On 2015-06-10 7:01 PM, Paul B. Andersen wrote:
knuttle wrote in message


However in practice the simplest path is to go with MS or Apple as both
come preloaded on computers commonly available online and in the
office/computer stores.

This is true.
Until the advent of Ubuntu, Linux was far too much trouble (in comparison).
Even now, Linux is just a little bit too much trouble.
I agree, Windows is ubiquitous (as is Macintosh) in the stores.

Ubuntu was indeed a Godsend and it has made Linux more acceptable for
the common user. The problem is that it still has a tremendous amount of
problems which appear after an update or two. Disappearing controls,
hardware stopped working, no longer able to boot to desktop, functions
which are visible but don't actually do anything, etc..

Since MS computers are usually about half the cost of an Apple, the
cheapest is to go with the MS operating system.

That's my argument also, whenever someone asks me whether they should
buy Android vs Apple or Microsoft vs Apple. Half the cost for the same
amount of compute power (give or take).

Both Android & Microsoft are no brainers from the key cost perspective.

90% of mobile malware attacks Android, 90%+ of desktop malware affects
Windows. In a way, you get what you pay for though I have to admit that
I've never been infected in Windows. On Android, it's hard to avoid
since Google Play serves some of it (despite the company's best efforts).

Yes you do not need to fork over any cash for Linux. However your time
is worth something. In my experience to install a new operating system
find the drivers, and get it set up for your purposes, takes 3 to 4
hours. That is 3 to 4 hours you must spend to get a Linux computer vs
an Apple of MS computer.

Actually, it's even worse than you stated, in a way, because all the Linux
boxes I have were once Microsoft, so, I've essentially paid for Microsoft
in order to get Linux for free. I guess you can buy a linux box in the
store and save about a hundred dollars on the operating system, but, I
personally have never seen one in the USA where I am.

It used to be worse for Linux drivers than it is now. Pretty much, Linux
drivers work just fine for all the existing laptop and desktop hardware,
right out of the box (IMHO).

Not on my MSI GT72. It's a mess.

The one place I still find Linux drivers sometimes lacking is in peripheral
hardware such as WiFi adapters and the like (mostly with Realtek chips).

If the chip is recent, chances are that Linux won't have drivers for it.

Personally I would rather use that time playing solitaire or doing
actual work on the computer.

Understood. I dual boot, and find Windows a bit easier to manage than
Linux - but I find Linux much faster (maybe the lack of an AV program
is why Linux *seems* faster - I don't know).

So remove the anti-virus on Windows. Yes, you MIGHT get infected but
today's malware requires user intervention and generally, the user has
to be one Hell of a ****ing moron.

But, the learning curve *is* steep. It's not that you can't do anything
(you can do far more on Linux than anywhere else); but the program names
are all different (so that's a large one-time learning curve, I agree).

And none of the names make any sense except for RhythmBox. Banshee is a
music player, Totem is a video player and Midori is a browser. How was
anyone supposed to know that without clicking on the app first?

--
Slimer
Proud "wintroll"
Encrypt.