[bcsco]

I’ve tried Ubuntu, Mint, Puppy, whatever. I’m back with Windows. WINE is pitiful. Plus, why should I run a second operating system on top of another (Virtual Machine) just so I can use Windows by itself. Think about it. You don’t like Windows but you run VM because it allows you to run Windows apps. Duh.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

When I was looking at switching to Vista, I was going to have to run XP in a virtual machine in Vista in order to run certain software that I need for work.

If I’m going to do that, what do I need Vista for?

How much Windows software do you need to run, anyway? Did you try out the Virtualbox seamless mode?

[flying_bullet]

I didn't say that I didn't like Windows. You jumped to that conclusion.

I'm a software engineer by trade. Most of the stuff you currently own or will own was made possible in part by the code and applications that I and my co-workers write for our clients. You would be surprised at our customer list. I have years of experience with all types of hardware and software. They are tools.

This past week I have written C++ code in Visual Studio 2005 on (obviously) a WinXP box, java using Eclipse which runs on a Linux server, and troubleshooting regression tests on an iSeries box. Today I am dealing with an issue that deals with Japanese business document standards.

Got it?

A key principle is "does it work for you"? Evidently the original poster had a problem using Windows and has found relief using a particular Linux distribution. Good for them.

My singular point was that "if you have M$ apps that you absolutely must have", then use a VM or WINE for them. Some are better than others. Be flexible, find the best solution and mitigate the minuses when possible.

A VM or WINE didn't work for you - for whatever reason. But it is a legitimate solution for some people and situations.

I switched from Windows to Apple this past year and needed to run a few Windows applications and found Parallels to be an excellent solution. FWIW, I have yet to have the WinXP VM lock up running on the iMac.

But to answer your question: "why should I run a second operating system on top of another (Virtual Machine) just so I can use Windows by itself."

It's because I (and many others) need to. You don't. Good for you. Duh.