5 posts tagged “windows”

I have been out and about, talking to the users, and it seems like so many people us Ms and Ms products because they didnt know they had a choice. So in the coming weeks I will be doing a series on weaning off of microsoft (Aka- the evil empire) products, everything from using better software on a windows machine to the full on transition to Linux or Mac.

I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you are too!!!!

So, you want to use a Mac or Linux, but, you're afraid of spreading a virus to your co-workers, friends and family. Well, never fear. Despite the stunning lack of viruses for the Mac operating system, if you want to protect others, or if you are just paranoid, you can use Clam Xav. This is open source anti-virus, its been used on Linux servers for quite some time now. So why should you use this software:

1) Its Free
2) It protects other computers on your network
3) You wont be spreading any viruses
4) On the off chance that someone makes a Mac virus that works with OSX, you will be protected.
5) If you run a virtual PC (widows on a second partition) on either your Mac or Linux machine you will be protected from data loss.

I tried this program, and found out that my co-workers (all Windows users) were passing all kinds of viruses to me, which I was forwarding, unaware of the dangers to others. My computer remains blissfully, but not shockingly, infection free, but I'm much more popular now.

So go out and give it a try. If you hate it, the worst end result is an uninstall.

*Disclaimer –before anyone gets upset, or sue happy, nothing I am writing is anything but what comes out of my own head – I have no way to know what Bill Gates really thinks (and I am exceedingly grateful for that fact – my blood pressure would be way too high if I did)  and I did not come up with the model of grief Elizabeth Kubler Ross did in 1969*

Anyway – Here we go

Denial – Microsoft is the best! And Vista will kick everyone else’s butt! No one will want any other computer when they see Vista, bye-bye Mac and Linux (insert villainous laugh here)

Anger – What! How can anyone not like Vista! Must be a small fringe group out to get me! Send out my army of paid bloggers to squish this rebellion once and for all! And Macs Sales are up by HOW MUCH?

Bargaining – Maybe if I give out my product for 3$ in emerging markets I can re-build my market share and look like a good guy at the same time. My loyal customers won’t mind paying 100 times what people who’ve never bought one of my products in their life do for the same OS. ( Link - http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/robert/archive/2007/04/19/microsoft-introduces-3-windows-bundle-for-emerging-markets.aspx )

Depression – I’m getting slaughtered. It’s hopeless. Maybe those Mac ad’s are right. (www.apple.com/getamac/ads/ )

Acceptance – OK, so my product sucks. How can I use my leverage to eliminate competition? Maybe my lawyers, yes, I’ll sue someone. Can’t sue Mac, they probably have lawyers too- see through me in a second – who can I sue??? I know! Open source! They give away their products so they can’t possibly afford lawyers. Brilliant again Bill, as usual.

What is it?

Its free 3D graphics rendering software.

How does it run?

The package installs easily, and I found it to be quick to load and run. I use and abuse this program frequently, and I have never had a problem.

How do I use it?

The controls can be a little hard to master the first time out, so read the quick start tutorials before you go at it (http://www.blender.org/tutorials-help/quickstart/ ) unless of course, you are an experienced graphic designer, who can just figure it out by looking.

What Does it cost?

 Nothing, Nada, not a cent

 Where can I get more info?

http://www.blender.org

What systems will it run on?

 Linux, Mac and Windows versions available here: http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/ 

Blender

What is it? 

Its free 3D graphics rendering software.

How does it run?

The package installs easily, and I found it to be quick to load and run. I use and abuse this program frequently, and I have never had a problem.

How do I use it?  

The controls can be a little hard to master the first time out, so read the quick start tutorials before you go at it (http://www.blender.org/tutorials-help/quickstart/ ) unless of course, you are an experienced graphic designer, who can just figure it out by looking.

Nothing, Nada, not a cent

Where can I get it?

Linux, Mac and Windows versions available here: http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/