What about Windows?

[MAG1270]

i do use win7 as microsoft has all the game companies by the balls lol.:D

After I read that I started wondering, if OnLive is a success, then what about Windows?

I chose not to get much into Linux, Mac etc. because of my games, but if I get the chance to try Windows alternatives and still be able to play my games then I'd most likely do it!

What about you guys? Do you use Windows because of your games? Would you use anything else if it wasn't for your games?

[ryanswo07]

I use both Windows and Mac now, but mostly for school work since my major is IT. It helps out a lot having both platforms to experiment and test on.

[Tyrokiller]

Nearly all things software wise are compatible with windows and therefore it is the best option for a system and then you aren't limited. That and the fact that all games run on it.

[MAG1270]

Yea I guess you're right, but I just started thinking about it because I've heard people all across the internet complaining about games only running Windows, which forced them to use it..

I run Windows 7, but I've never really liked Windows :/ I've tried other OS' but not on a daily basis which is what I'd like to try but I can't because I need my games (:3)

[BeRay]

GOS! googles operating system!!!

[AlexTheLion]

I use both Windows and Mac now, but mostly for school work since my major is IT. It helps out a lot having both platforms to experiment and test on.

Exactly my situation, I dual boot Windows 7 and Snow Leopard on a Macbook Pro, really is the best way to go. :)

[MAG1270]

Perhaps I could look into a dual boot solution.. but I like only using 1 OS :/

Hm.. I could also just install another OS on my laptop, ie. Linux, and keep Windows 7 on my desktop :D

[Ascii89]

I'v always been a windows guy, not just because of gaming, I don't know, I've grown up using windows. I tried to use OSX tiger once, but couldn't really get the hang of it. I'm currently using windows 7 and find it pretty stable and good looking.

[Anton2k]

Yea i use 7 as well, the os is stable and compairable to xp Stability and performace wise. I used vista when it first came out for about a year and it just got relly messy and bulky. The resons i use windows is becaws i like to play games(GTX260FTW!!!). I think windows is also a good platform for software development. In saying that i am fond of linux 1 becaws its fast 2 becaws its Relly Stable. Osx i would love to use for some web/Graphics Development/design as a find some times i am limited in windows and not to meantion the osx ui looks nice. My dream machine would be to have all 3 os's with 3 diffrent HDD a os on each osx/linx/windows and the ability to live switch between os's. With like a built in ability to stop the other os's from using resources when your on 1. Yea cant see that happening any time soon though lol.:cool:

[Ascii89]

You can do that today using vmware software :P. Not entirely sure you can have osx on it, but you can easily have windows and linux running on the same machine and/or at the same time, i know cos i do it. Don't expect high performance though, its a virtual environment after all.

[Anton2k]

Yea i mean i did use vmware at first then as i start to progress it just felt limited.

[VacantPsalm]

Exactly my situation, I dual boot Windows 7 and Snow Leopard on a Macbook Pro, really is the best way to go. :)This, except the more I use Snow Leopard the more I don't want to even touch windows and be OS X only.

I recently switched to Mac and got the 17" Macbook Pro. I originally planned to duel boot and run Windows 7 in Snow Leopard with VMWare or something, but unless you have awesome specs using a VM for gaming really doesn't work.

What I'd like would be if instead of a VM running both at the same, I could have both in RAM and only use one at a time by putting the other into sleep mode. That was I could have all of my hardware focusing on one OS at a time but still switch between the two much faster then booting out/on. I'd so upgrade to 8 gigs of RAM if they had that.

What, was I talking about? Lol, whatever.

[Anton2k]

This, except the more I use Snow Leopard the more I don't want to even touch windows and be OS X only.

I recently switched to Mac and got the 17" Macbook Pro. I originally planned to duel boot and run Windows 7 in Snow Leopard with VMWare or something, but unless you have awesome specs using a VM for gaming really doesn't work.

What I'd like would be if instead of a VM running both at the same, I could have both in RAM and only use one at a time by putting the other into sleep mode. That was I could have all of my hardware focusing on one OS at a time but still switch between the two much faster then booting out/on. I'd so upgrade to 8 gigs of RAM if they had that.

What, was I talking about? Lol, whatever.

Hey thats my dream to lol yea unfortanatly they aint got that yet try Paralels for mac runs better than vmware or virtual box.

[Browler]

Why wouldn't you use Windows? Mac costs $1000+, Linux is nice cause its free and open-source, but it's honestly not as good as Windows. I have nothing against Linux users (I love linux for certain uses), but I can not condone anyone buying a Mac, your getting riped off. Apple is closed and anti-opensource and I will not support them and their communist ways ever again (I did buy an iPod Touch, now I want an Android phone).

Windows 7 ftw! O and Linux is good too...

UPDATE: O, but I can understand someone using a mac for IT, computer programing, or any other job that requires troubleshooting all kinds of computers. Mac is also good for people who don't know much about computers, and mby artists (idk some people say that Photoshop runs smoother on a mac but I don't buy it, they just need a better PC.)

[jemspitter]

I use windows probably for my work as I am an software engineer but sometimes also for games.

[rezonant]

I run Linux for everything except FLstudio (and that is very close to working in WINE now) so it sucks to have to boot XP just to play OnLive, especially when the client is so thin.

[Riker]

I use Linux for everything as well. For development at work, I use a VirtualBox virtual machine with Windows installed. Ubuntu has done an excellent job with its recent versions (both desktop and server). I like Linux because it truly is your operating system. You aren't restricted or forced into things. I just find it amazing that an open community can create such a system; it's a true feat. I guess that's the geek in me talking though. Steam is coming out on Linux, so I hope that also helps with the distribution of games on the Linux platform. The main issue for Linux gaming is that most games are written for Direct X technology instead of something common to all systems, like OpenGL.

[drhydralisk]

I like Windows 7, it is a secure and stable operating system. I used to have an iMac 27 but I returned it after 14 days for a few reasons, the OS was brilliant but the company behind it should die:
-Apple boasts that Mac OS does not get viruses, but do some research and you will find many articles about trojans inside pirated copy's of iWork. Which is worse than Windows because most people have an AV, but Mac users know for a "fact" that Mac OS does not get malware.
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard comes with a built in AV, which is weird for a company that advertises its OS does not get malware.
- Fan boys. Back when Steve Jobs was sick and there was a chance he could die or would be replaced (forgot how it went down) Apples stock dropped. Investors know that Apple survives because of the fan boy allegiance to Steve Jobs.
- There policy for iPhone developers is about what Apple wants, not there consumers.
- Apple patents EVERYTHING. They even patented the look of there Apple Stores.
- Mac's cannot be upgraded because they physically solder most of the hardware in other than the memory (which you can upgrade thankfully) and the hard drive (but voids your warranty).
- They have to much pride to do a recall to fix the iPhone Death Grips, instead they do cover ups and if you watch there YouTube channel they make tons of videos showing that other phones have death grips (other company's don't have an "it just works" slogan).
- They are ignoring Mac users in favor of the iPhone. Mac users are the ones who develop your precious apps you advertise so proudly.
- Competition is what helps spur innovation, but with Apple only they can make the hardware, tell users they may not make there iPhone app for another platform, make it so no one can use a similar store design.

The list goes on and I will add more later, but basically that is why I don't use a Mac. If the Mac OS was developed by another company other than Apple, I would proudly use it.

[Link-Hero]

I don't just use Windows computers because more games support it, but that I hate Apple's business decisions, and that I don't really care for Linux.

With a Windows OS, just about everything supports it and you most likely don't have to worry about something not working unlike on a Apple and Linux OS's. Windows 7 is also very stable and secure.

Now, for Apple... I personally don't have anything against their computers or other products, their pretty decent, but for pretty much everything drhydralisk said. They lie and spreed propaganda about their products like their computers "will never get affected by viruses or any other maleware", overpricing everything because they can and that they know their devoted followers will buy it no matter what, not treating their software supporters very well (like Adobe), ect. Also, I always hear that certain programs like music and design work better on a Apple OS, which is BS. Just about everything works on either platform just fine.

For Linux, I just don't really care for it. Just to do the simplest thing on it is a chore when it shouldn't. It may do good in what it can do, but the low software support and non-user friendly is what turns me away from it.

[Riker]

For Linux, I just don't really care for it. Just to do the simplest thing on it is a chore when it shouldn't. It may do good in what it can do, but the low software support and non-user friendly is what turns me away from it.
There are things on Linux that are easier to do (Ie. install quality virus-free software from official software repositories), and things that are more difficult to do (get drivers for some new hardware working correctly becuase the manufacturer decided it would only support Windows). The main transition to Linux, or Mac, is the mindset of how to use the computer to accomplish your tasks and whatnot. It seems harder, but really most of it is just a different way to do something.

There is a big "why" component to switching from Windows to Linux or a Mac. Most Mac users buy into the Mac style and message first, before the operating system. The same is true for Linux. Most people that move to Linux believe in Open Source Software and all it stands for. There are others who need it though, like science and research institutes for high performance things. It's all about the why.

I encourage anyone curious to download a no-install-needed Live CD (just boot with it in the PC) to just give Linux a try, or install VirtualBox and mess with it that way... simply to check it out and see what a community can accomplish together.

[drhydralisk]

There are things on Linux that are easier to do (Ie. install quality virus-free software from official software repositories), and things that are more difficult to do (get drivers for some new hardware working correctly becuase the manufacturer decided it would only support Windows). The main transition to Linux, or Mac, is the mindset of how to use the computer to accomplish your tasks and whatnot. It seems harder, but really most of it is just a different way to do something.

There is a big "why" component to switching from Windows to Linux or a Mac. Most Mac users buy into the Mac style and message first, before the operating system. The same is true for Linux. Most people that move to Linux believe in Open Source Software and all it stands for. There are others who need it though, like science and research institutes for high performance things. It's all about the why.

I encourage anyone curious to download a no-install-needed Live CD (just boot with it in the PC) to just give Linux a try, or install VirtualBox and mess with it that way... simply to check it out and see what a community can accomplish together.

Depends on the Linux Distribution. For Debian and Debian based distributions, there are a lot more packages to chose from. And I believe that a Linux user would suggest using Wubi to try out Linux since some people don't no how to boot a CD or what VirtualBox is.

[Link-Hero]

There are things on Linux that are easier to do (Ie. install quality virus-free software from official software repositories), and things that are more difficult to do (get drivers for some new hardware working correctly becuase the manufacturer decided it would only support Windows). The main transition to Linux, or Mac, is the mindset of how to use the computer to accomplish your tasks and whatnot. It seems harder, but really most of it is just a different way to do something.

There is a big "why" component to switching from Windows to Linux or a Mac. Most Mac users buy into the Mac style and message first, before the operating system. The same is true for Linux. Most people that move to Linux believe in Open Source Software and all it stands for. There are others who need it though, like science and research institutes for high performance things. It's all about the why.

I encourage anyone curious to download a no-install-needed Live CD (just boot with it in the PC) to just give Linux a try, or install VirtualBox and mess with it that way... simply to check it out and see what a community can accomplish together.I've already tried a few different Linux distributions, like Ubuntu, Fedora, and a couple others. I don't really see the point in using them besides what their good at, like networking and databases (or whatever, don't really remember). Its just how I think about them. I don't hate them or anything, I just prefer the higher support and the user-friendliness of a Windows OS.

[tibbon]

VMWare. All the operating systems, all the time.

[rezonant]

Agreed, Riker.


I like that people think Linux is hard. I think we should just let them keep thinking that. Makes it more exclusive for us. Every time I boot Windows I try to use ctrl+alt+left to flip my desktop cube but instead windows rotates my desktop! Total suckage. Windows should become more user friendly.

[drhydralisk]

Agreed, Riker.


I like that people think Linux is hard. I think we should just let them keep thinking that. Makes it more exclusive for us. Every time I boot Windows I try to use ctrl+alt+left to flip my desktop cube but instead windows rotates my desktop! Total suckage. Windows should become more user friendly.


I will take the bait.

New things are always hard retard. And your desktop cube is not a feature of Linux it is a Linux application called Compiz. And Windows is as user friendly as the next operating system, tell me why its so much harder to use than a Mac or Linux?
- You want to download a program, just go to the website and double click the file it gives you. On a Mac download the file and drag n' drop it to your application folder. And same for Linux, double click the package or open up synaptic package manager and search for the software you want and double click to install. But in Linux synaptic package manager is only available to Debian based distributions. While there are alternatives like Pacman, they have nowhere near the amount of packages that Debian based distributions have.
- Having to install an anti virus on your computer does not make Windows harder to use and make Windows less of an operating system than the rest. Windows dominates the desktop market, that is why it is a prime target of hackers. Just like Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader are the top exploited software because almost all computers have Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader is the de facto standard for opening .pdf files. Google about Mac trojans, you will find a lot of information and how Apple apply secret security updates to patch the trojans. And Linux is just as capable, just 1% or less of the desktop market share is really not worth targeting. But for a little proof of concept about linux getting malware, run either one of the commands (they may need sudo):


:(){:|:&};:

or if you have serious balls, run this (but run at your own risk):


rm -rf /

- If anything Linux is harder not because it is new, but because of the massive fragmentation problem it has. To many choices confuse a lot of new users to Linux because they do not know what one is the "best".

[TheGamingGEEK]

GOS! googles operating system!!!

Are you referring to Chrome OS? The thin browser OS? Or GOS by Good Operating

[TheGamingGEEK]

The funny thing is that my first computer was a Macintosh (1980's Model) and later on I used windows due to the fact that snow leopard put their damn task buttons (Minimize, Restore, Exit) on the OPPOSITE side! WHY APPLE!? WHY DID YOU SWITCH!?

[drhydralisk]

The funny thing is that my first computer was a Macintosh (1980's Model) and later on I used windows due to the fact that snow leopard put their damn task buttons (Minimize, Restore, Exit) on the OPPOSITE side! WHY APPLE!? WHY DID YOU SWITCH!?

Because Apple does not like to do what others do, that is why they refuse to include a blue-ray player into there Mac's because "digital downloads are the future", even though most people have shitty connections so it would take days to download a HD video.

[TheGamingGEEK]

Because Apple does not like to do what others do, that is why they refuse to include a blue-ray player into there Mac's because "digital downloads are the future", even though most people have shitty connections so it would take days to download a HD video.

Well I guess your right about that

[Riker]

And I believe that a Linux user would suggest using Wubi to try out Linux since some people don't no how to boot a CD or what VirtualBox is. I used Wubi on one machine because I had issues installing from a Live CD because of an unsupported SATA dvd rom. It was a pain because grub was messed up after a kernel update. I had to manually repair it. Then, I went online to see if anyone had converted a recent Ubuntu wubi install to a full partition install, and I received 0 support for it. So based on my experience of Wubi, I don't really recommend it. On the other hand, using unetbootin to create a bootable flash drive is a pretty cool way to try things out.

[aisoudcyiudsy]

man, if you don't know how to boot a CD...you shouldn't be messing with linux. there is no advantage of using linux for the typical home user. and riker, i agree that wubi is bad news.

that said, i would be shocked if onlive were never ported to linux. it seems like it would be a trivial amount of work and it would certainly expand their market share.

on the flipside, maybe not. the linux drivers for my integrated graphics can't even get proper framerates for full-screen youtube videos.

[drhydralisk]

I used Wubi on one machine because I had issues installing from a Live CD because of an unsupported SATA dvd rom. It was a pain because grub was messed up after a kernel update. I had to manually repair it. Then, I went online to see if anyone had converted a recent Ubuntu wubi install to a full partition install, and I received 0 support for it. So based on my experience of Wubi, I don't really recommend it. On the other hand, using unetbootin to create a bootable flash drive is a pretty cool way to try things out.

What are you talking about. Wubi does not install GRUB, it adds itself to the Windows Bootloader.


man, if you don't know how to boot a CD...you shouldn't be messing with linux. there is no advantage of using linux for the typical home user. and riker, i agree that wubi is bad news.

that said, i would be shocked if onlive were never ported to linux. it seems like it would be a trivial amount of work and it would certainly expand their market share.

on the flipside, maybe not. the linux drivers for my integrated graphics can't even get proper framerates for full-screen youtube videos.

Are you stupid? Why would most people need even know how to boot from a CD? The only reason I know because when I used Linux many years ago, and still to this day I have no reason to boot from a CD other than for Linux. And no advantage, are you retarded? Then what is the advantage of using a Linux operating system for the non-typical home user? What is something only Linux can do that a Mac or Windows computer can't, something useful.

[Loki421]

I don't use mac b/c they are over priced. I don't use linux/anything else because I'm too dumb/lazy to learn. I might use chrome when it is ready. For now I use windows.

[TheGamingGEEK]

I don't use mac b/c they are over priced. I don't use linux/anything else because I'm too dumb/lazy to learn. I might use chrome when it is ready. For now I use windows.

Crome OS is done, but be warned its only a browser...nothing else...your life will be on the web

[Jmando265]

I just started using Opera 10.6 for windows vista. It's noticeably faster, but is it the best for Windows?

[rezonant]

What are you talking about. Wubi does not install GRUB, it adds itself to the Windows Bootloader.
It adds grub to the windows bootloader (its called grub4dos)


Are you stupid? Why would most people need even know how to boot from a CD? The only reason I know because when I used Linux many years ago, and still to this day I have no reason to boot from a CD other than for Linux. And no advantage, are you retarded? Then what is the advantage of using a Linux operating system for the non-typical home user? What is something only Linux can do that a Mac or Windows computer can't, something useful.

Look dude I understand that your just trying to defend Linux but you should count to five before posting. There's no sense in being overtly hostile and turning it into a flamewar. At least use some better insults :-)


man, if you don't know how to boot a CD...you shouldn't be messing with linux.

That's true, but I would expand this to be "If you don't know how to boot a CD, you shouldn't be using that computer".

Seriously you put it in the CD drive (IMPORTANT: the shiny side faces DOWN!) and reboot. Once in awhile it won't work on it's own and you have to *tell* your computer where to load the OS from. But that's not that hard and the info can be found from your mobile phone in minutes.


there is no advantage of using linux for the typical home user.

Save your uninformed opinion for your diary.


and riker, i agree that wubi is bad news.

Wubi *is* bad news, and I am a long time Linux user. But the reason it's bad news is not because it's Linux. The reason is because it's Windows. Thanks to your Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt, users don't know that they can resize their Windows in 5-10 minutes RIGHT from the ubuntu install provided it hasn't been filled up yet since it was formatted (well you can resize after too but it's more risky).

The right way to install Linux with Windows is to wait until you need to reinstall Windows or reformat, or at the least clear up as much free space as you can and defragment. Then just resize your windows partition from the Ubuntu installer. Wubi is a stopgap meant for people who are afraid.


that said, i would be shocked if onlive were never ported to linux. it seems like it would be a trivial amount of work and it would certainly expand their market share.

Finally some words that aren't agitative. They will port OnLive to Linux. It's only a matter of time. I've already offered to do it for them, which they haven't yet replied to, but I'm sure I'm not the only external contractor who would handle the whole thing for them just to make sure Linux isn't left out of the fun.


on the flipside, maybe not. the linux drivers for my integrated graphics can't even get proper framerates for full-screen youtube videos.

Oh and back to the flamebait. This is ignorance. The reason your youtube doesn't work right is because of Adobe, not because of ANYONE who worked on Linux. Go ahead and download that same video in a normal video format and play it with one of the normal video players on Linux. You will have much better performance. My laptop has Intel 965 mobile integrated graphics, and in both Windows and Linux it can render 720p just fine (the max LCD resolution is 1280x800 so thats actually the highest that can be displayed without an external monitor). It plays 1080p too but, on both OSes the frame rate is lagged causing the video and audio to desync.

FLASH is what is slow. FLASH is slow on Windows, slower on Linux, and was even slower on Mac OS X until the recent hardware acceleration burst. That being said, I use Hulu Desktop, Youtube leanback, and megavideo all the time for flash video in Linux and have no issues with their performance at all. I have not done anything special to the system or changed the drivers beyond default either (has worked fine since at least 9.10).