Operating systems as a measure of unhappiness

[MichaelH]

Hi all -

I'd appreciate some insight into a problem I have. I can't stop changing operating systems.

I have a MacBook pro and rotate roughly monthly between Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Linux. "Rotate" means a complete erase and reinstall; I don't like the speed penalty of virtualization and I want my machine to be one coherent unit. (I hate the thought that some of my stuff is scattered around my hard drive, some here, some there, some not accessible until I reboot.)

Officially, the problem is both technical and philosophical. I agree with Linux's philosophy and freakin' LOVE the naultilus file manager but don't want to compromise ease of use. I like Apple's UI consistency and being a step ahead everyone else, but dislike the closed system mentality and they've made some design mistakes in 10.5 that bug me. I like Window's compatibility with everything at work but hate Windows.

Unofficially, the problem runs deeper. As one of my friends noted, "Happiness is not found in a kernel revision." and "Your dissatisfaction with your computer reflects your internal unhappiness." I don't dispute either point. My computer is an extension of myself and my personality. Always has been.

The problem is, how do I disconnect my internal unhappiness from my computer? Every time I change OSs I lose data, or at least create more backup disks. Ultimately, I'd be far happier and more productive if I chose one OS and stuck with it. But every time I try to do that - usually settling on the Mac as the most pragmatic option - theoretical issues pull me away again.

Maybe that line explains the problem: "I'd be happier if..." "I'd be more productive if..." It's entirely possible I grow dissatisfied because the theoretical improvement I'm supposed to derive from using something different doesn't materialize.

Urgh. I've wrangled with this alone long enough. Is anyone interested in adding their insight/questions to this one?

MichaelH

[knock7]

I personally like Mac OS X and OpenBSD best. However, I don't think switching needs to be so painful.

1.) Get external storage that all OSes support. This will cost $200 to $500.
2.) Get a disk imaging software and keep an image for each OS.

When you are ready to switch update the OS image. When you install the next OS, reconnect to external storage.

[searcheagle]

Maybe that line explains the problem: "I'd be happier if..." "I'd be more productive if..." It's entirely possible I grow dissatisfied because the theoretical improvement I'm supposed to derive from using something different doesn't materialize.

Urgh. I've wrangled with this alone long enough. Is anyone interested in adding their insight/questions to this one?

MichaelH

I know what you're talking about. I can't stop looking for ways to improve different things. As a result, I frequently over complicate something so that it will be able to handle all situations.

However, one area I do not do this in is Operating systems. Everytime I go to a new OS, the only real change is I have to go back and relearned everything I knew how to do.

[fonmaneal]

I use Windows, for it work with most things.
Apple I dislike, because it dosen't work well with just about anything.
Linux is a dream, who's time hasn't come (yet?).
If you dont like Windows for some reason, change the settings.
Dont just stick with defaults.
Stop looking for some out side force to wave a magic wand and fix your problems.
You have the means to do that yourself.
So pick one and start fixing.
Hve fun:)

[Erika Redmark]

If Windows's compatibility with stuff is a factor, why not use another OS with a Windows emulator (I know there's one for Mac that came with some software I have…that reminds me, I should try it out)?

[pitseleh402]

If you have a reasonably recent MBP, you wouldn't pay much performance penalty for running virtualization products. I know that both parallels and vmware fusion support virtualization extension (IVT) provided in intel core 2 duo chips. Both have complete desktop integration feature, so you can just use windows apps just like they're native.

However, if you have an older model, then I agree that the performance penalty can be quite annoying.

As for Linux, you _can_ run opensource applications on Mac OS X natively, though a lot of busy work involved in that direction. Google macports if you're interested in pursuing that option.


I personally own a Macbook Air. The only reason why I can tolerate it, and actually freaking love it, is because of the fact that I use it as a very thin client (no pun intended). I don't run anything heavy on this thing, nor do I store much. I have a beefier desktop sitting next to my desk (gentoo linux) that does most of the heavy lifting, and a slightly wimpier but still a full-fledged desktop computer as a file server next to it that stores all my data.

As for the main topic of this thread though, I'd have to say that I'm totally unqualified to give you much advice on finding peace among the vast amount of options that you have when it comes to choosing an operating system. My personal philosophy is to use the right tool for the individual task, and that only got me to where I am, managing four computers (two macs, one linux and one solaris).

No windows though. I think getting rid of windows was the one and only step towards the peace of mind that I got in this matter. :)

b.