Moving over to the Windows side

[richmlow]

Well, we have lots of unknowns with regards to the Mac Pro at this time. Rumors, hopes, wishful thinking and hearsay continue to flood the forums.

I've been waiting so long for an update to the 2013 Mac Pro...perhaps in vain, as it may never see the light of day.

As you can see from my signature, I'm still on a 2011 Mac Mini which will need to be replaced before the end of this year. After weighing the pros and cons, I've decided on the following:

1. Remove the Windows 7 partition (Bootcamp) on my HD, giving me a completely clean OS X system. I just did this!

2. Hang on with my Mac Mini until the end of the 2016 year.

3. If no update to the 2013 Mac Pro is announced in 2016, I will buy/build my own Windows system. I've been looking at Digital Storm's Bolt 3.

I really do hope that Apple fixes its Mac lineup soon. However, I can't wait forever and will have to move on soon.

Anyways....just a small rant. Now, back to our usual scheduled programming.....


richmlow

 

[762999]

if you're really tired, why wait? even if you get a new MP version you will live the same experience over and over. If you already know your way around Windows, you should be fine.

 

[ITguy2016]

Curious why you would choose now to remove the Windows partition from your existing Mac. Given your decision to move to Windows I would think you'd want to use it to ensure a smooth transition to Windows should a new Mac Pro not arrive by years end.

 

[AidenShaw]

3. If no update to the 2013 Mac Pro is announced in 2016, I will buy/build my own Windows system. I've been looking at Digital Storm's Bolt 3.

Welcome to the bright side!

Nice SFF system. Too bad that Phil and Jony didn't see something like that before they signed off on the tube.

 

[JimGoshorn]

Windows question: Is the frequent updating of Windows problematic? My friend who does IT says he has had issues with Them. "Updates that if they fail, you are hosed. I'm referring to basic security updates and minor OS updates. Once they occur, getting it sorted out is nearly impossible. Usually need to do an OS re-image". I presume he was referring to a full restore of data?

 

[ITguy2016]

Windows question: Is the frequent updating of Windows problematic? My friend who does IT says he has had issues with Them. "Updates that if they fail, you are hosed. I'm referring to basic security updates and minor OS updates. Once they occur, getting it sorted out is nearly impossible. Usually need to do an OS re-image". I presume he was referring to a full restore of data?

A failed update is rarely a problem. In the event you experience one there are many simple ways to undo the update. Will you let this die? Windows of today is much better than Windows 98 was.

 

[richmlow]

ITguy2016,


That is a good question that you have!

Several factors finally broke "the camel's back":

1. Recently, I booted into the Windows partition and tried to perform the various Windows updates, security fixes, etc. The system kept locking up (for no apparent reason). I tried several times....no success.

2. My HD did not have much room left on it. The Windows partition took up a considerable portion of it.

3. I used the Windows partition to play games. However, my Mac Mini could not even do this very well (as the hardware is quite antiquated). Also, I found myself booting less and less into Windows as it is inconvenient.

So, I finally said to myself...."Forget this nonsense!" Thus, I restored the Mac Mini to a clean OS X system. I will probably (in the near future), build/purchase a Windows machine which is 3x more powerful than any of Apple's offerings, and at 1/3 of the cost of Apple products. If I play my cards right, this new Windows machine will be used for serious work as well as for games!

I'm tired of waiting for Apple. As far as I'm concerned, the best days of Apple are behind us. Regrettably, I'm going to have to make some decisions and move on (away from the Apple platform, it seems).


richmlow

Curious why you would choose now to remove the Windows partition from your existing Mac. Given your decision to move to Windows I would think you'd want to use it to ensure a smooth transition to Windows should a new Mac Pro not arrive by years end.

 

[pat500000]

A failed update is rarely a problem. In the event you experience one there are many simply ways to undo the update. Will you let this die? Windows of today is much better than Windows 98 was.

How about window viesta?

 

[JimGoshorn]

A failed update is rarely a problem. In the event you experience one there are many simply ways to undo the update. Will you let this die? Windows of today is much better than Windows 98 was.

I was only asking an honest question not trying to start anything. I'm on the fence and looking for additional information to verify what my friend told me. Sorry I pissed on your cheerios

 

[AidenShaw]

How about window viesta?

What about Mac OS 7 ?

Vista was released ten years ago, let's look at recent systems.

 

[pat500000]

What about Mac OS 7 ?

Vista was released ten years ago, let's look at recent systems.

Anyway I just think viesta was one the worst of the worst imo. Even if it was decade ago.
Man I can't believe it was decade.

 

[ITguy2016]

ITguy2016,


That is a good question that you have!

Several factors finally broke "the camel's back":

1. Recently, I booted into the Windows partition and tried to perform the various Windows updates, security fixes, etc. The system kept locking up (for no apparent reason). I tried several times....no success.

2. My HD did not have much room left on it. The Windows partition took up a considerable portion of it.

3. I used the Windows partition to play games. However, my Mac Mini could not even do this very well (as the hardware is quite antiquated). Also, I found myself booting less and less into Windows as it is inconvenient.

So, I finally said to myself...."Forget this nonsense!" Thus, I restored the Mac Mini to a clean OS X system. I will probably (in the near future), build/purchase a Windows machine which is 3x more powerful than any of Apple's offerings, and at 1/3 of the cost of Apple products. If I play my cards right, this new Windows machine will be used for serious work as well as for games!

I'm tired of waiting for Apple. As far as I'm concerned, the best days of Apple are behind us. Regrettably, I'm going to have to make some decisions and move on (away from the Apple platform, it seems).


richmlow

It just seems odd you'd have Windows installed on your Mac up until such time as you decided to transition to Windows should Apple fail to release a new Mac Pro by years end.
[doublepost=1466817395][/doublepost]

How about window viesta?

I'm not familiar with viesta so I cannot answer your question.
[doublepost=1466817462][/doublepost]

I was only asking an honest question not trying to start anything. I'm on the fence and looking for additional information to verify what my friend told me. Sorry I pissed on your cheerios

Interestingly it seems to be the same question everyone uses as a reason to avoid Windows.

 

[AidenShaw]

Anyway I just think viesta was one the worst of the worst imo. Even if it was decade ago.
Man I can't believe it was decade.

Vista's worst mistake was that Microsoft assumed that older hardware would be retired faster than actually happened.

Vista on a newer system with at least dual cores and 8 GiB of RAM was pretty good. Vista on a single core with 1 GiB of RAM rather sucked.

Vista 2.0 (Windows 7) is considered one of the best Windows versions, and it's just Vista on a bit of a diet on a hardware base a couple of years newer.

 

[pat500000]

Vista's worst mistake was that Microsoft assumed that older hardware would be retired faster than actually happened.

Vista on a newer system with at least dual cores and 8 GiB of RAM was pretty good. Vista on a single core with 1 GiB of RAM rather sucked.

Vista 2.0 (Windows 7) is considered one of the best Windows versions, and it's just Vista on a bit of a diet on a hardware base a couple of years newer.

They redeem themselves with 7. I agree...

 

[JimGoshorn]

Interestingly it seems to be the same question everyone uses as a reason to avoid Windows.

This is the only computer forum I'm on and figured that I could communicate with people who know Windows as well as Mac so I could get an informed view. Again, I am sorry for any misunderstanding.

 

[SteveJobzniak]

Waiting for Apple to ever make a Pro machine again is pointless.

 

[Fancuku]

Windows question: Is the frequent updating of Windows problematic? My friend who does IT says he has had issues with Them. "Updates that if they fail, you are hosed. I'm referring to basic security updates and minor OS updates. Once they occur, getting it sorted out is nearly impossible. Usually need to do an OS re-image". I presume he was referring to a full restore of data?

It doesn't sound to me like your friend should have an IT job.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Windows 10 has been awesome. It's basically Sierra in Dark Mode with the Dock stretching across the screen, and outperforms macOS thanks to better APIs and better drivers.

 

[antonis]

I've been using W10 now from the launch without any single problem. Mind also they were installed as a free upgrade on top of W8.1. Regarding updates, I'm not even notice them anymore, they are smooth and silent.

 

[Crosscreek]

I use Windows 10 on my Mac everyday since launch and have had no problems. I've made up my mind to build another PC late fall regardless what Apple does. I will be using Hackintosh compatible components for the option of a dual boot. I have little faith in the future of macOS as they move closer to IOS as their main platform. I do have an iPad so as Tim says I have Apples future PC already.

Fortunately I don't need any Apple propitiatory apps so I have this option unlike some.

 

[andyyau]

I use MacPro and some different PC for years.

Windows 7 and Windows 10 are very stable. I never have any issue with these two versions.

Windows 10 boot up is crazily fast. The only thing I hate is its theme. The colours are very boring.
You can't even find the window title in first release of Windows 10. It was fixed in Windows 10 1151 build
by allowing you to set a colour to window title.

And there are unlimited entries to Windows "System Preference". You can set preference in control panel, in new Settings, in task bar, in My computer icon....... After using Windows for more than 10 years, these are still very very confusing. You need google to help how to set your Windows. Unlike OS X, every settings are located in System Preference.

And Windows 10 backup, there are two versions, one is new, one is Windows 7 backup.. So many duplicated stuff.

OS X is elegant, but it is going to see SJ soon.

 

[^^BIGMac]

Welcome to the bright dark side!

Fixed.

 

[762999]

I use MacPro and some different PC for years.

Windows 10 boot up is crazily fast. The only thing I hate is its theme. The colours are very boring.
You can't even find the window title in first release of Windows 10. It was fixed in Windows 10 1151 build
by allowing you to set a colour to window title.

And there are unlimited entries to Windows "System Preference". You can set preference in control panel, in new Settings, in task bar, in My computer icon....... After using Windows for more than 10 years, these are still very very confusing. You need google to help how to set your Windows. Unlike OS X, every settings are located in System Preference.

OS X is elegant, but it is going to see SJ soon.

Windows 10 boots very fast because it doesn't really shutdown when you tell it to. It's a feature you can toggle on/off, it you set it to off, you will have Windows 7 like speed. I don't really see a reason to turn it off, I enjoy the speed.

Spoiler: Fast startup explained

Starting with Windows 8, a fast startup mode is available to start a computer in less time than is typically required for a traditional, cold startup. A fast startup is a hybrid combination of a cold startup and a wake-from-hibernation startup.To prepare for a fast startup, Windows performs a hybrid shutdown sequence that combines elements of a full shutdown sequence and a prepare-for-hibernation sequence. First, as in a full shutdown, Windows closes all applications and logs off all user sessions. At this stage, the system state is similar to that of a computer that has just started up—no applications are running, but the Windows kernel is loaded and the system session is running. Next, the power manager sends system power IRPs to device drivers to tell them to prepare their devices to enter hibernation. Finally, Windows saves the kernel memory image (including the loaded kernel-mode drivers) in Hiberfil.sys and shuts down the computer.

By default, Windows 8 & 10 uses a fast startup in place of a cold startup. Users can typically ignore the differences between fast and cold startups, but, to meet users' expectations, fast startups should behave the same as cold startups. In particular, the devices attached to the computer should be configured the same for a fast startup as they would be for a cold startup.

technical reference:
MSDN link

And there are unlimited entries to Windows "System Preference". You can set preference in control panel, in new Settings, in task bar, in My computer icon....... After using Windows for more than 10 years, these are still very very confusing. You need google to help how to set your Windows. Unlike OS X, every settings are located in System Preference.And Windows 10 backup, there are two versions, one is new, one is Windows 7 backup.. So many duplicated stuff.

this is a work in progress, they are currently transitioning items from the control panel to the new Settings area. There will be another major update before fall, it should be more polished. As for Windows backup, I also agree about the confusion it creates. Windows 7 backup can take a system image / specific folders backup. Windows 10 is similar to time machine, it creates snapshot of files. Eventuall, there will be only one.

Spoiler: Windows 10 Anniversary update (this summer)

http://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-anniversary-update-features

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Windows 10 boots very fast because it doesn't really shutdown when you tell it to. It's a feature you can toggle on/off, it you set it to off, you will have Windows 7 like speed. I don't really see a reason to turn it off, I enjoy the speed.

Spoiler: Fastboot explained

Starting with Windows 8, a fast startup mode is available to start a computer in less time than is typically required for a traditional, cold startup. A fast startup is a hybrid combination of a cold startup and a wake-from-hibernation startup.To prepare for a fast startup, Windows performs a hybrid shutdown sequence that combines elements of a full shutdown sequence and a prepare-for-hibernation sequence. First, as in a full shutdown, Windows closes all applications and logs off all user sessions. At this stage, the system state is similar to that of a computer that has just started up—no applications are running, but the Windows kernel is loaded and the system session is running. Next, the power manager sends system power IRPs to device drivers to tell them to prepare their devices to enter hibernation. Finally, Windows saves the kernel memory image (including the loaded kernel-mode drivers) in Hiberfil.sys and shuts down the computer.

By default, Windows 8 & 10 uses a fast startup in place of a cold startup. Users can typically ignore the differences between fast and cold startups, but, to meet users' expectations, fast startups should behave the same as cold startups. In particular, the devices attached to the computer should be configured the same for a fast startup as they would be for a cold startup.

technical reference:
MSDN link

this is a work in progress, they are currently transitioning items from the control panel to the new Settings area. There will be another major update before fall, it should be more polished. As for Windows backup, I also agree about the confusion it creates. Windows 7 backup can take a system image / specific folders backup. Windows 10 is similar to time machine, it creates snapshot of files. Eventuall, there will be only one.

By default Windows loads and shuts down normally. You have to enable Fast Boot in BIOS for this feature and then Windows gives the option.

 

[762999]

By default Windows loads and shuts down normally. You have to enable Fast Boot in BIOS for this feature and then Windows gives the option.

Microsoft's faststartup doesn't require anything in the Bios. Window 8 and up support it .. so any PC sold in a store, have a Windows with Fast startup enabled.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj835779(v=vs.85).aspx

I mistakingly called the spoiler FASTBOOT when it was FAST STARTUP.. I fixed that, FASTBOOT is only a bios option and doesn't make Windows any faster. FAST STARTUP is new from Windows 8 and isn't related to the bios option and really makes a difference.


The only side effect I know of fast boot is that it requires you to restart your computer when you install drivers or system update. A normal shutdown/startup doesn't do a full circle when Fast startup is enabled.