I just got asked a question

[Syvalnala]

:eek: Ok guys this question just came up! Answers plz!

Over 90% of computers use the Windows OS.
Why is that? why not uhhh i dunnoo..... Linux or Apple (Mac) arnet they much more better than Windows about safety and other crap?

I think it's just uhhh Cheaper to buy windows i guess? hehe

[ruta]

Linux is, generally, free. It's open source, which means anyone can use it, if you know how to. Linux isn't popular because it's incompatable, unstable on a desktop use level, and hard to use. As an example, I'm going to post the lineage WoW install how-to for Gentoo Linux.

http://forums.gentoo.org/viewtopic-t-246098-highlight-warcraft.html

If you really want reasons for why people use Windows, send me a tell in game. I could go on and on. Being a Mac and Linux user, I've heard them all, and dealt with all the frusterations of having an off-common OS.

[Lilliana]

Why does Microsoft hold such a massive share of the market?

The answer isn't a simple one. That's for darn sure. For the majority of gamers, it's because getting a Windows-based game to run in a different OS is difficult, whereas you can just slap in a CD, run the install, and away you go with Windows (generally speaking).

Personally, it all boils down to laziness on the part of the population of the world, if you ask me.

[Asstool]

Because Microsoft did a really good job of:

1. Stealing Apple's original OS
2. Monopolizing the industry around their OS

I have and use both a windows-based PC and multiple Macs. There are pros and cons with both machines but when it comes down to it, I love my Mac.

but I'm not big enough of a nerd to use linux. ruta = nerd

[Zeolla]

Because most of the people who use Windows are too damn stupid to run any other OS :p

[Rainyen]

Because most of the people who use Windows are too damn stupid to run any other OS :p

damn straight.

[Lilliana]

Sadly, that's 80% or more of the world's population. And people wonder why we fight nations over stupid things...

[Seriana]

Because most of the people who use Windows are too damn stupid to run any other OS :p

Exactly the elitist-est attitude that has become a cliche from linux users =/ Then you wonder why the OS they are trying to promote don't appeal to the general public *shrugs*
"You are so dumb to use product 1, Use OURS !" = not a winning marketting campaign :P

[Zeolla]

Exactly the elitist-est attitude that has become a cliche from linux users =/ Then you wonder why the OS they are trying to promote don't appeal to the general public *shrugs*
"You are so dumb to use product 1, Use OURS !" = not a winning marketting campaign :P

PS: I use windows and always will ;)

[ruta]

Exactly the elitist-est attitude that has become a cliche from linux users =/ Then you wonder why the OS they are trying to promote don't appeal to the general public *shrugs*
"You are so dumb to use product 1, Use OURS !" = not a winning marketting campaign :P

PPS: I'm the Linux user. Thanks for the positive feedback. ;) When did I try to bring you into the fold...?

[TigerHeart]

All I can say is this... One software company was doing extremely good at 'converting' windows users to it. It called itsself 'Lindows'. Long story short, Microsoft began a massive series of lawsuits involving suing the company producing it, as well as doing everything in their power to harass those whom wanted to distribute it.

In the end, 'Linspire' was born... not quite as catchy, but still shows how much of an influence Microsoft can be. The problem with today's world, is money talks, and ideas walk. You got a great new idea that will cure the sick, feed the hungry, and make world peace? Show me the money or that idea will never come to be. Microsoft is, and will at least for some time continue to be, the single most powerful entity when it comes to money. This means they also will continue to dominate the market, as they can AFFORD to take chances, make mistakes, and still come out ahead.

Really is kind of sad how it works, but its true. Which would you rather put your support on, if you were a growing software or hardware development company:

A startup business with a very small customer base, and $20 to its name, that just wants users to like their programs, even if they may be a bit buggy.

A multibillion dollar company with millions upon millions of users, both corporate and individual alike, who seeks to ONLY make a profit, at whatever the cost.

Most would pick the latter, as it's a lower risk, and higher gain. Even though the former has POTENTIAL to become a big boon, it also has an even greater chance of failure, as it requires change. People do NOT like change. How would you feel if every week you went into the grocery store, you found that it was layed out completely different... instead of the bread next to the eggs, now the bread is next to the cereal, etc. People would stop going there, as its not only confusing, but people do NOT like change.

In the end, Azgul got it half right. Let me summarize how with a little history lesson:

Bill Gates actually lied is way even into his first computer! He told his investors that he actually had a fully working operating system back when he was making the first 'PCs' in his home, with help from a few buddies... when in reality he hadn't even started on that part yet... flash forward a few years and you find this:

Simply said, Bill Gates stole Xerox's idea of a graphical user interface (GUI). He then stole the idea of the MOUSE from Xerox as well! The problem comes up though, with the fact that apple basically bought into Xerox stock, so they had partial ownership over these things, whereas Bill Gates did not.

While Apple was working on the 'LISA', inspired by the GUI from the 'ALTO' (which also inspired Bill Gates to write his version of a GUI called 'Windows 1.0'), Microsoft also started working on its own project based on the same principals Steve Jobs was using. Steve Jobs worked intimately with many engineers from Xerox (the creators of ALTO) to create their first GUI, while Bill Gates basically stood back and stole what they could to get ahead of the game.

In the end, Apple decided to sue Microsoft for stealing their 'intellectual property', to which Bill Gates basically said that both of them got it from Xerox, so there's no grounds. In the end that lawsuit was settled by Bill Gates agreeing that he would not use ANY MacIntosh technology in Windows 1.0, but use of that technology would NOT be restricted in future versions... This is one of Apples biggest mistakes, as it lost them many exclusive rights to the Graphical User Inteface... without which, windows may not have existed today (at least in its present form).

An interesting anecdote about this, here is the words of Bill Gates in relation to that event:

No, Steve, I think its more like we both have a rich neighbor named Xerox, and you broke in to steal the TV set, and you found out I'd been there first, and you said. "Hey that's no fair! I wanted to steal the TV set!"

So, in the end, they stole the GUI/mouse from Xerox's Alto, and were able to get away with it through shady business practices (involving lying/stealing of information), and really... lots of luck.

What it comes down to, is if you want to get ahead in business here, the general rule is you need to lie/cheat/steal your way to the top. Those that do things honestly will be left in the dust. This is a major problem, but as I said, money talks, and ideas walk.


-TigerHeart

PS If you can't tell, I have done a lot of research, and written more then my fair share of reports on this topic :P

[Meides]

Tigerheart is the wall of text Massah! =D

Although, 'everyone uses windows cus the world is corrupt and a bad place' seems about right. >D

[Seriana]

Eh i was just kidding, but you can't deny that linux isn't the easiest OS to start with from scratch...
I agree with Meiden, The world is corrupt and a bad place !

[TigerHeart]

Linux is the only OS that I know of that you don't need to even have a hard drive to run :P. Imagine that, install your world of warcraft onto a specially designed version of linux, burn it to a DVD, and boom... personal WoW machine anywhere you go... if you get really good you could make your mods/saved variables/etc even get saved to a flash drive too :o.

-TigerHeart

[Aludian]

or when you're really bored

http://sektori.com/files/28/dreamcast_linux.jpg

[Martini]

I use windows because my computer is primarily a gaming platform and as such i want easy to use compatibility. If my computer were more of a work station i would use Mac because in my opinion they have a much better design for doing actual work ;p

[ruta]

or when you're really bored

http://sektori.com/files/28/dreamcast_linux.jpg

MY BELOVED TWM! How I've missed thee!!

*ahem*

Linux looks like that with twm, the default X desktop environment. I've used it too, it's very unique. The fun thing about Linux is, it's got so many desktop environments you can use, or you can turn an application into a desktop environment. What's more, you can have a different environment for different logins. The possibilities are almost endless, if you've got the time and know-how. You can make it act and look exactly how you want.

Edit: In retrospect, I believe this may be a reason people don't like Linux. They're not always the same, so getting to know one Linux isn't going to guarantee you can use any other Linux.

[Terras]

People fear what they don't understand. I'm a Mac user due originally to my need for a power graphics and rendering machine. I've always been a Linux blackbox user for everything else. I decided, mainly because of the kernel and architecture, that Mac was a wise choice for me. <3 fruit.

[Sinnyil]

It works, why switch?

While I could run linux, there's no real reason to. Even working in the technical field (technically) surrounded by linux geeks (this is true) I still don't see the big reason. I haven't seen a blue screen since windows 98. I haven't had a driver incompatibility, nothing. There's absolutely nothing I want to do that I can't do in windows. And its not like I want to stick it to Microsoft, I have no moral objection to Windows. I just...frankly...don't see the point.

[Terras]

It works, why switch?

While I could run linux, there's no real reason to. Even working in the technical field (technically) surrounded by linux geeks (this is true) I still don't see the big reason. I haven't seen a blue screen since windows 98. I haven't had a driver incompatibility, nothing. There's absolutely nothing I want to do that I can't do in windows. And its not like I want to stick it to Microsoft, I have no moral objection to Windows. I just...frankly...don't see the point.

The next step is acceptance. :)

[Screwy]

Linux is the only OS that I know of that you don't need to even have a hard drive to run :P. Imagine that, install your world of warcraft onto a specially designed version of linux, burn it to a DVD, and boom... personal WoW machine anywhere you go... if you get really good you could make your mods/saved variables/etc even get saved to a flash drive too :o.

-TigerHeart

Not True:

There's Windows installs out there that will work without a HDD as well. I use one at my job on occaision for running hardware tests. Granted, it takes forever to boot but it still doesn't require a HDD.

Do a google search for Windows PE.

[TigerHeart]

I'm intimately familiar with Windows PE, but it is NOT by any means a full operating system. It lacks almost all the features as such, and is essentially a corporate version of the BartPE bootdisk (BartPE was written to legally allow home consumers access to that very expensive coporate-only technology). WinPE is just a GUI bootloader, so you can run simple executables. :). The linux distro's I'm speaking of are full blown fully functional operating systems. If you modify a file, you can save it to a removable media, but it is not required to even HAVE one to run the system.

-TigerHeart

[Vereesa]

I'm a mac user at heart, i just...don't have one right now because of a variety of circumstances. (can't wait for my new lappy). I do a lot of photoshop work though, and I've NEVER been on a pc that can even compare to how my photoshop runs on a mac. ever.

I do use a pc for gaming though..and, truth be told the only time I even though about using a mac for games since I got my PC was when they made itunes controlable from inside WoW last patch. le sigh.

[Deay]

People fear what they don't understand. I'm a Mac user due originally to my need for a power graphics and rendering machine. I've always been a Linux blackbox user for everything else. I decided, mainly because of the kernel and architecture, that Mac was a wise choice for me. <3 fruit.

Its kinda funny that you mention 'people fear what they don't understand'. Imagine an operating system where there is no more 'My Documents, My Computer, etc' or no 'File, Insert, View' menus (i.e. MSOffice)!

Windows Vista and Office 2007 coming next year will blow everyone's mind (in my opinion). Just take a look at some of these screenshots when I was beta testing Microsoft's BETA.

FYI, you can also test drive Microsoft Office 2007 LIVE (through flash Citrix Remote) NO downloads required.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.mspx

----

Switching topics, I believe Microsoft is in trouble overall. With the creeping Linux core and a propriety GUI for easing users to access. I believe Linux will eventually power the entire world pretty much and individuals would only pay for the GUI and physical box.

Some examples:
Linksys Routers
They are powered with a 200Mhz+ based processor, with Linux. The company Linksys (aka Cisco) can only charge consumers the physical box and the Web Interface by law.
Apple Macintosh
Exactly the same thing... Powered by FreeBSD (notice the word FREE). The core operating system is free under the GPL License (which means Open Source).
Cell Phones
Standard Phones are powered by either Java or if enough capacity Linux.
TiVO's and DirectTV units
Are all powered by Linux Cores. Hehehe Microsoft TiVO's, yes Microsoft!

And the list goes on!

[Deay]

or when you're really bored

Aludian,
Did you build that dreamcast with L33T EPIX?

[Moorayle]

Mac isn't huge b/c Apple were dumbasses and opted for closed frame computers. The ability to spend $200 and have your machine completely viable again verse having to spend $3000 every 2-3 years. Gee I wonder why windows is so huge.... Replacing one part or a whole machine b/c the OS software doesn't permit you to change drivers or driver types. Good work Apple!

[Asstool]

Mac isn't huge b/c Apple were dumbasses and opted for closed frame computers. The ability to spend $200 and have your machine completely viable again verse having to spend $3000 every 2-3 years. Gee I wonder why windows is so huge.... Replacing one part or a whole machine b/c the OS software doesn't permit you to change drivers or driver types. Good work Apple!

Windows ignorance at its finest.

[Terras]

Its kinda funny that you mention 'people fear what they don't understand'. Imagine an operating system where there is no more 'My Documents, My Computer, etc' or no 'File, Insert, View' menus (i.e. MSOffice)!

Windows Vista and Office 2007 coming next year will blow everyone's mind (in my opinion). Just take a look at some of these screenshots when I was beta testing Microsoft's BETA.

FYI, you can also test drive Microsoft Office 2007 LIVE (through flash Citrix Remote) NO downloads required.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.mspx

----

Switching topics, I believe Microsoft is in trouble overall. With the creeping Linux core and a propriety GUI for easing users to access. I believe Linux will eventually power the entire world pretty much and individuals would only pay for the GUI and physical box.

Some examples:
Linksys Routers
They are powered with a 200Mhz+ based processor, with Linux. The company Linksys (aka Cisco) can only charge consumers the physical box and the Web Interface by law.
Apple Macintosh
Exactly the same thing... Powered by FreeBSD (notice the word FREE). The core operating system is free under the GPL License (which means Open Source).
Cell Phones
Standard Phones are powered by either Java or if enough capacity Linux.
TiVO's and DirectTV units
Are all powered by Linux Cores. Hehehe Microsoft TiVO's, yes Microsoft!

And the list goes on!

The logic is undeniable. I applaud you, and tip my hat. High-five.

[Syvalnala]

or when you're really bored

http://sektori.com/files/28/dreamcast_linux.jpg

That looks complicated

[Moorayle]

Windows ignorance at its finest.

If it's ignorance than correct it don't just tell me I'm wrong explain to me why I'm wrong. It annoys the hell outta me when people just say your wrong and don't give an explanation.