Why do YOU choose to use Windows?

[napilopez]

The title is quite self explanatory I suppose. But this is for people who use Windows willingly, not only because they likely started using it first. What do you like about it as opposed to other operating systems? This doesn't mean you use Windows only, diversity is cool, but if you do use Windows, porque?

I will give my own responses after I go eat

 

[TechOutsider]

No need to create compatibility problems and headaches for me. Windows isn't perfect; however it serves its purpose .

 

[SqdnGuns]

Because I am a repair center manager, 99.9% of my customers wouldn't have a clue as to how to use Linux so I have to dabble with their poison.

I'm VERY impressed with Win7 x64 though....................tough for a hard core Slacker to admit but it is what it is.

 

[harmann]

Because it was like... the natural step up from MS-DOS

I mostly play games so what's a better OS for that?

 

[hkancyr]

omnipresence

 

[Freelancer852]

I'm a gamer. And Windows is the king for gaming unfortunately.

 

[weh]

Well, it isn't really all that bad and there really aren't any other mainstream options.

Woah ... please, no ... don't hit me again, please ... please don't hit me ...

 

[Jacee]

Because I work on many Window's forums ... it's not perfect, but someone has to help

 

[Maka]

Because i'm a stoner and i need simplicity.

 

[bhuulo]

I design magazines and Websites and work for printing and I have to share lot of files with outer world and all the major printing people have windows So I use windows, 1 other reason for using it is software support(Just Double-click the .exe and in most of the cases it installs), Linux I used before 1.5 or 2 years ago for 4 months and I have seen that quite often u need to be online for installing some software due to dependency problems and libraries while I'm sometimes Im offloop from net for 10-15 days....

 

[hkancyr]

Damn Maka I thought that said 420 posts.

And games, omnipresence and games.

 

[benmandude]

Games, widespread support, and I just like Windows.

 

[z3r010]

Because Linux sucks.

 

[napilopez]

Haha some of the posts here are really funny.

I use it because it's actually my OS of choice. I am knowledgeable enough in mac and linux related stuff(my first PC was a mac btw, albeit a realllyyy old one lolz, mighta been an Apple II XD), and have used the three main OSs extensively, at one point Ubuntu being my main OS for months.

For me, windows is the most balanced. I wish everything were open-source and free and full of unicorns and rainbows, but right now I can't see linux yielding widespread usage.

OSX for me is just too... Idk. I remember reading an article about how the iphone being Simple to use didn't necesarily mean easy to use, and I find that kinda applies to Macs. Whatever the arguments may be, I see absolutely no point in having a single mouse button(yea of course you can simulate right clicks or install your own mouse, but still), or the reason for a separate control and option button. Some simple functionality seems to be sacrificed for the sake of simplicity and minimalism, which is a no-no in my book. Also, gaming. I'm not heavy into gaming now, but I was before, and unless I buy a mac pro customized and all, I'll never get the ebst gaming experience on a mac.

Linux is still too complicated for me. I know plenty about how to use it, but frankly I don't like using terminals for actions I should be able to do simply with some clicks. I am a heavy mouse-oriented user, and rarely use keyboard shortcuts and avoid using the keyboard whenever I can, so yea. Also, as customized as I had my install of Ubuntu, I don't know if I will ever get that truly "polished" feel from Linux. It feels like a well made OS by smart peeps, but it just lacks that polish I find that Windows and especially mac have.

So windows strikes the perfect balance for me. marketshare and compatibility nonwithstanding, it is truly is my favorite OS. For me, it's the one that "just works", usually. I liked vista, but prefered Ubuntu. But of course, now Wndows 7 holds my hard drive

 

[Orbital Shark]

I've been following (you could say) the evolution of Windows since 3.0 became available for MSDOS (yes, available for DOS). I remember being quite distaught at when they anounced that Windows 95 was going to replace MSDOS as the Operating System. I had self taught almost ALL DOS commands & even had fancy menus starting up on bootup so I didn't have to type anything to run Windows, Programs or Games. All that went down the pan but like any new software, you grow to love it.

Now, we're soon to be in the shadow of Windows 7 RC and I can't wait. I think Windows in general (especially 7) is so versatile & easy to use, yet for the hardcore techies there's still that advanced usability that would melt the brains of ordinary folk .

My 2 cents

 

[swarfega]

I choose to use windows because it just works. I have used linux in the past and it can be a nightmare to get even the simplest things working. Last time I tried it, several distros wouldnt even install and those that did had major issues.

And then theres the compatibility issue. I play a lot of games which simply arent compatible with linux.

There are some nice features in linux but the cons far exceed the pros of using linux on a daily basis.

 

[Smashy]

I'm a gamer so Windows, servers depending on what they have to run Linux or Windows.

 

[jimbo45]

I logon to a load of Corporate type ERP / CRM systems (Like SAP) which require a Windows Front End to connect to them such as SAPGUI.EXE.

For Ms EXCEL (open office still can't beat it yet) I need MSoffice as well. I've tried WINE / Cross Over Office etc on Linux but these apps aren't 100% stable for the sort of EXCEL work I do.

I also do a LOT of photoshop CS4 -- the GIMP can't do most of what I need CS4 to do even though it's a REALLY good imaging program (and getting better by the release).

I could use a Mac for CS4 but I've never really been a Mac fanboy -- I tend to regard these types of Machines as Victoria Beckham would regard a trip to the shops in Rodeo Drive in the "classier" parts of LA.

For my own server / web access, email, file and print sharing and general purpose I am still using Linux SUSE 11.1.

Until W7 I was trying more and more to see if I could 100% junk windows apart from on a Virtual Machine -- but I like W7 more and more and for a server I might even consider Windows 2008 server R2.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[LePoilu]

Why I use Windows? Because I like it.

I like it more since Vista (which I bought)... And I'll like it more more with Seven (Which I'll buy)

I try often GNU/Linux. From Mandriva, few years ago, to Ubuntu, but always come back to Windows. Linux for me is great for my file server (Debian), but for desktop It's not my cup of tea.

About MacOS : I'm not against it. But since I do prefer building my own computer (as a good geek), it's not for me. I'll try MacOS the day we can buy and use it on "Personnal Computer" that are not Macintosh.

BTW, I need Windows too because lot of CAO/DAO software I use are only made for Windows (AutoCAD, etc. ), or maybe MacOS for one or two (i.e. Cinema4D).


I like Windows because I know it well, using it from years and years. And the more I know about it the more I like it.

It's like a good love story
And as a good love story, there's plenty unexplained reasons for that.

 

[Bryce]

I game so of course Windows.

I use Arch Linux though for pretty much everything else. I say those who use Ubuntu should get rid of it and actually learn the real linux way, The Arch Way!

I also use Mac OSX for work (video editing)