Best Operating system to load onto a new PC

DatabaseError

23n1th wrote: »

Windows isn't "the peoples choice" its what people get because they don't have a choice.

I have a couple of linux distros on disk,I've even tried them, I decided (made the choice) that I prefer the ease and convenience of windows, as an added bonus windows runs all the software/games I want/need, no other OS does that (including osx).

Win 7 x64 is my choice, and suggestion.

I_luv_cats

britishboy wrote: »

sorry to be a pain again, whats the difference between Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit? (other than 32 bits of whatever!)

I have Windows 7 (32 bit) installed on my laptop, it does have a 64 bit disc in the box.

Does 64 bit do anything different??

Toxteth_OGrady

Things that make me have to boot into W7-64: Gaming, Steam, Logitech Harmony Remote, iPhone, Nokia phone, home theatre network control. All of which I've tried in Wine but with no real success. Main OS for everyday use is Mint 10 on desktop and laptop, Meego on netbook (dual boot XP) and lots of Linux VMs on the W7.

:cool:

TOG

free4440273

Sublime wrote: »

Windows 7 definitely. Avoid vista like the plague.

yep/ agree with sub/ Win 7 64-bit/ Vista is a disaster/ Even MS admit this lol !

birkee

From the OP, knowledge is limited, so pointing the questioner at things like Linux etc, may be a step too far.

here are my observations.
Windows XP is done for, as the support will stop soon.....Early problems likely with unobtainable resolutions to problems.
Windows Vista: NO NO NO NO and again NO!!! Performs worse than XP does using a slower processor and a quarter of the RAM of that used on a Vista machine.
Windows 7: There was a choice between 32 bit and 64 bit, but I seem to be seeing most new computers with 64 bit now, so 32 bit may well fall by the wayside.

So. Windows 7. 64 bit would be the only logical answer.

ak2ae

britishboy wrote: »

Thanks everyone, will XP run Office 2010? Have seen several brand new, unopened Windows XP discs on a certain auction site we all love to hate

Yes it does without a problem

Sublime_2

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

Do what I do , not what I say, Dual Boot Win 7 64bit / Ubuntu 10.10

spud17 wrote: »

Snap!

But both 64bit. :beer:

Snap (sort of). Triple booted: win7 64bit, win7 32bit, Ubuntu!

If you aren't comfortable with multi-boot, best to stick with win 7, or perhaps try ubuntu first.

free4440273

Sublime wrote: »

Snap (sort of). Triple booted: win7 64bit, win7 32bit, Ubuntu!

nice set-up there sub ! :beer:

Sublime_2

I did both versions of windows, as a couple of programs that like to run at startup worked better with 32 bit at the time. Stuff like Ovi Store, Kindle for PC, and Leapfrog connect which I find annoying running in the background.

I only ever boot into win7 32 bit when I need one of those applications.

Going back to the OP, Britishboy, best to install win 7 64 bit version. Explanation of why here.

Mr_Thrifty

All these techies that recommend linux seem to forget that most people want to use their computer without having to spend days on end in a command prompt just so they can get the thing to boot.

Nor do most people want to use emulators or spend ages with complex configuration settings just so they can run basic software like MS Office. As for OpenOffice and the like... well, frankly it's like going back in time 15 years and using Office 95. Except that Office 95 was probably better.

Sure, if you're a database programmer and spend half your time in a command prompt anyway, or if you gain intense enjoyment from spending hours in front of command prompts, Linux might be for you. Similarly if you enjoy making ordinary, everyday things complex. Or if you like using software that is about 10 years behind the equivalent Windows version. Or if you want to become familiar with one system at home and then finding yourself using another system at work. And despite what the techies say, Linux is not more stable than windows. The only reason it seems more stable is because most Linux users rarely do more than fiddle around in the control panel or tinker about with operating system settings.

But if you want to browse the web, do e-mails, download photos from your digital camera and use Office, then frankly right now there's not much of an alternative to Windows (I'm sure Mac users will again argue otherwise, but that's a whole different line of reasoning... in many ways the diametric opposite of the Linux school of thought).