Why do you use Windows?

[John]

I have been running on Ubuntu Linux (32 bit and now 64 bit as well) for the last 6 months or so as my primary desktop and I keep asking myself why it took me so long to break lose of the Microsoft hold. (not to mention the added costs involved)

I have heard the argument that 90% of the worlds desktop computing is done under Windows so is that reason enough to continue on with that path? I haven't found anything I miss not running under Windows and most everything I use under Linux for the same task is easier, more intuitive and installs drivers and dependencies without a restart and transparently for the most part.

I would like to know why you are still using Windows when Wine allows you to take it with you so there isn't a loss of investment in software tools switching OSs.

[AIR]

My primary OS is Snow Leopard (Mac).

I _virtualize_ (VMWare) Windows because it's the only way to properly:

• Administer an Active Directory network
• Write code that targets Active Directory

Plus, it (along with MacOS) pays my bills.

I personally don't like the idea of using Wine/Crossover because there are always native alternatives, and native will always run better from a performance standpoint.  Also, the apps just don't look "quite right" in some cases, with glitches or a Windows Classic look which doesn't fit in with the host os.  That's just my opinion, though.

A.

[John]

I would use a VM if I had a multi-core processor with enough memory to support it. I use Wine to test Windows only languages and libraries. Once they work, Wine gets put back on the shelf. I'm enjoying the new 64 bit Linux environment and haven't run into any glitches yet. I was surprised to see Wine run when it's primary a 32 bit Windows emulation. I can even run DOS (better then Windows can) in a 8086 hardware VM at native speed with a 64 bit processor. (DOSEMU)

@Armando - Are you running XP or Win7 in your VM's?

[AIR]

@Armando - Are you running XP or Win7 in your VM's?

Both, with 32 and 64 bit Win7 VM's.

[John]

My primary OS is Snow Leopard (Mac).

At least the packaging is cool.  

The debate over whether consumers and enterprise customers should opt for a Mac or PC has been going on for years. Those on the PC side point to Windows and all the many computer choices available to make their case. Mac lovers say that Apple’s computers deliver a more worthwhile experience to customers than Windows-based PCs. There have even been a series of commercials from Apple, known as the “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” ads, to help highlight the differences between the two. Whether Macs are really better than PCs (or vice versa) needs to be decided on an individual basis. But more than ever before, there are good reasons to choose a Mac over a PC. From design and functionality to the software, Macs are offering a greater value proposition to customers than they have in years. Those who opt for one of Apple’s boxes over a Windows PC from say, HP or Dell, might just be happy they did. So, whether it’s the Mac Pro, the iMac, or the MacBook Pro, choosing a Mac instead of a PC is arguably a better idea today than it ever has been.