Computer operating system preference is akin to religion among many self appointed ‘platform evangelists’. People seem to get a savory thrill from having ‘converted’ someone from one OS to another, as if that act alone will open the door to computing salvation.
I find the whole notion of computer evangelism to be ridiculous. It’s a computer. It’s a tool. Use the OS that best fits your specific needs. I do not take part in OS wars. You like Linux. Fine. You like Macs. Fine. You like Windows. What the hell is wrong with you? ;)
In all seriousness, I believe each OS has its own appeal. Linux folks like to have complete control of the entire OS, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Mac folks like to use their computer to get work done, without having to have the computer get in their way. Windows folks like to tinker, too – and play the latest-n-greatest computer games. Hey, whatever floats your boat.
Just don’t try to ‘convert’ someone to your OS. Please.
-Krishna
I never try to get anyone to convert to my favorite OS, BeOS just isn’t as bleeding edge as it used to be. ;)
The 57 flavors of Linux are awesome, but I’ve always liked FreeBSD. FreeBSD being the starting point for Darwin and Mac OS X was a major reason I switched to the Mac back in 2001. I still remember talking to salesperson who, upon hearing I loved FreeBSD, took me to a mac and then TURNED OFF THE GUI! I thought I was living in an alternate universe.
I remember tinkering with Linux way back when the Internet was still off limits to most consumers. It was fun at the time, but I’m a girl–I like looking at an interface that is pretty ;) There was a time when Windows suited my needs better than what Apple had available. Now the Mac suits my needs better. I love my Mac, but if something better came along, I’d switch to it.
I do miss my Amiga 500 at times, though. :D
I hear ya! Truth be told I don’t think any of the operating systems fully fit any one professionals full needs. I feel you are a designer or web developer, you must be able to use the medium that will get you where you need to go. Thus often requiring jumping back and forth between multiple OS’s.
I keep trying to convert myself over.
I could successfully convert some people to Linux, it was the power of Ubuntu :)