| I am a regular user of MacOS, WinNT, and UNIX (I'm not telling which
flavor). I hate all three. I hate computers in general. However, they are
essential to most of my tasks, so I use them.
If I want to get something done in a hurry I use a Mac.
If I need something to be stable and reliable (assuming I can trace all of
the .cgoop files) I use UNIX.
If I want to share my work with anyone or use any recent commercial
engineering software I use NT.
Mac's and NT's hang a LOT, especially if you're doing development or trying
to keep current on software upgrades. I know the BSOD (Blue Screen Of
Death) well. UNIX systems are MUCH more stable, but it takes me
(personally) forever to track down which file contains which mis-set flag
which causes some obscure intermittent fault.
The price-performance figures are close enough that you can (and I do)
argue whichever machine you feel you need at the moment.
I am visually oriented so I prefer GUI's to command lines but scripting can
be a life saver.
Like most consumer purchases, computer purchases are rarely based on
quantifiable objective data. They're based on herd instinct, word of mouth
and advertising. BillG understands that better than anyone.
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Erik Spjut (rhymes with cute) - Acting Director,The Center for Design Education
and/or Associate Professor of Engineering
Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711 USA
Erik_Spjut@hmc.edu Ph & Voice mail (909) 607-3890 Fax (909) 621-8967
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