Microsoft is hoping Vista will impress users

As part of our launch coverage we are looking for a committed Vista user - you are probably someone who has been trialling Vista in beta or using it for your business - as well as a passionate Mac OS X user and a devotee of Linux.

We will select three of you to go head-to-head-to-head on the subject of your favourite operating system and will be contacting you with further instructions - so don't forget to include your e-mail address in the form below.

We have received many entries and have now closed the call for submissions. We will be in touch with people shortly. Many thanks for taking part.

I recently needed to run some old software on an ageing Mac G3, and started it up under system 8.2. It was amazingly simple and extremely fast! I also remembered where to find everything, despite having used Windows and OsX for the last 4 years! Please take away all this bloatware and just give us the basics that we need!
Clive, Stoke, UK

Over the years we have seen many changes to the way in which we work and play on the PC, Microsoft?s Vista O.S. is a culmination all that experience and research on what users, both business and home expect, Vista delivers all of this and brings new stability and security features but also hails a new generation of graphic abilities with Directx 10, from the beta version on, it was obvious that Vista will re-energise the PC at all levels, this is an Operating System par excellence, get it and try it, you will not be disappointed.
Tristan Smyth, Reading Berkshire

I use Mac (various versions), Windows (W2K, XP, 98) and Linux (various distros) professionally as an ecommerce tester and my personal preference is Mac OS X followed by Mandriva, then Ubunto and Suse 10.2 and then XP. At home my kids use XP and W2K (they are 4 and 7 years old) as we don't have a Mac and Windows is easier for beginners to master. We will not be moving to Vista at home because none of the new features or functionality are there for the user, they are there for Microsoft to control what you do and to snoop on you, and it requires vast resources to run. No thanks Bill, the future isn't Windows shaped. When XP goes end of line we are going Linux - faster, safer and almost as many applications - oh, and free.
Richard Hough, Knutsford

I use Mac os X on a g5 power mac and a macbook, I changed to a Mac because I got fed up with the constant updates, re boots and crashing of my windows PC. The Mac works without any problems at all, I notice the new fantastic features of Vista look remarkably like osX !. very shortly the new release of os X will be available putting windows vista years behind again.Microsoft will again attempt by using endless updates and security warnings to try to keep up and make Vista reliable.
robin dunkley, wellingborough, UK

I used Ubuntu alongside Windows for a few months before realising it's the best thing to happen in computing in the past 10 years. Ubuntu is sleak, free, has open source alternatives to virtually anything you can imagine, and is backed up by an amazing community.
Dan Baker, Hereford, England

Windows is used on over 90% of computers in the world, the vast majority of software and hardware are designed to work with it. It does everything I need it to and that is exactly what it should do! It may not be the most secure but all other operating systems are just as vulnerable, Windows is simply targeted more because of it's dominance. Why bother writing virus' for Operating Systems no one uses?
Mark Thornton, Hull

WoW! So many lovers of Mac OS X! And I'm another one. I moved to the Mac originally because my suppliers (ad agencies) used it. And I have moved on with Mac through the years. And finally to OS X. Stable, pwoerfull, wonderful user interface, I rarely need to read the help files to get anything done right first time. My Grandmother started computing at 75, on a Mac. And had no problems other than asking us, "How do I get the big (capital) letters?" - ie the shift key!
Antony Watts, Lefkas, Greece

I've used the Mac OS since System 7 and have always found it to be simple and reliable. OS X is supurb. It works without fuss and doesn't waste your time with crisis or roll over to the first virus that comes along. It's simple approch means it's easy for all to use including my 3 yr old. Simply put. It Works
Tim Burnett, Hastings UK

I moved to Mac about three years ago. I do however have two regrets. Firstly I wished I had gone sooner and secondly I am still forced to use windows at work. You hear of loads of people moving from windows to mac you never hear of people going the other way. I wonder why?
Phil, Milton Keynes

I beta tested Vista for a year and a half, and I have the final release copy. Vista works great on my primary system, and it seems to work with most of the hardware. It seems to be very stable, and I have had few problems with the final release copy. I am sure the general public will enjoy its user friendly features. I recommend the Business or Ultimate versions, since they have the Complete PC. Backup feature, which I have found to be about the most useful feature of Vista since if one has a good backup to a secondary hard drive, DVD or External Hard Drive, it can save a lot of time in system reconstruction in case of hackers or system failures. I think the general and business community will save many millions if not billions of hours by using Vista. Mike Scott
Michael Louis Scott, Greenwich, Conneticut U.S.A. 06830-2902

I am a user of most operating systems. They all have a place in this world, but I find that Linux is filling more of my needs as of late. I use it as a server mostly, but may setup a workstation for my Amateur Radio hobby. In view of what is Vista, DRM and all, I will probably switch to a Mac for my main workstation. It's supported by more and more applications and games these days, and is user friendly in ways Linux isn't yet, and Vista could dream of. My only problem is the "getting started" costs. I mean, for $1500USD, I could build one heck of a computer.
Jay Talbot, Amarillo, TX, USA

Being part of Linux is being part of something bigger. You can participate on what might be the worlds greatest concious cooperative effort. Ubuntu, being the name of a common form of Linux, says it all meaning "humanity to others". And best of all it is free, reliable and easy to use. It takes about 20 minutes to take a PC from standstill to full operation with office products, email and web browsing. Access to information and technology will even opportunities in this world and Linux will be the way. I have the utmost respect for the people making this possible.
Nigel Millar, Christchurch, New Zealand

I use Ubuntu Linux, because its a great OS, does everything I want, doesn't crash often, doesn't require a reboot most of the time after updates, its open and therefore can be tweaked to my desires, doesnt contain dodgy DRM and anti trust mechanisms, its easy to use, and most of all it is open source/Free Software, the way it should be!
Lee Tambiah, Birmingham, England

I used Mac OS 8, then 9, and now Mac OS X. It's robust, it's logical, it gives intelligible error messages, it works fine on 5 year old computers, and it's totally virus-free. So, no CPU-hogging anti-virus sofware, no spyware, no need to reinstall every six months, which seems to be the experience of some people on other OSs. And because the hardware and OS are produced by the same company, no problems with compatibility, or drivers.
Stuart Bell, Southampton, UK

Ah, the good old Operating System War. I'm a linux user. And simply put, for me - it has everything I need. I first started using it out of curiosity, and eventually found myself using it more and more until I eventually accidentally wiped my hard drive, couldn't find a windows disk, and just used Linux. Since then, the only times I've looked back is when I've missed my gaming. Linux for me, is the one, it's highly customisable, and bringing the forefront of technology to the computing world. After all, who can argue with something that's free as in speech and free as in beer. Pint anyone?
Martin Meredith, Birmingham, UK

Windows wins hands down - Games, Hardware support, Ease-of-use, backward compatibility, where do I end. I have been using Windows 95, 98, XP and Vista RC1. Never had any problems. No Viruses. No Spyware. No Hacks. Intelligent internet use and some common sense is all you need to stop virus infections. Why would I move to MAC or Linux and lose my massive library of games. Windows Rocks. January 30 and I am waiting to be Wowed. Oh and Apple is going to charge extra to use their 802.11n, Haha. It sucks when you are stuck with that kind of arrogant attitude from your beloved computer manufacturer.
Kunal, Melbourne, Australia

I was raised on Windows (first 98, then XP) but I've been using Mac OS X for several months and I've found it much easier to use (things simply work) and visually appealing than Windows ever was. I don't plan to use Vista for a year or two, if ever. The best alternative to Vista is not Mac OS X, it's Windows XP. Windows XP is just as secure and just as functional as Vista, is less of a system hog- and won't set you back nearly 200 quid!
Nate Darragh, Denver, USA

I use Ubuntu (a Linux distribution) now (after DOS, Mac, and Windows). I chose it because Linux is more secure, reliable, open, and not tied to vendor lock-in, and Ubuntu originally because it was free in terms of cost as well as freedom. Since then, I have come to appreciate it because of the community atmosphere for development, support, and promotion - all governed by a welcoming and sensible community member code of conduct. I like the responsiveness of developers, vast amount of software available, fast pace of development, and enormous flexibility to do anything I wish with my system.
Tony Yarusso, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

linux for me--debian 3.1 currently. I prefer a multi-tasking multi-user operating system; I like to set it up my way; I prefer having a command line shell with command completion and a history mechanism. The C compiler is a comes-with; firefox is available, also emacs. Have been using linux since ver 0.13
tom lightbody, whanagrei, new zealand

I have started my own business and needed to choose a computing platform for the office. Windows seemed to me to difficult to use and unstable. I was also put off by the need to continually keep updating it - I haven't got time for that. So I chose Mac for stability and ease of use. By and large this has ! been the right choice. Two problem areas have been that there is not the same selection of software available for Mac, also the difficulty of finding good quality support. However I feel it has been the correct choice- generally it has been very stable, I have not had to worry about security issues, and the total cost over a number orf years works out very reasonable once you factor in machine replacement, multiple licences of everything you need for an office, etc. FInally, with Mac, very often things "just work", which isn't my experience with Windows.
Luke, Bournemouth, UK

As an IT engineer for a large multinational I come accross all flavours of OS's through my job. The answer to which is "the best" is : It depends on what you want from it! For Gamers: Windows Vista, (DirectX 10! plus the fastest turnaround for hardware) (reasonable expensive.) For Casual users: Mac. Quick relaible and simple. (and expensive) For Techies: A flavour of Linux, it's complex but the results can be stunning, for not a lot of wedge. I currently own a Mac, a Laptop and a home built PC which dual boots between XP, Vista and a flavour of Linux.
Steve Whipp, Burnley, England

From tills to supercomputers, Linux is everywhere. It's free as in beer and free as in speech ¿ no nasty surprises, you're in complete control. The Linux community is relatively instantaneous with security patches and updates. It's the OS of choice for much of the internet and emerging economies and as such represents the future of home and office computing. Linux usually comes packaged as distros ranging from minuscule to comprehensive, and include countless free high quality applications for home, office, and enterprise. From command line to 3D effects the choice is always yours. Its fast, secure, sexy, and free.
Llywelyn Owen, Mon, UK

Linux without a doubt is the future world dominant operating system, and also my favourite. I love the fact that it is free in both senses. FREE as in beer, almost anything you need may be downloaded legally for FREE. FREE as in freedom, I have the right to use it in any way I see fit. Linux is FREE to use, FREE to copy, FREE to distribute, and FREE to change. Linux is almost entirely virus FREE too! Now that's FREEDOM, that's LINUX
Richard Cranium, London, UK

I have use Macs, Windows and Linux. As a programmer, I currently prefer to use Linux for most things (on 4 machines), and windows occasionally for games or the occasional project. Having 5 machines, it is also much more affordable keeping up to date compared to having to shell out for 5 sets of licenses for the OS and apps. I love the huge library of software available for Linux that can be installed instantly and freely from one central archive - everything from quality software synthesisers and sequencers for creating music, to office apps and integrated development tools for programmers. The ability to update ALL your applications (not just the OS) with the package managment tools also greatly simplifies keeping up to date. I just wish more games publishers followed the example set by Linden Labs(Second Life) and id software, and released titles for it. (thats why I still keep windows around) Oh, and its nice to not have to worry about viruses/malware etc. too.
Vivian Crompton, Gold Coast, Australia

I have been using Linux for several years now. Its secure, reliable and offers more scope than Windows or MacOS. The software is open source so no need to install pirated copies of anything - what percentage of windows or mac users systems are free from that? I agree there is more of a learnig curve with linux, depending on your needs, but for everyday use there is not. My parents are in thier 60's and they use it everyday for email, web browsing, word processing etc.
John Morrison, Scotland

Unlike some other operating systems, Linux is the user's servant rather than the opressor. I am given the ability to do anything with my computer that I wish, because I am an experienced user and know how to use its power. Back when I didn't know much about computers, Linux prevented me from breaking my system or introducing security holes, because I didn't have enough knowledge to do those things. Windows and OS X tend to prevent the user from being able to troubleshoot or experiment, even if they are very knowlegable.
Christopher Lees, Perth, Australia

I recently switched from Windows XP to Ubuntu Linux. Throughout the period I used Windows, I frequently crashed the operating system in my attempts to make it more attractive, perform better, and be more secure. With Linux, I have security built in, with the requirement for administrative approval for any potentially damaging process, and I find that the default background is much cleaner and more attractive than XP. Linux is free, secure, and comes with far more out of the box than Windows. Within five minutes of startup, I had all important files from my Windows machine and the ability to run nearly all of them. With very little work with the WINE compatibility layer, I can run all my games on Linux, and am yet to have any problems of any kind with the operating system. I absolutely love my OS, and I would recommend it to anyone willing to spend the two to five hours necessary to become competent users.
Kyle, San Francisco, California

I currently user windows XP for convenience, I have had some usage with apple but find that windows is better equip for most users of different skill levels, Mac os is good at the moment while the usage doesnt match that of windows, the fact is windows is tested to its fullest due to the amount of people who use it and therfore 99% of viruses and spyware are written for windows. Be aware that if more people do start using mac, you may find more exploits being discovered and more problems being found. remember that apple is far from a user friendly company and seek more to control/limit what can be done on your machine (itunes and ipod formats for example). I just hope that Vista does not follow that trend.
Colin, England

I've been using Windows ever since i started using a computer, and it seems its one of the most compatible OS around, i mean with various games, softwares, and other devices. Moreover,since its so widely used, i can take my documents in a usb drive anywhere around the country and rest assured that i can access them. any
Hitesh Dhiman, Chandigarh, India

I use Linux, because I fundamentally believe a computer should be usable from the outset without any extra cost. Applications are written for this system that replicate the function of any commercial piece of software you can name, all given free of charge in the spirit that it will enable any computer user to learn how to do pretty much anything. Occasionally, you might call it rough around the edges, but that cannot outweigh the raw amount of design power a Linux computer will shove right in your lap.
Laurie Chilvers, Plymouth, Uk

I am currently running Vista RC1 (Release Candidate) and XP professional on my PC. Vista looks and feels quite nice, but, suffers from the usual Microsoft hype. Quite a few programmes and hardware is not compatiable with vista, but this will probably get ironed out.......eventually. Potential buyers of this new uber OS should be aware the cost of Vista is not just the price on the SKU sticker on the box, as you will probably have to upgrade at least some hardware to use Vista to it full potential, The minimum spec on system ram is 1Gb! That is just to run Vista any other software will require additional resourses (more ram). I personally wouldnt use less than 2Gb, and for alot of people that will mean upgrading their motherboard. Another potential problem for consumers is the minimum 128mb, direct X 9 graphics card for the Aero (transparent windows) effect to work. With the graphics card industry moving to PCI express, AGP cards are getting harder to get hold of, causing another reason to upgrade the motherboard. Once you upgrade the motherboard you will probably find your processor doesnt fit or the memory is incompatiable with the new motherboard, so you will essentially end up buying a new PC to make vista work.
Darren Sloan, Radcliffe, Manchester

I'm with Mac OS X. Like all (well most) mac OS's before, it is stable, simple and well thought out. But it's not just the OS you have to consider. Imagine buying a car only to find that you need to buy a separate heater, stereo, seats and soft furnishings! In other words, it doesn't work as a complete package out of the box. When you buy a MAC, you get a fully functional system from the moment you turn it on. Moreover, the 'basic' software supplied is actually some of the best available. I have office installed but prefer the MAC equivalent as it just works better. Plus they make your desk look more snazzy than a dell!
Phil, Corby

I have exactly the same experiences and issues as David Turner. I had been a technical trainer delivering Windows training for some time and had done beta testing of Windows too. But in 2005 I also switched to MacOS. Life is now beautifully simple. I switch on the iMac from power off, and with in seconds I start being very productive. No waiting for the hard disk to stop thrashing away as my (powerful) Windows laptop (which sits under my coffee table these days) does. I have followed the Vista story with interest, but (sorry Windows users this isn't bashing, it's fact, I have seen it with my own eyes) Vista does "appear" to be a photocopy in many respects of OSX 10.4 (Tiger) which is now over a year old. Unlike the big bang approach of Windows ever few years, Apple will also shortly release a new OS, version 10.5 (Leopard). It is the next "evolution", so the learning curve remains gentle, I remain productive and I don't worry about incompatibilities. Finally, can I just say that I do not underestimate the security threat as some OSX users do. I am basking in the sun as an OSX user at the moment, with so few threats (and there really are very few). But as OSX becomes more attractive to switchers (and it is), so the sun will disappear and the scum of the earth will begin to see MacOS as a money earner. It will then be plagued as XP is and Vista will inevitably become.
Ade Cox, Derby, UK

I use both Windows (have beta'd the Vista) and the OS X. I prefer my Mac and the OS X. Main benefits: Hardly any crashes, features such as 'active corners' that allows me to quickly overlook all open windows and chose the right one for instance, icons and their contents are neatly organized in the dock, excellent aid available in the system that will help you use specific features if you are in doubt or use them for the first time. Responses from the operating system make sense, as someone else said: you plug in and it works. The Vista is a step forward with lots of very good features, but it still feels like it is more of a make-over, cosmetical change rather than a whole new way of doing Windows.
Susanne Brix, Copenhagen, Denmark

I am a Microsoft Certified Professional. The surprise here is that I'm going to be buying a mac when the new OS is launched come spring. I can boot into OSX, Windows or even Linux if I want to, all the kit works straight out of the box and most importantly..it won't come with dozens of bits of bloatware like Norton pre-installed. The mac only has one drawback, it's not as good a gaming platform as windows is. That is purely down to publishers wanting to sell to a larger market. Programmers are just as happy to use opengl for example as directx. Personally I only play world of warcraft and otherwise use my computer for business or surfing the net...something the mac can do far far better than a windows pc. Microsoft really needs to cater for the pains that joe public has when they purchase a PC instead of catering for the PC suppliers and also the tech support business which, truth be told, relies on PC's being such a pain in the first place. Make the servers and top end kit hard to use by all means but stop punishing desktop PC users before they end up flocking to Apple.
Andy Hoult, Newcastle, UK

I've being using Linux (Ubuntu & Gentoo mostly) for the past 7-8 years. For most of that time i was also using Windows, 98, 2000 and XP. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Linux is a far far superior OS to anything else out there. Its completely customiseable, stable and does what i want it to do, not what someone working for Microsoft "thinks" i want it to do. No viruses, no spyware, no vendor lock in, no forced upgrades. Linux just works, flawlessly. I have all the free software for any task i could possibly want.
Paul Ryan, Sligo, Ireland

I think many of the advantages Apple's OS X offers are actually more intangible than the obvious eye-candy that people see, when first presented with it. Intelligent disc usage (For example, hot-zoning), a journalling file system which keeps track of where files are regardless of how you move them around, a powerful disc searching facility, and an approach to software applications which sees each one bundled into self-contained, self-aware directory trees that remove dependency problems - or the need for such crude hacks as a Registry or RPM-style system (Windows and many mainstream Linux systems, respectively)... these are features of OS X which (like all the best software) work so well that you don't even notice them, until you have to use a system that doesn't have them. It is the system's ability to keep track of where things are, for instance, that drives the true 'drag and drop' mentality behind using a Mac. I recall my colleague's surprise, when using his new Mac, on coming from a Windows world, when I explained that, to ininstal some software from his system, he simply darged it to his wast paper basket. There is a wealth of disc-management, file-system-integrity and resource-husbandry behind such visual 'tricks', bvut because it works so well, even a software engineer can use it, without worrying how it works. To be fair, many of these are things which were once scheduled for Windows Vista, but which were axed during the long death-march that led to it's eventual release. Instead, Vista has shipped with nothing more than an XZP-based core wrapped in a resource-hungry eye-candy exterior. It is little surprise that so many of Microsoft's own developers own Macs, and speak so appreciatively of OS X's features (one needs only read any of their many blogs, to see that this is the case): OS X is where those engineers wanted their own system to be, by now. It is also the place that their own management, at Redmond, failed to lead them - largely because of their dismal, ego-drievn rivalries and internal politics. Good engineers respect good engineering, regardless of what they may think of the company behind it (and there is much, to Apple, that should be looked upon with circumspection). Only the churlish, the childish, and the petty, pour scorn upon a well-made product. Linux is a magnificent piece of work, whatever the 'me-too' fanboys, with their own axes to grind, and very little grasp of software, may cry. It is one which is, almost by it's very nature, destined to live in a 'nearly ready' state. Apple, meanwhile have built a supurbly-designed system. Microsoft, menawhile, has done a decent job with Vista, but anyone who looks at it can see that it is not all that it's makers originally wanted it to be.
Daniel, Hexham

I have a mac since 2002, since then my girlfriend, brother and sister have switched to this system too. Well mac offers me the reliability of a Unix machine with the best of the Windows OS. Its GUI´s is still its age the best one from all in the market, it is clear, intuitive and do not make you feel unsure of your clicking. Software is also not a problem, you can run Mac, Unix and now Windows software on this machine. Do you want more?...I love my mac and I recommend it.
Sergio, Hamburg, Germany

I have been using Linux for seven years now. Why did I choose it that was simple. I could try it for free and if I liked it I could continue to use it. So I tried it and at first it was a bit intimidating. The system look and worked differently. The good news is, it came with all the help you wanted unfortunately you had to read a lot to get what you needed. I discovered something I had never thought of. An operating system that was put together by the heart of million of programmers. A system that is truly reliable.
Peter Chaffe, crawley, west sussex

I use microsoft currently Xp, I like this os because of, once you have it you can immediately use it as it is. It has the basic features which are very useful to me as a user, to name a few the wordpad, paint, system tools and user definition.
herbert, Burdeos, Philippines

Windows Vista - It does everything, its well designed, it brings a breath of fresh air to my PC. The best feature is still the right click and the options available to you, its simple to do what you want in less clicks. Vista is a serious competitor now and as machines get faster and demand more, the OS provides a new stable, gadget ridden experience. Worth the wait for sure.
Paul Sheppard, Bedford, England

OS X is simply the best operating out there for two very straightforward reasons: it's the system that innovates, that other OSs "borrow" their best ideas from, and it's the only one built and designed by the same company that build the computer that it's specifically designed to run on; the mighty Apple!
Dan Garbutt, London, UK

I use Mac OS X because it does all I need. The system runs with the minimum of fuss, it is consistently reliable and easy to use, has a beautiful interface without overusing system resources. I know when I turn my Mac on that it will work fine, every time.
Adam Jackson, Gateshead, UK

I have successively used Windows 3.11, 95, 98, 2000, Me and Vista for a mix of work, internet access and gaming. 3.11 was a bit clunky, and I found Me quite fragile, but all the others have been crash free and have done what I wanted of them. I'll upgrade my PC later this year, with Vista pre-installed, and anticipate more trouble free computing. I hope everyone else is as happy with their OS - it's a non-issue if they are, surely?
Steve Hayes, Pontardawe, Wales

Personally I've never deviated from Windows. I don't use it because it's easy to use or completely secure - but it does have the best compatibility with most, if not all today's modern games, if other OS's want to gain a hold of the markets they must realise that gameres wilol go with what most games are on. Making WoW a dual hybrid disc with PC's and Mac is a step that needs to be taken with other games.
Richard Stagg, Bracknell, Berkshire

I'm using the Windows system and I'm very much satisfied of it.The most important advantages of Windows (according to me):great simplicity of use, easily to configure, co-operate with most of (my) programs (games). In that(and other) case I am supporter of Windows Operating System.
Piotr, Bełchatów, Poland

Mac OS is superior to Windows, hands down; I don't think it's a coincidence that Vista attempts most of OSX's features (not to mention the look and feel), or that the business Vista users so far have been plagued with countless problems and their subsequent updates. From previous Windows builds, we all know that the 'security syndrome' will continue to require updates and Service Packs for years to come. Microsoft is years behind Apple, and rising Mac sales figures hint that people now realise there is an option to the clumsy and stubborn Windows. With the new Mac's operating on Intel, if you have to use Windows, you still can. I predict Apple will become the computer market leader within the decade.
Daz, Leeds, UK

Why am I a supporter of Mac OS X? Easy!!! It rarely crashes, no spyware, no viruses, easy to use, and looks drop dead gorgeous. Want me to continue??
Carl Clare, Chadderton, UK

I use Mac OSX and love it, cause everything just works, and integrates so well. MacBook pro for work and MacMini for home. I still use a Windows machine for games though, and use Parallels on my Macbook pro for those windows CAD programs that I must use.
Derek, South Shields, UK

For video editing and the like macs are the way to go if you have the money, but if you enjoy pc gaming, windows is the only way to go due to direct x contraints (owned by microsoft).
Andrew, Market Deeping

Amiga OS came before MacOS, and Windows, and is efficient, small and powerful. Development on OS4.0 is (allegedly) almost complete so we should see it rise from the ashes soon I hope :) Ade.
Ade, Bridport, Dorset

I really enjoy using my OS X Mac because it makes cataloguing my photos and my music very easy with very simple and intuitive drag and drop. The quality of the screen resolution is very high and web browsing is made easier when I can use Expose. I also find that OS X streams media very quickly compared to other OSs I have used. File Management in OS X is also very good because I don't have to worry about losing files among folders - Spotlight makes it very easy to find files.
Eoin O'Mahony, Dublin, Ireland

I use a windows xp on my pc and mac osx tiger and would always recommend mac ox tigher. its very easy, stylish and always works.i love the expose feature. the look of osx is so much better than pc. as for linux, never used it so no comment. my pc is ok but this is the last time im buying a pc. always crashes, has programmes running in the background using up cpu. Looks dull and boring. Have convinced my friends and family to go mac and they don't regret the move. mac all the way
liberato rocco, cheshunt UK

Having used MS Windows through choice in the 80's and 90's, and by force after 2000 as no effective other choice, I have become very disillusioned at the technological stagnation of Windows. Every few years we get a new flavour of Windows, looks different but the same fundamental flaws and bugs. In 2005 I did something I vowed I never would - I bought a MAC. Should have done it years ago, finally I have a stable operating system, an enjoyable user experience and no blue screen or application errors, hanging or other similar events. All my peripherals work together in perfect harmony.

At last, I found there is a choice and feel so much better not contributing to Mr. Gates monopoly anymore. My MAC is internet ready out of the box, all necessary software to be productive in an office is already preloaded, the learning curve is surprisingly simple, and best of all, all software has the same look and feel. I am now a productive user, and no longer waste time being my own IT consultant wasting precious time solving problems. I hope Vista does not inherit all the problems that all previous Windows incarnations have had.
David Turner, Jakarta, Indonesia

Everything about Mac OS X oozes the sense that someone has thought about that specific feature. You don't find complicated sub menus with nuclear blueprint level explanations for system problems. You just plug something in, and it works...It looks good and makes you feel special when you use it. Your not confused, bewildered or fraught with the sense that what your doing is somehow going to break something. You just start it up, and it works...And this is what an operating system should do, not make you feel stupid every time you plug your digital camera in.
Dale Drake, Salisbury, England