AliceInLinuxland wrote:To install Windows updates, you have to connect to the internet and let Microsoft scan your computer for a valid license. With a mac, you can, if you don't have a broadband connection, go to the public library and download the latest updates without having to provide proof of a valid license or even that you own a mac for that matter. Apple lets anyone download their updates.
I assume that you are talking about WGA to show that your installation of Windows isn't pirated? No, you can easily find out what the latest updates are and download them individually. I did it all the time for servers when I was in the military (prior to WSUS coming along). I was given a list of mandatory Windows Server updates and would schedule a time to download them individually from the Microsoft website, install them and reboot the server.
AliceInLinuxland wrote:I have backup copies of my retail PPC tiger install disk. I've used a backup copy once to reinstall tiger over the top of leopard on an old Power PC G4 iBook. Anybody ever successfully make a copy of a genuine Windows installer disk?
Yep, my Windows 7 OEM came with a DVD. I burned an ISO backup of it just in case I needed it.
AliceInLinuxland wrote:Back in the days of Power PC, Apple was definitely less evil than Microsoft. You got a superior product for the higher price. I have three old G4 iBooks which have never needed a single repair. One of them is a refurb from apple dot com. These days, however, the question is valid.
The reliability of Apple computers has taken a nosedive since they switched to Intel chips and shifted production to China. Both events seemed to occur at about at the same time and are probably connected. My Intel iMac from 2006 has had to be taken to an Apple Store twice for a disk stuck in the optical drive.
Intel doesn't make motherboards. There's nothing wrong with Intel processors or chipsets.
AliceInLinuxland wrote:I have to use Windows 7 machines at the library to download iso images. Windows 7 takes four minutes to boot on the university machines. Good grief!
Most likely that is because of the AV solution they use, various scripts running and also Group Policy. Most Windows 7 systems are fast until you join them to a domain. That's not a negative of Active Directory architecture as much as it is idiotic IT admins running amuck with Group Policy settings and scripts.