Which OS you prefer?

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Herman

The Image Stimulator
Location
The Netherlands
Name
Herman
Off topic.
Im familiar with two different operating systems: windows and chrome os (chromebook).
I hear a lot of good things about apple os, is it really that good?
Why are apple computers pretty expensive?

Kind regards, Herman
 
No experience of apple computers except for the very early days

Not too fond of Google Chrome but I haven't cracked it properly

Just "upgraded" to windows 7 but prefer the old XP

Best OS I've used was on my old Amiga ~ supposedly similar to Apple
 
I am not an evangelist when it comes to operating systems and computers. I've always enjoyed the heated debates between Mac and Windows users. Useability and productivity are my main criteria. I've used computers from a lot of brands with linux, windows, and mac OS. We had/have 7 computers in our home network. After I switched everything to Apple, systems management became very easy. I never had to reinstall OS and applications (occasional cleanups are always recommended). It combines the advantages of Unix and Apple's User Interface. Adding devices such as iphones, ipads, apple TV is very, very easy. And most importantly: it works smoothly. Synchronization between devices (data, appointments, contacts) works like a charm.

Yes, Apple is more expensive. If you open up a Mac Pro desktop computer and compare it with the average PC box, you immediately see the quality differences. Everything is very well thought through (SJ was extremely fanatic about design) and more expensive materials are used. I could dwell on all those details but let's do that offline, if you want.

After reading the book about Steve Jobs, I also understood why he always strived for tight hardware and software integration. The book provides a lot of insights about Apple's philosophy and principles and the resulting higher prices.

So if you don't like to hack your computer and the software provided suffices, buy a Mac. You won't regret it. I know I did not. It is worth the money. It has saved me a lot of time (and consequently money ;-) ). I also don't have problems exchanging files with windows users.
 
I agree with all of the above and stress what pniev wrote in this final graph: If you don't hack your own computer and your device is a means to an end, go for Mac. If you tend to be a computer enthusiast and like to play with the actual PC, go for Windows.

I'll add this: Be careful when reading people's opinions about a given OS, especially when it comes to updated versions. While there are plenty of exceptions, most consumers tend to judge an OS based on what they are used to. If a new or updated OS involves any change in operation or some kind of learning curve, they usually complain that it "sucks."
 
^ Sort of applies to my comments Biro - except the CAD programme I use is PC related so I'm kind of stuck on that system

Windows 7 is reported to be unsupported from next year - contrary to the PC advice I had which gave a few more years
 
Thing is, they all work. High end windows machines from the likes of Sony are indistinguishable from Macs in terms of build quality - it's inappropriate to compare a Macbook Air with an Asus, for example. There just isn't a cheap Mac option because of the hardware/software lock-in.

If I was starting out today I would drive any purchase decision on the availability of software and hardware/peripherals and on compatibility with other people with whom you work or otherwise share files.

Personally I use a Windows 7 machine at home. It is less than a year old and is built to "gaming spec" - which also meets my personal needs nicely, although I never play games on it. I have spent money on a decent monitor and keyboard - the human interfaces - and a 5.1 surroundsound speaker setup. I have kept Microsoft use to OS only. Instead of Office I use OpenOffice, which is free, and free from those bloody awful ribbons.
 
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So if you don't like to hack your computer and the software provided suffices, buy a Mac. You won't regret it. I know I did not. It is worth the money. It has saved me a lot of time (and consequently money ;-) ). I also don't have problems exchanging files with windows users.

If you LIKE to hack, Mac is also great because of the Unix underpinning, especially with mac home brew.
(Of course, Linux is even better in that regard.)

Occasionally I use ImageMagick and exiftool commands for batch conversion.
 
My take on PC's vs Macs

I had to replace my PC every year or two due to the slowness and various problems I had and this went on for years and years.

My Mac has been dare I say it perfect for years and years.

I was constantly having to update security or some such program which was very annoying plus having to install all kinds of different security programs.

My Mac...turn it on and use it......simple!

So my conclusion is that Macs are cheaper in the long run and are a joy to use.
 
ive stuck with mac for years now
i had 3 windows based machines from various companies.. and within 6 months they run like theyre 6 years old.
then starts the reformatting, virus scans, etc hassles
i realized i was spending more time tweaking my computer to try and get it to work properly than actually getting to use it
a friend told me to get a mac.
ive handed down 3 machines since then(just because im a spoiled brat like that) and all of those older machines are running just fine for their new owners!
my sister bought a new $1100 windows based laptop 4 months ago, and its already giving her hassles.

now, i know people still get viruses on a mac, and they arent perfect.. but for me and my close irl friends, none of us has ever had any issue (other than spilling raisin bran on one ;)

also, everytime a new mac os comes out.. i get it without even thinking about it
anytime a new windows os comes out, it seems like the world waits a year to see what its going to break on everyone elses machines
my windows (lol, this very common on the internet word gets bleeped out - "fanatical friends" but in a much more regular phrasing... lol) friends are STILL whining about missing XP, being forced to windows 7, but at least they arent forced into windows 8, yet. that mentality just doesnt seem GOOD to ME



i would rather save up another 6 months and buy a mac, than have a windows pc that makes me want to beat it with a bat at the end of that 6 month period.. but thats me!
 
My home desktop is Windows 7, my work computer is Linux and my laptop for work/home is Mac. They all suck in differing ways, but when it comes to recommending something for family, its always Mac if they can afford it.
 
My experience of Windows stuff is nearly identical to Eliot's. I spent more time keeping up with security stuff than I did just using the computer. I still maintain a Windows 7 install inside virtualbox. Its enough for the very few windows based apps I still want to use, but I havent had a Windows machine apart from my netbook, since 2003. The netbook came with Windows 7 Starter, and is going on the market or to be given away, soonish. I mostly ran Ubuntu or one of its variants on that.

I definitely prefer OSX. It just gets out of the way and lets you get on with stuff. Pretty much havent looked back since my first Mac, which was an eMac of low spec. It was only after I had not even booted the Windows machine for 6 months that I realised it was time to get rid of it.
 
the thing that is driving me towards a mac is the high quality pre-calibrated display in the macbooks - not the OS. Windows 8.1 is actually a very good OS, but after the bad publicity they really need Windows 9 to be a stormer.
 
im also looking forward to the new photos app that will be the same in the new mac os and the new ios
ill be getting a new large fully loaded imac, a big ipad, and the larger iphone when theyre all released.
photos app isnt coming until 2015 from the rumors sites tho :(
but lightroom mobile just isnt as good for me as id like
 
For a long time it is a Windows 7 (64bit) system and I hope this will not change so fast. The software is Lightroom and Photo Ninja and some other small utilities. Windows 8 is not really my cup of tea.
A few years ago I installed a lot of Linux distributions but always found a show-stopper and the raw conversion was not up to date (with Darktable it is now better I've heard).
During travel I use a Macbook Air but the monitor isn't really for image processing (too small in size and in RGB color space).
 
I've never, ever had to fettle or fiddle with a Windows machine after initial setup since the odious Me OS; I use Mcafee and a couple of other utilities to keep everything clean and autotuned, and I follow specific disciplines and personal protocols when using, surfing or downloading.

I am the least technically-engaged or interested person working for a high-tech multinational on the planet (I thought Ubuntu was the communications officer on the Starship Enterprise and Linux the chap in the Peanuts cartoons with the security blanket). I cannot understand those who find Windows - since 95, and particularly XP and 7 to be "high maintenance". Macs on the other hand I find too opaque - it's all done to you. I have never reacted well in any sphere of life to anyone or anything that says "because I say so", or "I know what's best for you".

I often present on best practice for ERP implementations and I talk clients through a simple triangle model - "you can have things done with, for or to you". I then put up the triangle on the board and invite the client to put a finger on their ideal engagement model. The vast majority point on a line between with and for. Those who choose to and want it all done with no involvement will get what they deserve ie what they want but not necessarily what truly meets their needs.

Just sayin'...

Sent from another Galaxy
 
Ok "Enterprise Applications" if you prefer. All cloud-based, scalable, resilient, subscription-based SaaS solutions* now of course :-D

*delete acronyms and clichés to taste.
 
Herman,

Apple does not support its computers (the hardware) beyond four years. A friend, a crackerjack graphics designer, spend several kilobucks on a nitro-burning professional apple and had a problem in year five. Their answer: you need a new computer; we're not repairing yours.

Personally I prefer Windows 7, and I own several computers that run it. I've had very good look with a Toshiba Ultrabook with a solid state drive. It weighs 2.5 pounds and boots in about 12 seconds.

Cheers, Jock
 
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