Windows 8 / 8.1..... How Do We Stay Sane????

[EphesiaNZ]

Well, you can have a Windows application layer in the form of WINE which admittedly is not perfect but is an option. I personally don't like WINE as I'd rather use a native LInux / Open Source app over a Windows equivalent anyday but, thats me. But WINE is very useful for gamers that want to make the transition.

Again, i remember you saying you need to send via fax and use an external fax/modem - you could probably run that from any OS due to the fact its external and not tied to Windows for its operation. Just because you run it from Windows doesn't mean it wont work with another OS.

I do understand that if it means effort to do this then it's not really worth it for you in the long run and maybe better to stick to what you feel comfortable with but to say/think there are no options is possibly wrong.

 

[Aviela]

Well, you can have a Windows application layer in the form of WINE which admittedly is not perfect but is an option. I personally don't like WINE as I'd rather use a native LInux / Open Source app over a Windows equivalent anyday but, thats me. But WINE is very useful for gamers that want to make the transition.

Again, i remember you saying you need to send via fax and use an external fax/modem - you could probably run that from any OS due to the fact its external and not tied to Windows for its operation. Just because you run it from Windows doesn't mean it wont work with another OS.

I do understand that if it means effort to do this then it's not really worth it for you in the long run and maybe better to stick to what you feel comfortable with but to say/think there are no options is possibly wrong.

Yeah there are things like that to consider but I have various graphics programs that I use and one I'm training with so it's issues like that as well.

 

[Unix]

Apple is the most expensive. W8.1 is reasonably cheap. The other OS's aren't an option as the Bible Study softwares I use are not compatible with them.
Over here, if You look around You can find W8.1 slightly cheaper than W7.
I've started to switch from W7 to W8.1 both on desktop and laptop, however I will keep my W7 laptops as long as feasible - which mainly means as long as they don't break and can be sold:

Well lets start, you have some choices.

Apple - yes Apple, it's an alternative and a pretty good one.

Linux - this is an OS which I use and has been slated with a "only for geeks" OS. This is no longer true as I see more and more Windows people migrating to it - its free $0! Beat that for value. About 500 different distros (flavors) of Linux so one would most people depending on their needs - most popular are Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Chrome OS - this is an OS from Google which is at the moment shipped with their Chromebook laptop. Based on Linux (what isn't these days) and is gaining more traction by the day. Very popular option in education in US now.

 

[Aviela]

Apple is the most expensive. W8.1 is reasonably cheap. The other OS's aren't an option as the Bible Study softwares I use are not compatible with them.
Over here, if You look around You can find W8.1 slightly cheaper than W7.
I've started to switch from W7 to W8.1 both on desktop and laptop, however I will keep my W7 laptops as long as feasible - which mainly means as long as they don't break and can be sold:

I totally understand. The only reason I got windows 8.1 with the new replacement computer is because it would be easier to transfer to 9 once it comes out. But yeah... it has it's problems. I saw windows 8 like vista wanted to skip right over it but it was also hard to find a replacement computer with the right specs so I wasn't spoiled for choice... Yes, apple has some good products but they are pricy and I don't like that they try to have everything so exclusive. I mean them trying to squeeze out every extra dollar. ...but then all companies can be like that. Big business nonsense I guess.

I think I'm going to get a windows 9 laptop... and a air ipad. I think it makes the most sense for what I need from now on. Until there is a more compatible os other than windows....I'm kind of stuck.