Of gadgets and Operating systems
Quirks of different OS - DOS to Windows 11, IOS, Android AND how to make them snappy. Also, some learning on what to look for when you buy, when to replace and more!
In the last post about building a PC after two decades, Ed asked a question about operating systems. The problem with the operating system is that it is complicated. And part of the problem is nostalgia.
It all comes back now…
The first computer I SAW was the Macintosh. My neighbour got one, and I was amazed to see it. I only saw it! I was too young to understand and comprehend, but the Mackintosh with the built-in floppy drive was a treat.
But the computer I got to handle at my college used DOS! I am old enough to have used two different versions - PC-DOS and MS-DOS, both had their quirks I have long forgotten. Somehow I never worked on Windows 2.1. I guess computers were expensive in India, and many did not upgrade.
During my engineering, I spent a few hours on a Silicon Graphics workstation and some specialized computers running Finite Element modelling software where OS was Unix. But these were so expensive that our professors rarely allowed us to work with those.
Windows 95 and Windows NT were a treat. Many times we had them running on black and white CRT monitors, so the wow effect came a few years later. I remember there was one time when ALL the computers I saw had Aishwarya Rai desktop wallpapers.
My struggles with Windows 98 were exasperating, and we worked with Windows NT whenever possible. Some moved to Unix. Apple was unaffordable in India.
When Windows XP came on the scene, it was salvation! Windows XP was the most stable Windows till Windows 10 came on the scene. If you have to rank, I would say Windows XP-Windows 10- Windows 95 & Windows 7 - then come all the other versions where order does not matter.
During this time, Apple was waking from its slumber, thanks to hefty investment from Bill Gates and Steve Jobs - Johnny Ive team in the drivers seat. I did not buy iPod or any macs during this time.
I got a white Macbook first time in 2007. That was my introduction to OSX Leopard. Since then, I have used Macs and PCs regularly.
But the 2010-2020 decade was more about smart phones and tablets. For tablets, I have stuck with the iPad. But for phones, I experimented with Symbian, Windows and Android. My first Android was Eclair, followed Android until Android 9 on my OnePlus 3T.
About Windows
Windows 7 is a special version. Coming on the back of atrocious Windows Vista, it brought back the stability of Windows XP. Even today, many corporates still use Windows 7 thin clients. Windows 8 did not inspire confidence though it was pretty ok. Windows 10 is probably as good as Windows XP (I am getting hate mail for sure). It is much more stable.
I have installed Windows 11, which is a modified Windows 10 experience. Yet, some quirks still need ironing out.
However, some problems persist even with Windows 11.
Windows has a big problem with temp files. These are files that accumulate and slow down the computer. General comfort with dealing with temp files is critical. Regularly running the disk cleanup utility helps. Advanced users can use the Run command to clean out the temp files. [After cleanup, remove files from recycle bin and restart the PC]
Windows PCs, particularly OEM PCs and Laptops, are almost always full of bloatware. Removing these idiotic programs is essential to keep your PC healthy. Using add and remove programs for uninstalling errant software that you do not use. You can use Debloos for Windows 11 to debloat your laptop or PC but do not use it for Windows 10, there is a separate older version for Windows 10. (Debloos used to be called ThisisWin11.) For Windows 7 and older, we used to have TweakUI.
Check what programs open when you switch the computer ON. Many software install programs that launch on start-up and occupy CPU and memory, slowing the computer.
Older versions required proper disk defragmenting. Modern 64-bit versions can handle drives and memory better.
Any cleaning programs for Windows mess things up in reality. CCleaner and gang, I am looking at you!
A good anti-Virus is necessary for Windows 7 and older version. The newer version has Microsoft defender which does a reasonable job.
For PCs, regular shut down is essential to clear everything out. Windows 10 and 11 do not shut down properly. They have what is called the fast shutdown. You need to restart these machines to clear everything out. Do restart the PCs once a fortnight or at least once a month.
Before you install any program, it is crucial to check online about reviews, legitimacy and the credibility of the program creators. There are some great programs and software from individual programmers and small vendors. But you have many shady softwares coming from famous names. Just remember to check online.
About Mac and IOS devices
Mac simply works. It takes care of the temp files, it does not allow programs to occupy CPU and memory randomly. But Macs are not all purpose computers.
Gaming on Mac sucks. They do not have many titles, and in general, PC gaming is a lot better if you have a good gaming PC.
Macs are good with creative work. You can do great creative work with Apple software. It works with most 3rd party creative programs as well. I say MOST because Apple and Adobe work together reluctantly. It is OK, but not an awesome experience.
NEVER use programs like Clean my Mac or others unless you are an elite power user of Macs (then you won’t need to use them anyways). The only program you can use is Onyx. It is free and will clean up without adding nonsensical stuff to your Mac.
You cannot upgrade your Mac, so get it with a little extra RAM and extra storage right out of the box.
Macs have poor video cameras. That has not improved even with today’s M2 Macs. The new MacOS allows you to use the iPhone camera seamlessly - just one thing - both MacOS and iPhone should be on the same Apple ID.
Remember to update the Macs as and when Apple tells you.
Macs do not need to shutdown as often as PCs.
IOS and IPadOS have the same stability and reliability as MacOS so whatever applies to Mac also applies to IOS and IPadOS.
If you are in the Apple ecosystem, consider getting extra iCloud storage. This helps with iPhones. Other Mac devices support external data storage drives.
Unline Android phones while buying iPhone look for the best storage capacity. Apple does not give you an option with the amount of RAM you can buy. Also, RAM size is not that critical for iPhones all older iPhones work well for 5-7 years.
Anything on App Store is OK with Macs.
Android
Android is the windows of the mobile world. It nagged, threw tantrums, glitched the same way windows did. Then it forked.
The cleanest Android is the best. That leaves us with Google phones and some like Motorola phones.
I loved Motorola, they have no nonsense basic phones without too much fuss. Motorola Phones have an average camera, so we get stuck with Google. Thankfully, there are cheaper Pixels to work with. I haven’t used Pixel phones as yet.
Lightly skinned phones like OnePlus used to be a treat. The Oxygen OS skin for OnePlus added functionality and no bloatware. That is why I loved my OnePlus. Sadly, OnePlus is now using Oppo’s ColorOS. Most Chinese phones have skins that make it a problem.
Samsung used to have a buggy skin, but I am told it has recently improved. I have not used Samsungs.
One cannot be too careful about what Apps you install on your Android phone. Shady Apps compromise security bigtime. I check all the apps, their reviews and track down whether they are legit.
Security updates for Android as CRITICAL. Apple forces its users to run security updates. Android does not. That leaves the phones with a big security hole.
My parents use Samsung phones, but they essentially use 3 Apps - Phone, Whatsapp and YouTube.
The Nokia brand has been rejuvenated and seems to have decent specifications and a clean android OS.
In general, Android phones come with range of chips - Qualcomm, Mediatek Helios and Dimensity, Exynos, HiSilicon Kirin. Of these, Qualcomm is considered the best.
Android is the bloatware king. Never set up an Android phone without uninstalling all the irrelevant Apps. Unfortunately, I do not know of a debloater App for Android. If you know of any, let me know in the comments below.
Replacing gadgets
Macs last for about ten years.
With new Macs, nothing can be upgraded. So get the best you can afford, and it will last you ten years easily.
You replace them if you need additional functionality - for example, instead of editing 1080p videos now, you want to edit 4K videos.
Their battery capacity reduces with age. If you work on battery power, you end up replacing Macs every 5-7 years.
If you do not do video/audio/animation stuff on your Mac, they will last ten years without a hitch.
A good indicator of when to replace a Mac is when Apple stops giving you OS updates.
Macs cannot be repaired or upgraded easily. You CAN do it but be careful.
Windows laptops
Windows laptops are as diverse as Android Phones. Be sure to de-bloat them before you log in for the first time.
You need at least 16GB RAM for Windows computers for reasonable future-proofing. Storage can be augmented with the cloud or with external drives.
Dell and Thinkpads are considered to be the most reliable. I have been an HP user, and they have not given me any problems. I have a ThinkPad, and it works fine too.
For gamers, ASUS Zephyrus has been top recommendation by many reviewers. ASUS makes good quality laptops for gaming (ROG, STRIX and TUF series). But all these are pretty costly and not portable.
If you want a Mac-like experience (no upgradability, great speakers, powerful machine with a great screen etc.) look for Razer laptops. They are as costly as Macs.
You can repair most laptops yourself - except Razer. You need an iFixit Toolkit and watch some videos as to where what connections are. If you search with your laptop brand and model, you will find video guides on how to check and replace parts.
PCs and desktops are easiest to replace and upgrade
If you use a PC, it will last you 10 years easy. You can upgrade and extend the lifespan AND get improved performance over longer time. It all depends on what you upgrade and how often and soon you get bored and want to build a new PC.
If you have a PC, ensure your boot drive is an SSD. It will improve your boot experience 50X. Your PC will feel fast and snappy. This is critical upgrade if you are still using Hard disks.
General upgrade deals with RAM, Video card and peripherals. After a few years, you can upgrade the Motherboard and get better performance overall.
All-in-One PCs have all disadvantages of laptops and none of the advantages (like mobility). Most sabotage the performance of the parts by designing poor cases.
For most users, MiniPCs are the way to go. They are small, cheap and quite powerful. Check out MiniPCs before you pay down on branded desktops.
Windows Surface Devices and Tablets
Microsofts Surface devices are great PCs. They are pretty powerful and work like a charm. Over the years, I have come to admire Microsoft’s hardware - their keyboards, mice, tablets etc., work well.
Most Windows tablet makers provide USB-C or thunderbolt Hubs allowing you to use them as desktops. Through the hub and Bluetooth, you can add a keyboard, mouse and monitor and voila! you have a desktop. Surface devices have a special hub (sold separately)!
iPhones and iPads
Most people do not need to replace their iPhones for five years. iPads go longer unless you are drawing, sketching, multimedia work, etc on it.
Just update your Apps and IOS regularly, and you are good to go.
Android Phones
Most Android phones need to replaced every three years, mainly if you are using security-critical Apps like Banking, Payment Apps etc. Then definitely upgrade your phone every three years.
If you are buying a phone now, try for at least 6GB RAM. It will feel snappier for longer.
Some icon packs, skins and other mods can slow down Android Phones.
Do not try Mods or Rooting the phone unless you have the time and the necessary expertise.
Android phones become laggy over time. Therefore buy phones with more RAM. Android phones allow you to connect external drives to them. It also supports cloud backup, so storage is not a problem on Android, RAM is. Get as much RAM as you can afford 8GB is good, 12GB is AWESOME.
Finally
Many think I can’t stop talking about gadgets and tech! (I guess I can’t!) But I hope you all found it informative.
Special thanks to you, Ed! Your comment sent me on a nostalgic trip over the Operating system landscape, reviving many memories. And that wonderful picture of Aishwarya Rai! Sigh! I guess I AM old now!
Thanks for this. I look at this through the lens of time. All this has taken place rather rapidly. I remember in the early 1980s after finishing grad school, I purchased an IBM Selectric typewriter. I used until the late 1980s when a bought a Zeos Windows computer. We had one for the family for a decade, and then we bought a used computer for our oldest son, and I bought a Dell laptop. That laptop functioned very well, but it was also prone to breaking. I had purchased a warranty that provided for next day service. Over the life of the machine, I replaced every component except the CD drive twice or three times, including the screen. They lost money on that machine. The next Dell was of equal quality, but the service contract not as good.
My point is that the consumer computer industry, as you describe, essentially stopped innovating the personal computer. Its miniaturization into the smart phone was a step forward, but that is now a decade and a half ago. So, I wonder if all that we have is all that we will have as the tech world seems to have shifted to AI where we humans are less relevant.