Microsoft, Apple and Linux

[Kevin H]

If you want to discuss the vagaries of computers operating systems please do it here!

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by mendelo

"As an aside, the vast
majority of Bristol Owners seem to use Macs, which I think reveals an
individual streak where utility and quality are more important than
following the masses."

I find this statement alarming as I always assumed the ownership of a Bristol to reveal a truly individual character with some mechanical acumen whereas a Mac is a product of an entirely design and marketing driven firm with very little actual engineering, quality and creativity and whose products provide even less expression of individuality than PCs. Sort of like Bose.

No need to worry, because it's not true!

The Mac users are the Bristol owners who don't really know or understand what goes on under the hood (I'd say bonnet but "hood" is computer speak)

99.9% of them are blissfully unaware that Macs run their own flavour of Unix/Linux.

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by lansdownplace

Don't forget, all current macs can run Windows AND linux at as well as OSX, and all at the same time. PCs can't match that.(Embarrassing fact: macs run Windows faster than same price PCs in tests)

Embarrassing fact - The "tests" you refer to are guaranteed to be subjective drivel in some (Mac) computer magazine, probably sponsored by Apple.

Here are some other embarrassing facts;

Macs now use Intel processors, just like PCs.

There are millions of "PCs" running Linux. The vast majority of web servers are basically PCs running Linux (the one that we're using right now runs CentOS).

PCs can run OSX, albeit in an emulator (within Windows). The only reason that PCs can't run OSX natively is because Apple have designed OSX specifically so it is not architecture independent. Why? because Apple make hardware and they want to force you to pay through the nose for it.

As for the merits of Microsoft (which is a software company), a huge number of Macs run Microsoft applications, particularly their Office apps. But name one Apple application, other than iTunes, which is used in abundance on PCs?

By the way, if Macs are so damn good, why do they command less than 10% of the global desktop computer market?

[lansdownplace]

The sad fact is that ms office dominates everything. I know you can
run Linux on a broken biscuit tin and there are open source versions
of ms office however try getting staff to use it without extensive
training. The fact is Microsoft have first mover advantage on the
products the bulk of people use the bulk of the time.

In any case all o/s systems will be irellevant on five years time with
cloud computing.

What Apple do really well is user interface, hence the success of the
iPod/iPhone. I loved my old Newton but I hav big reservations about
the iPod though.

[Jervaulx]

Quote (Kevin Howard)
By the way, if Macs are so damn good, why do they command less than 10% of
the global desktop computer market?

It's the prices Kevin, you can get 2 or 3 average laptops for the price of
one Apple laptop. A lot of people say to me they want an Apple computer,
but just cannot afford one. They have to 'make do' with a Windows laptop.

Andrew

[Bellerophon]

Well I have one of each, having just taken delivery of a new 27 inch Apple,
so does that make me ambidextrous as well as a Bristol owner, after all it
is only a means to an end.
My regards,
Bellerophon

[geo]

Originally Posted by Jervaulx

Quote (Kevin Howard)
By the way, if Macs are so damn good, why do they command less than 10% of
the global desktop computer market?
Andrew

It is the same thinking as might apply to a Bristol? (But do not tell everyone or everyone will want one!)

Originally Posted by Jervaulx

It's the prices Kevin, you can get 2 or 3 average laptops for the price of
one Apple laptop.
Andrew

Ditto Toyota, Ford, GM . . .? I'm thinking about renewing my Apple laptop as after 9 years of portability, it really is getting a bit long in the tooth.

Originally Posted by Jervaulx

A lot of people say to me they want an Apple computer,
but just cannot afford one. They have to 'make do' with a Windows laptop.

Andrew

Ditto Bristol vis-a-vis Toyota, Ford, GM . . .?

George