Re: I've dumped Linux and moved to Windows XP.

From: Bob Thomas (bobtms_at_hotmailx.com)
Date: 06/12/04 

Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 07:17:49 GMT

On 23 May 2004 20:15:26 -0700, terrry_porter@yahoo.com (Terry Porter)
wrote:

>Sorry, but after years of using Linux and trumpeting it's advantages,
>I have tried some Windows circuit board design software and quite
>honestly there is really no comparison between the Windows software
>and the somewhat crude, though functional, Linux software.
>Rather than waste the groups time, I just thought I would say that
>Windows is actually a pretty good system and I have none of the
>compatability problems with clients that I had when I was using Linux.
>Linux is great, but Windows is far superior.
>Terry Porter

You have come to find what so many know, only you have it slightly
wrong, what makes XP a superior operating system than Linux is not the
operating system itself, it is your application needs.

There is no doubt that for the average Jane/Joe that Windows OS's are
likely to offer far more bang for the buck, far more flexibility, more
software selection, and far superior and more polished applications.
The obvious reason is the market share, if you want to get rich are
you going to write to Linux or Windows? For most that will turn out to
be Windows.

With that market share, few vendors can afford to ignore it, and most
can afford to get the better programmers and spend more on the user
interface and innovative enhancements.

Finally, as entrapping as the high level of integration of Windows and
Windows applications is to keep windows people in windows, it is also
just exactly what we want. Who wants to go through all kinds crap
using different programs together, sharing their output and features.

As far as stability, as a desktop (not server), it's all what you are
willing to put in to it, Linux, Solaris/SunOS folks put in a hell of a
lot of time and use a lot of tools to keep things clean, they also
tend to be far more computer savvy than the average windows user.

If you learn some basic Windows internals, buy the right tools, follow
sound protocols in loading and removing software, Window is very
stable for most users. I fall in the middle, take routine backups,
keep my windows, drivers, and software current, use a 3rd party
removal tool for ensuring stuff I test and remove is fully removed,
and tools to scan and keep the registry and system clean. Maybe 2
hours a month maintenance, not counting the actual backup time which
happens while I am asleep. (Tools like TweakUI, Process Explorer,
SystemWorks, RegClean, ZoneAlarm, NortonAV, AdAware, SpyBot, MS
Control Panel Tools (XP), and a few other 3rd party tools..)

Linux is great alternative to Solaris and in some cases, Win Servers,
but I doubt it will ever win over the desktop, unless MS gets lazy.
Win servers are going to be a tough nut to crack also because of the
integration advantages Windows gives when you go all Win, in Total
Cost of Ownership (TOC) for the corporate world.

Which is a "better" OS depends on the application(s), not the quality
of the OS code written, or the perception of it, if that was the case
Apple would still rule the PC market. By example, IBM OS/400 makes
Solaris, Linux, and Win-All look all look like buggy amateur garbage
that would not qualify for Alpha-Code status, but that does not make
OS/400 a "better" OS, unless you happen to need a mainframe class OS
for your application.

The best OS is the one that serves your application and use needs the
best, this is why Win is the hands down winner of the desktop.

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