Well Vote =]

Welcome to Astahost.

This is way too general. Better in terms of what? Security, stability, performance, etc.?

I would have to go with Windows XP since I'm a Windows user for as long as I remember. I admit that it isn't the most secure Operating System out there but if you are a better than average computer user, you should know how to protect your computer from infections. The reason I didn't choose Windows Vista is because it's still new and I'm sure there will be bugs to be worked out, just like when XP first came out.

I think each Operating System has their own strengths and weaknesses. Mac for most people are used more for graphical editing, although I still think the PC can compare with them. Linux is open source so basically there's always room for "creativity" and users can fix or recreate anything they don't like in it without having the Operating System programmers do it.

I would have to go with Linux, as Linux is free, quite stable (depending on the distro), has increasing amounts of available software, and can network easily with most other OS's. Linux can read Windows' hard-drive partitions, but not visa versa (I've had some trouble with that). Linux is very customizable, allowing the user to choose different desktop environments (not just themes like in Windows, but a completely different look and feel). The one set-back is that it is not widely accepted or funded. Windows already has a captive audience that is not often willing to try something new. I know many happy Linux users that have tried many different versions of Linux and that swear by their particular flavor.

With Ubuntu (what I use now), Linux is MUCH more accessible to the average user, allowing the advanced user to customize it while allowing the basic user to merely use it.

It all chalks up to preference: whether you like a guaranteed solution that everyone uses, or whether you'd like to branch out a little and try something that you may like even more. I've branched out, and I have enjoyed the results.

I have to choose Linux. Even though I have used Windows for years, i still like my Linux computer at home! As beatgammit said, i have to agree with him, its stable, very easily customizable. You can do whatever you want on it, change it, play with it - whatever you feel like. And, if you want to run Windows Apps on Linux, WINE is the best software. You wont find anything alike to run Linux Apps on Windows!

Because most (i think all) computers that are purchased from retailers are pre-installed with Windows, most people use it. And most common folk (which most of this community isn't) wont want to venture out into the unknown, all they know is windows and how to use it, they don't want to experiment! Linux is a great alternative.
-jimmy

I have to fall into the linux boat as well. While I use my computer in windows xp more then linux, and use the windows comps at school more often then linux, the time I spend on linux is always more enjoyable to me then windows. Frankly I spend time in windows more only because certain applications I use for my studies are very unreliable at best when run under a linux environment but for everyday use (web browsing, text editing, emails, music, video, etc) linux is just a smoother experience. Add in that its free and can look almost, if not as, cool as vista and you have a winner.

Personally I use Ubuntu currently for linux. Easy, quick, and flexible. Basically its got all the pros and very few cons. I haven't used Vista much but it doesn't seem to offer enough to warrant the change and price tag.

id have to go with vista or windows XP. though linux is mroe powerful and stable not many programs i use allow to run on linux so i find any windows operating system is ok with me.

same question, again .
Anyway, I tend to change mind sometimes so here's my opinion.
I like Vista over XP, as long as it's configured my way (no annoying messages, no security center, no aero, no useless resource eating crap in the background). It's new, so it's not perfect, but I like it because it's more flexible, for networks, battery, ...
I've used linux, so I know what it is and as a windows user I can't get used to it. It feels slower, it's not as easy as windows and to be frankly, it's not safer as windows (because I know how to protect it).

im going with XP,
vista has to many bugs and cost to much at the moment + the lack of graphics card support and programs that work well on it
Linux is good but i dont really like the feel of it and when you decied what one to go for, you probably have worked enough to go and buy windows
i hate apple so i dont like Mac junk

I voted MAC because yes indeedy, I am a weirdo. People talk about the Vista having security holes and bugs...but being the aftermath of Windows XP, I would really think that it's better than Windows XP. Mac was around before Windows. Mac dominated. I still think that Mac's good. I would think that the only reason why Mac isn't popular is because of its lack of universal compatibility. And because it isn't popular, it is expensive. And because it is expensive, many people like myself refuse to buy it.

(By the way, I don't think anybody realised that our friend misspelled which as witch hehehehe.)

In my mind XP is the all around best. I don't know about Vistas and I've never had a MAC or Linux, however I think XP is best for the following

• Almost universal program compatibility
• Almost all hardware is XP compatible
• Excellent Recover tools (System Restore, backup)
• Great flexibility in working with memory allocation
• Good Graphics
• Techs are trained in it
• Easy interface

Linux all depends on your version and Mac I guess is good.