I agree with Windows 7 32 bit as the most compatible. But 32 bit is
essentially obsolete. Most software that is still currently maintained
and most hardware for which current drivers are available will run
without issues on 64 bit Windows.
As a Windows 10 Beta Tester I can also say that I'm experiencing Windows
Fatigue. I'm tired of the constant churn in the U/I. XP, Vista, Windows
7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 all rearrange things just enough to be
annoying and confusing.
I'm now very much a Mac fan, although I find the prices of Apple
products outrageous. While it is a highly usable U/I that is very
consistent from release to release, the hardware remains a real issue.
A decent Mac Mini is about $700. An equivalent NUC PC is half that.
So, like Dave, I see linux as the future. My favorite is Linux Mint
with the Cinnamon U/I. Perhaps the most popular linux distro on the
planet. When I login to my linux box, it is always a pleasure to see a
simple, non-intrusive, intuitive user interface, completely lacking in
the heavy, complex and confusing baggage that Windows carries around.
Mint Cinnamon and most other linux variations will take the average user
a couple hours to get their arms around. Once you do however, you'll
find yourself getting addicted to its beautiful looks and simple
organization. Must linux distros will run circles around Windows on
pretty basic hardware. It's also, surprisingly, extremely reliable,
having been under non-stop development for over 20 years.
73, Doug -- K0DXV
On 3/19/15 10:02 AM, Dave B wrote:
Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
Message-ID: <d12f6d65.e081%[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest
(physically the smallest)
Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won personal
experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.
32 not 64bit, why? Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run on Win64
(com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.) Or you need to open up security holes to
make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or some other sillyness.
Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a lot less
fussy
about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even some realy old Win 3x
and DOS stuff! (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and youre in a world of pain at
best.)
As for the machine itself. I do like the Acer One series of netbooks, Dell do
similar. Toshiba are always good to find spares for. But whatever, max out
the
ammount of RAM it has, to the limit of what the hardware will support. If
less
than 4Gig, then youre best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too
much RAM just sitting there doing nothing.
Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor over the
years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped, I'll be moving over
to
Linux in one form or other in the shack. There is some seriously good HAM
software out there for 'nix now. The Fldigi suite is just one fine example.
73.
Dave G0WBX.
<<
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