The changing of systems

[vp44]

With Windows XP support going away April 8. I have been searching for a new OS to use beside Windows 7 or 8. I have Windows 8.1 on my laptop but on our desk top I have Windows XP. I have read about Mac OS X and Linux Mint. Have any of you guys ever used  mac or linux and how do you like aside from windows?   

[davidh121]

Is there a reason you're trying to avoid the two newer versions of Windows?  If you've invested quite a bit in software already and there isn't any compatible issues, I recommend to stay.  The Mac OS is pretty user friendly, but will have a bit of an initial learning curve if you've only been with Windows.  I've mainly used Linux in a development standpoint, so I cannot speak whether this would be suitable for your needs based on what you're trying to accomplish.  There are also a lot of distributions, so overall in a software perspective I'm not sure I recommend unless if you're open to exploring/tinkering.

[vp44]

Is there a reason you're trying to avoid the two newer versions of Windows?  If you've invested quite a bit in software already and there isn't any compatible issues, I recommend to stay.  The Mac OS is pretty user friendly, but will have a bit of an initial learning curve if you've only been with Windows.  I've mainly used Linux in a development standpoint, so I cannot speak whether this would be suitable for your needs based on what you're trying to accomplish.  There are also a lot of distributions, so overall in a software perspective I'm not sure I recommend unless if you're open to exploring/tinkering.

Yes there a bit expensive and I can not afford either right now. I wanted to see if mac os was any good because it is a lot cheaper. Linux is free at the moment.

[Liquidfire_43]

Never did like Windows 8... Hopefully they don't make the mistake in Windows 9

Not sure about Apple OS system, but I did dabble with Linux Mint a bit... Nice interface, but if your going to dual boot it with your default windows OS make sure you backup your system

[champak97]

I have Windows 7, and somehow do not like Windows 8.

[lbeery]

Interesting topic.  I thought that just the support was going away but that I would still be able to us XP.  If not, I am in serious trouble since both my desktop and my laptop have XP.