Which OS?

[carpenma]

OK, so I've been working on putting together my new comp for a little while now. I have the last few parts coming in the next couple weeks. Now I have to think about which OS I want to run in it. I know I'm going to run Ubuntu as my secondary OS (for when I need a haven from the Microsoft dominated world of commercial software). I was thinking maybe XP Pro 64 bit? I'm hoping to get Windows 7 when it comes out also to replace whatever I get now. My comp can run anything you can throw at it so performance issues won't matter. So please, which do you think I should get?

[EricH]

If you can GET XP, it's good. Problem is, it's kind of tricky to do that. For a new computer, it's virtually impossible to get something other than Windows Vista. If you get that, make sure you get at least SP1.

Or you could just get Apple's OS.

[Lil' Lavery]

I see no option for OSX.

[MrForbes]

Depends on what apps you want to run. If you want to run apps that are not available for Mac OS, then Windows might be better.

I believe XP is still available pre installed on several netbooks. We bought one a few months ago with it. It's been a couple months since I saw the software itself for sale at local stores, but you can still buy it from places like newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=368&name=Operating-Systems).

[carpenma]

Sorry there's no OSX option but I thought you couldn't run it on Windows hardware?

[MrForbes]

Macs have been running intel processors for years...and there are folks who like to run the OS on non-Mac computers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSx86 although it might violate the EULA, so perhaps it's not a good idea.

edit: here's the line in the agreement, right at the beginning!

2. Permitted License Uses and Restrictions.
A. Single Use. This License allows you to install, use and run one (1) copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a time. You agree not to install, use or run the Apple Software on any non-Apple-labeled computer, or to enable others to do so.

And folks think MS wants to control you.. :P

[carpenma]

Oh ya, thats the hackintosh thing, I remember now...

[lukevanoort]

Unless you plan to game a lot, I would pick a Linux distro (Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch, whatever) and get the E17 desktop shell. Make the partition for Windows, then wait. If you end up needing Windows, get one. Otherwise, just leave the partition in place until 7 comes out, whenever that is.

Sorry there's no OSX option but I thought you couldn't run it on Windows hardware?
You can't run it on non-Apple hardware if you want to abide by Apple's EULA....

[MrForbes]

Don't limit yourself too much, there are plenty of choices...

(these are mostly from the 90s, although IBM PC-DOS 3.10 is from the mid 80s, and all are new/sealed boxes)

[EHaskins]

Vista, x64 if >4gb of RAM.

I know all of you anti-Vista and anti-MS people will disagree, but here is my reasoning.

Vista really isn't that bad and Windows 7 is even better.
If you are going to upgrade to Windows 7 in the near future, keep in mind that an upgrade install directly from XP to & will NOT be possible. You will need to do a clean install of 7, which includes reinstalling all of your old software...


Other thoughts:

You can install the Windows 7 Beta, then install the RTM version when released, but AFAIK MS hasn't officially stated they will support this, yet. I can't say I recommend doing this, but 7 beta does seem very stable. I know many people who have already made the switch.
Don't try to use XP x64. I've heard nothing but bad things about it, especially with newer drivers.
In any case make sure you you have the latest service pack (SP3 for XP, SP1 for Vista), preferably pre-installed from the install disk.

[carpenma]

Are they going to offer direct Vista to 7 upgrade packs?

[whitetiger0990]

Option three was good until the "until". =) Just use Linux forever.

[EHaskins]

Are they going to offer direct Vista to 7 upgrade packs?

Yes, Vista to 7 upgrade installs will be possible, but as with any upgrade install there will always be small issues.

[MrForbes]

Eric, what necessary things can you do with Vista (or 7) that you can't do with XP?

That's the question that drives my upgrade schedule....which is why I din't start using XP until about a year and a half ago!

[carpenma]

Option three was good until the "until". =) Just use Linux forever.

I am to well adapted to the Microsoft world, I ran Ubuntu as a secondary on my laptop a while ago and it was nice but I couldn't survive with any linux distro as my permanent OS.

On another note. Anyone know how many cpu cores different OS's support?

[EHaskins]

Eric, what necessary things can you do with Vista (or 7) that you can't do with XP?

That's the question that drives my upgrade schedule....which is why I din't start using XP until about a year and a half ago!
It depends on your definition of necessary.

Here is my quick list...


My #1, the x64 version is actually good. (XP x64 isn't) If you have >4gb of RAM this is enough of a reason to use Vista/7.
Find drivers using Windows Update actually works!
I prefer the user directory structure over XPs.
In general Vista, and 7, have significant security and reliability improvements over XP. I know Vista has a bad rep, but in my experience, and most people I know who have used it, Vista is more stable than XP.
There are a huge number of improvements in the business network administration, but I won't go into detail since most people will never be aware of these improvements.
While not necessary, I find the search features built into Vista increase my productivity.
It's kind of a niche thing, but the tablet PC and touch screen support is must better than XP.
IIS 7 for testing before deploying web sites/apps.
Security enhancements in remote desktop.
In my experience Workgroup networking is faster, easier, more stable, and more reliable.
Windows Media Center is great when using a machine as media device.
7 has improved integration of biometric security devices.

[EHaskins]

I am to well adapted to the Microsoft world, I ran Ubuntu as a secondary on my laptop a while ago and it was nice but I couldn't survive with any linux distro as my permanent OS.

On another note. Anyone know how many cpu cores different OS's support?

I had a similar experience.


About CPU support. Vista will support 2 physical CPUs (sockets) w/ up to 32 cores each. Ubuntu supports at least that many, but I couldn't find it documented anywhere.

[MrForbes]

It depends on your definition of necessary.

Here is my quick list...

Thanks! nothing in your list is stuff I need (or want), so I guess I'm fine with XP.

ymmv :)

[carpenma]

I had a similar experience.


About CPU support. Vista will support 2 physical CPUs (sockets) w/ up to 32 cores each. Ubuntu supports at least that many, but I couldn't find it documented anywhere.

Sweet, that should do me just fine. Thanks!

[lukevanoort]

I am to well adapted to the Microsoft world, I ran Ubuntu as a secondary on my laptop a while ago and it was nice but I couldn't survive with any linux distro as my permanent OS.
I am curious, why can't you survive using Linux alone? Personally, I dual boot Vista and Fedora (+ E17). However, I almost never boot into Fedora because it has issues with my laptop's sound card. Since I listen to a lot of music and watch TV/Movies on my laptop, that is a bit of a deal killer to me (prefer linux for non-audio general use though - report writing, coding, browsing, etc.). So, anyway, what was your problem with Linux: difficulty adapting, hardware issues (like me), software availability, or something else?

[Schnabel]

Go to your local Best Buy and you will find in the software section that they probably have a few copies left of win xp both fresh install and upgrade. That's where I got it for bootcamp.

[MrForbes]

I am curious, why can't you survive using Linux alone?

One of my sons really wants to use only Linux, but he ends up using Windows for some stuff. Inventor is happier running on Windows, and our networked laser printer (at home) was quite a challenge for him, it took him over a year to be able to get the driver and get it working.

It seems to take some real dedication to use only Linux, I applaud those who are able to do it!

[ScottOliveira]

Just my 2 cents quick.

I use XP Pro on my Desktop, Vista on my Laptop, OS X at the office, and Red Hat for some classes.

My personal favorite has to be XP, I like the simple design and the freedom it gives. Vista has (imo) far too many restrictions, which can always be bypassed, but can be a hassle. While it is true that if you have lots of RAM, Vista handles it nicely, most things don't require that much. XP just feels a lot more user friendly, especially if you have a reasonable amount of experience with computers.

Perhaps you could post specs on what hardware you're putting into the machine, and what you intend to use it for?

[carpenma]

I think the biggest problem for me was software availability. If I looked further into it I could probably find ways to do all the same stuff I do on Windows. The specs are:

4GB of DDR2 RAM
500 GB Hard Drive (Windows)
80 GB Hard Drive (Ubuntu)
Intel 9770 Quad Core

If there are any other specs you want I can give them to you.

[EHaskins]

I think the biggest problem for me was software availability. If I looked further into it I could probably find ways to do all the same stuff I do on Windows. The specs are:

4GB of DDR2 RAM
500 GB Hard Drive (Windows)
80 GB Hard Drive (Ubuntu)
Intel 9770 Quad Core

If there are any other specs you want I can give them to you.

Why not buy a larger drive, and just partition space for Ubuntu?

[maxoc]

7077 build of win7.

its got 4 7's in the name, how can it run badly?

or win7 RC1
although id have a unix distro of some sort on it as well.

[Nate Smith]

Vista, x64 if >4gb of RAM.
You can install the Windows 7 Beta, then install the RTM version when released, but AFAIK MS hasn't officially stated they will support this, yet. I can't say I recommend doing this, but 7 beta does seem very stable. I know many people who have already made the switch.

The official stance of MS has always been that they do not support upgrading from a beta version to the RTM release, or even from one beta to the next. Basically, they are concerned with fragments of previous versions being left behind that cause problems with the overall performance of the system. However, I was able to find this link (http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/101865/upgrade-of-windows-7-beta-to-rc-and-rtm-to-require-some-mucking-about.html) that describes a workaround to get the Win7 installer to allow a beta to RC or RTM upgrade to take place.

[artdutra04]

I think the biggest problem for me was software availability. If I looked further into it I could probably find ways to do all the same stuff I do on Windows. The specs are:

4GB of DDR2 RAM
500 GB Hard Drive (Windows)
80 GB Hard Drive (Ubuntu)
Intel 9770 Quad Core

If there are any other specs you want I can give them to you.Use Ubuntu only for a while. Wait until Microsoft announces a deal where if you buy Windows Vista you'll get a free upgrade to Windows 7 (probably for a few months before Win7 is released). Upgrade to Windows 7.

Once you use Windows 7, you will never want (or have a need) to use XP again.

[MrForbes]

Once you use Windows 7, you will never want (or have a need) to use XP again.

I tried the 7 Beta, and it made me appreciate XP even more....

I guess OS selection is a very subjective thing!

[DonRotolo]

What, no CP/M?

[MrForbes]

I used to have a sealed new copy of CP/M, maybe I still do, somewhere in the basement....and I have several different flavors that work in my different Kaypro computers (1, 2, 4, 10)