Windows 10

[daugen]

with the freebie date running out I just switched. Turned it on, went out to mow for several hours, it was mostly ready when I got back. All files there, mail ok,some fine tuning needed for sure, and will turn off some of their tracking features for sure. If I find anything off/corrupted will report, but so far so good. Need to put screensaver pic back on.

 

[CreekyB]

I really like Windows 10, I think it is the best OS they have put out since DOS 6.2.2

I use my computers for work but the home systems are mainly for video games and media. It performs very well if you have a fully compatible system. Some of my older units at home did not have fully compatible cards so I had to replace a few things. 7 machines total I had to replace 2 USB 3 cards and add a sound card as a really old MOBO's onboard sound was not supported by Windows 10.

Only a few days left for "free"

A video on disabling some Windows/MS Spying

 

[teejk]

As the most widely used operating system, Windows is also the most likely target for people that wish you harm. They can patch and patch and patch but sooner or later it's simply better to start fresh. That is Win10 in a nutshell. I really don't notice much difference from previous versions and after a single "incident" with a patch that ate up a big chunk of my monthly data allowance I have no problems with it.

 

[Arky217]

I doubt that very many people that try out Linux Mint will go back to any version of Windows.

Advertised as the 3rd most widely used home operating system,
behind Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS,
Linux Mint is a superbly polished operating system.

I've been using it for about 10 years; the latest version is outstanding,
not to mention that it's free along with 1000's of apps.

Nearly all the things that you don't like about Windows are absent from Mint;
it just works, period.

If you try it, I would recommend the Mate desktop environment; it is
very similar to XP in looks and user interaction.

 

[Wagtail]

Well, I 'broke down' and finally installed Win10 on Monday. Initially, my local Com Tech in town advised against doing it due to the early download being (in his opinion) a massive test-bed using customers computers as the testing environment.

I employ "Advanced Tech Support", based in Florida, to remotely fix glitches and maintain my home system... they installed Win10 on my request, eliminating any of the embuggerances still inherent in the system. I've not experienced any problems since and some problems with the Win8.2 OS I had have been cleared up.

So far, so good.

 

[CreekyB]

I doubt that very many people that try out Linux Mint will go back to any version of Windows.

Advertised as the 3rd most widely used home operating system,
behind Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS,
Linux Mint is a superbly polished operating system.

I've been using it for about 10 years; the latest version is outstanding,
not to mention that it's free along with 1000's of apps.

Nearly all the things that you don't like about Windows are absent from Mint;
it just works, period.

If you try it, I would recommend the Mate desktop environment; it is
very similar to XP in looks and user interaction.

My issue with Linux distributions is lack of hardware support, shoddy drivers, lack of full ports of all the games I play on Linux and lack of versions of programs that I use. I have used Mint, I have used several distributions and many of them are flawless I have three running in the house right now for specific purposes, even those are dual boot and those purposes can run on Windows. Windows has always had it's issues, but until full support for everything I do comes to Linux I won't be using it for main stream use, free or not.

I like the idea of Linux, have no issues with it and enjoy playing around with it, again, just does not do everything I want. While it is cocky to say the bulk of the population is not able to function in Linux it is a reality to say that the bulk of the population is not willing to learn to use Linux. Even with all the highly polished GUIs there is still a steep learning curve for people.

If you have the time and inclination and it does what you want go for Linux, it is fantastic.
If you do not have the time and do not mind much the same limitations that Linux has, still. Try Macintosh products, they just work and are typically not plagued with the issues of Windows. There is a cost to that tho

For anything and everything there is Windows.

*Disclaimer; I may change my mind if game developers start using Vulcan more than they are using Direct X. I do not care what OS my work stuff is running as long as I can work. I do care what my entertainment systems are running

 

[/pine]

Good post...The easiest way to get a taste of Linux is via 'live cd/dvd/s'...Almost all Linux distributions are available for free download (if your burner software allows you to burn ISO files)...or get them by paying a small postage and handling fee (usually less than $5)...

These CD/DVD's allow you to experience Linux on just about any desktop or laptop...without in any way disturbing your current O/S, files etc...

You simply insert the CD/DVD and restart the computer...it will boot into Linux running solely on the RAM...it will not access your current hard drive or operating system in any way... when you are done...remove the disk, restart the system back to Windows...(like Linux was never there...)

Typically...when the system boots to a "live disk"...once it gets to the "desktop"...you will already be connected to the Internet...just open a browser and check it out...

Because it (a live disk version) is running in the expanded memory (RAM) it will run slower than normal...just be patient...

FWIW...When discussing Linux the word "distribution" basically means "flavor"...they are all very similar but because Linux is 'open source' anyone can make improvements, change things for particular tasks etc., etc...and then "distribute" their version of the operating system...different Linux distributions will come with different style desktops, software packages etc., etc...

Being able to use "live CD/DVD's" gives users the ease of looking at and test driving the plethora of distributions they may find interesting...on their own systems without any repercussions etc...!

If anyone wants more information PM me...or post a query...

 

[MNBobcat]

Windows 10 home (the free one you're talking about) doesn't support remote controlling of a computer so I'm sticking with Windows 7. Windows 7 will be supported for about another 4 years and by then I will be wanting new hardware. Not worth it to upgrade now just to save a $100. I'll upgrade down the road on my own time frame.

 

[JFoy]

For me personally, whether or not Windows 10 is any good or not is beside the point that 90% of the population simply doesn't use much less need more than WinXP or Win7. I was an IT tech back in the DOS days and continued through WinXP and NT 4.0. I remember OS's that worked on 3.5in floppy disks. Ok, sure, we are well beyond floppy disk days, but I've watched Windows go from a dozen 3.5in floppy disks to now over a gigabyte in disk space just for the OS alone. Sure, there are people who will take advantage of the newer features but I doubt the majority of users do. Windows 10 is Microsoft's most advanced data collection OS ever. Some security groups have documented over 100 outbound connections on a fresh install with nothing else loaded. That just bugs me.

 

[ultrarunner]

I hear you... I still have my Win98 machine because of the programs I bought for it that are not forward compatible.

Now everytime I turn on my Win7 machine it wants to do the Win10 download...