What OS Do You Run and Why?

o53djz7qTPY4der on 19/01/2018 - 12:49

I am seriously considering adopting an wholly Open Source system - i.e. install Linux (Ubuntu or Manjaro) on my Macbook and going FOSS.

Currently, the only closed software I use is: Carbon Copy Cloner (could be replaced by rsync), 1password (can be replaced by keepass) and Plex.

Plex has been moved to my server (running Ubuntu) and now my Mac will be solely for study use, e.g. email, OpenOffice, ssh etc.

So, I'd like to know, what OS do you use and why?

If you use Linux, which distro and why? Do you find you always have problems and are constantly tinkering or not?

Poll Options

  • 21
    MacOs
  • 102
    Windows
  • 16
    Linux
Computing

Comments

  • Nugs on 19/01/2018 - 12:53
    +11

    windows 10 - because it's familiar (i.e. I'm lazy)

    • geek001 on 19/01/2018 - 12:59

      ^ This. Too lazy to learn another OS, and also all programs+licenses I have runs on Windows, haven't gotten round to check whether there are versions for other OSes or their alternative on those OSes. :) If I have any weird problems with Windows, a "turn it off and turn it on again" usually fixes it. Lol.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 15:19

      Windows 10 is kinda light weight, fast, neat and just follows all the standards. It's my favourite for personal use. But I really like Ubuntu for dev systems.

  • smuggler on 19/01/2018 - 12:56
    +4

    windows is life

    Play games, edit my videos, do my work, run my 1080Ti with ultra settings in games. Can't complain.

  • scrimshaw on 19/01/2018 - 12:57
    +2

    Windows for me.

    I run Linux on a laptop and Rasp Pi, completely noob at it however and I still haven't figured out a way to auto start a java app whenever the device boots.

    • retiredfeline on 19/01/2018 - 13:28
      +2

      Crontab with @reboot time spec or autostart desktop launcher if running a GUI.

      • scrimshaw on 19/01/2018 - 13:31

        thanks will look into that

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 12:57
    +4

    Bargain os

  • blighst on 19/01/2018 - 13:15

    I mean a true Ozbargainer would use some flavour of Linux.

    I dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10. Have no real preference to linux distro as I mainly use Windows for day to day. I guess I'm so used to windows (and worked around all its shortcomings) that I can't justify a full move at this stage.

    • illumination on 19/01/2018 - 13:30

      What sort of shortcomings are you referring to with Windows?

      • blighst on 19/01/2018 - 13:32

        Programming related tasks (although the linux subsystem has helped a lot)

  • Savas on 19/01/2018 - 13:24
    +6

    Windows CE 3.0

    • srhardy on 20/01/2018 - 13:54
      +4

      open DOS… bring back the command prompt!

  • illumination on 19/01/2018 - 13:29

    I use Windows 10 because like above, I'm familiar with it.

    I'm not against using another OS though. I'm probably savvy enough to be able to figure out how to get one running. Maybe I could do it via VirtualBox (which I tried playing with recently for the first time)

    I also use KeePass. Really really good password manager - but not going to say it's the best because I haven't used any other one (extensively). Used LastPass very briefly but I definitely prefer KeePass.

  • montorola on 19/01/2018 - 13:52
    +5

    What's all the fuss about?

    Windows 95 does the job for me.

    • ozdesi on 19/01/2018 - 23:43
      +1

      Try 3.11 I'm sure you will like it more than 95

      • Nugs on 20/01/2018 - 08:47
        +1

        had that on a 386

        • srhardy on 20/01/2018 - 13:55

          open DOS, bring back the command prompt

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 13:52

    windows mostly, i did have linux installed on an old netbook but that was rarely used. distro I used was Mint

  • hashtagbargain on 19/01/2018 - 14:02
    +2

    work is windows, home is macOS, HTPC is linux.

    Which one do I select?!

  • Chubbsmcfatflabs on 19/01/2018 - 15:19
    +3

    Windows..
    MAC Os / Apple is a marketing trap.

    • thrillhouse on 20/01/2018 - 07:32

      How is macOS a marketing trap?

      • pennypincher98 on 21/01/2018 - 08:20
        +4

        Apple in general is a marketing trap.
        It's like getting an app, then having to pay for all the in-app purchases.

        Buy an iPhone 8 which is a considerable sum.
        You can either use our terrible in box ones, or pay $200 for airpods. Lost one of your airpods because they are so small and easy to lose? That's another $200.
        Your charging cable broke? Get another one of our $40 ones and it will last a bit longer.
        You need more storage? Well, you'll either have to upgrade or pay a per month fee for iCloud.
        You dropped your phone? Uhh $250 please.

        iPhone 6S - randomly cracking screen. $200 odd to fix it.
        iPhone 6S is 2 years old now, so it might be time for a "service". By that, we mean we are capping your performance with "software updates" so your iPhone is slow AF and now you'll have to buy a new one!

        I'm not exactly an Apple hater, I love my iPad and it's been going strong now for 5 1/2 years. But you do have to admire how easily Apple can get money out of people.

        • SimpleRoger on 01/02/2018 - 12:27

          Samsung is the same bruv, any phone manufacture is the same.

        • pennypincher98 on 01/02/2018 - 18:09

          @SimpleRoger

          Any phone manufacturer is the same

          You obviously have either only had an iPhone and don't know all the additional costs that get added or only android and don't know how good you have it.
          Apple is so much more limited. Maybe all android phone manufacturers are similar, but not the same.

          Android vs Apple
          — SD Slot: Apple has no easy way to add additional or external storage. Android has micro usb and SD card. Yes not all androids have SD cards but most do.
          — Micro USB charging: much more universal than lightning cable. Phone is running low on battery? Grab a power bank! Oh sh*t it's only got a micro usb cable.
          — Dual SIM capability: On android, get a cheap data sim and a cheap one for calls. Works out a hell of a lot cheaper.
          — Price: While we are on the topic, iPhone 6 (6s, 7, 8/x) and Galaxy S7 (S8) - are similarly priced, at least with plans. Off the bat, androids have more value.

          BTW I hate Samsung. Just my 2c, there are much other better android companies.

        • SimpleRoger on 01/02/2018 - 20:18

          @pennypincher98: Dual Sim? Which australian models still have dual sim? And also most are moving to type c anyway so how does that work? SD Card, is a benefit, but cracked screens and all that, is actually a benefit to apple, i mean it's ridiculously easy to replace. IFixit I believe says its one of the easiest phones to replace the screen of so yeah.

        • pennypincher98 on 01/02/2018 - 21:15

          @SimpleRoger: "One of the easiest screens to replace" is irrelevant. Its expensive when it cracks, it cracks often and sometimes randomly. Either way, some other companies already have screen smash protection for free. Not $200.

          Most are moving towards USB C. Right, just like most are getting rid of the headphone jack. Maybe rethink most.

          Ifixit is an apple fanboy website. Of course they'll say good things about it lol.

  • scotty on 19/01/2018 - 15:54
    +2

    Windows 10 on the laptop, and variations of Linux for the rest (Debian on server/NAS, also Android & ChromeOS). Even on this Windows laptop, I do most my work inside a Debian VM running on VirtualBox. Getting Linux up and running has certainly been a lot easier with current distro. Back in the days you would have to install Slackware from diskettes and hand-edit XFree86 configuration files to fine-tune the refresh rate…

    • bluesky on 19/01/2018 - 18:46

      …and hand-edit XFree86 configuration files to fine-tune the refresh rate…

      Very painful, even blew one of the colours on a cheap TV configured as monitor. Thank goodness for auto-configuration now.

  • Beanvee on 19/01/2018 - 17:20
    +1

    Windows 10 with almost every option ticked in ShutUp10 and Classic Shell

  • DirtyMunchy on 19/01/2018 - 17:35
    +1

    Where’s the MS-DOS option?

    • ozdesi on 19/01/2018 - 23:45

      Billy ate it before retiring

  • DarthAntz on 19/01/2018 - 17:39

    looking to install some alternative software on an old macbook, dual boot would be ideal.

    let us know how you go, what you are deciding and any links you find to a reliable source for the install.

    Trying to use macOS to do what ive found has been nothing but frustrating.

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 19/01/2018 - 18:34

      I'm switching to Ubuntu. I installed it the other day and it ran great. I returned to OSX as I had an online exam and wanted to get that out the way first. So tonight I am going to commit to a one week trial of Ubuntu. No dual boot (n.b I do have a bootable OSX external drive for emergencies).

      For an old Macbook I'd suggest looking at Lubuntu or Xubuntu. The only reason I am not going with Xu or Lu is due to driver and fan support. I have found Xu to be buggy on the MBP whereas Ubuntu has performed well. For example, external monitors are always recognised and loaded with Ubuntu yet Xu doesn't. Who knows why?!

      Anyway, much of my time is spent ssh'ing into my Ubuntu home server, so I expect much of a muchness, except I'll have a GUI and not have to install Homebrew.

      • DarthAntz on 19/01/2018 - 19:17
        +1

        great response, i didnt consider having macOS, in its current form, left as a bootable external hdd. that would help plenty and a switch to older ubuntu for a 2009 macbook would make it a more reliable and useable system.
        thanks XM

        • o53djz7qTPY4der on 19/01/2018 - 20:16

          A 2009 macbook will be able to handle ubuntu 16.04. I have a 2012 - with an i5, but once I get it up and running I will be installing on the missus 2009 MBP.

        • ESEMCE on 30/01/2018 - 10:59
          +1

          Ubuntu installer will happily configure your internal hard drive to Dual Boot Linux and MacOS, defaulting to Linux.
          This is actually how I managed my transition.

          A 2009 Macbook will handle Ubuntu 17.10 perfectly fine.
          If you're going to make the transition to Ubuntu these days, I'd recommend transitioning to 17.10 as that is the look and feel of future Ubuntu releases with the Gnome Desktop. 16.04 is built with the Unity Desktop (which I prefer, most do not) which is now on a maintenance development cycle only.
          Also consider Kubuntu (Ubuntu with the KDE Desktop as default) which looks a bit more Mac like in my opinion.
          Next year's April release 18.04 (Ubuntu has 6 monthly releases in April - .04 - and October - .10) is a Long Term Support release like 16.04 is.. So get used to Gnome Desktop in 17.10 and then Upgrade to 18.04 in April/May for stability.

  • sly on 19/01/2018 - 18:33
    +2

    Linux / Ubuntu desktop, but I have another desktop with Hackintosh and Windows 10 dual boot and a Macbook Air.

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 19/01/2018 - 18:35

      Now this is what I am talking about.

      I have a few optiplex's sitting around that I am going to try and hackintosh - whether it'll work or not … that is a different story.

      How do you get on with Ubuntu? What hardware are you using?

      • sly on 19/01/2018 - 18:56
        +2

        Ooh well, I started with my only desktop on Ubuntu and too lazy to migrate what I have (since 2012).

        Ubuntu Desktop

        The spec for my Ubuntu desktop is pretty low, I use it mostly for surfing and ssh into other machines. Also running Plex Server on it.

        Intel G850 @ 2.90GHz
        12GB RAM
        10TB HDD (6TB + 4TB + 200GB system)

        Hackintosh / Windows 10 Dual Boot Desktop

        When I have a bit more money a couple of years back, I wanted to try Hackintosh and built one to play around. Hackintosh is picky with motherboard, I got myself GA-H97N-WIFI (the wifi doesn't work, I use a cable). It is now running Sierra and I am happy working with Docker (now with Kubernetes), VirtualBox, Vagrant on it.

        Just this year, I RE-discover the power of Windows in Windows 10, so I installed Windows 10 to play with Hyper-V (yes no more VirtualBox), PowerShell, Docker for Windows.

        GA-H97N-WIFI
        i5-4690K @ 3.9GHz
        16GB RAM
        500GB

        Occasionally, I Hyper-V / VirtualBox up CentOS to just perform some testing, but most of the time, I fire them up in AWS.

        If you want to try Hackintosh, I would say "do it!", it's a great frustratingly fun experience.

  • bluesky on 19/01/2018 - 18:35
    +3

    For private browsing/email, I still prefer my ancient Win XP desktop, instead of the Win 10 laptop, or the other Win 10 desktop, which was Win 7 back when I was supposed to migrate over, but still haven’t done so. I am a “If it ain't broke, don't fix it’’ person - maybe carried a bit to the extreme :-)

    For work, it is FreeBSD. Many of you probably haven’t heard of it. In case you are wondering, it is open source based on the BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) Unix. It is still a thriving community although less well-known. Some info for the curious :

    Difference Between Linux And BSD | Open Source Operating Systems
    Comparing BSD and Linux
    10 differences between Linux and BSD

    Reasons often given why BSD is not better known - BSD developers are often more interested in polishing their code than marketing it, and they did not put that high a priority in making it friendly to use.

    Back in the day, FreeBSD seemed a better choice than Linux, especially for commercial purpose - because at that time, the former was leaner, generally faster, had a better track record for stability and reliability. Before any flaming :-), things have moved on a lot for both BSD and Linux, so not saying it is still the case now at all. But given the ''If it ain't broke, don't fix it’’ philosophy, and considering it is still working very well, hence see no reason to change.

    For OP however, if you decide to go with a Unix-like open source system, would still recommend Linux, since it is widely-used, new hardware get supported faster etc.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2018 - 07:28

    Windows, its easy to use and familiar. Almost all the software I (want to) use runs on it (except Sketch .. sob)

  • barcer on 20/01/2018 - 08:17

    Desktop: Windows 10, because that's what most of the applications/games I use run on (well, I probably could still be on 7, but I actually find 10 faster shrug).

    NAS: Debian 9.3

  • BleedingFingers on 20/01/2018 - 09:30
    +1

    Mac: Hey Windows, whatcha doing?
    Windows: Playing games…
    Mac: Which one?
    Windows: ALL of them…!

    I use windows 7, purely because I upgraded to Windows 10 and the one game I was playing at the time (Fallout 4), crashed on Win10… So reverted to Windows 7.

    I also use Linux (on my Synology NAS, which I use for automating everything I can) as well as Linux on raspberry pi's.

    We have a MacBook Pro, but I hate Mac OS… Due to learning computers with DOS, and then progressing through all the Windows Versions… OSX just feels "wrong".

    However I do like the fact that it's Linux under the covers…. But all the keyboard shortcuts just throw me off (Looking at you copy & paste)

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 20/01/2018 - 09:52

      Check out Karabiner - this will solve your shortcut problems on OSX.

    • retiredfeline on 20/01/2018 - 09:55

      it's Linux under the covers

      If you mean OS/X, it's actually (somewhat) BSD under the covers.

      • BleedingFingers on 22/01/2018 - 07:49

        Yeah, that…

        Linux' red headed step-child (and not case sensitive)
        :-)

        • ESEMCE on 30/01/2018 - 09:49

          Linux is newer then BSD… if anything, Linux is the red-headed step child to the bastard child BSD of the grand-daddy Unix.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix#/media/File:Unix_history-…

        • scotty on 30/01/2018 - 11:19
          +2

          @scubacoles: Never imagined that I'll see the start of a SysV vs BSD flamewar on OzBargain…

        • ESEMCE on 30/01/2018 - 11:24

          @scotty:
          Is that a deliberate redhead joke scotty?

          Go in with your eyes open and use whatever works best for you is my opinion. Arguing about OS's is the equivalent of arguing about Underwear… Nobody but you sees it anyway, so use what you like!

  • ElderyMan on 20/01/2018 - 10:42

    Why can't select two options? Have MacOS and Linux :P

  • kerryww on 20/01/2018 - 12:24

    I've been running Mint for the last 3 years. Before that Ubuntu. Mint 18 (Sarah) is the best operating system I've ever used - so reliable and smooth running. I'm not a gamer.

    I've not given Microsoft one cent since I bought a PC with XP on it back around 2002.

    What I hate about MS is the malware and virus problem. It's nice to be reasonably confident that when I'm typing in a credit card number or a password to my bank account there isn't a key logger in the background sending all the details to a server in China or wherever.

  • ozbjunkie on 20/01/2018 - 16:16
    +4

    Win 7 because win 10 is ugly and annoying AF.

    Too stupid for Linux.

    Too smart for macOS.

    • pegaxs on 01/02/2018 - 16:42

      Too smart for macOS

      Hahahah! Here, have an upvote! Installed on all the best $2400 facebook machines money can buy! :D

      Soon as I read this, I thought of this meme.

  • No Username on 20/01/2018 - 16:47

    My system is configured for triple boot. I use Windows as my main for Graphic design and study, MacOS (Hackintosh) for developing apps,X code/Sketch and a custom modified Ubuntu distro for also app development and server experiments.

  • niknah on 20/01/2018 - 21:36
    +1

    Ubuntu, but not with the default gnome. Using openbox + tint2, much faster and simplier.
    Run Windows in VirtualBox occasionally, but most of the time I don't need it.

    There's a windows gaming desktop but I haven't had time to play with that for a while.

  • Cartman2530 on 21/01/2018 - 15:48

    Windows 10 at home, only for games that run on Steam and VR. Also running a VM with MacOS High Sierra.

    I use linux a little bit at work and don't mind punching around the command line, reminds me of the DOS days!

  • alvian on 21/01/2018 - 18:44

    CP/M with ZCPR because that's the OS my computer uses.

  • MisplacedGaijin on 22/01/2018 - 07:35
    +3

    Lububtu 17.04, with Firefox as the browser, on a 14yo IBM desktop
    (try using the current Mico$oft offerings on that !).

    Why ? I think the stats above say it all.
    Windows (74) MacOS (16) Linux (6) mean that all the virus etc writers out there
    will target the "low hanging" fruit (ie. you) before they target me.
    Indeed the biggest threat is probably the browser helpers like Flash and Acrobat
    but if you use NoScript and Add-Block that will help immensely.

    I found the transition from Winbloze very seamless,
    the OpenOffice versions of Word and Excel being functionally equivalent.

    One can download a bootable CD with all this ready-to-run from distrowatch.com,
    so you can have a play without destroying your current setup.
    Theres too many to mention but Ubuntu is probably the closest look-and-feel …

  • donnot on 22/01/2018 - 07:40

    Windows 10 for my home PC and macOS High Sierra/W10 for my rMBP. Use macOS 95% of the time on it but would consider switching to W10 if the trackpad drivers & battery life were improved…

  • ESEMCE on 30/01/2018 - 09:41
    +4

    Ubuntu Linux, cause
    1) it allows me to use older, cheaper hardware for longer without a performance hit
    2) it does everything I (and pretty much everyone) need a personal computer to do - go online, edit images and do minor Office stuff
    3) it's secure
    4) it's reliable
    5) it's easily maintained
    6) it and all the software I use is free

    On the few times I've needed to delve into the command line, I just copy/paste commands. Otherwise it's the same experience as any other major OS.
    I tried a few Linux Distros (Puppy, Mint Cinnamon, Arch, Manjaro, Lubuntu, Kubuntu and Ubuntu 17.10 Gnome) but settled on the standard release (running Unity Desktop) as the best compromise between Looks, Performance, Usability and ease of use/maintenance.

    For a newcomer, I'd suggest Ubuntu or a distro based off Ubuntu. The Ubuntu Software Update tool is brilliant, it runs automatically and updates both the OS and any installed software. It's also easy to find solutions to problems cause the community is so vast and tends to be slanted toward newcomers.

    • pegaxs on 01/02/2018 - 16:36
      +1

      Cannot upvote this enough. Ubuntu is so awesome! And the community behind it is massive.

  • pegaxs on 01/02/2018 - 16:35
    +4

    Linux Mint. Because Micro$oft can go eat a big pile of steaming dog turds.

    It's free. Updated regularly. Doesn’t crash or lock up. Is smooth and fast. Does everything I need a computer to do.

    For what most people do, Linux would do just fine. Email, Browsing, Facebook, Youtube, Netflix, word processing, spreadsheets… But people are creatures of habit and dont like change. Things they don’t know, scare them, that's why Windows persists…

    I swear that someone could get a version of Linux installed on a stone. I have seen it installed on some of the weirdest shit for no other reason than "because we can…"

  • Trio21 on 07/02/2018 - 09:02

    MacOS High Sierra (Hackintosh) for audio/video work and general use
    Windows 10 for games

  • matthewhartmans on 23/02/2018 - 16:54
    +1

    I run Linux as it’s very lightweight, highly customisable and doesn’t have all the crazy bloat like windows. Also, it’s free and the tools are incredible!

    I’ve got the OzBargain Dell Inspiron 3000 with a nice Linux guide here:
    https://github.com/matthewhartman/debian-setup/blob/master/R…

  • TimboAus1234 on 27/02/2018 - 10:17

    Linux Mint for me its great for the laptop and a good windows replacement takes a little tinkering but well worth it in the end. Bur i also use Windows 10 mostly for gaming or for programs without support for Linux done via dual boot

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