Re: XP or 2000 pro?
ebrown_p wrote:MisterEThoughts wrote:XP or 2000 pro? which one would you choose?
Neither. The best choice of OS is Linux, hands down. Linux is more powerful and more secure. Now it is almost as easy to use.
Mac OSX would be my second choice.
I can't fault you for that second choice, and yes Linux is very much a secure OS but as far as a personal desktop, Linux just doesn't have the software support that many home users need, and it is not standardized enough. As it is, those who use Linux have the time and desire to invest in using Linux. I personally would love a Linux workstation just so I can spend time learning it but I really don't see any practical uses for the home user beyond that and word-processing. Halo still hasn't come out in Linux flavor yet...
What gets me most about your two choices though is the philosophical disparity between the two:
--Apple has maintained security and stability in it's OSes by limiting the users ability to manipulate system functions. It has also maintained a tight hold on all hardware built for th Macs so your choices are very limited when it comes to upgrading (and the prices are astronomical compared to comparable hardware created for PC's where there is greater competition).
--Linux is the ultimate in transparent computing, allowing the user complete access to all parts of the OS and its darkest operations at all times (depending on priviledges of course).
And as far as security goes with Linux, there are security issues with Linux, but they are not as publicized, partly because they are fewer than comparable issues with MS, and partly because we all really enjoy seeing the big guy get his come-uppance. Take for instance the developer who built a backdoor into his distro that he could then take advantage of.
My point is that while OSX and Linux are both fine and secure OSes, if you want the flexibility and options, you get Windows. XP is a stable robust OS which performs well in an extremely wide variety of applications. And if you keep your AV definitions up-to-date and use a decent firewall (like ZoneAlarm or Sygate) and know what you're doing, you shouldn't have issues.