[Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station

[Doug Person via Elecraft]

I agree with Windows 7 32 bit as the most compatible.  But 32 bit is 
essentially obsolete.  Most software that is still currently maintained 
and most hardware for which current drivers are available will run 
without issues on 64 bit Windows.

As a Windows 10 Beta Tester I can also say that I'm experiencing Windows 
Fatigue.  I'm tired of the constant churn in the U/I. XP, Vista, Windows 
7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 all rearrange things just enough to be 
annoying and confusing.

I'm now very much a Mac fan, although I find the prices of Apple 
products outrageous.  While it is a highly usable U/I that is very 
consistent from release to release, the hardware remains a real issue.  
A decent Mac Mini is about $700.  An equivalent NUC PC is half that.

So, like Dave, I see linux as the future.  My favorite is Linux Mint 
with the Cinnamon U/I.  Perhaps the most popular linux distro on the 
planet.  When I login to my linux box, it is always a pleasure to see a 
simple, non-intrusive, intuitive user interface, completely lacking in 
the heavy, complex and confusing baggage that Windows carries around.

Mint Cinnamon and most other linux variations will take the average user 
a couple hours to get their arms around.  Once you do however, you'll 
find yourself getting addicted to its beautiful looks and simple 
organization.  Must linux distros will run circles around Windows on 
pretty basic hardware.  It's also, surprisingly, extremely reliable, 
having been under non-stop development for over 20 years.

73, Doug -- K0DXV

On 3/19/15 10:02 AM, Dave B wrote:
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
>> Message-ID: <D12F6D65.E081%edauer at law.du.edu>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>> OK; I give up.  Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
>> much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
>> flavor.  Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
>> come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
>> monitor can play.  So, advice please - what is the smallest
>> (physically the smallest)
> Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won personal
> experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.
>
> 32 not 64bit, why?   Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run on Win64
> (com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.)   Or you need to open up security holes to
> make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or some other sillyness.
>
> Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a lot less fussy
> about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even some realy old Win 3x
> and DOS stuff!   (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and youre in a world of pain at best.)
>
> As for the machine itself.   I do like the Acer One series of netbooks, Dell do
> similar.   Toshiba are always good to find spares for.   But whatever, max out the
> ammount of RAM it has, to the limit of what the hardware will support.    If less
> than 4Gig, then youre best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too
> much RAM just sitting there doing nothing.
>
> Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor over the
> years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped, I'll be moving over to
> Linux in one form or other in the shack.   There is some seriously good HAM
> software out there for 'nix now.   The Fldigi suite is just one fine example.
>
> 73.
>
> Dave G0WBX.
>
>>> <<
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