It gets worse...

[A/CPC]

Toward the end of the linked article:

"Windows 7 and 8.1 Suddenly “Aren’t Supported” on Intel’s Skylake Hardware"

http://www.howtogeek.com/241329/upg...s-aggressively-pushed-windows-10-to-everyone/

As far as I'm concerned, time to start investigating what Linux apps I can use to replace my go to Windows apps. QuickBooks may be one of the hardest. Really, who do they think they are? A better question is, how can they legally get away with this?

 

[discipulus]

GNUCash to replace quick books.

 

[coffee]

If your set on quickbooks as I am then just run windows in a VM with something like virtualbox. Thats my solution. After all, You could use wine in linux but I would be a bit scared as accounting for your business is pretty important and you do not want it screwing up in some way.

My recommendation is Linux Mint with the mate desktop, Virtualbox windows 7 guest , Quickbooks (ect..). I say Mate Desktop over cinnimon because its very stable and straightforward.

If you go this route you can then backup windows pretty easy - Just copy your VirtualBox VMs directory to some form of backup. If you ever need to you can import the VM back into VB easily. For example, I have a network share on my file server that I copy the whole directory over too. I also have Linux Mint installed on a RAID1 mirror.

 

[red12049]

Toward the end of the linked article:

"Windows 7 and 8.1 Suddenly “Aren’t Supported” on Intel’s Skylake Hardware"

http://www.howtogeek.com/241329/upg...s-aggressively-pushed-windows-10-to-everyone/

As far as I'm concerned, time to start investigating what Linux apps I can use to replace my go to Windows apps. QuickBooks may be one of the hardest. Really, who do they think they are? A better question is, how can they legally get away with this?

Why would you expect ANY firm to guarantee unlimited future compatibility? Does Linux make that guarantee?

Rick

 

[seedubya]

GNUCash to replace quick books.

Great, floss tool but not a patch on QB, sorry! It's like comparing apples and oranges apple pie!

 

[A/CPC]

Why would you expect ANY firm to guarantee unlimited future compatibility? Does Linux make that guarantee?

Rick

Surely you can't conclude that I expect unlimited compatibility? Are my expectations unreasonable? I believe not. But there is much more to it than that. Quite simply put, I have difficulty trusting a company who demonstrates a willingness to employ unsavory strategies as has MS of late, and I am far from alone in that perspective. Hearing that they are partnering with a hardware mfr. in an effort to further their (at least) questionable goals does nothing to diminish my distrust.

While there are opinions that assert that Win10 is more secure, I have to ask: more secure from who? Certainly not from MS, who, as far as I can tell, is the untrustworthy party here. I am not a Linux fanboy. Quite the contrary, I have very little experience with Linux. Conversely, I have been an avid windows user & tech for many years and have beta tested MS products since shortly after win 95 was released. If I thought Win10 was a better OS, a more productive OS that didn't default to infringement on my privacy with a rabid-like collection of personal data or use my business desktop as their market place, or seem to be attempting to monopolize the market (once again), seemingly forcing compliance, I'd be enthusiastically on board

My apologies for not being more clear regarding my reservations, and for the intensity of my response. I'm very passionate about being able to trust in the integrity of those I do business with.

 

[red12049]

Surely you can't conclude that I expect unlimited compatibility? Are my expectations unreasonable? I believe not. But there is much more to it than that. Quite simply put, I have difficulty trusting a company who demonstrates a willingness to employ unsavory strategies as has MS of late, and I am far from alone in that perspective. Hearing that they are partnering with a hardware mfr. in an effort to further their (at least) questionable goals does nothing to diminish my distrust.

While there are opinions that assert that Win10 is more secure, I have to ask: more secure from who? Certainly not from MS, who, as far as I can tell, is the untrustworthy party here. I am not a Linux fanboy. Quite the contrary, I have very little experience with Linux. Conversely, I have been an avid windows user & tech for many years and have beta tested MS products since shortly after win 95 was released. If I thought Win10 was a better OS, a more productive OS that didn't default to infringement on my privacy with a rabid-like collection of personal data or use my business desktop as their market place, or seem to be attempting to monopolize the market (once again), seemingly forcing compliance, I'd be enthusiastically on board

My apologies for not being more clear regarding my reservations, and for the intensity of my response. I'm very passionate about being able to trust in the integrity of those I do business with.

Can you cite what hardware manufacturer they partnered with, and what personal data they collect?

Rick

 

[A/CPC]

Can you cite what hardware manufacturer they partnered with, and what personal data they collect?

For the former, refer to the linked article in my OP. Once there, you can page search for "surprising announcement".
Which is another link. You might also read the section in which you find the link.


As to the latter, a quick google should get you up to speed.

 

[Markverhyden]

If your set on quickbooks as I am then just run windows in a VM with something like virtualbox. Thats my solution. After all, You could use wine in linux but I would be a bit scared as accounting for your business is pretty important and you do not want it screwing up in some way.

My recommendation is Linux Mint with the mate desktop, Virtualbox windows 7 guest , Quickbooks (ect..). I say Mate Desktop over cinnimon because its very stable and straightforward.

If you go this route you can then backup windows pretty easy - Just copy your VirtualBox VMs directory to some form of backup. If you ever need to you can import the VM back into VB easily. For example, I have a network share on my file server that I copy the whole directory over too. I also have Linux Mint installed on a RAID1 mirror.

Yep, VM's work just fine in spite of what you might read on Intuit's website. They used to deny support if they even got a hint it was on a VM. But that stance has softened over the years.

 

[A/CPC]

Thanks for the VM suggestions (markverhyden & seedubya). And thanks to coffee. Since I plan on setting up Linux on one of my servers, I'll be checking out Gnucash also, although it would be tough to go to anything less than QB. Plus I'll be freeing up a windows license for use in a VM.

 

[OaksLabs]

On my workstation in-shop I run Ubuntu (with Xubuntu as my graphical environment). I find that it actually compliments a Windows environment very well. I had limited experience with *nix before I made the plunge, and I can tell you I've learned LOTS by switching my daily driver OS. I've found that some very good applications are free, and that with software known as Wine, you can get Windows programs (like Fabs 6) to run in linux. I think it is definitely worth it to switch.

 

[A/CPC]

Thanks for the pointer. I have the Ubuntu 14.04.3 iso. I'll google the xubuntu desktop to check it out. I think I'll enjoy the switch.

 

[red12049]

For the former, refer to the linked article in my OP. Once there, you can page search for "surprising announcement".
Which is another link. You might also read the section in which you find the link.


As to the latter, a quick google should get you up to speed.

Ah. I can find similar verbiage for pretty much every OS that MS has released.

As to PII, MS is collecting metrics on the OS, with no PII, and for that matter, not that much more than WIN 7 collected, and not that much more than many websites collect. Almost all of that can be turned off.

Rick

 

[A/CPC]

Ah. I can find similar verbiage for pretty much every OS that MS has released.

As to PII, MS is collecting metrics on the OS, with no PII, and for that matter, not that much more than WIN 7 collected, and not that much more than many websites collect. Almost all of that can be turned off.

Rick

I'm grateful to have your interpretation on the matter. Other opinions are essential if we are to obtain realistic perspectives. In my view, your assessment is a bit casual and doesn't seem to take into account the condition that is, for many, of most concern: MS's tactics, which, IMO, has been unusually and aggressively underhanded. If not new, then at least brazen to a degree not previously seen. If you doubt this, again I refer you to google...concerns over these issues are widespread. I find myself growing increasingly suspicious at the fact that MS's strategies seem designed to 'dominate the PC world'. Nothing wrong with that in and of itself. That's the way of business. Their motives, however, seem highly questionable and (again, IMO) appear unsavory (as do their actions). Your assertions "...not that much more" do nothing to alleviate my concerns, particularly when coupled with their actions.

I don't believe that MS is stupid, yet they either don't understand, have forgotten or don't care for the concept of avoiding the appearance of impropriety. An important principle in all areas of life, and no less so in the business world. I truly do respect your opinion, and my intent is only to express mine, not change yours. But the only thing that will change mine is if MS changes their ways. I believe that the only way that they will restore confidence for the number of people they've alienated is via a change in leadership and direction. I hope that happens. I have a long devoted relationship with MS and have no wish for that to change.

 

[red12049]

I'm grateful to have your interpretation on the matter. Other opinions are essential if we are to obtain realistic perspectives. In my view, your assessment is a bit casual and doesn't seem to take into account the condition that is, for many, of most concern: MS's tactics, which, IMO, has been unusually and aggressively underhanded. If not new, then at least brazen to a degree not previously seen. If you doubt this, again I refer you to google...concerns over these issues are widespread. I find myself growing increasingly suspicious at the fact that MS's strategies seem designed to 'dominate the PC world'. Nothing wrong with that in and of itself. That's the way of business. Their motives, however, seem highly questionable and (again, IMO) appear unsavory (as do their actions). Your assertions "...not that much more" do nothing to alleviate my concerns, particularly when coupled with their actions.

I don't believe that MS is stupid, yet they either don't understand, have forgotten or don't care for the concept of avoiding the appearance of impropriety. An important principle in all areas of life, and no less so in the business world. I truly do respect your opinion, and my intent is only to express mine, not change yours. But the only thing that will change mine is if MS changes their ways. I believe that the only way that they will restore confidence for the number of people they've alienated is via a change in leadership and direction. I hope that happens. I have a long devoted relationship with MS and have no wish for that to change.

I neither agree nor disagree with your perspective, but simply have a different one.

I wanted to thank you for being one of the most gentlemanly folks I have ever debated. It's very refreshing.

Rick

Edited to fix typo

 

[A/CPC]

Thanks very much, Rick. I appreciated the conversation.

 

[johnrobert]

Munich, Germany has been on a decade-long quest to remove Microsoft software and other proprietary solutions from the city's IT systems in favor of Linux

 

[seedubya]

Munich, Germany has been on a decade-long quest to remove Microsoft software and other proprietary solutions from the city's IT systems in favor of Linux

You missed the link

 

[A/CPC]

You missed the link

Thanks for posting the link. A very interesting read, and explains why MS feels free to force-feed Windows 10.

 

[A/CPC]

And worse...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/0...join_in_perfect_harmony_to_praise_windows_10/

Windows 10 - The world's most pervasive malware...