LOL. Windows leads by a country mile. But this poll really is not fair - the subject of Wilders is mainly Windows-based software, so it is frequented by Windows users - in majority. I'd like to see a similar poll in a Linux/Mac based forum. I had to vote for Windows, I'm a Windows user.
Good point, I really wonder, how would this poll result in a Linux forum and in a public forum as well, since the main reason to move to Linux is, because it is free.
XPproS2 game on...... Hence the ? IF. One can dream about stuff being free. The ? becomes pointless if no one answers.
XP hands down as it allows for easy multibooting using its own bootloader . With multiple XPs (only four on this hard drive) I run numerous applications, browsers, antivirus, firewalls ect. without loosing any speed ( fussy same type applications in a separate XP as to insulate from crossfire and meltdowns). Great for variety.
I have had bad luck with Linux. I am a simple guy and i mainly use the internet. That was the one thing that I couldnt get going with Ubuntu. I spent a couple of months but it was too frustrating to me. That is something that I need to work out of the box. I dont want to have to start editing things with something that should be a given right off the bat. I have to say that i was impressed with the Beryl Videos and i was one of those guys that saw that video and then started looking at Linux. I wouldnt mind taking a bit of time to learn linux but i would want to do that at my own pace. The internet is a must. So my XP still stands as a champion. Mac simply doesnt have enough programs. Everything is geared towards windows... ya know
You might try PCLinuxOS 2007 next time, it's the one distro where pretty much everything works right out of the box. Highly recommended...
Paid of not - it doesn't matter , the results confirms it I would use Windows Vista Ultimate (32bit) . I really love it although I am on XP because of hardware limitations
Eventhough it´s not perfect, my favorite OS is still Windows XP Pro, it´s a nice and stable OS. I´ve not checked out Linux yet but Windows works just find, so I don´t see the need to. Also, Mac OS sucks bigtime IMO. Of course the fact that I´ve been working with Windows for over 10 years now, plays a big role why I don´t see my self switching to another OS. I hope Vista will become even better than XP in a couple of years.
it makes no difference how many people reply because it doesn't change anything, windows and macs aren't free. closing your eyes and concentrating really hard and pretending windows is free in this case is pointless because it's not going to happen unless you keep your eyes closed and carry on dreaming, but that's pretty pointless too, i think so anyway. some OSes really are free, even while in a lucid state, i promise that's true! (hint: it's not windows) it's not even clear what kind of free is being talked about, generally when you talk about free software it means something to do with the source being open so i suppose it's that and not money??
Good point, iceni60. I was hesitant to answer the OP and post to this thread, because its intent is to pigenhole one operating system, and I ended up making the mistake of answering in terms of perceived overall capability instead of personal preference. When it all boils down, I don't have a "favorite" OS - there's simply too much changing at any given moment in technology, and I use each OS as a tool, nothing more. Trying to keep up with what's available is half the fun (or sometimes, half the frustration). I do prefer the concept of OSS, though - it's far more customizable, as the code is out there for all to see, use and modify. That it's free is just an inherent bonus. Learning OSes is similar to learning a new spoken and written language; it trains the mind to open up new avenues previously unknown, with tangible benefits IMO. It would also be interesting to see a comparison done with those who are multi-lingual that use multiple OSes to those who aren't and use one vendor or platform-specific operating system, and note any patterns.
Very good question OP I think i'd still use Linux. I just love it now and can get my fave distros to perform and work as well as XP on this machine.
I voted other because I want all of them, Windows, Ubuntu Linux, and several others, but Windows XP Pro SP3 would still be my main.
Almost the same, exception for the secret sauce you're using in XP. What do you put in it to perform like that?
I think the question should be "which would prefer if they were all equally supported i.e. every os had hardware drivers of the other and had just as a big software eco system as the other".
It's not what I put in Pedro, it's what I take out. I like to strip XP back to bare minimal services and running processes and only install what I need. Has always ran beautifully on this old workhorse. But i've come to love FOSS and all it stands for. Never will this desktop see Windows again, unless they go open source of course! But I think the OP is refering to free as in no charge.
