Just what we need – another O/S complication, as if Vista didn’t leave us aggravated enough with our desktops, reducing a few of us to buying the yellow “Windows Vista For Dummies
” book which was more than likely subsequently used to beat your desktop into compliance. Don’t let the variety of netbook O/S options cause you any undo confusion. The odds are, more than likely, depending on the CPU power of your netbook, and whether you’re planning on just surfing the web, or need basic office functionality, we can narrow down the best choice without any grief.
Linux
– this is a great, lightweight O/S to consider if you have an older netbook and are primarily concerned with keeping connected to the web. It’s the least cumbersome of the available O/S selection, but be prepared to sacrifice some basic applications for the faster performance. Linux just doesn’t give anywhere near the selection of applications supported by XP or other Windows versions. Also, if you’re thinking about switching from a Windows platform to Linux, keep in mind that the current models of netbooks being produced are running just fine with Windows 7. It might not be worth the time learning a new O/S, just to turn around and learn another one.
Windows XP
– Overall this is the best O/S for netbooks a year or more older. It does not inhibit the system like Windows Vista, and also offers much more functional capability than Linux. The ability to run Microsoft Office will be what makes Windows XP the definitive winner over Linux for anyone who needs word processing. If, however, you have a newer model and are only using XP because you despise Vista’s interface, it’s certainly worth your while to look into Windows 7 (read below), you’ll find it’s probably worth the upgrade. You’ll get better performance and a refreshingly easy to learn interface.
Windows Vista
– This notoriously anger-inspiring O/S was too hefty on system resources for earlier models of netbooks, but newer models don’t seem to have any problems, other than the interface of Vista itself. If you have miraculously become accustomed to Vista, however, you might as well keep it for the time being, unless you’re just dying to buy a new O/S.
Windows 7
– After the public relations fiasco of Vista, the newest version of Windows has been a welcome upgrade for almost all PC users, whether desktop or laptop. Of course, Windows 7 is catered to multithreaded CPUs and boosts performance on these machines quite effectively. Will this have any bearing on netbooks though? Obviously, the CPU offered even in the best models of netbooks isn’t going to take advantage in any way of what Windows 7 has to offer, but this definitely doesn’t mean it’s not worth the upgrade. Windows 7 isn’t really as technologically leaps forward over Vista, and therefore doesn’t eat up netbook system resources any more than Vista. However, the user interface is substantially friendlier and much more intuitive. The base line: If you’re using Windows XP currently only because of pure loathing of Vista, Windows 7 is worth the upgrade. Vista users won’t find much difference in performance, but if the awkward Vista interface is still pushing you towards madness little by little each day, make the upgrade as well. Your stress level will thank you.
I don’t agree with your opinions about linux operating system. It’s been about 7 years since I switched to linux and during that time linux distributions have improved a lot. I use linux at home, at my office and my relatively new netbook and I really don’t feel any “sacrifice some basic applications”.
To put a more solid argument, Linux has the same point-click, drag-drop, one-window-for-each-application, start menu + taskbar + system tray user interface standart in IT sector since the beginning of the 90’s. Openoffice suite you use in Linux is designed as a direct stand-in for the Microsoft Office and Firefox is the same Firefox you use in Windows, covering two basic functions the netbooks are happen to be manufactured for. Also there are a number of communications software (e-mail clients and online messaging) you can easily use both for the KDE and Gnome desktop environments. So linux doesn’t bring any penalty of functionality considering your activities.
Besides the precius resources of your netbook won’t be wasted by your OS and antivirus software. Upon switching to Linux, you won’t need an antivirus software at all, at least for netbook’s lifespan. No more having headaches about the expiring date of your antivirus database.
While you can install most (if not all) of the mainstream major distributions freely found on the web to your netbook, there are specifically designed netbook editions (Ubuntu Netbook Remix is an example) as well. I personally installed and used Debian, Kubuntu (with KDE3.5) and openSUSE (again with KDE3.5) and I was very happy with the basic functionality they provided.
And thats just the tip of the iceberg. Considering the richness of the free software Linux offers (especially Ubuntu flavors and Debian), you don’t lose any functionality at all but gain a lot more. Once you get accustomed of, it’s a privilage you can’t let go easily. No more Googling for freeware with the fear of infecting your computer with malware bundled with it.
And all that is totally FREE (actually you will only pay your standart Internet access charge for the download). That is free of any charge for the narrowest meaning. Thinking of buying a new OS? Consider paying $/€ 0 (or whatever your country’s currency is).
I personally, strongly suggest everyone to give the free software a chance. It’s my sincere belief that choosing to be “free” will really widen your perspective about computing, opening new horizons in your digital life. Trying to choose among the Windows’es is like gazing the IT world with your nose touching the wall.
Just turn around!
I totally agree with “Omer OZYILDIRIM”’s Comment as I too have switch to Linux for the past 5 years. Linux has improved and with an ongoing updating stuff with windows update not working sometimes, Linux has not have that problem yet. Upon using linux, I have since converted all 4 computers including desktop at the office to Ubuntu hardy heron, both mainstream laptops to red-hat, and my netbook to Xubuntu.
Some say softwares are “you get what you paid for”. Well, this is the exception. You would expect since not paying you would get a crappy, trial, minimal function OS, but in reality, you get an OS that includes all the essential programs, AND eliminates all the trial software programs which jam up your hard drive on initial boot, so no more AOL 30 days, Norton 60 days, Office 90 days, At&t for $29.99, etc.
Some may say I am more biased towards linux because of the frequency I use it, and I am not telling or forcing you to try it. But at least give it a try for a month or two as an additional OS to the one you’re already using. For those not used to Linux can try it using a LiveCD burn as .iso to a CD disk to boot at startup. I’m quite sure you’ll find something you will like.
This whole discussion over the best OS for a netbook completely overlooks the point that most users are going to be running a web browser on his/her netbook. Nothing else — just a web browser. Therefore, for those users (which I contend is the vast majority), the role of the OS on a netbook is to be a “program loader” for the browser. Other than loading quickly and cleanly, there OS should mostly be invisible.
Although I don’t personally user Google’s Chrome browser, I feel like I am writing a pitch for the rumored ChromeBook or whatever it is called. Well, maybe I am. Or maybe I am pitching Linux. Don’t know. But I can tell you that I don’t want to maintain yet-another-Windows-box when all it really is doing is loading a browser. Too much hassle and expense.
I have to agree with Omer and RN on this. Choosing linux does not give up ANY basic features and the learning curve is practically non-existent for most users who just want to surf the web, read e-mail and write in a word processor.
If the user is knowledgeable, it ADDS capability which Windows does not offer. Hell, I’m using my netbook as a file and print server.
I haven’t used Windows on my laptops, desktops or servers in … ever. Windows offers zero advantages over my current OS preferences (MacOS and Linux) and introduces lots of headaches I don’t currently suffer; like susceptibility to virus/trojan attacks, a self-fragmenting filesystem and leaky memory management, among others.
For an individual who uses the netbook only for email, checking the weather, and playing solitaire, the OS is unimportant.
Over the years, Windows has been a credible OS. Early reports indicate that Windows 7 is the best ever. However…
Normally, few peripherals are used with netbooks. If you have older drivers, they may not work with Windows 7. Often new drivers are available. If you want to use that old scanner – check to see about compatibility and the availability of a driver for Windows 7.
There may be the matter of expense… or ethics if you have multiple portables. A license may limit the number of PCs you install your current software on. Some may want to look kids in the face when talking about pirating.
File compatibility can generally be fixed. The latest and greatest MS office software files can be read by older versions if a compatibility pack is installed on your desktop. Rare features contained in the new file will be lost during conversion. Important non-MS software should be researched.
There may be the matter of security. Windows may be as secure as Linux. Windows can definitely be made more secure than some downloadable Linux versions that operate in administrator mode. But Windows is a common target and Linux isn’t. The Linux versions that I have seen on netbooks are very secure by default. An uncommon, secure OS may offer advantages to some users.
Games are important to many people. Netbooks don’t run the latest and greatest graphic games. Your old standby may be copy protected and require the original CD. Many people will want to consider the limitations on software licenses. Linux offers lots of recreation at no cost. Scores of titles can be installed by entering password and simply clicking buttons. In fact, if you have a netbook with an SSD the limitation will be space.
Online gaming is popular to some. Some graphical online games have custom drivers. Windows is better supported than Linux in this regard. Don’t assume, however, that playing a graphics-intensive game will be fun on a netbook.
Windows 7 should be seriously considered. You can always update drivers, install compatibility packs, purchase the latest software for all your computers or cheat developers out of their expected compensation. Purchase security software recommended by MS, turn off unnecessary services and tune your firewall to make Windows secure.
In my house, we have a handful of desktops and 3 portables, including a netbook. Ethical considerations are important. We find that the work-related files we generate or edit with Open Office at home – usually uncomplicated document drafts – can be loaded into MS Office at work. We are heavily into games, including online gaming. Our exposure/risk is high. In our particular situation, Linux on a netbook makes sense.
Windows is what most are used to. I use OSX in my personal computer but this happens to be my new netbook for work. We have bn getting them to support our diagnostic efforts at the dealership. We are at the point we have to supply our own computers and these Netbooks are FANTASTIC.
Best choices for most people is goiing ot XP or 7. Try playing all those stupid little games people love, heck even Mac verwions can be troublesome.
For those who are more advernturous I am however very glad to see a real comitment to Linux availability.
i replaced Windows XP with Ubuntu Netbook Remix on my msi wind. i really wish people would give it a shot, download Wubi, you can try the OS without removing windows. it really is a wonderful OS for netbook, its VERY intuitive, like an alternate version of OS X.