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 licenses for the OS and apps. I love the huge library of software available 
 for Linux that can be installed instantly and freely from one central 
 archive - everything from quality software synthesisers and sequencers for 
 creating music, to office apps and integrated development tools for 
 programmers. The ability to update ALL your applications (not just the OS) 
 with the package managment tools also greatly simplifies keeping up to 
 date. I just wish more games publishers followed the example set by Linden 
 Labs(Second Life) and id software, and released titles for it. (thats why I 
 still keep windows around) Oh, and its nice to not have to worry about 
 viruses/malware etc. too. 
 Vivian Crompton, Gold Coast, Australia 
  
 I have been using Linux for several years now. Its secure, reliable and 
 offers more scope than Windows or MacOS. The software is open source so no 
 need to install pirated copies of anything - what percentage of windows or 
 mac users systems are free from that? I agree there is more of a learnig 
 curve with linux, depending on your needs, but for everyday use there is 
 not. My parents are in thier 60's and they use it everyday for email, web 
 browsing, word processing etc. 
 John Morrison, Scotland 
  
 Unlike some other operating systems, Linux is the user's servant rather 
 than the opressor. I am given the ability to do anything with my computer 
 that I wish, because I am an experienced user and know how to use its 
 power. Back when I didn't know much about computers, Linux prevented me 
 from breaking my system or introducing security holes, because I didn't 
 have enough knowledge to do those things. Windows and OS X tend to prevent 
 the user from being able to troubleshoot or experiment, even if they are 
 very knowlegable. 
 Christopher Lees, Perth, Australia 
  
 I recently switched from Windows XP to Ubuntu Linux. Throughout the period 
 I used Windows, I frequently crashed the operating system in my attempts to 
 make it more attractive, perform better, and be more secure. With Linux, I 
 have security built in, with the requirement for administrative approval 
 for any potentially damaging process, and I find that the default 
 background is much cleaner and more attractive than XP. Linux is free, 
 secure, and comes with far more out of the box than Windows. Within five 
 minutes of startup, I had all important files from my Windows machine and 
 the ability to run nearly all of them. With very little work with the WINE 
 compatibility layer, I can run all my games on Linux, and am yet to have 
 any problems of any kind with the operating system. I absolutely love my 
 OS, and I would recommend it to anyone willing to spend the two to five 
 hours necessary to become competent users. 
 Kyle, San Francisco, California 
  
 I currently user windows XP for convenience, I have had some usage with 
 apple but find that windows is better equip for most users of different 
 skill levels, Mac os is good at the moment while the usage doesnt match 
 that of windows, the fact is windows is tested to its fullest due to the 
 amount of people who use it and therfore 99% of viruses and spyware are 
 written for windows. Be aware that if more people do start using mac, you 
 may find more exploits being discovered and more problems being found. 
 remember that apple is far from a user friendly company and seek more to 
 control/limit what can be done on your machine (itunes and ipod formats for 
 example). I just hope that Vista does not follow that trend. 
 Colin, England 
  
 I've been using Windows ever since i started using a computer, and it seems 
 its one of the most compatible OS around, i mean with various games, 
 softwares, and other devices. Moreover,since its so widely used, i can take 
 my documents in a usb drive anywhere around the country and rest assured 
 that i can access them. any 
 Hitesh Dhiman, Chandigarh, India 
  
 I use Linux, because I fundamentally believe a computer should be usable 
 from the outset without any extra cost. Applications are written for this 
 system that replicate the function of any commercial piece of software you 
 can name, all given free of charge in the spirit that it will enable any 
 computer user to learn how to do pretty much anything. Occasionally, you 
 might call it rough around the edges, but that cannot outweigh the raw 
 amount of design power a Linux computer will shove right in your lap. 
 Laurie Chilvers, Plymouth, Uk 
  
 I am currently running Vista RC1 (Release Candidate) and XP professional on 
 my PC. Vista looks and feels quite nice, but, suffers from the usual 
 Microsoft hype. Quite a few programmes and hardware is not compatiable with 
 vista, but this will probably get ironed out.......eventually. Potential 
 buyers of this new uber OS should be aware the cost of Vista is not just 
 the price on the SKU sticker on the box, as you will probably have to 
 upgrade at least some hardware to use Vista to it full potential, The 
 minimum spec on system ram is 1Gb! That is just to run Vista any other 
 software will require additional resourses (more ram). I personally wouldnt 
 use less than 2Gb, and for alot of people that will mean upgrading their 
 motherboard. Another potential problem for consumers is the minimum 128mb, 
 direct X 9 graphics card for the Aero (transparent windows) effect to work. 
 With the graphics card industry moving to PCI express, AGP cards are 
 getting harder to get hold of, causing another reason to upgrade the 
 motherboard. Once you upgrade the motherboard you will probably find your 
 processor doesnt fit or the memory is incompatiable with the new 
 motherboard, so you will essentially end up buying a new PC to make vista 
 work. 
 Darren Sloan, Radcliffe, Manchester 
  
 I'm with Mac OS X. Like all (well most) mac OS's before, it is stable, 
 simple and well thought out. But it's not just the OS you have to consider. 
 Imagine buying a car only to find that you need to buy a separate heater, 
 stereo, seats and soft furnishings! In other words, it doesn't work as a 
 complete package out of the box. When you buy a MAC, you get a fully 
 functional system from the moment you turn it on. Moreover, the 'basic' 
 software supplied is actually some of the best available. I have office 
 installed but prefer the MAC equivalent as it just works better. Plus they 
 make your desk look more snazzy than a dell! 
 Phil, Corby 
  
 I have exactly the same experiences and issues as David Turner. I had been 
 a technical trainer delivering Windows training for some time and had done 
 beta testing of Windows too. But in 2005 I also switched to MacOS. Life is 
 now beautifully simple. I switch on the iMac from power off, and with in 
 seconds I start being very productive. No waiting for the hard disk to stop 
 thrashing away as my (powerful) Windows laptop (which sits under my coffee 
 table these days) does. I have followed the Vista story with interest, but 
 (sorry Windows users this isn't bashing, it's fact, I have seen it with my 
 own eyes) Vista does "appear" to be a photocopy in many respects of OSX 
 10.4 (Tiger) which is now over a year old. Unlike the big bang approach of 
 Windows ever few years, Apple will also shortly release a new OS, version 
 10.5 (Leopard). It is the next "evolution", so the learning curve remains 
 gentle, I remain productive and I don't worry about incompatibilities. 
 Finally, can I just say that I do not underestimate the security threat as 
 some OSX users do. I am basking in the sun as an OSX user at the moment, 
  
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 --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05 
  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)