[OT] Mac, Linux, Windows, Don't Know? What do you use?

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:32 pm

Go mainstream.

1. Windows
2. Mac
3.NOT Linux!!!

I don't want to start a feud here, but the LAST OS I'd develop anything for is Linux.

Before you Linux Geeks flame me, let me say this:

I make my living designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks for businesses. I have extensive education & experience with Windows, Novell, Linux, Unix, and Mac OSX. (I'm currently on my Mac machine at home)

Every OS has its advantages/disadvantages. Linux is a cool OS with a very cool "by the people, for the people" kind of attitude. It is great for the anti Bill Gates crowd who love to tinker, and have above-average computer knowledge & skills. It is NOT for the average end-user who just wants simplicity and ease of operation. Most people do not want to be bothered with the complexities of a non-mainstream OS.

I love Macintosh for a variety of reasons, and use it at home in a non-producton environment.

I use windows (Vista) at work. It is very stable, and has, by far, the largest support from software & hardware vendors.

If you're looking to develop an application that will be accepted by the VAST majority of users, there's only one choice.

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:54 pm

I spent a year in Nicaragua writing Linux software. Nobody is suggesting Linux only, I'm just probing if people want it as well as Windows, just like I wanted to know if it was worth my time to work on a Mac version (and it looks like it is). Anything non-windows will be second to getting it to work on windows, unless it becomes way easier to access the data from those operating systems. No need to argue one over the other at all, I'm just probing interest.

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 8:18 pm

No argument from me...

I can find the good in all OS's

My only point was to get your software out to the masses, where it can do the most good!

Peace,

Rick

jcranmer · Post by **jcranmer** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:20 am

Where is the "All of the above" option?

I use both Mac and PC (XP SP2) at home, but have been known to also use Linux or even Solaris (x86 and Sparc) from time to time as well.

Although I think I agree with a post above, I don't think Linux is the right direction to go for most users.

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 11:48 am

MacIntosh please!
One reason that I have been put off from getting the respironics machine(s) is because their software (while wonderful from what I've heard on the board) won't work on my Mac at home.
I use a PC at work but don't want to be mucking with the software there or analyzing my sleep data there either.
I've even been considering buying a PC for home use and giving up on my beloved "cube". Although I've heard that I can partition my drive and use windows and windows applications on the Mac (or something like that). Sorry if I'm sounding ignorant. I'm only moderately computer savvy (i.e. enough to use the things).
Bottom line is that I'd love to run the respironics software on my cube.
Go for it you geeks! Make it work! Make it simple for us simple folk!
Maryb

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:02 pm

Maryb wrote: Although I've heard that I can partition my drive and use windows and windows applications on the Mac (or something like that). Sorry if

If you buy one of the newer Intel based Macs you can run Windows and Mac OS on the same machine. If you use the virtual machine application called Parallels you can run Windows under Mac OS on the same machine (both OS's running at the same time).

Cheers, -James

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:34 pm

James--
when did they start making the "newer Intel based Macs"?
Someone had told me about "Parallels" although I didn't get the details.
I'd probably have to buy a new Mac since I have an old cube.

Maryb

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:06 pm

Maryb wrote:when did they start making the "newer Intel based Macs"?

Intel based Macs where announced in June of 2005 and started shipping in January 2006. In April Apple announced software called BootCamp that allows one to install Windows XP on Apple hardware. All Macs are now Intel based I believe.

Cheers, -James

telly · Post by **telly** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:15 pm

jskinner wrote:
Maryb wrote:when did they start making the "newer Intel based Macs"?
Intel based Macs where announced in June of 2005 and started shipping in January 2006. In April Apple announced software called BootCamp that allows one to install Windows XP on Apple hardware. All Macs are now Intel based I believe.

Cheers, -James

That is correct. There should be some new models announced at MacWorld on Jan. 9. This is only speculation however.

I have heard that Mac Phones will be announced tomorrow, but we shall see!

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:20 pm

Virtual PC is another application that can run a windows OS, however, I wouldn't recommend using it or any other PC emulating software.

First, they're agonizingly slow. Second, getting the correct drivers installed (ie: for the card reader) can be very frustrating.

Best option: Get one of those $499 Dell specials.

telly · Post by **telly** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:25 pm

Maryb wrote:James--
when did they start making the "newer Intel based Macs"?
Someone had told me about "Parallels" although I didn't get the details.
I'd probably have to buy a new Mac since I have an old cube.

Maryb

Hey Mary in SF (just moved from there-North Beach!),
You'll need to upgrade to a new Intel Mac to run Parallels. If you are still running a cube, you are definitely due. I have a new iMac 17" that I just got and it is really cool. I can recommend any iMac except the model below mine, the basline 17" with no DVD burner or separate video card.

I am running Parallels now and it is SLICK.

You can also run XP at full-screen on the iMac

I can now run the one accounting program I have this PC sitting around for. I will probably be running my sleep software on XP with the iMac as well. Now I can give the PC to my nephew. That thing is UGLY lookin' in my otherwise groovy LA apartment anyway. Good riddance said this Cupertino native.

telly · Post by **telly** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:29 pm

Rabid1 wrote:Virtual PC is another application that can run a windows OS, however, I wouldn't recommend using it or any other PC emulating software.

First, they're agonizingly slow. Second, getting the correct drivers installed (ie: for the card reader) can be very frustrating.

Best option: Get one of those $499 Dell specials.

With Parallels, Virtual PC is virtually useless. Parallels virtually killed Virtual PC. I guess it's useful if you do not have an Intel Mac yet.

As someone with a machine that runs both Mac and XP, really, it's an awesome advantage. To compete with a $499 Dell, though, you'd be looking at a Mac Mini, which would be fine for most folks. I like a DVD Burner though.

And this new iTV thing looks to be verrrrry cool. We will see at MacWorld.

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:36 pm

telly wrote:And this new iTV thing looks to be verrrrry cool.

Oh yeah! I can't wait to be able to watch my video podcast on my TV!

Maryb · Post by **Maryb** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 5:54 pm

thanks guys.
I'm getting a new respironics auto bipap with biflex in January and now I have no qualms about getting the software too.
I'll get a new iMac cheap using my educational discount and get Parallels for it.
I have loved my Resmed Vantage S8 (except for the aerophagia) and it's been nice to get my daily pressure, leak, AHI stats but it will be nice to use the respironics software and see what's going on in more detail when I want.
thanks for the tech tips!

Maryb

telly · Post by **telly** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:48 pm

Maryb wrote:thanks guys.
I'm getting a new respironics auto bipap with biflex in January and now I have no qualms about getting the software too.
I'll get a new iMac cheap using my educational discount and get Parallels for it.

Hey Maryb,
Just don't get the iMac that was made specifically for the educational market. It's slower, has no DVD burner and no dedicated video card. IOW, it's the same one as the baseline 17" machine I warned you earlier about. You want the one that is one click above the baseline machine or better.

Cheers!

Mask

[OT] Mac, Linux, Windows, Don't Know? What do you use?

Which Operating System would you like to check your Respironics data with primarily?