Linux-
I have never used Linux before, or rather, I do not think that I have ever used Linux before, but after reading about it, I am rather intrigued. I guess I am always secretly drawn to things that are free. When I was debating about buying my new computer, and whether I should bother buying Vista, I had several people note that I should just use Linux. When I mentioned this to those who suggested that I spend the cash and go for Vista, they all noted how crappy and unsafe Linux is. Based on this article, although I am sure the author is rather biased, it does not sound like that bad of an idea. It did say that there was a bit of a learning curve involved. At this point in my life I really do not want to take the time to learn about a new operating system, so I guess in the end, Linux is not really for me. In the end, Vista magically appeared on my computer at no expense to me, so it did not really matter what anyone suggested. Note to self: I thought it was rather funny that the author noted that people that are exceptionally proficient in Linux have a feeling of superiority over those who are not as well versed. I always found this concept of nerddom extremely amusing. It just never really clicked with me that being a Linux superstar was something to feel exceptional about, but than again I have never been one, and maybe it offers something that I will just never understand. Also, the article mentioned Gimp. It should be known that Gimp is the coolest program ever!
Mac OS X-
I have also never used Mac OS X and found the article, although confusing at some points, very interesting and informative. There were, however, an incredibly large amount of buzz words included in that article. For this reason, I was glad that the link to Wikipedia was included. Even though I have seen in other peoples blogs lots of complaining about the use of Wikipedia, I (and I will freely admit that Wikipedia and I have a very open and public relationship) feel that it can be very useful because of the links that it provides (even though not everything is always accurate). Although the author makes Mac OS X sound like an okay system, this system is not something that I think I want to change to anytime soon. Note to self: I thought it was really funny that he called the debate over which operating system to use a religious riot. Like feeling superior because you are really good at using computers, fighting about operating systems just does not seem like a worth while use of ones time. I guess I should not really make fun because I know, deep down inside, that I act this way about makeup, hair dye, and shoes.
Windows-
This article did not really offer me too much new information regarding Windows other than the fact that I did not know the exact date that XP was going to stop being sold. I do feel that this, as with most articles advocating a particular operating system is a bit biased. Of course being that Bill is the Senior Vice President an extremely optimistic tone in regards to Vista’s future is going to be offered. I can not say that I really completely believe him that everything is going to work smoothly when it comes to Vista. I am lucky enough to have several friends that are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to computers and computer systems, and from what I have been told by those who know what they are talking about, Vista sucks, and will continue to suck for a very long time.
6 comments:
Regarding OS X I don't feel the author said it was an "OK" OS. He was however sharing how it operates and how it is a little different from other OSs. I highly suggest checking using OS X just to see the experience. It is an altogether different experience than using Windows. BTW, I always laugh when people make Windows sound like the great thing since sliced bread, but I think the points of reading the three articles were to show us that different people have different preferences but generally all want to be connected and use their system with personal flare. I use both OS X and Vista and while I am very knowledgeable in both my Mac is a far superior system in my opinion.
To play devil's adovocate with wiki- if you didn't know anything about what you are looking up on wiki how to do you the information is correct? You don't, so technically people could be out there spilling incorrect information since there is no quality control. Its helpful, yes, but to claim is as actual knowledge when you wouldnt know what was right or wrong is not exactly wonderful. Saying that I am sure the Prof and TAs read the articles for accuracy.
I am really surprised that people told you that Linux was "crappy and unsafe", it sounds like they don't really know what they are talking about, or if they do, are highly biased as pretty much everyone "in the know"...*knows* that Linux is extremely stable and well worth the effort involved in learning how to use it. I suggest you check out the mini video on my blog post because it'll show some of the cool things you can do with an Ubuntu system. (just for kicks eh!)
I'm also going to play devils advocate and say that, as the PP mentioned...Wiki isn't as authoritative as other "recognized" sources of info out there. I know I've edited a few Wikipedia entries on things I really and truly know a lot about and always find the amount of untruthful, biased and outright wrong information perpetuated on that site a bit of a downer, but I also use it sometimes as well, but only if I already know a bit about the topic I'm looking up.
Also, while you might not thinking learning an op System a waste of time, I guess this boils down to whatever someone likes. If you know to knit and enjoy doing so...then by all means enjoy it, I might think it's a waste of time. As my grandmother used to say "To each her own said the old women as she kissed the cow". Get it?
I think you stating that when you turned on your computer and there "it" was is exactly why Windows is embedded in every computer and has been accused of being a monopoly. Most people are unaware that there are even other choices for operating systems. If when everyone turned on their new computer a window popped up asking them to make a choice between Windows with a price tag attached (hidden cost within the cost of the computer now) Mac OSx with a slightly lesser price and then Linux with zero dollars attached, I would hazard to guess all personal and work stations across the globe would be using Linux.
Melanija,
I think that you have misunderstood me. I use Windows Vista because it was already on my computer, and because I already had experience with Windows. Even if the cost were hidden in the price of my computer, I would have had to pay that price whether or not I kept Vista on the machine. I am fully aware that there are other choices, but I am also aware that making those choices is not as simple as just installing a different OS and going on with life. I do not think that Vista is necessarily superior to the other options, but I, and many other people, have legitimate reasons for using it.
I agree with Abby. I have kept Windows XP on my computer because it is easier, for me, to use. I know there are other running systems that are cheaper. If I had a choice I would probably pick windows over another because it is what I have always used. This would only change if I got used to another running system before I buy my next computer.
I think the debate over which OS to use for various people is a tricky one. Surely each has its advantages. I am only really familiar with Vista. I have heard a lot of good things about OS X, but nothing good enough to make me feel that I had to use it. I have also experimented with Linux, but would not consider myself knowledgeable of it. It seems to me that Linux could be a better system, overall, than Vista, but that is just an opinion. However, I, like Abby and IIT 2600, use Vista because it is practical. It would be nice if we could all just pick the best system (even if that were not as subjective as it is) and stick with it, but Vista has a place in the world that, perhaps unfortunately, makes it the most feasible choice for a lot of people.
I personally wish I had time to learn and use Linux more. If everyone used Linux, though, I bet I would wish I could use something else.
Post a Comment