

The best of the best Debian! ;D

Skyline GTR

04-13-2008, 12:15 AM

I use Windows Vista on my main, Windows XP on any secondaries, and Windows 98 SE on any laptops or light rig units. Unless you count VMware, then I use most of the popular OSes at some point.

INTJCanuck

04-13-2008, 02:03 AM

I was a long-time Windows user until I was forced to switch to Linux (because of my systems programming courses at university). I have been using the latest Ubuntu for a semester, and I'm kicking myself for being too stubborn to switch earlier.

ehares

04-13-2008, 10:25 AM

My primary OS is, by choice, OSX. My past experience is a list of OSs largely not worth mentioning, while currently I frequently deal with Unbuntu variants and Windows XP/Vista.

While I prefer OSX, and I would go to it first for any hands-on function (document creation/manipulation, communication, media viewing/creation, etc), I certainly see a few aspects worthy of envy in the other major OSs. Indeed, for any headless function (a machine set up with no GUI/display operated remotely for a specific task such as a server) I would avoid it in favour of either Windows or Linux.

Orya

04-18-2008, 03:57 PM

OS X (10.5 actually (since yesterday : p)), with a possible Dual Boot of XP, that is if I can get it working.

OddFactor

04-18-2008, 04:12 PM

OSX FTW

MrEPenguin

04-21-2008, 07:38 PM

I use Windows XP Pro. I've used a variety of different operating systems over the years, but I always stick to windows. I decided on XP pro several years ago because I wanted the best version of XP. ;D

Phrixos

04-22-2008, 09:23 AM

ubuntu.

One initially appealing thing was I could put in a live CD and connect the internet with no more than one mouse click.

Main reason I use ubuntu (Linux) is for the massive CLI capability, and, restarting is for adding new hardware.

WINE emulates some windows applications so I have notepad :D.
Pigin can use multiple Instant Messaging clients.
Compiz gives you some really cool graphical effects.
Swiftfox. "Swift" Firefox. (optimized Firefox for Linux.)
Linux is "not as" susceptible to viruses.

So many more, its late and not about to make a thing of naming apps.

The way I see it. Windows stops you from being clever and stops you from being stupid, and in the end stuffs up anyway. Linux lets you be clever but does not stop you from being stupid, and at my work we have Linux servers that have run without restart for the best part of 4 years.

Linux is cool, you can virtualize and/or dual boot Windows with Linux anyway...and as long as you can "Google" then you can use it.

Dystopia

04-22-2008, 11:25 PM

I am a Slackware Linux user. I switched to it after finally tiring of Microsoft last year.

I got tired of my computer's performance being sapped away by Windows doing lots of things that I had never asked it to do. I got tired of having to reboot after installing programmes, or because of it's inefficient kernel wasting RAM and constantly writing to the swapfile when it didn't really need to. I got tired of Windows making decisions for me. I got tired of it forcing lots of pretty colours and curved edges and flashy pointer animations. I got tired of music skipping all the time if I try and have more than one programme running at once, or even just one programme.

I just wanted an operating system that would do as little as possible, and let me do the rest if I want to. My research took me to Slackware as being the best of the more popular Linux distributions in all these respects. And it hasn't disappointed me.

Linux has some weaknesses. My printer isn't well supported, and it can't play Windows games. I have had little luck with Wine in that respect. I always have Windows there as a backup though. And in reality, I'm usually just printing text, which comes out fine, or playing old games on DOS or Amiga emulators.

Slackware Linux changed my life. I had a feeling there would be Linux fans on this forum. Any Slackware/Gentoo users here?

Phrixos

04-23-2008, 10:42 AM

Geek007

04-23-2008, 10:45 PM

Just installed server 2008 last night, will see how it goes, they say it performs 10-15% better than vista.

Geek007 added to this post, 23 minutes and 48 seconds later...

Just installed server 2008 last night, will see how it goes, they say it performs 10-15% better than vista.

Dystopia

04-24-2008, 02:28 PM

It isn't the best. It's the oldest still developing though.

I've had no experience with any of the Debian based distributions. I had a very bad experience with Fedora, which is what convinced me that I need a distribution that is relatively minimalist, and doesn't try to do too much. Perhaps if I was the kind of person who was constantly installing new programmes, having a package manager with dependency checking might be more tempting. However, most of the programmes I need came with Slackware, with around 10 that I had to compile from source. Everything works just fine and I can leave the computer on for days at a time. I've no intention of changing.

Motor Jax

04-24-2008, 03:56 PM

all 3 places i go and work (job 1, job 2, and home) i use Windows

but hands down, i love using UNIX

Mozzes

04-24-2008, 04:02 PM

I have a notebook with XP that I've been using for about 4 years now with absolutely no problems. I mean, literally, not a single crash.

I'm not much of an OS snob, so whatever is stable and runs the apps I need is good.

errrzarrr

04-26-2008, 12:25 AM

xP second edition here.

bubbles

04-26-2008, 03:39 PM

I am now using Ubuntu with Wubi. Should have started using Ubuntu when the latest version just came out. It is so much faster than Vista and it looks better too. I still need Vista to use certain things that only work under Windows.

ChfMojoRising

04-27-2008, 10:34 PM

I think I posted that I use OSX Leopard and Ubuntu (the new, Hardy Heron now!) but now I should add Windows XP Home SP2~ (wonder if SP3 will ever come lol)

reson for dual-booting Windows on my Ubuntu-box? I really want to learn the Aurora Engine (used to make NeverWinter Nights) and need to intstall UnRealEd 2 for a level design class in school. But if it's all the same... boo windows!

capricornintj

04-28-2008, 01:34 AM

Windows Vista at home. Used to have a Redhat Linux box, but sent it in for recycling. At work I use Windows XP, HP-UX and z/OS.

Big Grizzle

04-28-2008, 11:44 AM

Ubuntu on my laptop.

XP on the desktop at work. Grrr it's so frustratingly slow!!!!

melon

04-29-2008, 06:45 AM

I use Kubuntu Linux (8.04 at the moment) on both my desktop and my Macbook. I haven't had Windows installed on my computers for a couple years, thankfully. I was using OSX on my macbook for about a month, but I missed KDE too much. While it's nice, I missed some of the programs that I'm accustomed to using on Kubuntu, such as KDevelop, Konversation, Konqueror, Kopete, Kate, KOffice, and especially Amarok (yes, KDE's naming scheme bothers me too). I also like the apt-get system, which allows users to easily find and install thousands of programs and upgrade the entire system (and all applications) at once. I did manage to get KDE running on OSX after several hours of compiling, but the programs were too buggy, slow, and didn't integrate with OSX well enough to be worth using. I am now dual-booting OSX and Kubuntu on my Macbook.

One of Linux's downsides is that there is a pitifully small choice of games available. That is, if you don't include console emulators, of which there are a nice amount available for Linux. The lack of games doesn't bother me very much, as I'm not much of a PC gamer anyways. On the other hand, WINE is coming along well and can run several Windows games, and other applications. In fact, I managed to get iTunes, along with a few other Windows programs, running on my PC through WINE the other day. Kubuntu generally fits my needs moreso than either OSX or Windows do, so I'm happy with it.

knock7

05-03-2008, 10:49 AM

I use multiple Operating Systems.

1.) XP, Vista and Windows Server on most office machines.
2.) Mac OS X is on my G4 powerbook
3.) OpenBSD is my server OS of choice.
4.) Cisco IOS and Cisco PIX on my routers, switches and firewalls.
5.) Various linux appliances

Saerzi

05-07-2008, 03:22 PM

I've used various operations systems of the years, I'm not much of an OS bigot, I just tend to go with whatever tools seems to be the best fit for the job at hand.

I'm currently running OpenBSD as my home network router/firewall gateway and run copies of WinXP and Ubuntu Hardy on the Workstations.

I've looked at upgrading the Win Boxen to Windows Vista, however considering the age of the hardware in place and the the current applications in use it hardly merits serious consideration for the cost and effort involved.

Enkidu

05-08-2008, 07:04 AM

Been using Windows since I was little, from 3.1 all the way to XP
About 2 years ago started experimenting with Mandriva, dual-booting it with XP on desktop.
When I got a laptop it arrived with Vista basic, about 5 minutes after first turning it on it crashed and remained quite unstable so I wiped it completely and installed Ubuntu instead. A few months later I switched over to Fedora 8 and haven't looked back since. Replaced Mandriva on the desktop with Fedora and only use XP for gaming now. Everything else works nicely in Fedora 8, and updating to 9 soon

Freak

05-08-2008, 11:35 AM

Linus (Fedora) on desktop and
Windows XP on lappy...

Navitron

05-13-2008, 06:53 PM

XP Pro /Vista duel boot on main box *I mostly stay in XP. :\*
XP Pro on my File Server/Bittorrent Box.
XP Pro on my main Laptop.
Tiny XP on my 2nd laptop (custom nlite CD with all unessential stuff removed.)

Beery Swine

05-27-2008, 12:04 PM

Windows XP.

AutisticCuckoo

05-27-2008, 02:10 PM

I use Red Hat Linux (version 9).

I've been using Windows 95, 2000 and XP and always been annoyed by the instability and the security issues. I've worked with VMS and Unix systems since 1990, so I knew how it should be, and Windows just didn't cut it.

Three years ago I finally had enough and switched over to RH9, which I had installed as a dual boot option back when I built my computer. My problem was that I could only get dial-up access where I live, so upgrades weren't on the agenda. That didn't matter too much, since it did everything I wanted and I could stop worrying about worms, viruses and trojans.

About a month back I got wireless 'broadband'. My computer has started to exhibit some hardware problems (either memory or the motherboard), so I'm thinking about building a new one. It will be Linux again, probably Fedora 8 or Ubuntu.

I'm suffering Windows XP at the office, and it's horrible.

SongofSeptember

06-08-2008, 07:53 AM

XP, and I will never submit to Vista. NEVAH!

Seconded ;D

nickasummers

06-09-2008, 09:39 PM

unfortunately, I now use Vista, however I would like to note that this post was made using a Ubuntu virtual machine. Take that Microsoft!

bricklayer

06-10-2008, 02:22 PM

I only trust Microsoft Windows XP. I absolutely hate Apple products. Everything has to run only with other Apple products for them, nothing can be universal!

ssrprotege

06-10-2008, 02:43 PM

So far, I have been using Windows XP (haha, no way Vista!) but should I change a computer I want to change into Mac OS X with the program that will allow me to run Windows as well.

aronzdizzle

06-15-2008, 12:43 AM

by using mac os x Leopard you are currently contributing to the downfall of third party development and low hardware/software prices and there for are driving prices up of software and hardware. mac signs exclusivity deals with hardware and software company's so you can only use that hardware and software with there operating system and then program the drivers right into the os thats why it "just works" you have no other hardware choices so you have to pay what Macintosh wants you to and can only obtain these products online or in limited quantity at apple stores or some other licensed dealers. windows cant possibly program all the drivers for all the hardware out there into there operating system but thats why the hardware and software is cheap for windows because of competition

I always hear mac os x is so pretty! big deal anyone who uses windows or Linux knows any desktop can be manipulated relatively easy with freeware here go to google and look up samurize and see how easy it is

then you can download freeware software called rocket dock and object dock and bam in five minutes you have a mac looking and similar acting os running on windows and its so pretty ah blah to that

mac's are for retards that want everything to work right now and dont want to have to learn or think about anything and usually have no tech knowledge what so ever or ingenuity or common sense but claim hardware and os supremacy without knowing what a mac can and cant do then they get pissed when they cant use any software there friends are using with out having to pay alot more for the same software if it even exists on a mac

it should be killing all you intj's inside if you really knew what mac's are and what they contirubte to a lazy society that doesent want to learn they just want it to work right now and not have to do or think about anything well then get a mac just watch the justin long mac commercial its not your fault justin that no software exists or works for a mac and and its not your fualt its cost's an arm and a leg to upgrade a mac compared to a pc and its not your fualt mac's dont sell nvidia sli on any of there machines even though the 8800's beat out the crossfire ati hd cards you offer on all 3d mark bench tests again theres that you have to take what we offer and cant customize what your buying to meet your needs trust mac they know what you want and need and will give you what ever hardware they decide is best on there machines that basicly means what ever they can get a deal on

aronzdizzle added to this post, 2 minutes and 23 seconds later...

and the program you refer to is vmware fusion and theres a couple others to

AutisticCuckoo

06-15-2008, 04:11 PM

Today I built myself a brand new computer. A 3 GHz dual-core CPU, 4 GiB RAM and a 500 GB HDD with Fedora Core 8 on it. I'm a very happy bunny right now! :)

xtremegeek

06-15-2008, 05:17 PM

Windows Vista has bugs...lots of bugs. However, in 2 years, the bugs will all be cleaned up and it will be safe to upgrade from XP to Vista/Service Pack # whatever. It's the nature of OS's. It doesn't matter how many times and how many methods you test the darn thing, until you get it into the hands of the consumer, you don't know what bugs there might be. It's like the first-year model of any car. So let the suckers go first; wait a few years; then buy the improved model.

I don't like MAC...it's never played nice in my world. And it's not enterprise savvy like windows, which I need at work.