I tweeted the question yesterday on whether the computer operating system (OS) really matters any more. The response from the Twitter community was less than overwhelming so I want to pose the same question to you, the HelpMeRick.com community.
My contention is that more and more computer functions get done in a web browser. I rarely use any other computer program other than my browser these days. I don’t print much, I share my photos online, I compose spreadsheets and word processing documents online, I edit photos online, I manage my web site online, I store my important files online, and much more. And more applications are born every day that make the speed of my Internet connection more important than the speed of computer.
And the wonderful thing, to me, about performing all these functions online, is I can literally sit at any computer and get my work and communication accomplished. It doesn’t matter if it is running Apple’s Mac OSX, Windows XP, Vista, or any of the versions of Linux/Ubuntu. As long as the computer has Firefox or other capable browser and a high speed Internet connection, I’m good to go.
How about you? Do you find that you spend the majority of your time in a browser? Are there any must have desktop applications that keep you tied to particular operating system? Would you like to do more of your work in the cloud? Or do you feel that working in the cloud is too dangerous or risky?
Talk back! Leave me a comment below and give me your feedback. I’m interested in getting your feedback so I can keep tailoring HMR to your needs.
Great question, Rick, and the examples of your own computer usage make a strong case! Right now, I must say that I depend upon my operating system – but, mostly due to force of habit!
I am waiting anxiously to replace my seven year old Dell computer with XP – simply biding time until Windows 7 is released.
I have a lot of changes I plan to make, and ridding myself of “operating system dependency” is a high priority now that you’ve brought the subject to light.
According to a COMPUTERWORLD blog dated today, 7 is here. What’s the latest word from you sources?
Strange question. I am a software developer working from home and my major customer uses win2000, so I also use win2000 on one of my PCs. Problem is more and more software suppliers are ceasing support for win2000. For example, I recently bought a Canon 50D and the software that comes with it works on XP and Vista but not win2000. What is really annoying is that often suppliers have software that will even work on Apple Mac OS – whatever that is – but not win2000.
So, is the OS still important – I should say so.
I agree that for some applications…especially business applications, the OS is important. But for the folks I support in small businesses with modest computing needs and especially home users, it is not relevant at all. As for the support of Apple over Win 2000. Microsoft makes major changes to the operation of the OS from version to version so it makes it extremely difficult to upgrade apps/drivers. Apple, on the other hand, has not made major changes to the core of their system since 2001 which makes it much easier to maintain compatibility even 8 years later.
No, Windows 7 is not here yet. Microsoft just released the latest beta version of Windows 7 (RC 1), but the public release date has not been announced. I have read speculation from as early as August to as late as next spring. I think they will try to release Windows 7 before the holidays…IF they are smart.
They don’t call it winblows for no reason..
if cloud ever gets it act together, linux/ubuntu will rule..
I find I use computer based applications less and Internet based applications more and more. I can easily see myself extending the life of this five year old machine by using web based “software.”
Right there with you Harold…and having no regrets.
I use MS Publisher on an on-going project. Fair to say I am currently ‘wedded’ to it. I’ve tried Open Office Impress. I find it cumbersome and too ‘clicky’ (too many key strokes)- and no documentation other than unsatisfactory and incomplete info at the Help menu. If it could (or knew how to) access Publisher without the MS OS, I’d sure try it. Is this possible?
Yep, you are one of the computer users who will probably need to stay with an OS based on the applications you us. And there is nothing at all wrong with that. However, that being said, Impress would not be the OpenSource equivalant for Publisher. For desktop publishing, look at Scribus. It is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. http://www.scribus.net
I am absolutely tied to my OS types, by choice! Something that may be important to remember in the cloud computing world is that you don’t have the choice as to whether you upgrade a given app or not. It would be kinda like windoze forcing an automatic upgrade of the core OS whenever they decide, not you. Makes my head spin just thinking about it lol. Besides for all you conspiracy theory, doom and gloom, and paranoid schizophrenic types out there remember that the true value of our society is not in money, gold, or other precious materials out there but is instead in information control. He who controls information controls the world. So if you please I’ll just keep my data to myself lmao.
Yes, Joe, I understand your point and many agree with you. I just don’t have any major concerns with keeping my data in the cloud.
I am not sure if “my documents” is part of the windows operating system, but I suspect it is. I have a lot of letters and other material that I access through clicking on “my documents” and if I couldn’t access them, I would have problems with another operating system. Could you clear this up by a comment or a video tip. TIA
My Documents is just a storage location for the documents and material you create. Word processing documents, spreadsheets, photos, etc can all be accessed from any operating system or even cloud applications.
Rick, I use a shareware genealogy program called “Brothers Keeper” that I have used since about 1990. It works very well but only runs on Windows. The developer keeps it upgraded on a monthly basis putting in things that his customers want, fine tuning and correcting any bugs that might occur. He has also has it in about 5 or 6 languages. I have tried several other programs including one that runs on linux but none give me what I get with “Brothers Keeper” so even though I would like to move to Mac or Ubuntu I am sticking with XP.
Yep, there are those programs that will keep some of us in Windows…unless you are willing to learn how to use “Virtual Machines” in another operating system. But for most, the hassle isn’t worth it. Just keep your security and updates up to snuff and you will be fine.
In doing business with the companies i deal with I use Windows office which is nor my favorite. With the attachments I receive and I have to send I do not see an option that is very handy. They even started using the new office and all of a sudden I couldn’t open the attachments.
OpenOffice.org opens almost all Microsoft and WordPerfect documents on any platform. And Google Docs and Zoho.com do as well.
I’d love to see the cloud force operating systems back to their original function – wait for it – OPERATING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM!!! The operating system is supposed to make the storage drives, printers and other peripherals function harmoniously. The OS is supposed to handle the memory and provide a mechanism for running more than one program at the same time. Instead we get this multitentacled monstrosity that is part OS, part program, part menu system and all nightmare.
BTW, you will *always* have an OS on your computer, so your question is not correctly phrased. And I have lots of non-cloud programs that get their data from the internet, so there isn’t a clear distinction between cloud and local programs.
I like your thinking…SIMPLIFY the OS, and let the user add only what is necessary for them. I like it.
For me, the best operating system is Linux because it rarely hangs.”-:
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