POLL: Which OS?

tjsharktank · 08-08-2006, 08:02 AM

The software forum is broken up between Microsoft and Non-Microsfot and I'd like to get responses from users in both categories... thats why I'm posting here.

DarquePervert · 08-08-2006, 08:04 AM

You don't need a poll...
The majority of users are running a M$ OS, simply because the lion's share of the apps that are useful in the car run on a Windows OS.

RedGTiVR6 · 08-08-2006, 08:13 AM

the vast majority of people on here are using Win XP.

I'm willing to bet on it...

tjsharktank · 08-08-2006, 11:11 AM

I know most people are using MS OS. I was curious if people were using Win 98 frequently, Win 2000 or Win XP. Op sys isn't something that people often specify in their install posts (or other posts for that matter). I'm a mac user now (for about the last 7 years steadily) but I have a copy of Win 98 laying around. I'm debating between buying a mac mini (and dealing with the lack of software, although more and more is sprouting up every day) and building my own pc. I manage MS server @ work and troubleshoot XP machines but other than that, I've been out of the MS loop. So if 98 has serious flaws when it comes to carputers, I'd like to know and I wasn't able to get enough info

ing to push me over the edge either way.

I appreciate the feedback.

Siezmik · 08-08-2006, 11:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by tjsharktank

I was curious if people were using Win 98 frequently, Win 2000 or Win XP. I'm debating between buying a mac mini (and dealing with the lack of software, although more and more is sprouting up every day) and building my own pc.

XP all the way. I think the overwhelming number of front-ends written for Windows-based operating systems is a dominating factor. While many users may choose XP (or any other M$ OS) simply because it's what they're familiar with, there are other users who will go with M$ because they want to use a specific front-end.

There's nothing wrong with Windows 98, except . . . well, that it's Windows 98. It should be buried and left for dead IMHO. At the very least go with 2K if not XP.

Since you mentioned that you're a Mac guy, why not get a Core-based system and dual boot OS X and XP? Yes, that makes using your existing 98 license a moot issue, but XP is a far better choice, if for no other reason than superior USB support.

tjsharktank · 08-08-2006, 12:00 PM

Well, as a Mac girl

I REALLY, REALLY want an intel based mac mini. Unfortunately, its just a matter of finances. They are still pretty pricey, even used. With an education discount (i.e. lifetime student of crap discount), it is $550ish new. I've searched and searched for a used intel based mini but haven't been able to find one cheaper. In fact, everyone is bundled **** with it that I don't need and upping the price. It's those damn mac vs pc commercials, I swear!

SoulCoughy · 08-08-2006, 12:29 PM

Apart from my car & my laptop, I run linux on everything. I only keep windows (XP) on the former two because of sotware compatibility. There just isn't enough specialized carputer software for operating systems other than windows. I'd love to see more apps written with cross-platform intentions, but for now I've resigned to cozying up to the Windows crowd. RoadRunner is just too tempting to give up.

v8 scimitar · 08-08-2006, 12:37 PM

IMHO win 98 just isn't stable enough for a car. People forget just how much 98 crashed until they go back and use it again. A lot of software wont work properly on 98 any more either. You could use 2000 but it isn't current any more where XP is but 2000 for the most part would work well XP would just be better.

holybob · 08-08-2006, 12:43 PM

I think (from memory) that USB support was sh1te in Win98. It was considerably better in Win98SE so if it's the original version you've got I'd use the CD as a coaster.

I also seem to remember that manufacturers needed to write different drivers to use their USB gear with Win98SE / Millenium and Win2K / XP because 98 and ME were 16 bit and 2K/XP are 32bit (I may be completely muddling up issues here - it's been a long time since I gave 98 the time of day).

If my last paragraph is true, yes you may have USB support on Win98SE, but it isn't worth anything if no manufacturers have drivers.

Bob

Siezmik · 08-08-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by tjsharktank

Well, as a Mac girl

Oops!

That's what I get for not looking at your avatar.

RedGTiVR6 · 08-08-2006, 03:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Siezmik

Oops!

That's what I get for not looking at your avatar.

or signiture...

Siezmik · 08-08-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by holybob

I think (from memory) that USB support was sh1te in Win98. It was considerably better in Win98SE so if it's the original version you've got I'd use the CD as a coaster.

I'm almost positive that there was NO support for USB in the original release of 98, and only rudimentary support for it in 98SE. So, instead of going from "sh1te" to "better", it really went from "non-existent" to "sh1te".

Siezmik · 08-08-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

or signiture...

Errr, that too.

tjsharktank · 08-08-2006, 04:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by holybob

if it's the original version you've got I'd use the CD as a coaster.

Quote: Originally Posted by holybob

I also seem to remember that manufacturers needed to write different drivers to use their USB gear with Win98SE / Millenium and Win2K / XP

I do remember that now, although I admit just barely. Just the thought of it is making me want to kiss my mac when I get home!

Quote: Originally Posted by v8 scimitar

People forget just how much 98 crashed until they go back and use it again.

Oh god... the memories are coming back. Someone make them stop!!! Just kidding, I can't believe I forgot all this crap - I guess I should consider myself lucky!

Thanks for the replies, it was really informative. I've definetly been pushed away from using my old Win 98 (I have no idea if its SE, I'd had to dust it off to see for sure). I'm still half and half on Windows or Mac but thats just because I love Mac. If I can afford the intel mac mini and all the other components I want in the car, I'll get that hands down. Otherwise I'll be building it myself and using a much newer version of MS than 98

tjsharktank · 08-08-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Siezmik

That's what I get for not looking at your avatar.

No problem! I'm used to it. People are always telling my co-workers to call their "computer guy" or have their "IT guy" look at this or that. In fact, once a guy emailed a co-worker asking for the "IT guy" to get back to him with some IP's and I had just had a meeting with that particular guy the week before! I shot back a scarastic email to my co-worker about how I needed to rethink my clothing choices in the morning because apparently I appeared too masculine (even for me). After I sent it I realized the guy who originally wrote the email was copied and I hit reply ALL instead of reply!!

I hide under my desk the next time he came to our office. I've never done that before and won't do it again (since now I check and double check every button I click!!) This is kind of off topic but oh well...