Vista vs XP vs Linux vs BSD vs Solaris Other Vista Discussions Discuss Vista vs XP vs Linux vs BSD vs Solaris in the Windows Vista forums; Hello everyone. I know this is a Vista forum, and that's why I ask here - the other places around the net are all biased against Windows and MS in ...

[eKstreme]

Hello everyone.

I know this is a Vista forum, and that's why I ask here - the other places around the net are all biased against Windows and MS in general. So as per the subject... which one would you choose out of Vista, XP, Linux (which distro), BSD, and Solaris? And why?

This is the real decision facing me (and a lot of other people no doubt). We are now spoiled for choice, and ironically, I don't like it - it's giving me a headache! I have a shortlist (yes, Vista's on it ), but I'd like to hear your opinions first.

Thanks!

Pierre

[Znod]

I would choose between Vista Ultimate and OS X (requiring a Mac to use seriously including being able to run Vista). I might have purchased a Mac, but they are a tad pricey and have other factors against them. And, overall, I prefer the "feel" of Vista to OS X. I go back and forth on the two. But, right now, I am in a go-with-most-of-the-world mood/mode. I like Vista versus XP because the interface is nicer, it contains numerous small imporvements over XP, and it is the latest and greatest. XP is faster than Vista, but, as far as I am concerned, faster is XP's only advantage for a home user (well except that also some drivers need to catch up with Vista--a problem that will get worked out).

[dazzlin]

For normal use, it would be Vista over XP, mainly because of the new "flash" and the enhanced security.

Ideally, I'd have Linux as well (or some flavor of it, not sure which one yet). Perhaps as dual-boot, perhaps as two separate machines. Again, not sure.

I've never liked Macs (and no, not because of some Apple vs. MS war), but simply because I've never found it to be user-friendly to me.

BSD and Solaris? No idea...never used 'em...probably never will.

[ProCookie]

I like Vista over all Oparting Systems, but i also love OS X, thats why i run both on my PC (Yes it is possible). Best of Both worlds, with out the costly mac hardware.

[crabby]

Ok Pierre, so you want some un biased and useful information that will help make your mind up as to what OS to get.

Well... firstly the list you have given can be shortened to:

1. Vista
2. XP
3. Linux

The reason for this is that BSD and Solaris simply don't have the functionaltiy required of an 'End user' system.

Then we hit a brick wall. You see, each of the above operating systems has major advantages and disadvantages depending on who you are.

The first thing we can do is say that you are someone with some cash otherwise you wouldn't be contemplating the purchase of Vista. Because of this we can remove XP from the list. Vista is XPs successor and so has the functionality of XP with loads of new features (both security and ease of use). Some people have issues with drivers on Vista, but these are almost entirely ironed out now so Vista has become an extremely viable option.

So the new list is:

1. Vista
2. Linux

This is where personality dictates your choice. Vista is stable, most third party software is written with Vista in mind, Microsoft own the DirectX technology which allows your PC games to work, it's the safe choice.

Everyone here will no doubt tell you that you should get Vista. I will do exactly the same! It is your foundation, your key stone, it makes your PC a friendly (and BORING) place!

Unlike everyone here, I would encourage you to also have Linux installed! It's a scary place where even the simplest things take time to organise. But it will teach you more than you could possibly learn on a PC alone. It is also free and gives you the freedom to make of it what you will! For the less adventurous people a great starting distro is Ubuntu. It has great support and installs with many features straight off the disk. For someone who has time to spare and wants to CREATE their own system from the kernel up I would suggest Gentoo. The support forums are the best in the land but your system will only be running about 60% of the time for the first few days

Basically my opinion is that PCs should do what you want when you want (Vista) but also let you create and learn (Linux) hence why you should have a dual booting Vista/Linux system!

crabby

Pierre:

Additional information as to your skill set and the planned use is necessary to make the correct decision. But here is a list that covers a couple of scenarios.

Home/Office Desktop use:

Windows Vista would be the better choice. Vista is preferred over XP because XP is being replaced by Vista. Windows has the most software available and offers better support when you encounter problems. The final decision between Vista vs XP would be which supports the software you need to use and when it will be released for Vista. One missing item here is remote access to an X11 driven system. There are third party packages, but it requires and additional expense. Also your Windows purchase is (currently) a one time purchase which includes access to OS fixes.

If you like to build software applications, both Solaris and Linux also offer a Desktop environment. Their Desktop is more suited to remote access for computers supporting the X11 GUI. Typically this would not be the case for the Home/Office user. But if you need to access Unix (Solaris/Linux/BSD) computers remotely, this would be a good choice. However, a lot of the applications you will use for your desktop may require that you download the source code and build them yourself. The base for pre-built desktop applications is increasing, but I seem to always need the one that's not in that set. Also for continued support for OS patches and updates the BIG Linux distros and Solaris require a subscription service which is currently between $120-$350 per year depending on the level of support you want. Please note that this cost does not include applications.

Server Use:
Again this would depend on the function of the sever.

For WEB services Linux is a good choice. Currently the two top dogs are SUSE and Red Hat. My preference is SUSE because it is easier to administer. There are other distros, but they require a lot of System Administration skills on your part. Solaris 10 now offers a good WEB service, but it is more difficult to administer than Linux.

For file server and Naming Service server, Solaris would be a better choice. It is more robust and doesn't have the issues with large file systems that Linux does.

AGAIN, It depends on what your intended use is. For the selection process to work, you need to define the COMPLETE functions you will need and the skill set necessary to support them. Once that list is done, you can investigate which choice support them. It may be that you need more than one OS.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by AnthonyCook

I like Vista over all Oparting Systems, but i also love OS X, thats why i run both on my PC (Yes it is possible). Best of Both worlds, with out the costly mac hardware.

How are you running OS X? Are you using the modded version so it will run as fast as it is supposed to. Maybe I can work out a quad boot using an external for OS X.

And, yes crabby's and jemw's replies were just plain excellent. Way to go guys. VB is a great site.

[eKstreme]

Wow! Very level-headed. I was afraid I'd start a flamewar. I'm happy to see my exact line of thought explained back to me - thanks everyone, especially crabby!

As to what I'm leaning towards, it's probably having a full-time play with xubuntu in a dual boot environment with XP (which I already use). If I like it and manage to get it to work well for a month or so, then that will be it. If not, then probably go with Vista (I like friendly but boring). The biggest challenge for any Linux distro is to see if it detects my dual screens on my laptop.

Just a few extra comments:

PC-BSD is a great piece of software and their software installation features are as easy as OSX. It's called PBI and it's a single package you drop somewhere and run. None of this multiple files monotonously dumped into Program Files and what not. I used it a couple of years ago to run my backup computer. Worked a treat and would probably go back to it at some point.

OSX: I use it at work, and my love for it can best be described as a daily hangover - why on earth did I do it again? My biggest gripe with it is that its keyboard shortcuts vary from non existent to inconsistent.

If people are interested, I'd be happy to post my thoughts when I actually do this...

Pierre

[ProCookie]

Yeah Znod im using the hacked version known as OSX86, Its not the emulated crap thats been going around, its the real deal and it runs great. I didn't come across any hardware issues witch are common in OS X on standard desktops. So i have a dual boot with Vista at the moment, i do use Vista more but if im editing i use OS X (garage band, final cut ect.).

Usability and functionality i prefer Vista by far. Vista has a nicer feel to it and more possibilitys.

[Znod]

Originally Posted by eKstreme

Wow! Very level-headed. I was afraid I'd start a flamewar. I'm happy to see my exact line of thought explained back to me - thanks everyone, especially crabby!
Pierre

We are pretty objective and level headed here. It's a good place to be.