I have finally realised how evil Mircosoft is, with their crappy operating systems, crappy software, and crappy everything.
I am looking for a better OS than crappy Windows XP.
What I am looking for is something that looks and feels like Windows (but without crashes and viruses, Internet Explorer and Outlook) and that can run as many applications as possible.
Can you recommend an OS/distribution? Thanks in andvance.
Help! Microsoft has handicapped me!
Created 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:02:53 UTC by
Oskar Potatis
Created 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:02:53 UTC by
Oskar Potatis
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:02:53 UTC
Post #242961
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:09:14 UTC
Post #242962
I recommend you reinstall Windows XP, and try not to handicap yourself again. If you know how to use it, it's quite good.
But if you're really insistent on jumping on the "LOL MICROSOFT SUCKS CUZ IT BROKE AND ITS DEFINITELY NOT MY FAULT" bandwagon, all you can really do is find a Linux distribution that suits you and hope for the best. Sometimes emulation works, sometimes it doesn't, but there's no way in hell you're going to be able to run anything natively.
I use Slackware on my laptop, and despite everybody saying that it's hellishly hard to use, it's actually pretty easy for anyone that has the slightest bit of curiosity about how it works, and is willing to research it. I personally would stay far, far away from anything that attempts to recreate Windows XP's feel, as those OS's tend to be far less configurable, and are more aimed at the kind of person who gets on the computer once a day to check their email and browse the internet for 30 minutes.
But if you're really insistent on jumping on the "LOL MICROSOFT SUCKS CUZ IT BROKE AND ITS DEFINITELY NOT MY FAULT" bandwagon, all you can really do is find a Linux distribution that suits you and hope for the best. Sometimes emulation works, sometimes it doesn't, but there's no way in hell you're going to be able to run anything natively.
I use Slackware on my laptop, and despite everybody saying that it's hellishly hard to use, it's actually pretty easy for anyone that has the slightest bit of curiosity about how it works, and is willing to research it. I personally would stay far, far away from anything that attempts to recreate Windows XP's feel, as those OS's tend to be far less configurable, and are more aimed at the kind of person who gets on the computer once a day to check their email and browse the internet for 30 minutes.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:23:49 UTC
Post #242963
My Windows XP works as it should, and I know how to use it. I'm handicapped becouse I've been using Windows all thease years, and when I try to use other operating systems I become like "OMG I CANT FIND THE BUTTON!! HOW DO I DO THIS?? HOW DO I DO THAT?? WHERE'S MY HARDDRIVE?" and give up.
Mac OS X is okey, but since I don't have a Macintosh (and I would never buy one) it won't run.
Mac OS X is okey, but since I don't have a Macintosh (and I would never buy one) it won't run.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:27:05 UTC
Post #242965
Oh, so you aren't ditching XP, you just want to learn another OS? That makes things easier, since I'm assuming you don't want to mod or game on it or anything. Or am I misunderstanding you?
Anyway, nothing except Windows works like Windows, it's just the way it is. You don't use the same hard drive system and installation methods and everything, so I guess you kind of have to get use to that. You really need to be an experimental kind of person, and not be afraid to try (or research) anything. because that's the only way you'll ever learn another OS. Picking an inferior one because it's easier would defeat the whole purpose of this.
Anyway, nothing except Windows works like Windows, it's just the way it is. You don't use the same hard drive system and installation methods and everything, so I guess you kind of have to get use to that. You really need to be an experimental kind of person, and not be afraid to try (or research) anything. because that's the only way you'll ever learn another OS. Picking an inferior one because it's easier would defeat the whole purpose of this.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:36:19 UTC
Post #242968
Microsoft won the OS war a long time ago. Some still exist, and there are many a user who prefer them to Windows but most programs do not run on anything but windows. That's the way companies control
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:37:34 UTC
Post #242969
No, you are not musunderstanding me, you understand perfectly.
Thanks for the tip, I'll try Slackware, and see if I like it.
Thanks for the tip, I'll try Slackware, and see if I like it.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 20:41:52 UTC
Post #242970
Well, good luck with it. It's not the best Linux distro to start on, and almost anyone would recommend you try Ubuntu first, but that's not what I did. For some reason, I found the two days it took for me to install it entirely worth it...if excruciating.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-08 23:55:46 UTC
Post #242990
You want something that looks and feels like Windows without viruses, crashes and IE/Outlook? I suggest you use Windows XP SP2, and try not to be retarded enough to actually get viruses in the first place, screw anything up to the point that you crash or use IE/Outlook.
I haven't had a virus in over 3 years and haven't seen a BSOD (with the exception of those caused by overclocking and bad hardware). In addition, you aren't FORCED to use IE nor Outlook, install Opera (or Firefox + Thunderbird) instead.
I used to be THE Microsoft basher around here, often preaching about the evils of Windows, but when it boils down to it, Windows is totally useable and stable if you aren't a complete fucking retard. Yes, there are superior OSes around there (most notably GNU/Linux, of which I used daily for 3~ years and still use today alongside WinXP), but Windows really isn't as bad as some of these anti-Microsoft zealots (just like I used to be) make it out to be.
In short, if you're getting viruses and managing to consistantly make Windows crash, you're an absolute fucking imbecile and shouldn't be allowed near computers.
I haven't had a virus in over 3 years and haven't seen a BSOD (with the exception of those caused by overclocking and bad hardware). In addition, you aren't FORCED to use IE nor Outlook, install Opera (or Firefox + Thunderbird) instead.
I used to be THE Microsoft basher around here, often preaching about the evils of Windows, but when it boils down to it, Windows is totally useable and stable if you aren't a complete fucking retard. Yes, there are superior OSes around there (most notably GNU/Linux, of which I used daily for 3~ years and still use today alongside WinXP), but Windows really isn't as bad as some of these anti-Microsoft zealots (just like I used to be) make it out to be.
In short, if you're getting viruses and managing to consistantly make Windows crash, you're an absolute fucking imbecile and shouldn't be allowed near computers.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 00:05:27 UTC
Post #242991
In short, if you're getting viruses and managing to consistantly make Windows crash, you're an absolute fucking imbecile and shouldn't be allowed near computers.Not really.
If you can use Windows for years and NOT have it crash or get viruses, then you are a very above-average user.
It didn't get a reputation for being a trainwreck of an OS by being safe, stable and easy to use.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 01:28:02 UTC
Post #242994
No, it got that reputation from its predecessors.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 03:12:04 UTC
Post #242995
I've never, ever got a virus on XP, and the only reason it's crashed sometimes is because of faulty hardware.
XP is not a train wreck of an OS, windows ME is.
XP is not a train wreck of an OS, windows ME is.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 04:53:24 UTC
Post #242996
Dito. Not since MSBlaster anyway.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 05:27:12 UTC
Post #242998
(but without crashes and viruses, Internet Explorer and Outlook)1. Crashes. hardware/driver conflictions generally. Not XP.
2. Viruses. Protect yourself better.
3. Internet Explorer. Windows doesn't force you to use their shite Browser. Upgrade to Opera
4. Outlook. Again, plenty of alternatives.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 05:48:03 UTC
Post #243002
m0p speaks the truth and I should know: I remember all the heated discussions on IRC back in the day (ah, Chatbear) and he just wouldn't listen to reason (uptight British sod).
Switching to another OS comes with a pile of problems anyway. If you want to try an easy OS, try Knoppix. It's a Linux distro (God, I hope I'm getting this right) that can be booted straight off a CD. You can try it and not have to install it.
Unfortunately, there's no real 'simple' OS to use apart from the heavyweights of the industry at the moment: Windows XP and OS X. They're probably the easiest operating systems to use and will give you the least stress (well, OS X will give you less stress than XP, if you want to give up gaming).
Buy a Mac and use both! HAHA
Switching to another OS comes with a pile of problems anyway. If you want to try an easy OS, try Knoppix. It's a Linux distro (God, I hope I'm getting this right) that can be booted straight off a CD. You can try it and not have to install it.
Unfortunately, there's no real 'simple' OS to use apart from the heavyweights of the industry at the moment: Windows XP and OS X. They're probably the easiest operating systems to use and will give you the least stress (well, OS X will give you less stress than XP, if you want to give up gaming).
Buy a Mac and use both! HAHA
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 11:16:29 UTC
Post #243020
I would never buy a mac.
But that you MUST have antivirus software if you don't want viruses suck. I don't know any operating system that requires you to have antivirus software if you don't want virus, except for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/XP/lol-Vista.
2. Viruses. Protect yourself better.I haven't had any viruses in the past 2 years.
But that you MUST have antivirus software if you don't want viruses suck. I don't know any operating system that requires you to have antivirus software if you don't want virus, except for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/XP/lol-Vista.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 11:33:35 UTC
Post #243022
:/
Just keep banging the rocks together, man.
Just keep banging the rocks together, man.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 12:14:45 UTC
Post #243028
I've used XP since it was offered and afaik It has never crashed on me. I've gotten several very low level viruses, but was always able to remove them upon virus scan and life as usual. (I refuse to run antivirus resident)
The only weakpoints afaik were if u used IE with sp1 you would get raped with spyware... Everything's pretty sweet with sp2 tho.
The only weakpoints afaik were if u used IE with sp1 you would get raped with spyware... Everything's pretty sweet with sp2 tho.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 12:23:21 UTC
Post #243032
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 12:31:48 UTC
Post #243034
wow lets post the 424kb JPEG.
You're such a mong, sometimes, cstriker.
You're such a mong, sometimes, cstriker.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 12:40:11 UTC
Post #243035
LOL you said mong... : P
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 13:10:08 UTC
Post #243038
Haha that's a good one CStriker.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 14:19:22 UTC
Post #243041
what's the matter hunter ? I use XP . It was just for fun. I don't know what mong means like you don't know ca esti cateodata cam nesimtit si mai sunt si alte cuvinte care nu le spun ca ma tem ca ceva roman lear traduce.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 15:02:03 UTC
Post #243042
But there are online dictionaries out there, you know. Link
EDIT: Btw, on this site, everyone uses the english language. YOU have to get used to this language, not the others to your language.
EDIT: Btw, on this site, everyone uses the english language. YOU have to get used to this language, not the others to your language.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 16:18:19 UTC
Post #243044
But that you MUST have antivirus software if you don't want viruses suck.False! I don't have any antivirus software or viruses.
As long as you don't run random exes you get from porn sites and other such stupid stuff you'll be fine.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 16:21:16 UTC
Post #243045
You really should have some sort of anti-virus.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 17:38:54 UTC
Post #243052
As long as you don't run random exes you get from porn sites and other such stupid stuff you'll be fine.I once formated my HDD, reinstalled XP and installed all the latest updates, and 30 minutes later I had shortcuts to porn sites on my desktop.
I didn't visit any other website than the Windows Update site.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 19:02:24 UTC
Post #243059
Never had a problem with viruses in my life. No spyware either.
Using ZoneAlarm Pro and AVG Free. I doubt I'd need them though, all you really need is a spyware sweep sometimes (Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware being good anti-spyware choices).
Using ZoneAlarm Pro and AVG Free. I doubt I'd need them though, all you really need is a spyware sweep sometimes (Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware being good anti-spyware choices).
I once formated my HDD, reinstalled XP and installed all the latest updates, and 30 minutes later I had shortcuts to porn sites on my desktop.Terrible fail. You suck.
I didn't visit any other website than the Windows Update site.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 19:34:11 UTC
Post #243063
False! I don't have any antivirus software or viruses.Viruses are downloaded in VERY small quantities through page views or cookies. And they save you the ease of clicking on them by activating themself.
As long as you don't run random exes you get from porn sites and other such stupid stuff you'll be fine.
All if not most viruses are self-replication programs, while running it adds to it's own data, therefore corrupting files with a string of code.
Or you can go, 'HUR DE HUR LET'S CLICK ON MYDOOM.EXE'.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 20:28:38 UTC
Post #243067
What you're calling "viruses" are actually tracking cookies, which are harmless. They may show up in a virus scan, but they're just deleted every time you clean out your browser's cache.
I once formated my HDD, reinstalled XP and installed all the latest updates, and 30 minutes later I had shortcuts to porn sites on my desktop.I'd have to agree with ZombieLoffe. How in the world did you manage to do that? Some adware must have somehow been transferred over from your previous install, otherwise that doesn't make sense at all.
I didn't visit any other website than the Windows Update site.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 20:37:27 UTC
Post #243068
What you're calling "viruses" are actually tracking cookies, which are harmless. They may show up in a virus scan, but they're just deleted every time you clean out your browser's cache.Viruses and cookies are different things. I use 'Ask every time' for cookies on Firefox and deny the majority of everything. Cookies? No. Viruses? Sometimes.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 21:19:53 UTC
Post #243079
you absolutely cannot get a virus without running it. a virus cannot activate itself.
I once formated my HDD, reinstalled XP and installed all the latest updates, and 30 minutes later I had shortcuts to porn sites on my desktop.yeah well it doesn't count if you make the shortcuts yourself.
I didn't visit any other website than the Windows Update site.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 21:24:59 UTC
Post #243080
you absolutely cannot get a virus without running it. a virus cannot activate itself.Never said it was active. My scanner picks them up.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 21:29:00 UTC
Post #243082
Well, the only actual viruses that I know of that you can get from viewing web pages are installed as ActiveX components, which are automatically denied anyway if you know what's good for you.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 21:37:17 UTC
Post #243085
Never said it was active.
Viruses are downloaded in VERY small quantities through page views or cookies. And they save you the ease of clicking on them by activating themself.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-09 21:39:29 UTC
Post #243086
CONTRADICTION!
runs
runs
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 01:20:29 UTC
Post #243100
you absolutely cannot get a virus without running it. a virus cannot activate itself.This is absolutely NOT true. Many viruses propagate themselves over networks (aka worms), in addition, many viruses are obtained through drive-by-downloads (essentially pages with exploitive JavaScript, VBScript or even malformed images, one of the common forms being a malformed GIF being used as a cursor).
While many cases of drive-by-downloads can be curbed by using a browser that doesn't have so many vulnerabilities (like the most excellent Opera), it's not possible to prevent all of them. And of course, a large number of potential worms can be prevented simply by blocking the ports they ("they" being common, well-known worms that are known to be in the "wild") propagate with (if they don't use ports that you absolutely need open that is).
But still, your statement is false. It's ENTIRELY possible to get viruses without actually executing them yourself. If you're stupid enough to be using MSIE however, you deserve to be overrun with all manner of viruses for being so absolutely fucking asinine to begin with.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 01:46:32 UTC
Post #243101
Yeah, I was waiting for someone to say that in a way that made them look like they know what they're talking about.
I definitely got viruses on my old computer, tons of them, and I know I didn't flip through my drives in my spare time looking for strange .exe files to open for the hell of it.
I definitely got viruses on my old computer, tons of them, and I know I didn't flip through my drives in my spare time looking for strange .exe files to open for the hell of it.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 02:25:21 UTC
Post #243102
Finally somebody dared correct the mighty and infallible Penguinboy.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 02:45:45 UTC
Post #243103
Linux mint is a good Linux distro.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 04:16:00 UTC
Post #243109
Linux mint is just another variant of Ubuntu, for people who want "Pwetty Interface", as opposed to what linux is truly about - utility, versatility and power. I mean, it even uses the Ubuntu package repositories, and everything.
And MINT's slogan is "From Freedom Came Elegance". Just that alone is enough to break an OS. If you want elegance, go Apple. Most Linux users like me dont even use the GUI, we use the shell. (Bash).
And MINT's slogan is "From Freedom Came Elegance". Just that alone is enough to break an OS. If you want elegance, go Apple. Most Linux users like me dont even use the GUI, we use the shell. (Bash).
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 07:40:40 UTC
Post #243112
i meant a virus executable can't activate itself. obviously they can be activated with malicious scripts, but i assume they are blocked by browsers. although i didn't know that bad images could do it.
also i cant think of one good reason to use linux for day-to-day use.
also i cant think of one good reason to use linux for day-to-day use.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 10:34:53 UTC
Post #243123
The bottom line is, if you manage to get viruses and crashes with Windows, you're going to get it with another OS too.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 10:56:25 UTC
Post #243124
An example of an image exploit; remember the WMF (Window Metafile) vulnerability? That was a pretty famous one. There's lots of exploits that affect JPEG too, involving EXIF data, and that affect a wide range of platforms including Win32 and most systems using libexif.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 18:06:35 UTC
Post #243132
Linux Mint looks awsome, I'm downloading it now. I hope it works as good as it looks.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 18:46:42 UTC
Post #243138
I'm with Sari here. If you don't have the curiosity and intelligence to get Windows running smoothly then you don't have enough of either to be playing around with Linux yet.
Linux is the perfect operating system as long as you're willing to give up a week of your free time to learn the ins and outs of the operating system and distro specific features. It's like a glorified version of the music player foobar2000 if you've ever used it. Highly customisable but out of the box it can be somewhat daunting and unattractive.
Linux is the perfect operating system as long as you're willing to give up a week of your free time to learn the ins and outs of the operating system and distro specific features. It's like a glorified version of the music player foobar2000 if you've ever used it. Highly customisable but out of the box it can be somewhat daunting and unattractive.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 19:12:30 UTC
Post #243143
If you don't have the curiosity and intelligence to get Windows running smoothlyI do. Everytime I format my harddrives I customize the settings (show hidden files, show file extensions, old start menu system etc.), get the latest drivers, updates, antivirus etc.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 20:08:25 UTC
Post #243157
And you're still getting viruses? Then you're clearly doing something wrong.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 20:11:37 UTC
Post #243158
No, I aint, becouse I'm using the ?ber 1337 Norton Internet Security 2006.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 20:24:33 UTC
Post #243161
There's your problem right there. You have an old version of Norton, so you're not getting new virus definitions. If you had a newer version, you'd have basic protection, but at the cost of an uglier and slower program.
Posted 16 years ago2008-01-10 20:58:31 UTC
Post #243163
"you'd have basic protection" I have.
What I don't have is virus.
What I don't have is virus.
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