Apple's OS X or Windows 8

idkwia

New Member
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2
I have been using Windows 7 quite happily but I am going to buy a new laptop. I went into my local store thinking I would buy one with Windows 8 but was convinced by an assistant trained by Apple who used to use Windows 7 that OS X was definitely the way to go. He showed me round OS X and I had a play myself and I have to say I was very impressed.

But of course he is an OS X convert, trained by Apple and bound to say it is better. So, in order to add some balance to the argument going on in my head I thought I would ask you guys to tell me why you think that Windows 8 is better than OS X?

PS I had a play with Windows 8 also at the store and was told that the best way to close say a browser when using a touchscreen is to swipe downwards from the top of the screen or use a keyboard shortcut. I was told that pressing the Windows key takes you back to the Start Screen but doesn't actually close the browser. Is this true, I don't mind losing the X in the top right hand corner but is what I was told the new solution, surely not?

I am looking forward to your thoughts guys, especially anyone that has converted from Apple to Microsoft, do these guys exist anywhere?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio 1557
To actually close the App you drag it down to the lower left corner or swipe in from the left edge, right click and select close.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
To actually close the App you drag it down to the lower left corner or swipe in from the left edge, right click and select close.[/QUOT

thank you. by drag do you mean from the touchpad or on the screen? and how do you minimise? can you view 2 pages at once side by side? is the only change in 8.1 the start button? sorry for all the questions.

any thoughts on 8 v OSX?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio 1557
If you position the cursor in the top center of the screen of a Metro app it will change to a hand. If click and hold the mouse button down you can drag the whole window from one screen to another, or resize it on that screen. If you drag the window down to the lower left corner of the screen the thumbnail will flip over and when you release the button that app will close. If you have a Metro app open and then go to the desktop the Metro app minimizes off screen. If you mouse up to the top left corner a bar will open from that side of the screen with thumbnails for all active Metro Apps. You can then click the one you want to open on that screen. swiping in from the left side of the screen will open the same vertical bar. I don't have a touch screen so I do it all from a touch pad or trackball. I find the edge swipes a pain when using a touch pad as they open when I don't want them to, so I turn them off and just use the hot corners. In Windows 8 with Metro Snap you can put two Metro apps on one screen 50 50 or 1/3 2/3, providing its big enough. In Windows 8.1 you can do more than 2 if your monitor is wide enough. You can also open Metro apps on more than one monitor at a time, which you can't do in 8.0. In Windows 8 Metro Snap will not work on my 1280x1024 4:3 LCD screens, I can only show one app full screen. Now in 8.1 I can put 2 Metro Apps on those monitors and at least 3 on my 1080P main screen. 8.1 was the tipping point for me to switch that PC from Windows 7 to 8.1. All my PC's are running 8 or 8.1 now.
I have never used a Mac or OSX so I can't comment on that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Macs hate me! I tried to use one and failed miserably.

From the cost perspective alone, I'd go for a PC. Otherwise, it's kind of up to you as to what you want to do. Either one will probably do what you want.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Here is a video showing how to have two apps side by side in Windows 8.1

[video=youtube;dlr04tUaLx0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlr04tUaLx0[/video]

Here is a video on how to close an app in Windows 8 or 8.1.

[video=youtube;7NydXw6hS70]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NydXw6hS70[/video]
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
OSX is just different, but it acts mroe like Windows used to act under Windows 7. You cannot run "Apps" on OSX, only Programs. Windows 8.x RT acts more like iOS, but iOS has better backgrounding and app switching especially in iOS 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
i say it depends if you use windows programs now that will not be on os10,dont change if you are only using it to surf the net and email then os10 would work quite nice ,
I AM a long time windows user and use win8 or 8.1 since they both came out .but iam typing this on my macbook os 10.6.8 ,not my first mac but its is the newsest one i have owned ,,the highest i can upgrade it to and when i go to the app store every free app i try cant run on less than os 10.7,i like using it but would not switch to it full time ,i run MS Office for mac ,so that helps a bit with some of the stuff i use it for .
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
I have used Windows computers for many years, because I bought two iPads I bought an Apple Mac Pro Laptop to sycn files from it to my iPads. Because the Applel O.S. works a lot different from Windows, it has taken me a long time to really feel good about using it. But now that I have a Win8.1 computer, I sure am going to get used to using my Mac. If it's one item that Apple has gotten right, it's their O.S. Take some getting use to if your moving from Windows but it's a solid system.:thumb:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8
    Computer type
    Laptop
i say it depends if you use windows programs now that will not be on os10,dont change if you are only using it to surf the net and email then os10 would work quite nice ,
I AM a long time windows user and use win8 or 8.1 since they both came out .but iam typing this on my macbook os 10.6.8 ,not my first mac but its is the newsest one i have owned ,,the highest i can upgrade it to and when i go to the app store every free app i try cant run on less than os 10.7,i like using it but would not switch to it full time ,i run MS Office for mac ,so that helps a bit with some of the stuff i use it for .

Frustrating, innit? I have a Dual G5 Titanium Tower, the highest I can get in there is 10.5.8. Plus it requires PPC programs, which are hard to find now. There are a few devs though, that allow for people using G3's through G5s. In my opinion, Motorolas are MUCH better processors than Intels.

Going to Intel was a huge Mistake. Intels are CISC processors, and G3'4'5s are RISC. Its why those old Motorola Apples, when running at 800 mHz, it seemed like 2 GHz Intel CPU speed. And NONE of my Motorola Based PPCs ever do that "Intel White Out"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Well, the price difference is rather significant. You also have to find different apps for a variety of things. If you are a gamer, you won't have nearly the choices on the Mac.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Tough question. If you have the money and like new adventures, Apple may be an alternative. But you would live on an island with far less applications than in the Windows or Linux world.

I personally still prefer Windows 7 followed by Linux Mint Mate. I have Windows 8.1 too but no touchscreen for which it was really designed. If you properly tune it with a couple of cheap OEM products, it is OK.

I also don't like these full screen apps. I close them with ALT+F4. Over time, Windows 8 and the apps store may get better. For now though it is best to run it like Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
The Problem with RT Apps are the lack of the same apps you use on Desktop, otherwise an RT tablet would be a good option.

In four years, they may have the same apps I have on my iPhone, so I'll check back then.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
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