<p>Im Getting An Alienware At College Wooooo</p>
<p>I was wrong, Mac OS marketshare currently runs about 3-4%. I know that at one point in the company history, Apple had about 10% marketshare, but I definitely know that was a while ago (but at least within my lifetime).</p>
<p>There was a whitepaper out a few years ago that showed that the Linux operating system had about the same number of security holes as the Microsoft operating system. Both OS go about things differently.</p>
<p>Microsoft enables a lot of services to make the system easier to use, while Linux makes it more secure by making it harder to use. You do have to remember that it is harder to secure a Linux system than it is a Microsoft system. </p>
<p>But imagine Microsoft did it the Linux way. Have you tried to recompile to install a new piece of hardware? In my test system, I have frequently found it easier to just reinstall the entire operating system. The hardware support is very limited, and you have to compile your own software to work with your "flavor" of Linux. RPM files that Red Hat uses aren't very secure either.</p>
<p>There have been security problems with Linux too, and fixing those problems isn't as easy as going to WindowsUpdate. Linux might be more secure, but it is also less capable out of the box and more difficult to secure. Windows on the other hand is more capable and less secure. But Microsoft has been making strides in secure its operating system and the latest SP2 has made Windows XP less vulnerable.</p>
<p>But you if really wanted secure, then you should use OpenBSD. If I remember correctly, there have only been a few security breaches, if any, within the operating system's lifetime.</p>
<p>You sure seem to hate things that arent windows...is your name Bill or perhaps Steve?</p>
<p>*There are whitepapers that make vast claims on both sides of the issue...microsoft "sponsers" lots of studies...
*OpenBSD has had plenty of security breaches...where would you get an idea like that. They just do a lot of testing first and release patches quickpy (to an audience that is willing to patch on time).
*Remember that it is harder to secure a linux system? maybe if you consider disabling networking securing a windows system.
*Obviously you must install some odd hardware (or just poor quality) on a pretty wacked up distro...there is great hardware support, you just have to make sure it works with linux before you buy it. You wouldnt buy hardware that didnt say it worked with windows for your windows computer would you?
*You dont really have to compile your own software (unless you are a gentoo user)...pretty much everything is available in binary form as well as a several packaged form. I dont think RPM is any less secure than a random "install.exe" and if you instead use something like urpmi, apt-get, or emerge to get the packages from a trusted source...where is the problem? For most software a user uses its easier to type emerge mozilla-firefox or urpmi gaim than it is to install software on windows.
*On several distros, it is as simple as going to Windowsupdate. Its even better because it can update more than just the core OS. And of course we all know how GREAT windows update is...microsoft certianly has never dragged their feet on patching something.</p>
<p>Does anyone else wonder why new users keep popping up on this forum to go into threads like this and just argue with what the other people are agreeing on?</p>
<p>If everyone in the world was capable of using a computer, I would say well over 99% of them wouldn't be proficient enough to use *nix or any similar operating system. 1% of the population is still 60,000,000 people and that is stretching it. With any of the knowledge intensive OS' set aside there is Windows or OS X. The way I see it both of those OS are for two different purposes:</p>
<p>OS X: This is for those who like a "hassle free" experience. Everything seems to run smoothly without any major glitches. The icons are animated, and overall it is a very stylish interface. However, it cannot be customized at all; this is to prevent confusion of its target audience: the novice.</p>
<p>Windows: This is for people who want a mix between an easy, simple interface and a knowledge-intensive one. There are always going to be problems with Windows because of the customization that it offers. But this is the EXACT reason Windows is so good. Pretty much anything can be changed in Windows from the registry to the GUI. So if you're comfortable with tinkering around with Windows then you will have tons of options, but if you're not that kind of person the basic Windows is very easy to use. It is the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>except OSX probobly offers more control than windows out of the box (being you can bring up the console and feel just like BSD) Windows is fairly uncustomizable--more so than the old macOS but not much you can do to it visually without extra software.</p>
<p>there have been studies where they set people who just use the computer for basic functions down in front of a KDE or Gnome desktop and within minutes they were flying away doing everything they used to do. All they needed to figure out was what software did what "oh, openoffice writer does the same thing as word"</p>
<p>I don't carry my laptop around. The only advantage of the laptop is it takes less desk space. The disadvantage is it costs more than a desktop with the same functionality. Also, when I play CS or warcraft 3 on my laptop I need a fan otherwise it will overheat (Pentium 4 processor gets really hot). I don't worry about theft because I bought a security cable. Definately get windows if you are in engineering because you can't do anything without excel, powerpoint, and word.</p>
<p>The point of this thread is about laptop usage in college, not about OS pros and cons... OS threads have been done on numerous occassions. </p>
<p>What I want to accomplish in this thread is to get an idea about how laptops (Apple or Windows-based) are really used by students. The sense that I'm getting is that laptops are prized because of their portability to and from school and less for their actual mobility to class or to the library. That students may frequently leave their laptops in their dorm rooms gives both students and their parents a better idea about what form factor may be suitable in an educational environment.</p>
<p>"seriously!....try making a physics formula sheet on MSWord with your lecture notes....i mean...it takes up a large fraction of your day but it's a good substitute for studying"</p>
<p>Well, most Physics majors probably know something about computers, in which case they could just learn LaTeX (the sort-of-but-better-and-different equivalent to HTML for formal papers and tons of other things) and type them rather fast.</p>
<p>ohnoes;</p>
<p>I myself use MathType. It has the power of LaTeX and easier to use (i.e. you don't need to type manually, the interface is easy). The only con is, it costs money to register (legally). MathType is what my math teachers use for typing math problems on tests. It's something to consider if you want LaTeX math styles quickly and easily. They offer a plugin for MS Word so you can integrate them easily, or you can save as a .gif for webpages!</p>
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Definately get windows if you are in engineering because you can't do anything without excel, powerpoint, and word.
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</p>
<p>MS Office is available on Macs too, and there are similar programs for Linux.</p>
<p>Wo0t! go alienware!!!!!</p>
<p>I do sometimes take my laptop with me when I go to the library. I live off-campus, so when I need to go to classes and have a break in between, it gives me a chance to play some games or type something that's due. </p>
<p>It's VERY useful for breaks, because then I can take my computer with me. I'm an addict, so to go a month without email (or CC :D) access... <em>shudder</em></p>
<p>I don't take it in class for notes. I don't tend to remember much when I type things (I can type almost as fast as I think out sentences), and it also makes a lot of noise. It's also very tempting to play games during a boring lecture... Heh. </p>
<p>I don't carry it around day-to-day. Taking a laptop out, booting it and doing something still takes a while, so if I was going to do that, I'd need to be staying somewhere for 20 minutes or so. My laptop isn't the lightest model, either (weighs about 6-7 pounds), so carrying it around not only takes a lot of space in my backpack, it compounds my load by a lot when I have to carry class material. </p>
<p>I have NEVER used it for public access WiFi. It costs money, mostly, but I also just never spend that long in a spot that offers it, especially when I could just go home to do whatever I'd be doing in the coffee shop, bookstore, etc. </p>
<p>When I'm with my friends, my laptop goes away. :)</p>
<p>The only beneficial difference between a laptop and a desktop is the portability, so you need to ask yourself how important it is for you to have it with you when you go places. When you go home, is there a computer you can use? When you study, is it useful to have a computer with you? Can you check out books and compile stuff at home? Do you want to pay 1/3 again as much for the same function -- or less?</p>
<p>I will amend this with saying that I am glad I have my laptop. I do take it with me on occasion. I don't really game on it. I used desktops for 14 years before getting it. I would much prefer a tablet PC. It all depends on your priorities. :)</p>
<p>I think ill be done with CC after I get into a good college...then Ill come back here for info about business or law school!!!</p>
<ul>
<li><p>When you leave for class, do you toss your laptop into your backpack for the whole day? Every day?
i'm a theatre major (design and tech) and i take my laptop to rehearsal every day. i use it for notes during rehearsal and meetings. it's also a good distraction during tedious rehearsals. i don't bring it to class usually.</p></li>
<li><p>How many days during the week do you bring along your laptop?
rehearsal 5 days a week</p></li>
<li><p>When you go to the library to study or to do research, do you bring along your laptop? Every time?
theatre majors don't use the library much :)
when i'm in the library i usually just use their computers. i'm more likely to get work done that way.</p></li>
<li><p>Do you go to the local coffee shop or other WiFi hotspot and use your laptop? How often during the week?
nope. i go downtown to get AWAY from school, not to do work</p></li>
<li><p>Do you spend much time outside or with friends using your laptop? How often?
my hallmates and i have movie nights a lot on our computers, so fairly regularly.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>i go to a school where laptops are(were) part of the tuition, and because of that, some of my classes require having a laptop in class. i usually need it for lab once or twice a week, and statitstics 3x a week. my classes are in a block, so i usually only have it for about 2 hours</p>
<p>Alienware Wo0t!</p>
<ul>
<li>When you leave for class, do you toss your laptop into your backpack for the whole day? Every day?</li>
</ul>
<p>I have not done it once.</p>
<ul>
<li>How many days during the week do you bring along your laptop?</li>
</ul>
<p>Same as above. (It's why I'm replacing my laptop with a cheaper, more powerful desktop next semester)</p>
<ul>
<li>When you go to the library to study or to do research, do you bring along your laptop? Every time?</li>
</ul>
<p>Now this I have done a couple of times as the library PC's are really really slow and there's always a long line to use them.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you go to the local coffee shop or other WiFi hotspot and use your laptop? How often during the week?</li>
</ul>
<p>I do this sometimes as well. Not often but it is nice to have that choice.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you spend much time outside or with friends using your laptop? How often?</li>
</ul>
<p>I too use the laptop as a movie type device. I have to borrow my friends speaker systems though as my laptop's sound isn't really great.</p>
<p>All in all, I find a desktop is much more practical, powerful, affordable, etc...</p>
<p>But if you can afford a laptop with wireless (and your campus has it too), why not go for it? (I would also recommend a large screen if you do not plan on moving it too much. It's great for movies and not going blind as small laptop text really kills my eyes!)</p>
<ul>
<li>When you leave for class, do you toss your laptop into your backpack for the whole day? Every day?</li>
</ul>
<p>Almost every day i bring my laptop to class, im a dual CC and hs student now. Im a history major/ prelaw, so it is extremely useful for lectures</p>
<ul>
<li>How many days during the week do you bring along your laptop?</li>
</ul>
<p>Same as above.</p>
<ul>
<li>When you go to the library to study or to do research, do you bring along your laptop? Every time?</li>
</ul>
<p>I bring it along 99% of the time except when I am just taking books out of the library or making copies of text.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you go to the local coffee shop or other WiFi hotspot and use your laptop? How often during the week?</li>
</ul>
<p>I do this sometimes as well. Not often, but it is nice to have that choice. I play basketball for my school, so I don't have too much free time outside of my room to do work this way, but being in a wireless school is certainly beneficial.</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you spend much time outside or with friends using your laptop? How often?</li>
</ul>
<p>I too use the laptop as a movie type device. I have a huge screen so it is very useful for movies, television (i have some type of tv hook up in it), and music. I have a connection to some powerful speakers for use at my residence.</p>
<p>I would recommend a laptop becuase of its ease of use and of course mobility. Even if it is not wireless at purchase, wireless cards are also available for one.</p>
<p>alienwares just look cool on the outside...they're not very reliable after your first year</p>
<p>I didn't really bring my laptop around with me at all my first semester, but second semester I hardly leave without it! I've gotten sick of working in my room so it's really nice to be able to bring my laptop down to the living room to work or to a comfy couch in the library or to the coffee shop next door. I have an IBM X40 which is one of the laptops Yale recommends and sells to faculty and students and it's been great (it's only 2.7 lbs!).</p>