Windows problems! STOP recommending Linux

Oneday77

cyberbob wrote: »

Actually its based on Unix.

I stand corrected. In my defence I wasn't having a go at Mac OS

fwor

Stop recommending Linux? Why?

It can be run from a CD (which Windows can't, without hacks) so if you have hardware problems, the diagnostic utilities that are built in can help where nothing else will.

And if your user is not already Windows indoctrinated (e.g. my elderly dad) then if I set it up for him, he doesn't care if his PC looks a bit different when he wants to check his email or browse the internet (the only thing he uses his PC for).

robt_2

fwor wrote: »

Stop recommending Linux? Why?

It can be run from a CD (which Windows can't, without hacks) so if you have hardware problems, the diagnostic utilities that are built in can help where nothing else will.

And if your user is not already Windows indoctrinated (e.g. my elderly dad) then if I set it up for him, he doesn't care if his PC looks a bit different when he wants to check his email or browse the internet (the only thing he uses his PC for).

That isn't really the point.

I read it as:

Problem: Windows XP doesn't recognise my new mouse
Answer: Get a Mac

or

Problem: Windows is slow shutting down
Answer: Get Linux

It just isn't constructive help, and it happens daily to people who aren't good with computers who just would like a bit of help.

My bedroom has a hole in the wall from a nail, and if I asked in a DIY forum how to fix it, I wouldn't expect to be told to move house. It is no different.

Leopard

Oneday77 wrote: »

Mac OS is based on Linux. However I would say that at least Apple is main stream for users if their design, media or video inclined. Before 'Leopard' shoots me down
Linux is more a I want to be clever and not use Bloated Operating systems.

Oneday77,

You'll get no flak from Leopard.

Quite the reverse: Leopard's wicked creator reads all your posts, enjoys them and holds you in high regard. (Was particularly impressed by this one, for example.)

Would that more brought to this sub-forum as much sense, knowledge and wisdom as you do.

Let me know if ever you need the assistance of The Terrible Monster to take on the dorks when they come at you mob-handed. But you seem to be doing quite well by yourself on this one and I wouldn't want to spoil your enjoyment of an unaided victory over all-comers.

Hang in, there! I'm watching from the sidelines.


(PS. I also respect you greatly for your signature. :T )

kabayiri

Oneday77 wrote: »

Linux is more a I want to be clever and not use Bloated Operating systems.

Says who, you?

Yeah, right.

I think I'll listen to Mr Torvalds about what Linux is about, thank you very much.

Ask yourself a simple question. What gives you the right to dictate anything on here? Answer : nothing.

bevanuk

I agree with the OP.
Changing operating systems is not a viable solution to a small PC issue.
I sincerly doubt that anyone could be arsed.

davester

Computers regardless of what OS or brand give some stress at sometimes, more so if you have no knowledge of where to start to solve it yourself. People including myself have had problems and posted a problem, I'm not a complete computer beginner but sometimes someone has a solution or even posts a suggestion that sparks off my grey cells into realising the problem myself. Either way Onedays original rant is sound. It is not helpful or even a valid suggestion that cause windows has a win32.dll error to go out and purchase a £700 Mac.

At the end of the day Macs lose out because they are too expensive, why pay £700 for a Mac to surf the net and type your emails, when you can do the same for £200 and get a PC. If Apple wants to take over Microsoft and the PC market make they products cheaper its simple. But the fact they don't means they are quite happy to exploit their 5% fanboy base and squeeze them for cash.

As for IE8 problems and recommending Firefox etc is not as bad a suggestion, like a previous poster said you can see if its an IE8 only problem or a core windows issue. Also Firefox looks like all the other browsers, a few minor differences to a user but there is still a big URL bar at the time and a little google search box on the top right. But still instead of saying "Use Firfox" add some more details like, "install Firefox and see if your having the same problem and then report back if it works fine or not" Least the OP can see a point to your suggestion.

kabayiri

Truth is, some people don't need a PC, they just need an appliance.

My elderly relative has an Asus Linux netbook with a big screen, keyboard and mouse.

If you asked him what he thought of Linux, he'd stare at you blankly. He doesn't know what it is. He just uses the computer to do things, like look up holiday bargains or email people.

I showed him Vista on one of my laptops, before he chose the Asus. To be quite honest, he didn't know where to start with it.

It was his choice; I didn't force him. He now has a computer which just works, and does what he wants.

That's the way it should be. A bit of choice doesnt do any harm. I doubt you would all relish the thought of driving around in Ford cars.

JasX

Oneday77 wrote: »

stop confusing the issue by suggesting the unknown.:T

*wonders if the OP has ever used linux,

Yes its not always appropriate to suggest it as a solution for 'novice users used to windows' but it's slowly moving towards more widespread use and if it is ever going to start to dent microsofts dominance the more it gets mentioned/recommended when appropriate the better.

....devinitely shouldn;t be discouraged from these boards and we can all look forward to the day everyone has an open source OS and doesn;t have to bung £60 to bill gates everytime they get a computer

isofa

I'm not interested especially in the operating system, as long as it is: secure, stable, allows key tasks to function smoothly and without problem, can address the resources required for the task, and it's unobtrusive.

I'm interested in applications. And as kabayiri mentions, other less technical users are just interested in the "appliance" factor, they want a machine to browse the web, look at photos from their camera and email people. They may have little interest in the OS on their system.

I don't buy a computer to sit all day and move files from drive to drive and open and close folders. I buy a computer to create media, design, browse the web, support my clients, design software and a multitude of other applications.

Therefore I choose my applications and then decide which platform suits them best, in some cases OS X can run these better and provide and more seamless experience than Windows (certainly for creative work) and in other cases, Windows provides better tools (especially when I'm designing software) and often for general office work. I own a laptop and desktop of both and work with offices of both platforms.

Oneday77 wrote: »

The majority of software available is designed to run on a Windows platform.

It is? Goodness how did I manage to spend the many thousands of pounds on software I have for OS X then? Where did all that cutting edge Adobe, Logic, PhaseOne, Microsoft and other software come from? What about novice home users creating photo albums in iPhoto or high quality movies/DVDs with iMovie/iDVD? It's this sort of lack of knowledge and comment that is as bad as people giving bad advice as robt mentions.

Much software is cross platform, some is Windows only, some is Mac OS only.