What computer/OS are you using?

[Tsubashi]

*smiles*
...and you accuse me of having overly detailed posts? ^__^

Anyways, my opinion of the matter would depend on whether you are buying new hardware, or just swapping OSes. If new hardware is involved, I would buy a Mac, since the intel switch now gives you compatibility with both Windows and most Linux distros. With a little know-how, it is quite easy to make a dual/triple/etc. boot Mac, Plus with a little knowledge of hardware, one is able to upgrade components as time progresses. OS X itself is quite user-friendly also, and now with the kernel switch, it is quite technician friendly too!
Then again, I have worked with Macs since... well, a long time, so naturally, my hardware tendencies are not quite.... balanced ^.^

...and nearly everything is GUI-based.

Anno...
I am inclined to disagree. I would say it is true, everything can be GUI-based, but it also stands to reason that everything (and a bit more) can also be done via Terminal or Single-User mode. ^__^


If you just want a new OS, however, Senpai is right: Linux is the way to go! It is much more user friendly nowadays, and is entirely free. There are enough projects out there for running Legacy apps, that it usually isn't a problem (Wine works uber-well, most of the time). It's ultra-minimal system requirements allow you to expand the lifespan of computers exponentially!
Being able to use LiveCDs to 'test drive' an OS before installing it is another great feature.

So, the answer is... Do all of them ^v^

(I can vouch that Parallels for Mac ROCKS!). ^v^

Agreed! I myself own a copy for work. Useful little thing, ne?
I like Q better, though (QEMU for Mac), simply because I can run it on my PPCs too!

[Icelilly]

BTW, if you don't mind me asking, how come you can't (or aren't allowed) to use internet on your MCE machine?  '__'

I'm asking cause, with better resources, accessing the Net on the faster machine should decrease the probability of you swearing.... ^___^

My reasons for not having internet on MCE-tan:

1)I really don't want to deal with viruses and all that even if I do the best in virus protection. (This was my choic. (I'm too tired to care if I spelled that right.))

2)There is no phone jack near my computer.

3)My parents told me so. Without reason.

Hope that helps you ^^

[C-Chan]

*smiles*
...and you accuse me of having overly detailed posts? ^__^

*tsk tsk tsk*

Oh Tsubashi-dono, Tsubashi-dono... *sighs*... you're just not thinking 4th-dimensionally....  -v-

When C-chan rambles ad nauseum, it's inherently GOOOOOOOOOD.  ^________^
When Tsubashi-san speaks more than a single word, it's interently BAAAAAAAAD.  ^_______________^

Sorry, didn't write the rules,... I'm afraid it's just the way things are....  -.-

*pats Tsubashi on back with consolation*

Anno...
I am inclined to disagree. I would say it is true, everything can be GUI-based, but it also stands to reason that everything (and a bit more) can also be done via Terminal or Single-User mode. ^__^

Sou sou, should've mentioned the Terminal.  Perhaps I'm coming down with the case of Kamiitis....  ^_____^;

So, the answer is... Do all of them ^v^

If you do have the money to splurge, definitely this is the ultimate solution to your problems.  Having mastered all major Operating Systems, you will be like a Demi-God among mortals.  ^.^

*dows preemptive bow and grovel before Acher*

Agreed! I myself own a copy for work. Useful little thing, ne?
I like Q better, though (QEMU for Mac), simply because I can run it on my PPCs too!

I didn't actually get to try much 3D stuff in Parallels, but it's advertised as being one of the few virtualizaiton solutions on the market that offer much better-than-average 3D acceleration emulation.  I always wondered why that was so hard to port into a virtual machine, especially considering how powerful most desktop/workstation machines are these days.  ^^

My reasons for not having internet on MCE-tan:

1)I really don't want to deal with viruses and all that even if I do the best in virus protection. (This was my choic. (I'm too tired to care if I spelled that right.))

2)There is no phone jack near my computer.

3)My parents told me so. Without reason.

Hope that helps you ^^  

Kinda.... and I kinda suspected #3, but was surprised with #1 and #2.  ^^'

This does reinforce my theory that, all things being equal (meaning you don't need a high-end computer for your own personal use), perhaps it would be better if you and your folks swapped machines.  MCE becomes the one to access the Net, and you stay with Hacchan.  ^__^
After all, Windows 98 has long since stopped being supported, so it's technically more of a virus/worm/trojan trap than XP and derivatives.  '_'

As for the individual reasons...

It is true that virus protection can be expensive and/or difficult to set up properly, which is a contributing factor to people considering Mac and Linux as alternatives since they are inherently safer and more secure.  Aside from a slight "protection through obscurity" (both own only about 95% of the known computer market), both systems are inherently better built (Linux more so perhaps due to being open source).

While running without any virus protection or firewall is risky in itself, the risk is certainly signifcantly less (and some systems already come with preinstalled firewall, such as Ubuntu).

For #2, aside from the (in my opinion) unreliable wireless option, that issue can also be remedied through a very LONG extension cable (or a series of extension cables/couplers).  Since I don't trust wireless myself, my own house is wired all over with ethernet cables and switches (cleverly-disguised, of course).  ^__^

#3, however, is the hardest and there's really nothing I can or will say on the matter.  I'll trust their judgement on this, especially since they are still letting you access the Web somehow (supervised, I'm assuming).  While having history's largest encyclopedia is an educational asset, the Web is naturally filled with dangers that may not be readily apparent.  During my dumber days, I nearly got conned into forfeiting sensitive financial information on more than one occasion, and if not for my old hacker friend (who loved to play tricks on those losers) who knows what problems I could've gotten myself into.  ^___^

Given the number of people using, I've always considered it a shame that M$ has not embedded any free parental control software into their OSes.  Mac has, or at least will with OSX Leopard, include that functionality.  

But even before that, a lot of concerned users have responded to this need by releasing Linux distros with preinstalled parental control software that's both free and effective.  Ubuntu Christian Edition is a well-known example, and while the name is a bit exclusive, it's certainly nice to know that parents took it upon themselves to create a safe and secure operating system.  -v-

[Icelilly]

Ow... ;__;
My brain hurts from reading all that. Now I really know for a fact I need to get some sleep! -_-'

Switching computers was an idea I already had. But the software I use for my schooling doesn't work with Hacchan. So that kinda threw it out the window since I use my MCE for my schooling (and other personal uses but mostly schooling). That's the whole reason why my parents bought me that computer in the first place.

My dad wants get high-speed which means replacing Hacchan because... well, she's finished. If you saw this, you probably would of said the same thing. My parents just don't have the money to be purchasing anything at the monment ;_;

[C-Chan]

Two last questions if you don't mind.... ^__^

1)  What exactly are Hacchan's system specs?
(CPU, memory, HD space, etc.)

2) Is the software you need for school common (like Office 2003) or a custom-built thing they gave you?  

I too am short on money to allot for fancy new hardware (like Macs), so I know how you (or rather they) feel.  

But with the right knowledge and strategy, you can do a whole lot more just by switching your system (operating system) instead.  And best of all is that it doesn't have to cost you a single loonie, but rather can potentially salvage Hacchan so you can get maybe another 2-3 more years out of her.  ^__^

[Icelilly]

Don't worry, I don't mind ^_^

Hacchan has 12.7 GB, 256 MB of RAM, and 2 USB ports. And don't laugh but I don't know what a CPU is... ;_; It has an external CD and DVD burner. We don't use the DVD burner anymore because of the USB speed. The sound is dead. Pure dead. No sound goes in or out of Hacchan. Hacchan lost its MIDI sound back in 2003 and then the rest of its sound in December 2005. It crashes more often then ME-tan. It has probelms saving in .rtf and also the BSOD shows more often then it should be. I know there's more but I can't think of it at the moment.

Actually, both of the computers don't really carry the software from my school but XP MCE makes it MUCH easier to do my school work since I don't have to worry about it crashing when dealing with Rich Text Files (rtf). My school carries WordPerfect and a bunch of other Microsoft programs that the computers doesn't carry.

I hope that helps!

EDIT: I forgot to write down... I've had Hacchan since December 1999. ^^

[Bella]

1)I really don't want to deal with viruses and all that even if I do the best in virus protection. (This was my choic. (I'm too tired to care if I spelled that right.))

2)There is no phone jack near my computer.

3)My parents told me so. Without reason.

Nothing you can do about the no permission/no phone jack, but as for viruses my family has never had a virus/malware problem with our XPs. Mostly because I *try* not to download from anything-but-reputable sites, I don't open unknown emails, I'm sorta paranoid when it comes to torrent downloads, I use firefox, I keep my antivirus/Windows updates up-to-date, etc.

I did have a malware problem at one time, when I used IE 6 and didn't know about the Windows updates yet...

I have a friend who's XP was absolutely crawling with malware. She never installed any updates or antivirus. But a with a little time and common sense viruses can be kept to a minimum.

[C-Chan]

Hacchan has 12.7 GB, 256 MB of RAM, and 2 USB ports. And don't laugh but I don't know what a CPU is... ;_; It has an external CD and DVD burner. We don't use the DVD burner anymore because of the USB speed. The sound is dead. Pure dead. No sound goes in or out of Hacchan. Hacchan lost its MIDI sound back in 2003 and then the rest of its sound in December 2005. It crashes more often then ME-tan. It has probelms saving in .rtf and also the BSOD shows more often then it should be. I know there's more but I can't think of it at the moment.

Let me start off by saying.... SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGOIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  @v@
I know you're trying to make her sound terrible (having been built in 1999 and all), but honestly those specs are magnificent given the year she was released!!  ^v^
As a frame of reference, Bella-san's old Compaq (only a year older than yours and also running Hacchan) has only a measly 64MB of RAM, and before I updated the old crappy Gateway I received from a friend (built in 2000), it too had only 64megs of RAM (and ran Windows ME -- which was SLOOOOOOOOW).... ^.^

Even if you don't know your CPU speed, honestly with 256megs of RAM your set for life as far as Linux operating systems go, which I'll admit is where I'm trying to lead you here.  ^__^'
See, Linux distributions are free operating system that also generally have far fewer hardware requirements.  So with only a 300mhz processor and 128MB of RAM, you already have enough to run Enlightenment or Xfce at blazing speeds, or Gnome or KDE at adequate speeds,.. and all of them come equipped with modern software, all the drivers you may ever need, support for DVDs, network internet, wireless internet, multi-language support, server applications, etc etc etc.  

And by free, I literally do mean "free as in beer", and you can read more about Free and Open Source Software so you know I'm not going crazy.... ^__^

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_software

This also means that 99% of the software that comes with it is also Free/Open Source, so if you ever wanted to try your hand at 3D editing, sound editing, image editing, CAD drawing, web development, DVD ripping, or music composition, Linux can offer solutions for all of these for free.  ^__^
That's why I asked you what software your school gave you to use.  Cause if all you have to deal with are RTF files and WPD files, than Open Office can handle these file formats and then some...

http://www.openoffice.org/

I'm not sure if the sound problem is due to software or hardware, and same for all the crashing, but if you are interested in trying a new and exciting Operating System (especially on a computer you said you're eventually getting rid of), it would be a good test to see if maybe Linux can make your old Hacchan very useful and stable again.  ^___^

The only problem is that you have dial-up, and all the best distributions tend to be standard CD sizes (700MB downloads).

Nothing a single overnight download with a trusty download-manager couldn't handle, but I won't ask you to do that.  ^^'
Instead, we can check out some alternatives...

For example, you can request a free Ubuntu Linux CD straight from Canonical, and while slow they will honor your request:  ^__^

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu

If you're interested, we can talk more about it later.  ^.^

[Icelilly]

Wow! This Linux stuff seems exciting!! ^_^ But this stuff is all up to my parents since Hacchan is the family computer and therefore they use this machine as much as I do. My dad is interested in buying a Mac for our next computer since viruses are often written for PC. But my mother wants to stick with Windows only because she needs it. As you can see, there's a big conflict over who wants what ^^;

I always thought my sound problem was the viruses because it was around at the time were adware and spyware were getting into our computer. I still remember the all those toolbars and programs... They scare me ;o;

I would like to know more about this Linux you speak of! I think my friend has a Linux of his own lying about somewhere! ^^;

[C-Chan]

Fufufu... no problemo.  ^__^

Anything I could say about it will pale in comparison compared to all the documentation written for it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
http://distrowatch.com/

BUt bottom line is this....
Linux is an operating system created by people for people.  There are literally THOUSANDS of Linux distributions written by individuals, communities, corporations, governments, institutions, scientists, and educational groups.  The majority are mainly copies of popular distributions, with extra software, languages or features added to be relevant to their specific purpose.  But nearly all of them are free to use, distribute and make copies of forever.  

Moreover, this is open source software and actively maintained and grown by users themselves.  This means that there is no profit-motive in building the OS, so people can focus on making it as stable, useable and secure as possible with as little hardware and strings-attached as possible.  In essence, Linux is an Operating System built upon the dreams and aspirations of the user, and is only limited by the time, knowledge and creativity of the people that can develop for it.



A standard consumer would much rather have a powerful image editing program like Photoshop prebundled and available for free on their OS, which is why nearly all distros come prepackaged with GIMP, Krita, GNUPaint or any number of alternative image editors.

In contrast, Windows has an "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" relationship with major 3rd party software developers -- meaning they'll never develop anything as powerful as Photoshop so that the user is coaxed into buying it from Adobe, and Adobe in term promises to focus its primary development on Windows.  This also holds true for hardware,... Windows will never be light and fast ever again, because it's already obliged to make money for the hard drive, memory and graphics card manufacturers.  
In such a partnership, everyone wins except the consumer, who must continuously shell out more and more money to stay current and virus-free.

Traditionally, Linux and Free/Open Source software has never been a threat to them because it used to be very difficult to use and patchy,.. in other words, it was software for hobbyists and geeks only.  But now a usability gap has been crossed where Linux can be AS easy and sometimes even easier to use (and certainly prettier) than its paid competition.  

That's the reason why, although you may not know it, these past couple of months has seen Microsoft use every available resource it has to try to frighten, derail, armstrong and cut off the spread of interest in Linux and FOSS.  They act tough, but in reality their terrified that consumers may realize they could get something better, faster, cheaper and prettier that also guarantees them full freedom to use their machines however they want to.  It's no small wonder they've quietly diversified into other products, such as the XBOX and the Zune, although since they lack Apple's creativity success has been somewhat limited.

Personally that kind of greed and gawl makes me sick, so I've done everything I can as a user and a concerned citizen to counteract the actions of this multi-billion dollar cornered rat.  -___-

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In any event, I know I talk a lot so let me let you rest for a second... ^^'

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Wow! This Linux stuff seems exciting!!  But this stuff is all up to my parents since Hacchan is the family computer and therefore they use this machine as much as I do. My dad is interested in buying a Mac for our next computer since viruses are often written for PC. But my mother wants to stick with Windows only because she needs it. As you can see, there's a big conflict over who wants what ^^;


In any event, I'm glad you're showing interest in Linux, but I understand your concern since, after all, that is their machine and perahps you're not to keen on doing anything to your brand new one yet (and nor would I suggest that anyway).  Fortunately, it's because others users have had this same concern as you do that they invented this fabulous new mechanism for previewing a Linux distribution without installing it on their machine...

The Linux Live-CD.  ^___^

Just about every single Linux distros in existence at the moment has the ability to run entirely off of RAM-disk, meaning you can simply pop in the CD in Hacchan upon boot-up, watch it load a temporary OS on your machine, and use it as if you were installing the real thing.  There is a slight performance decrease since of course nothing beats having your files stored in physical HD space, but at least all the drivers load properly, all the applications you'll need are made available, and above all you can still access drives on your hard drive (which makes it very useful for troubleshooting).  And naturally, should you choose to install, an Install button is usually clearly visible and can be accessed at any time.  Nevertheless, even if you don't choose to install, a lot of LiveCDs (such as Knoppix and Puppy) embrace this technology and are designed to run this way entirely without ever having to be installed on the hard drive.  You could theoretically use Linux on Hacchan for years without ever touching your Windows 98 installation....  ^__^

You can read more about this techonology here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_cd

Personally a Mac would be a nice addition to your family, but my goal at the moment is to salvage that awesome machine you have, which, unfortunately, is kept down by an OS which refuses to show you its true power.  ^____^

The only problem, therefore, continues to be how to retrieve a copy.  Not sure what distros your friend may have, but we want to make sure you get only the latest and greatest (since an older distribution can set off the wrong impression).

[Tsubashi]

Gah! You beat me to posting again Senpai!
Oh well, might as well post what I wrote, ne?


Quite Right, Lilly-san, Linux is exciting! It's taken a while to gather speed, but is nigh on unstoppable now. Methinks, one day, there will be no more proprietary software. Corporations will open their code, or die. It would be really really nifty to see Apple open up OS X! ^o^

As I've said before, when buying new hardware, I would recommend buying Apple. They have, in my opinion, the best prebuilt specs. Plus, if you buy a Mactel you can install most any OS you want. For windows compatibility, you dual-boot, use Parallels, or Darwine.

Since OS X is built upon the Xnu kernel, it has the benefits of both a monolithic and microkernel. Mach makes it great for virtualizing other operating systems, and adds security, while it's BSD components help streamline things.

If the sound problem was caused by viruses, then it's entirely possible to repair. Reinstalling the Os, or running a LiveCD would instantly clear things up!

As for learning more about linux, I would recommend just jumping in and trying it. I sure you have heard Senpai and I, plus many others, sing it praises, but you cannot truly understand until you have tried it. There are a lot of user-friendly distros out there now, so basic use is really self-explanatory. If you are new to *nix type systems, it may take some time to get used to how it works, but it's well worth it.

Added after 6 minutes:

That's the reason why, although you may not know it, these past couple of months has seen Microsoft use every available resource it has to try to frighten, derail, armstrong and cut off the spread of interest in Linux and FOSS.

Ah! That reminds me. Back when I was still well connected within IBM, there was a memo sent around, which purportedly came from a Microsoft analyst. The basic premise of it was that it wasn't worth it to try and destroy the open source movements, since there was no monetary motive, they doubted that it would ever interest enough developers to rival their software. The analyst did include a note, however, that if Open source were ever to gain followers, it would be the single largest threat to the Microsoft empire, and should be eliminated at all costs.
This was some years ago, but it's interesting to see that he was right ^__^

[Icelilly]

Wow! O_O;
I'm really starting to like this Linux! *is getting all excited*

@Tsubashi- My mother has re-installed Hacchan MANY times in the past and the sound never came back. ;_; This was only because Hacchan wouldn't boot up and kept saying it couldn't find a certain file that I'm guessing it uses when booting up. But no worries, that happened two years ago and hasn't happened since! ^_^

Also, I've been on Wikipedia all morning and afternoon reasearching and learning about the different viruses there are. Yes, I have no life XD

[C-Chan]

Wow! O_O;
I'm really starting to like this Linux! *is getting all excited*

*fans flames of excitement*  ^V^

Also, I've been on Wikipedia all morning and afternoon reasearching and learning about the different viruses there are. Yes, I have no life XD

No prob, no prob....  ^.^
Researching is not a thing for losers.  ^v^
Besides,... the more you're exposed to Wiki,... the more tempted you become to read the Wiki links I posted above.  ^___^

Added after 5 minutes:

Quite Right, Lilly-san, Linux is exciting! It's taken a while to gather speed, but is nigh on unstoppable now. Methinks, one day, there will be no more proprietary software. Corporations will open their code, or die. It would be really really nifty to see Apple open up OS X! ^o^

Darknight wouldn't believe me when I mentioned the whole Open Source Windows thing.  But judging from their recent actions (with Novell, Xandros and Linspire), the suspicion holds that they do at least want their cut into this open source future.  Unfortunately they still want to go about it the good ol' fashioned "mafioso" way, and certainly if I were a small business or consumer I'd think twice of purchasing from a company that may threaten to pull a "SCO Group" on me....  ^__^'

If they do go the way of IBM and pull a near-complete 360 on Open Source, then it goes to reason that even an Open Source Windows 3.1-sama would be a BIG thing.

Course,... if Apple beats them to it.... Fufufu..... ^.^
*salivates at thought of OSSX*  ^v^

This was some years ago, but it's interesting to see that he was right ^__^

And how!!  ^v^
Best thing about it is that we're just gettin' started.... ^__^
Wait till more developers in emerging markets start taking up the torch, and development may very well skyrocket to the point where no proprietary company could possibly keep up.... ^__^

That's why I kinda hasten the arrival of low-cost, low-footprint, portable Linux computing solutions.... ^__^

*writes letter to Asus to hurry-the-hell-up on the 3ePC*  ^v^

[Bella]

Wow! This Linux stuff seems exciting!! But this stuff is all up to my parents since Hacchan is the family computer and therefore they use this machine as much as I do. My dad is interested in buying a Mac for our next computer since viruses are often written for PC. But my mother wants to stick with Windows only because she needs it. As you can see, there's a big conflict over who wants what ^^;

Heehee...the classic family OS conflict...

We seem to have similar situations. Since last winter, when I really started to research the different distros and such, I wanted to give Linux a try but could never seem to find the right "venue". That's why this spring I started to work with Linux on my compaq running 98.
To be honest, K8 was largely funded by my folks, and while I had permission to do any/everything to the old Windows 98, I was little more worried about my Windows-hugging kin's response to my dabbling with Linux on K8. So upon trying out SAM Linux (secretly XD) I knew this was far to awesome to keep under wraps. So I told my XP loving family the best way I could...

"wanna see something awesome!?"

It's still kinda treated as some sort of parlor oddity, (when I get SAM on a HD/flash drive and can configure Wifi, then it'll be on equal footing with XP) by my family, but even that's better than "wtf is Linux?!"

My dad is quite the Windows XP (he hates Vista) zealot, but he's starting to broaden his horizons. He has taken quite a interest in Linux, providing such classics as "I can run this (live CD) on my computer?!" and "This isn't even Microsoft!"
Not to mention he's absolutely sure (surer than I am *eyes dart back and fourth between Thinkpad, top-of-the-line HP, and MacBook*) my next computer's going to be a Mac.

It would be really really nifty to see Apple open up OS X! ^o^

I think it will be a frosty day in hell when we see Apple and M$ open their OS's : |
I think with the growing popularity of OS X, Apple open sourcing it would be crazy (not so crazy if they were still running on PPC and only Apples and a handful of others could run it, but with their Intel chips, wouldn't that mean any computer could run it?). With M$, I think they'll still explore the "let's go Unix-like, no, not VMS "Unix-like", the real thing" route to gain back users before giving up and opening Windows...

[C-Chan]

It's still kinda treated as some sort of parlor oddity, (when I get SAM on a HD/flash drive and can configure Wifi, then it'll be on equal footing with XP) by my family, but even that's better than "wtf is Linux?!"

Fufu... fortunately you'll have plenty of time to figure the whole wifi thing out.  I know it's possible, just not necessarily intuitive depending on your Wifi card.  ^^'

But indeed, that's progress.  Certainly once they catch the Beryl Bug, the infectious interest won't subside, but will spread and spread until the day comes that they beg to........... play with the cube.... Fufu....  ^v^

My dad is quite the Windows XP (he hates Vista) zealot, but he's starting to broaden his horizons. He has taken quite a interest in Linux, providing such classics as "I can run this (live CD) on my computer?!" and "This isn't even Microsoft!"

Tell him he rocks on my behalf please.  ^v^

*frames comments alongside the New Hampshire license plate with the word "UNIX" on it*

Not to mention he's absolutely sure (surer than I am *eyes dart back and fourth between Thinkpad, top-of-the-line HP, and MacBook*) my next computer's going to be a Mac.

Not sure where that came from, but........... okay.  ^__^
Now can triple boot!  ^v^

I think it will be a frosty day in hell when we see Apple and M$ open their OS's : |
I think with the growing popularity of OS X, Apple open sourcing it would be crazy (not so crazy if they were still running on PPC and only Apples and a handful of others could run it, but with their Intel chips, wouldn't that mean any computer could run it?). With M$, I think they'll still explore the "let's go Unix-like, no, not VMS "Unix-like", the real thing" route to gain back users before giving up and opening Windows...

Okay okay, forget Apple and M$ then...

How about we just open source Amiga and OS/2 then?  I'll settle for that any day... ^___^

I WANT MY MIGGY!!  I WANT MY MIGGY!!  I WANT MY MIGGY!!
I'M LOVE-STARVED AND I DEMAND MY MIGGY!!!!  ^o^