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Vista, Mac or Linux?
I'm starting to see something scary happening in PC land...
First, I'm seeing a number of friends actively investigating Linux as their choice for their PC operating system. All these people have been avid Windows users for a long time and avid Windows XP users, too.
They're starting to dual-boot their computers with Linux and Windows XP. Some even have second (or third) computers that are dedicated to Linux.
These people are not the classic computer geeks of the past who used Linux. They're every-day people who use Windows XP for their jobs and for personal computing, too. Now, they're beginning to "swear at and swear off" Windows.
These changes seem to be driven by combination of things:
- Microsoft's prices and upgrade strategies are one issue, although the changes have been occurring all year;
- the continual attacks by viruses, spyware, adware and trojans against Windows computers
- the frustration of expense and computing power requirements of fighting those same viruses, spyware, adware and trojans;
- the maturation of the Linux system into something more familiar;
- the release of Xandros 4 Home Edition Premium (and the non-premium versions, too) that are aimed at people who want to leave the continual expense of the Windows computing world; and
- the near-Windows experience of the Linux interface.
Microsoft's latest announcement of the End User License Agreement terms for Windows Vista are likely to drive a few of these people over the edge. Of course, for those willing to put up with the Vista license, the hardware requirements of Vista virtually drive almost any user to a purchase a new computer anyway.
The necessary fast processor, 2 GB memory and 512MB graphics card just don't exist in most of our computers.
But, Microsoft doesn't say we need all of that!
You don't really believe the "minimum requirements" or even the "recommended hardware," do you? If you do, I've got a bridge for sale...
When you buy a new Windows computer, be careful not to "under-buy." Get the hottest processor model, but back down one or two notches in speed -- that's where you'll find the best price/performance ratio. Spend the money to get more memory now. You'll like the extra capabilities and you'll need it later.
I use Crucial memory for new computers or upgrades -- compare the prices between memory upgrades with your manufacturer and buying memory from Crucial. I've saved a lot of money that way -- and memory is easy to install.
Back to the scary stuff -- A couple friends who have long been PC gurus have already been experimenting with Mac computers. Sure, the Mac is not the open architecture of the PC. But, it doesn't have the problems, either...
...as I said — I'm starting to see something scary happening in PC land.
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Copyright © 2006-2007 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
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