Which OS

Okay, so I'm running an HP ZV6130 laptop. I recently thought about replacing but once I got it down to laptops in my price range I was looking at not much more (if any at all) upgrade in features, it seemed as though I'd mainly be paying for windows 7.

So far I've dumped in 2GB of RAM and just the other day got a New 500GB 7200RM HDD. Everything else is bone stock. So this brings up the question, what OS should I run? I like ubuntu, but sometimes it gets old not being able to run windows stuff. I had the dual boot and disliked it. I can get a copy of 7 OEM for about $80. So what do you think, Ubuntu, XP, or Upgrade to 7 and why?

 

Well, if your hardware is capable, then I'd go for 7 personally. And at that price, it is certainly worth it I think. There are very few programs that don't run in Windows 7, and the features, GUI, UI, and better aesthetics make for a nicer experience. Also, on old or slow hardware, Windows 7 will be as snappy or more so than XP. That's just my opinion though, I'd certainly wait for more members of the forum to reply.

 

I would go for win 7 as well. I would add at least another gig of memory if possible, not needed but recommended. Also would you be running 32 bit or 64? I would go with 64 if your processor allows.

Lastly, why did you get tired of having a dual boot?

 

2GB of ram is maxed out unfortunately. I will be running the 64-bit.

I don't know why I got tired of the dual boot, I guess it was just so slow it wasn't really feasible to switch often. Now that I've upgraded it may be different.

Anyway, looks like 7 may be the way I go.

 

If you can get Win 7 drivers, go for it.

 

I'm going to be the black sheep here and say that I prefer Windows Vista's taskbar, after struggling with 7's taskbar for a couple of weeks.

So Vista gets my vote.

 

If you choose to purchase Windows 7, go retail not OEM. OEM keys are permanently linked to the first machine you install them on. Since your current laptop is in its golden years, replacement will be likely within the next few years. At the point of replacement the OEM purchase is no longer usable. However, Windows 7 is very nice. I have no complaints about it. If you see a good deal it's worth grabbing, retail preferred.

I've tried Kubuntu and wasn't a fan. It was too flashy for my taste. Xubuntu and Ubuntu are both nice. They are all free so it's worth trying them all before investing any money into something else. With Wine and some time spent in the Ubuntu forums you may find it able to run your Windows programs with alternatives available.

XP can still do the job and is a fine operating system which many still exclusively use. However it, also, is in its golden years. It lacks some of the built-in security features of Vista and Windows 7, such as UAC, but will still receive security updates for the next few the next few years.

Though you mentioned a dislike of it, dual-booting XP and linux should be a sufficient solution at no additional cost. Spend some time finding your preferred linux OS, and have XP installed in case you run into something that demands Windows.

 

You say Ubuntu is what you like. Unless there is a Windows-only app you need, than run what you like. Dual-booting with 7 would be good if you do need Windows.

 

Vista was like Rockstar's GTA 4 IMO, and they needed to rename the OS just because of all the tweaking they did to Vista.

 

Windows 7 is what I would go with. I've been in love with it ever since I installed it. :wub:

 

Vista taskbar is a silly reason not to go with Windows 7. Just change your settings to "Never combine"

 

Technically.

 

I think he means system builder version. OEM is tiered to Bios.

 

There are different types of OEM License
1)System Builder that requires activation
2)Sytem Builder OEM SLP activation tied to BIOS.

 

LOL! No love for Xp. R.I.P

But anyways, Windows 7 would be the way to go. Is an awesome OS, a lot like Vista, but with MUCH better features, and none of the problems (at least for me).

Still in love with this OS after months of using it.

 

Agreed with many posters above. Windows 7 is the way to go at the moment unless there is a "really" need to do otherwise.

cheers ...

 

Doesn't cut it. For example, Windows Live Messenger then puts TWO icons in the taskbar, instead of one in the system tray (a.k.a. notification area).

While it is true that it is a very minor reason not to go with 7 (I could actually get 7 for free from work), I don't have a reason to go with 7, so this breaks the tie

 

I totally agree, and thanks for saying it, HerrKaputt! I know that I will go to Windows 7 eventually, but I really, really like Vista and will miss some of the features that were removed or changed in Windows 7. Never thought I'd say it, cause I came to Vista kicking and screaming, but it is VERY customizable and a pleasure to use! I'll switch over to Windows 7 when I can figure out how to approximate the Vista features that Ive grown to depend on, like the Vista Task Bar.

PS Herrkaputt, I've been saving this for the future, but check it out and see if it helps: Make Taskbar like Vista Taskbar: http://rammichael.com/?proj=29 (PPS Having trouble with this link? If so, just go to the URL at the end.)

 

Thanks for the encouragement

As for this tip, thanks for the suggestion. I already knew about it and it made my 7 experience reasonable enough to not ask at work to revert to Vista.

Still, even with those tweaks, 7's taskbar and interface is considerably worse than Vista's in my opinion.

 

the msn thing is ty, but fixable (use vista sp2 compatibility mode and it suddenly behaves like any other app in win7: only actual windows are there, and nice toggleable etc.

do what i preach EVERYONE ELSE: use the win7 taskbar at it's default mode. use it at least a month. when ever you question something, ask about it, inform yourself on the why. learn all the tricks it has.

i bet, after one month, you don't really want to go back. i was a huge fighter for the vista taskbar, just check my previous posts in the beta days. i really loved it. i could not move back by now. it's only a change of habits, afterwards, the win7 taskbar IS an improvement. i'm still scared by this, but it's true.

get used to it, learn about it, and you will stop thinking like that. it took me nearly a year (since first information and betas). but i'm glad i got 'converted'. it's a huge improvement once you really use it in it's default mode. and learned how to use it

 

Great, great tip. Thanks!