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The [i]LEAVING WINDOWS[/i] Project

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by techexec2 6 views

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225 replies

by gordon gonsalves

Mac OS X has supported multi-button mice since its
inception over half a decade ago.

There are soooo many myths surrounding Macs and OS X,
simply based on hearsay and people who have never spent
any time with the OS behave like experts.

Everyone here, listen up. If you've never used OS X,
humble yourselves and remain quite until you actually
know what you're talking about. That's good advice for
just about anything, BTW.

by apotheon

Y'know, MS Windows has supported better GUI interfaces (like Litestep), better security (in the form of extensive registry editing and piles of third-party software), and greater data security (by way of doing daily backups and using [url=http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-3513_11-6172851.html][b]quality version control software[/b][/url] with repositories on other computers) for years, too. The fact you have to [b]set all that crap up[/b], and that it's [b]not the default[/b], makes a difference. The one-button mouse issue [b]especially[/b] makes a difference with laptops, where the one-button pointing device is [b]a physical part of the computer[/b] because of Apple's obstinate refusal to do the smart thing.

I've used MacOS X. I kinda liked it. I didn't like it as much as customized Debian GNU/Linux or FreeBSD, but it wasn't bad at all. I used a desktop system with a five-button mouse and a thirty-inch widescreen monitor (I envy Mac monitors).

. . . but I'd never waste my money on a laptop whose integrated pointing device only had one button, and forced RSI-inducing keyboard combinations to access context menus and the like.

by dumphrey

OpenSuse 10.2. It has sudo installed and enabled by default as well as a root account that allows login. As best as I can tell, all Ubutu has done is a variation on the Debian root-lock. Instead of blocking GUI login for root, they made root a sudo-access-only account (which can be changed with a few config mods). The firewall in Ubuntu/Ebutu/Kbuntu is the same kernel based chains as in fedora/suse/madriva. Really the only change Ubuntu has made to the standard linux security model is that root priv is only accessable (by default) through sudo. I fail to see how this is an unsecure or less secure system then the other distros. If I am missing something, please point it out to me.

by dumphrey

for almost 2 years at home. In that time I had an emerge --world command braek my system several times when poorly edited scripts/packages made it into the official "stable" portage tree. Gentoo is speedy (ran kde3.4 on a 450Mhz p2 with 256 Mb of ram at very usable speeds), very customizable, but tends to need tons n tons of tweaking and fixing. Its like the Jaguar (pre-ford) of the Linux world.

by techexec2

.
It has just come to my attention that normal use of USB devices can trigger Vista WGA de-activation as reported by this TR peer (1).

This new information reaffirms my decision to never upgrade to Vista, and to eventually leave Windows entirely. This proves just how effin' stupid those people in Redmond are. But, I am not surprised by this development at all.

-------------------------------------------

(1) Vista...A mess
https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=218687&messageID=2215641
.
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by w2ktechman

What a complete disaster....
I have not tried it, but I would think that someone else would have found it by now as well. Hmmm. I guess it is a wait and see! But if this poster is correct, then it is a very SAD, SAD, SAD Vista feature.

by techexec2

.
There must be something unusual about what he did to trigger Vista WGA de-activation. He said he "...rearranged them, unplugging some and adding others...". That kind of sequence might be unusual enough that few people have encountered it so far.

Unusual or not, it is completely unacceptable, and worse than a software change triggering de-activation.

by w2ktechman

It is much worse than a SW deactivation. How many people use different USB devices on a daily basis. If it is tru, this is Sad, Sad, Sad thing that Vista has done.
I know for me, I use USB devices often, from my phone charging to a couple of printers, a dozen or so SD cards and a couple of flash sticks, wireless devices (kyboard, mouse), Ipaq, just to name a bunch. Luckily I do not worry about Vista, since I am refusing it. But someone like me, that uses lots of USB devices, hey, they could be in for a whole new ball game with MS

by makaluch

Intellectual propert rights is being imposed and pushed through higher courtrooms across the world. This is all part of the downward spiral...sad but true.

That being said, I could care less. I want my users to be productive. I'd like to be able to progressively modify my network and server systems as we face the challenges of the future. I can't see this happening under these conditions and restrictions.

Is 46 Million a day not enough? Is the statement you're making worth choking your long-time loyal customers? I think not...and I'm done. I will not be moving our company into SharePoint, Live services, Exchange is a hasstle so it's going away, Vista just isn't working on 2 of my 55 workstations, and on and on and on...

I've been on the bleeding edge with MS since 3.1 and a new OS release has never been this bad...not even Millenium Edition. I even actively participate in quite a few Beta programs. I did find Home Server to be a refreshing idea with a descent foundation, but I'm most affected by the workstation OS in a business environment, and here Vista is failing miserably.

I'm sad. I really am. I truly believe that this started with noble intentions, but I'm afraid MS has lost their way. I will also be preparing my environment for a transition that will work, be reliable, flexible, and not cost my company 10% of their margins.

"I just need some time on my own to think." I think we're breaking up. It's just not working out anymore.

by w2ktechman

Don't get me wrong, I am all for more Linux users. I transformed (slowly at first) to were most of my work can be done in Linux, and I rarely boot my Win system at home anymore.
But to get back to the point, as a business owner/operator, it would make sense to evaluate closely before moving. Here are a few suggestion.
Stay on XP for some time. Have your IT department look into moving and supporting an alternate office app (such as Star Office). After they have had a chance to learn it better, start moving other groups onto it. Doing this a bit slowly, but not too slow can create a base of knowledge and usage and find out how to do things better. Spread it out and soon everyone will be familiar with it. This can help dramatically with the transition if one is to come.
Also, start moving people to Firefox or another browser.
Keep your XP systems until the transition.

by deanbar

rickk@.. you and your other MS Apostles are not getting
the message.. the reason people are posting on this site is
because we've had enough of MS, so stop trying to push it
down our throats. Go and post on other MS forums, we
don't want you opinions here, we don't need them.

Whatever growing pains need to be endured to escape
from MS, will be endured by more and more people fed up
with MS.

OS X is more than a good alternative, and Linux will soon
be there also.

Don't forget there were growing pains with all previous
OS's when they were introduced, but at least Linux has
come a long way now and with further help from the
community, will before long be much easier to use all
round, not what MS zealots want to hear, but leave us to
get on with our progress while you carry on using Vista,
we won't hold that against you.

by n4kim

I started switching to Linux several months ago simply because of MS call home crap! When re-installing on a new computer you had to "convince MS that you were not pirating their damn software!
Sooooo, Linux here I came.
The newest Linux is just as good as anything MS has to offer and MORE, it's free and upgraded just about as well and as much!
It has become VERY user friendy and drivers are completely as available as XP and better than Vista!
So MS as far as I am concerned your greediness and anti piracy crap have completely turned me off, lowered the cost of my company's system and GOT YOU OFF MY BACK!!
Bye - Bye you greedy bastards!
Jim

by w2ktechman

All Right!, Join the club.
It seems semi-common these days to move away from MS OS's.

Do you have any details about your switch?

by druidhillarmory

I agree with your approach. I've a PC loaded with Mandrake 10, but don't use it for much yet, simply because I don't know much about Linux. Need to get Samba running to share files across the network, etc. Then I can get some users moved to new desktops. The biggest roadblocks for some of us newbies to "sans-MS" is knowing how to make the jump. Not too much useful info on the web about "how-to". Thanks for taking the leap of providing such expertise. More of us might be successful with just a bit more knowledge.

by techexec2

.
Mandrake 10 is about 3 years old. Things have come a long way since 2004. Lots of things work a lot better. I recommend you install Kubuntu 7.04, released about a month ago (1)(2).

The key is to get your first Linux system up and running well for you. Kubuntu is the best one I've ever seen. And, Kubuntu (and Ubuntu) have some very good community help forums that will help you get going. After the first one, you can switch to another distro and experiment.

Tip: Google is your friend (tip of the hat to Tigger). I have solved every Linux problem I have ever had via Google.

Samba: You can configure Samba shares via the GUI.

Good luck!

--------------------------------------------

(1) Hot tip for Windows users: Try Kubuntu 7.04
https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=212977&messageID=2228489

(2) Kubuntu
http://www.kubuntu.com

by old timer 8080

My last version of MS software is NT 5 ( W2000AS and W2000pro ). My hardware matches, Proliant 3000, ML530 servers. Armada 1750 laptops ( slightly modified to pIII, 500MHz systems ) and Dell Latitude Cp systems.
My upgrade path: (K)Ubuntu 7.04. 2 MS servers,2 Ubuntu servers. Dual boots of W2000/Ubuntu 7.04 on several laptops, Kubuntu 7.04 on the others. All Interoperable. All run wireless. All have forms of Multimedia running.
These systems are considered obsolete by MS. Kubuntu has given them new life. Yes, I can play streaming video on the laptops. Yes, I have mp3s distributed to them by the HOME server too. My present project: Implementing the VPN for world wide access.
LINUX works for me. It might work for you.

by craiglarry9

Been using kubuntu upgrade for several months now. I think it's great! However, I'm having a serious problem with amd athlon 64 bit machine. Had dual boot kubuntu and winxp pro, the everthing went bad. Couldn't do any os for long without major stops and blue screens. Even had to get lenovo Beijing involved and it still took 8 weeks to sort it out. Then finally after three reinstalls and all new boards, new drivers, etc, cpu and RAM it was running winxp without a hiccup for three days and decided to put feisty kubuntu back on...and here we go again! For some reason this computer will not accept a) two systems and/or ubuntu. I'm really ticked because I have same OS config on Intel p4 dual core and it works like a dream, just really beautiful.

by techexec2

.
I think it is clear that you're having hardware problems, not software ones. That is, there is something wrong with the hardware in that AMD-based system and if you test it some more, you'll find out the OS(es) has(have) nothing to do with it.

Good luck!

by craiglarry9

What I did say was that the computer was not accepting for whatever reason. We've been to Hell and back on this issue and cannot find a reason. What I was saying if you read carefully still recommending the OS though one of my computers will not accept it. There may be others who have the same kind of issue. You're right, it is not the OS, it's the computer hardware. But I just spent 8 weeks trying to resolve it and I think t'is time to accept the reality and just run either winxp or Kubuntu. Try not to be so touchy.

by craiglarry9

You can get this free live CD from Canonical ubuntu. I've had an install problem with AMD Athlon 64 bit processor. But on Intel it's a dream come true. I'm not bashing AMD. I have two and they have been great, but not with a second/or linux system. If I knew why and found how to resolve the issue I would be using it on the AMD also. It's really pretty cool for this 68 year old retired English teacher. If I can handle anybody can.

by techexec2

.
You are misreading me. I'm not "touchy" about this at all. I was just trying to help you.

by wkpickett0154

Hello,
In your leaving Windows Project, you
mentioned a problem with the 64 bit- have
you looked at Ubuntu Linux from Canonical?
I use a AMD Athlon 64 3200 single core, and
have the Ubuntu X86_64 version... runs
well, just be careful to not add too many
items- somehow I corrupted the ability to
print-and at somepoint will have to install
a 32 bit browser version and add jre 32 and
other 32 bit add ins for this- Our 64 bit
market is still slow for world community
software developers to get on board, but
eventually they will have to when there are
no more 32 bitters...William.

by high_lander_1

I agree with you and wish you the best of luck. I will be watching and hope to see the progress made. I wish I had more technical knowledge to help. I do have experience in testing and evaluate programs if needed. I have enjoyed Windows OS for sometime. I do believe we should have a choice equal to the Windows OS that all programs can run so we do not need to keep changing the programs we like using or install new hardware with out the OS telling us we have to in order to upgrade or worry if we need to spend more time with a faulty activation process. Plug and play was supposed to be just that, Not Plug and Prey. Its enough making sure the right drivers are used.

People keep blaming Bill Gates for all the flaws but I believe he never meant for the events with his company to go the way it has gone. He was a kid programmer that wrote code to create an OS that was much more user friendly and easier for people to use. You couldn?t blame someone for wanting success and money, as we all do. I do believe he retired from his company due to age or just maybe he did not like where his company is going. A company that size would be difficult to keep full control over. For all that is truly known Big Brother might have made MS place watchful code, as it is a widely used OS. It also sounds like an old marketing strategy: DON?T READ THIS, DON?T LOOK HERE or NO PEEKING (with a hole in a wall). YOU CAN?T CRACK THIS.

If or when Linux becomes more widely used it?s almost a guaranty hackers and crackers will start punching holes in that. People exploited holes IE, MS kept plugging them. People switched to Firefox, hackers exploited holes in that.

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