Valve says Linux is more viable for games than Windows 8

[Flanyboy]

I know it's annoying but there is actually a good reason it asks permissions to run applications.

On previous versions of windows any program could open itself. It made it less secure and easier for virus' to get into your pc and do what they want. While Virus' still have ways around the new system the reason it asks you for permission to run programs is a safe guard. It's actually similar to how Linux and Mac work where they essentially refuse programs root access to your computer without permission. Windows still lacks the separate "boxes" if you will that make Linux even more secure but at least in theory this prevents a virus from downloading itself and gaining root access without your knowledge.

Might be annoying but in my experience it's really made Windows more secure than it use to be, that said it's not perfect but it's a noticeable improvement. Of course many people simply give any application that tries to open permission to run which kind of undermines the whole premise.

[Col. Manning]

I'll second what Flanyboy says, and say Win7 is the best option for you, Reb. Michael and I have turned the other Win8 thread into the "shiny new toy" thread, because we both like our shiny new toys. The truth is, Win7 is tried and true. I've used it for 2 years, and it is very stable. In fact, I believe you might find some good deals on Win7 machines now, since the stores will want to dump the old models and get the Win8 machines on the shelves in time for the Christmas rush.

I hope Flanyboy is right about the long term support, because that is one of the main reasons I'm considering jumping to Win8. I read something around the time the Win8 betas came out that Win7's support was going to be comparatively short. I'm sure that wasn't set in stone, and it sounds a lot like a scare tactic, but it did put a seed of doubt in my mind. I like to be in for the long haul on an OS, too. My wife and I found the OS I got (Win7 Pro, full retail) to be a bitter pill to swallow, since we're not rich by any means, and we're just now getting it paid off. The deal that M$ is offering on Win8 now is about the only way I can justify making the jump.

Extra memory is one of the good things about an x64 system, but a 32 bit program like SoWG can only use up to 4 GB. I got something like 1.7 GB RAM use on a corps size battle on one of the stock Gettysburg maps the last time I checked. However, your system will happily use the extra memory to run itself while SoWG uses what it can.

That brings up a question for Norb. Since x64 systems are much more common, can we expect full x64 support on the next engine, perhaps? :whistle:

[Michael Slaunwhite]

I know it's annoying but there is actually a good reason it asks permissions to run applications.

On previous versions of windows any program could open itself. It made it less secure and easier for virus' to get into your pc and do what they want. While Virus' still have ways around the new system the reason it asks you for permission to run programs is a safe guard. It's actually similar to how Linux and Mac work where they essentially refuse programs root access to your computer without permission. Windows still lacks the separate "boxes" if you will that make Linux even more secure but at least in theory this prevents a virus from downloading itself and gaining root access without your knowledge.

Might be annoying but in my experience it's really made Windows more secure than it use to be, that said it's not perfect but it's a noticeable improvement. Of course many people simply give any application that tries to open permission to run which kind of undermines the whole premise.

I fully agree with Flanboy! Anyone who is using Windows 7 do not have to worry about jumping too the new OS until all reports are in. Windows 7 will still be supported for the next 15 months (banking on it). Why 15 months? Because Windows 7 bugs are mostly have been taken care of, and there would be no need for Windows 7 to be further polished (there will be some tweaks along the way). There will be updates of course for Windows 7 while it whines down to give way to Windows 8. With that said, don't be thinking that the support for your Hardware will fall to the wayside because it won't (of course that is up to the hardware manufacturer, but if history proves correct, you won't have to worry about anything where Hardware is concerned for Windows 7).

As far as security is concerned, Flanboy is right. Also note that Microsoft OS's have always been weak where being as is secure as Linux, or the MAC is concerned but those two OS's do have their weak points as well (no OS is fool proof where security is concerned).

Windows 8 is using the Windows 7 code which is almost too the point of being trusted by many, and building from Windows 7 base is now Windows 8 with all the new bells, and whistles which causes it's own brand of bugs which of course will be dealt with in the first 6 to 8 months of retail release.

I'm thankful that Microsoft has decided to remove AERO from Windows 8. That really annoyed the crap out of me.

So far, Microsoft has released a few updates already for Windows 8 (see pic below). This is why if you like your toys (as several of us do) it's always best (if you are able) to test drive the new OS, and make up your own mind. When you test the software, you eventually come to trust what is happening, or you are going to dislike what you are using because you will be getting the experience of the new OS first hand, you are not so often going to rely as heavily on what is being written, and posted.

Also another great benefit of testing out the new OS for yourself, you are way ahead of the game because as new people are starting to trust the New OS enough to purchase themselves a copy, you will have already become comfortable on how to tweak, and fix incompatibilities, and are able to help out others who might be experiencing the same things you did months earlier.

The attachment updates.PNG is no longer available

Oh, thanks Flanboy for turning me on to the ARM Architecture, I find it fascinating, and something to keep tabs on.

[RebBugler]

I know it's annoying but there is actually a good reason it asks permissions to run applications.

On previous versions of windows any program could open itself. It made it less secure and easier for virus' to get into your pc and do what they want. While Virus' still have ways around the new system the reason it asks you for permission to run programs is a safe guard. It's actually similar to how Linux and Mac work where they essentially refuse programs root access to your computer without permission. Windows still lacks the separate "boxes" if you will that make Linux even more secure but at least in theory this prevents a virus from downloading itself and gaining root access without your knowledge.

Might be annoying but in my experience it's really made Windows more secure than it use to be, that said it's not perfect but it's a noticeable improvement. Of course many people simply give any application that tries to open permission to run which kind of undermines the whole premise.

No, you don't understand what I'm referring to. I don't mind the boxes that appear before 3rd party apps can be opened, I always appreciate that check coming up, I maintain it for security. It's the checks that make you feel like a kid getting into your parents computer and they've got the parental controls on, that was the Win 7 feel I experienced.

Anyway, thanks for the help guys, all input here was a great service to me, and I'm sure, many other folks.