Ricky Anderson: Evolution Of An IT Guy

Evolution Of An IT Guy

Oi. Windows Vista is slow and buggy. I need 64GB of RAM just to boot the darn thing. Think I'll look for something else.

Hey, this computer is really pretty. I think I'll buy it. Cool, the guy who's selling it to me has a turtleneck and beatnik glasses. I bet he's a vegetarian and recycles. Such a nice guy!

This thing was easy to set up! 30 seconds after getting it home, and I'm already on the Internet. Let's check the news sites. What's this? My brand new computer is OUT-OF-DATE?!? It was so pretty when I bought it, but now it looks like a chunk of old concrete compared to the new model! I can't believe it - I spent my kid's college fund on this thing! I think I'll look for something else.

Now this is really cool. Unlike Macs, Linux is free. Take that, fan boys!

Ok, I think I've got it installed. I'm not sure - there were a lot of options. But that's one of the greatest things about open source software - it's endlessly customizable!

All right, let's work on our budget. I think there's a spreadsheet program on here somewhere.

Hmmm, can't find it. Let's go visit the user forums and get some help. I love a community!

Oh, that was a quick response. Some guy named "h@CK3rh3@d" says I should 'RTFM'. I wonder what that means. Probably 'Read The Fun Manual'. I'll ask him...

Okay, I was close, but it turns out the 'F' doesn't stand for 'Fun'. That HackerHead guy is a jerk. So were the other 28 lonely basement dwellers who responded. I'd RTFM, but it's not WIFE (Written In Fun English). I think I'll try something else.

Ooh, this Windows 7 is nice. It's fast and does what it says on the tin. I think I'll just stick with this.

It's what Vista should have been.

What do you like/dislike about the various operating systems out there?
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Comments (12)

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Some Guy · 710 weeks ago

Run The Full Marathon?
Respect The Forum Moderator?
Rye Toast For Meals?

3 replies · active 710 weeks ago

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Sgt. Wolverine · 710 weeks ago

Retreat From Tired Mantras!

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Sgt. Wolverine · 710 weeks ago

Shhhh...the heat is frying my brain. Retire The Fading Mantras.

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Sgt. Wolverine · 710 weeks ago

Ricky Tried Four Mellophones!

Okay, I'm done.

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Some Guy · 710 weeks ago

And your third paragraph makes me think you bought the wrong computer, sillyhead!

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Ricky Anderson · 710 weeks ago

As usual, you guys are the funny part of this post. Thanks!

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Sgt. Wolverine · 710 weeks ago

For the serious record, I just installed OS X Lion (rawr) on my laptop. (I'm waiting a little bit to upgrade my work machine, just to be sure it all works right.) It's not drastically different from the previous big cat version, but it seems fine. Once I upgrade my work machine, I'll be able to try out the feature I've been anticipating the most: the ability to transfer files wirelessly between (Apple) computers without needing a router. That'll be nice.

Oh, and the inverted scrolling on the touchpad (pushing up to go down) is weird, but also normal. It's weird for a computer, but if you're used to using a smartphone, you'll get used to it quickly because it's the same thing you do on your phone.

2 replies · active 710 weeks ago

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Ricky Anderson · 710 weeks ago

You can't pretend to be serious while saying "rawr"!

So up is down, down is up, and you can't macsimize a window? Sign me up for OS X!

I actually would try it, but to 'try it', you have to have a fistful of cash.

You can install and try Windows free for 30 days. HUGE advantage, in my opinion. The cost of a Mac is their biggest barrier to entry, but even that would be less of an issue if I knew what I was getting.

/rant

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Sgt. Wolverine · 710 weeks ago

I'm not actually a huge Apple proselytizer; I've had a very good user experience for over four years, and I'll tell people that (and sometimes have some facetious fun with Apple fan stereotypes), but I don't like to push it hardcore because not everybody is going to like the experience.

That said...if you're going to try a Mac, you're going to try not just the software, but the whole package -- Apple isn't in the business of selling its OS without its hardware.

Here's the solution: go to your nearest Apple Store, pick up a Mac and try it. You have 14 days to know what you're getting: you can return it within 14 days for a full refund. If you want to save some money, try the refurb section of the online store: the same return policy applies. (I bought my old laptop from the refurb store four years ago; it's running Snow Leopard and still going strong. A friend of mine is using it now.)

So yeah, it's entirely possible to try a Mac if you're seriously interested.

As for the cost of the OS itself...Snow Leopard retailed for $30, and Lion (rawr!) has the same price tag -- without serial numbers and draconian activation/verification. (I can buy it once at $30 and install it on both my computers. The higher cost of entry has its advantages.) If you already have a Mac and like it, that's not much of a risk.

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snickeringcorpses 44p · 709 weeks ago

I'm still using Windows XP, because I have to for my work. Since I am too poor to afford two computers, I have a copy of Windows 7 somewhere but it will not get installed till I no longer have to support a custom work program written in VB6. Got the Win7 free at an IT event; I'm hoping I can still find the activation code by the time I'm free to install it. :> Also got a free copy of Vista at a similar event, but Vista was not going on my computer anyway. Vista was Windows 7 released too soon for marketing reasons, just as ME was XP released too soon for marketing reasons. Never let your marketing department decide when your product is ready to release.

2 replies · active 709 weeks ago

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