Before i start i want to make sure you understand this is not a what OS is better this is a what is better at certain things and your reasons why. I would also like to know more about Linux because i'm slightly confused on it. Will it mess my computer up if i install it, dont like it, and uninstall it? OK on with the topic.

I own a Mac and work on one for many hours a day, but had always used a Windows based system since well i was 5 and i remember my father using DOS to run Duke Nukem haha. So i know my way around it. Here is my Pros and Cons list

Windows:

Pros:

• Almost every game runs on it
• Tons of programs run on it
• More Cusomization on the computers is possible

Cons:

• SPYWARE, VIRUSES, ADWARE GALLORE!
• Not as "nice" looking
• Error message after error message

Mac:

Pros:

• Very sleek and clean looking
• Never had any viruses or spyware yet and it's been over 4 months. (long time for a windows user haha)
• Lots of great built in programs such iMovie which is a REALLY good Windows Movie Maker and Garage Band which is very handy for me who makes movies

If your a graphic designer like me you need one anyways haha

Cons:

• Pretty much no games for it
• Harder to find programs for it
• Hardware you have to get through Apple most of the time and can't just go to Target and pick up a CD drive.

Linux
Pro's:

• Most distributions are free (Open-source).
• Good for servers.
• Some distributions have good user support.
• Some distributions allow you to test before installing (LiveCD).

Con's:

• Some distributions require some knowledge of how Linux works to get the most out of that distribution.
• Not many companies make programs for Linux.
• It's a pain in the *bottom* to try to get Linux to run on a system with another OS already installed.

I do have to say though that Windows is great, but i like Mac better simply because Mac CAN run windows and it connects to Windows networks and runs windows keyboard and mouses and most of the stuff. I think that Windows should try to be more cross platform compatible also. It would make the world a better place haha. Unbuntu i have tried the live CD and i have tried over and over, but i can never seem to get to install it so i have a duel boot system. I have read so many tutorials then when i try to partition it wont let me. I loved the live CD though.

This post has been edited by BooZker: Dec 6 2006, 07:50 AM

Hey, you said you were gonna comment about Linux, too... so where's the Linux in that list?

I guess he forgot. But here's some Pro's and Con's for Linux you could use:

Pro's:

• Most distributions are free (Open-source).
• Good for servers.
• Some distributions have good user support.
• Some distributions allow you to test before installing (LiveCD).

Con's:

• Some distributions require some knowledge of how Linux works to get the most out of that distribution.
• Not many companies make programs for Linux.

Meh, i haven't used Linux, besides a LiveCD. But that's what i can think of off the top of my head.

Another good thing about Linux is that a few websites will send you a liveCD or liveDVD of a selection of linux distributions for free to your home, i can't remember where you have to go but i seen it on here someone had a link to the website in their signature, also Ubuntu have a service where they will send you a liveCD to your home address for free, I did it and got it within a month. It's great if you don't wanna pay or download for linux.

I'm gonna disagree with a point about Windows there. No way is it more customisable compared to any Linux distro you pick. Windows has more hidden settings and things you can't control than any other operating system. On a Mac you also still get a load of error messages, so that is not a solely Windows problem.

ya, Linux is much more customisable than Windows will ever be.

Heck, I'm a Linux user myself.


This post has been edited by xboxrulz: Nov 19 2006, 08:35 PM

Well until recently i had never used a linux. I just started using Ubuntu and LOVE it. I wish i could use a NON livecd though. I can't figure out how to dual boot the system. I have tried partitioning the system, but it wont let me. Any help with that? Linux is much more customizable though. Your right. I also forget about how much of a *BLEEP* it is to customize windows, because i have a site where that's all it is and i know my way around it fairly well lol. The site is in my sig if you care.

This post has been edited by BooZker: Dec 6 2006, 07:55 AM

Even though I'm a Windows user myself, I can't think of any more pro's and con's concerning Windows... Mac, I never used and never been in contact, so I can't comment on Macs, even though I hope to come across one some day

Now, for Linux, I can add that it's main pro is that it's open source, and that you can change your kernel (provided that you know what you're doing), and change practically anything in your system, from appearance, to functionality...

Pf course, main con is that it's not as user friendly as windows is, but that too is changing fast, as companies distributing linux are popping all over the place... Ubuntu must be the best distribution of user friendly linux around... Slackware is the oice of professionals, who know what they're doing...

I have to keep Windows installed on my computer, because of work, but I should be getting another computer soon, so that machine will be turned into linux server, and I will finally be able to spend some time using linux

I personally have never had spyware or viruses on my computer. Soo, I think that is a bit unfair to put that on the list. It's not hard to avoid viruses.

There are some defects with XP that I don't like though. Main one being that when you install a program it is put in the startup list so your computer gets slow if you don't disable them at startup.

But windows is definately the best OS. My reasons for saying that is:
I've used Mac intel for a few weeks as my main OS, and I didn't like it. Sure it looks pretty, but is quite unusable with alot of stuff. For example browsing the internet. Macs are only good if you want to use certain pieces of software.

I tried to install linux but no distros I tried worked, soo that sucks. But what I understand about Linux is that it can't run any of my favourite software (flash, cubase, dreamweaver, itunes, live messenger) and also for all the software you get it is just copies of Windows software under a different name that's really crap compared to the real thing.


This post has been edited by TheWakeUpCall: Dec 22 2006, 11:58 AM