Why do people use windows?

[bctheunicyclist]

I just got linux (ubuntu) on my laptop and it is AMAZING, far better than any windows or apple OS iv used. So much faster, easier to use and looks fantastic!

The only downside is not all programs are compatible, however there are suitable replacements for most programs. Iv actually grown to like GIMP more than photoshop.

So why does everyone use Windows?

[thestig]

Considered the norm?

[ivan]

I also use linux. It's really great, but there are some problems, mainly with software. If someone can advise me a good video editing program that actually works, I'll be very happy. Also, there can be harware compatibility issues, but they are getting more and more rare.

Linux has been around for a long time and it's been getting better and better. Today it's really easy to use and offers you a lot, for free. Nevertheless, it's got less than one percent of the market. Some people say it's stuck in a vicious circle, developers won't support linux until there is enough linux market and there isn't enough linux market because developers don't want to support it. But again, that's getting better and more companies are coming out with linux versions of their software.

So that's cool that you're interested. Keep it up! I've also got Ubuntu, btw.

[ivan]

Originally Posted by thestig

Considered the norm?

Yes, that's another thing. Virtually all the computers come with windows pre-installed. What's worse you can't opt out of it when you're buying a laptop, for example. Makes me angry, why should I spend money on software I'm not gonna use, when I just want to buy the hardware.

But yeah, that's corporate world.

[Safey]

Linux would be better if there were actually good programs for it... I havent used it that much so there could be some good stuff out there, but the good thing with windows is that most things these days are designed to run on it.
Tbh, if you want to use your computer for anything in todays IT world you want to use Windows or Mac because its 'The Norm'. I actually prefer Windows 7 to Ubuntu operating-system wise, If you have a slightly-more-than-average computer it will run fast, next to no compatibility issues, and familiar programs.


But, linux is free! Definitely better value :P

And windows for the boys. Linux is mainly for people who don't need programs imo and just do coding and such. Which you can still do in windows.

[EwokChieftain]

I use windows because they are cheaper than electric lighting and ventilation.

SCNR... you forgot the capital W.

[MuniOrBust]

Because every time there is something wrong with a linux system, the online advice is to download some source code and rebuild something.

Is there some kind of linux that runs inside windows like an application? That might be a good way to get people into it.

[ivan]

You can use Vmware Player, it's distributed for free, to run practically any operating system inside an emulated computer on your primary system. But the practicality of that for getting into Linux is dubious, if you ask me. It's gonna be slow, because it's emulated inside your slow Windows machine.

Btw, that source code patch/rebuild advice is how it used to be, not how it is. It's been getting much better. Again, depends on which distribution you go for. But if you try Ubuntu, it's very user friendly. But has its problems too, of course.

[ezas]

I went the ohter way and run PCLOS and run XP in Virtual Box. Best of both worlds. Linux does have problems but dont bring them up on a linux forum or you will get the linux isn't windows speech. Since almost everything is FOSS bugs can go years witout being fixed. Development of promising app's are dropped because the dev got 'real' work and they float around for years at version .9

I do like DEVEDE as a DVD authoring prorgram, but I haven't found a multimedia app I like as much as Windows Media Player. Gimp is OK but I still like Ifran more and use it in my XP Guest.


While I like Linux (I'd be runing Win7 if it was free) I still wouldn't say that Linux is ready for Ma and Pa Kettle. The support forums can be brutal if you step over some unseen line in the sand.

[juggleaddict]

Originally Posted by bctheunicyclist

So why does everyone use Windows?

games, and compatibility with microsoft office and CAD programs.

[MuniAddict]

Because it's the best! Never any crashes, viruses, or problems of any kind! Besides that, don't you want to help make Bill Gates the world's first "Trillionaire"?

[saskatchewanian]

They are easier to see through than walls.

[DSchmitt]

i can see through walls.

[johnfoss]

Originally Posted by bctheunicyclist

So why does everyone use Windows?

Everyone doesn't use Windows. But for a great many of the schmucks that do, it's because someone else is making them. In my case, we run a payroll program called CYMA, which only runs in Windows. In fact, it won't run in a Parallels Windows environment on a Mac. It also won't run in BootCamp Windows on a Mac. Believe me, we've tried. I have to have a separate computer to run stupid CYMA. Other people have to use Windows at work because it's a job requirement.

What's the Linux equivalent of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom? I would need good image management software to motivate me to switch...

Originally Posted by ezas

Since almost everything is FOSS bugs can go years witout being fixed.

Woah, don't look at me! Actually, I'd never heard that acronym before (I would remember), so I had to look it up:

Fiber-Optic Sensor System
Forum of Small States (UN)
Follow-On System Stock
Fiber Optics Sonar System
Faculty Online Support Service
Federal Intelligence Security Service
Family Of System Study

No? Then it's probably Free and Open Source Software.

[unireed]

thwe only regret i have about switching to apple is that i can no longer play Roller Coaster Tycoon. RCT I MISS YOU!!!