Hi,
I am using XP. To take partion backup, we are planing to use Acronus(like norton ghost) and trying to automate this process. After restoring the image, its showing one message 'successfully done'. Here we have to click 'ok'. I guess it is in DOS mode, with its own active partion. Is there any other way to supress this dialog. Please help me on these:
I am comfirtable with TC and Microsoft C. I know TSR programming and interrupts.

1. How to change active partition
2. How to copy default program, which should run automatically from active partition
3. How to copy used sectors/tracks(not empty) into a file.
4. How to restore the file into partition.

I am regeresoly waiting for solution. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Loka

T Bone, I think you are absolutely right. I'm not a Linux nitwit, but know my way around. However, the open source community that keeps Linux going, also scare the professionals away with buggy, homemade and eventually OS-crippling software. Many large business orientated users (like me) turn away from Linux because it is flooded with bad software.
Linux? Great for the small businesses (cheap!) and home users that like a challenge.

Not for me.

when doors are open,why use windows....???????????
Mr.Windows ... u cant stand along wid linux..........

Frozen Bubble 2.

End of argument.

Because both don't care for innovation.

And because *both* use end-users as beta testers.

And because *both* use a monolithic kernel design.

Conclusion:

EVERY OS SUCKS.

If you can live with Office, use Windows or Mac.

If you need to implement something, use something as open as Linux, BSD, ...

I may even tend to claim that Linux sucks more than Windows: because Linux has a data corruption bug. Linus Torvalds claims that it is negligible. But every time I check the checksums of my backups, one single file always fails although it has not been changed. Running the checksum solely on that file gives the correct result. Running the checksum over the whole backup set gives the wrong result for that single file (out of approx. 600.000 files).

So: Linux sucks.

Linux does not much innovate. Most of it is a reproduction of something else.

OpenOffice comes from Sun. Firefox comes from Netscape. KDE's success is based largely on Qt.

You see what I mean?

kwrite cannot handle code-folding and syntax highlightning together.

korganizer is rock-unstable.

firefox is rock-unstable.

Xen is rock-unstable and my error reports get ignored in the kernel mailing list -- just because the developers don't want to admit that they did not care for a division by zero case.

Hmmm... let me think... what else is there?

Why does no X11 screensaver warn me about open consoles?

Why does kmail always ask for a GPG password when I haven't set one?

Why does kmail show 2013 new mails inside the tray when most of it are unimportant mails from mailing lists? Why can't I just tell it: only count messages directly aimed at me or coming from addresses contained in my address book?

Xine has a/v sync problems. In 1.1.6 they are partially solved.

Why can't xine currently use the ffmpeg libs inside kaffeine for DVB-s playback?

Why is there no disk *write* scheduler? And why are there so many debates about CPU schedulers, although I have never experienced any problems with them? Disk I/O is MUCH more limited. But I guess write schedulers are too complex and it would require too much innovation for the Linux community to achieve that goal.

Why is there no autonomous, redundant online disk backup system yet? One that consists of independent nodes constantly controlling each other and doing some sort of fencing? Long-term data archival could be done in an automatic fashion, but there is no open-source solution to it yet (although it would be not too hard to implement).

Linux has no reasonable QA. Linux has no reasonable hardware certification. Linux has no frontier website telling users what hardware to buy (which could mean pressure on vendors -- rather the community complains about lack of vendor support -- what a dumb behaviour).

I could go on and on and on and on and on and on...

I've never had a problem, I've run Gentoo for years now...Ubuntu is, however, really nice.

Linux itself is just a kernel. The kernel is rock solid, optimized and most importantly, _OPEN FOR SCRUTINIZATION_

The software installation issue, well writen package managers generally resolve, and it's easy as heck, even if you don't know anything about "Linux", but you are familiar with PC usage in general. The make system is also fairly standardized, and most sources use it.

Hardware compatibility is generally listed on the packaging. Generally, manufacturers that have their own Linux drivers write on the packaging, Linux kernel xxx" If not, you can always check several sources before going out and buying new hardware. There are lots of devices under windows that no longer work in XP or Vista, like lots of Twain based scanners and Cameras. You can't fault Linux for it's hardware compatibility.

There are lots of Office software packages for linux....gnome-office, openoffice, koffice, staroffice, koffice...

There's tons of cd burning programs as well...and video players....and pretty much every standard application you can ever think of.

I do like several windows programs, like utorrent, but that runs flawlessly under wine. UT2004 has a linux port...doom 3...C&C3 works under wine, same with World of Warcraft. I don't game that much, I game more on consoles, and guess what, some consoles actually use Linux and open source sdks at their core.

You can't really say XXXX is better than XXXX. It depends on what level you compare it on. Do windows games typically work better in windows than linux? Yes. Complain to software developers if you don't like that, or help the wine project. General productivity? Office...multimedia....web browsing...any OS can do all that.

I run Linux for all the neat things it offers. There's a handfull of filesystems, each performing and behaving differently. There's lots of cool stuff like built in virtualization interfaces, and hardware drivers that are always getting improved and performing better amd better because they're open source. If something doesn't work, say a game in Wine, I'll try to fix wine and submit a patch. It's great to have _total_ control of what you run on your PC. There's _amazing_ open source software, like OpenSSH, TightVNC, Eclipse SDK, Java, GCC, Pidgin, mplayer, libavcodec(which is actually the most popular video decoder in windows)...

There's nothing thats stopping proprietary software from being run on Linux as well. I _BUY_ software for Linux all the time, and even buy windows software to run under wine.

By this point in time, Ubuntu, Windows, OSX...to any typical PC user, the OS is transparent and taken for granted once set up. The only problem is that most stuff you can go out and buy in stores is designed for Windows only. Fault the developers of the hardware and software, not Linux. The same applies for OSX, OSX does not "suck" because developers don't always code for it. We have all these open APIs...OpenAL...OpenGL...WxWindows/Mono...Java...libwine...we are going to reach a point where applications in essence will become OS independant, as it will be painless to port, and no developer will want to shut out any customers like they do now.

windows work. indeed linux too. but ask yourselves why windows seems so easy and why linux seems not (and indeed this is not all true). there are not techinical points behind, but only economics, marketing strength, and other such thing. we can discuss which is better for this or that. but important things are kept hidden.
we must remember that worlds do not change because masses have the power to change it. it changes when knowledged people, knights in some way, fight for both ideological and practical problems and try to teach the masses some kind of different true.
if it would not be so, today we still would live around a castle, protected by a king, paying silently our taxes and being happy both to be not free but secure enough...
linux ven though could be not the better solution, is the kind of revolution knowledged people are waiting for and will fight for. masses will follow in the future.

about me, i just could not live in the computer world simply using windows, it does not fit me at all.

well if anybody that has linux doesnt need to be a proffessional or go to linux school or read tons of books to use linux.you need to play around and mess with it a little to find out what the object of linux is.costumizing it is a big part of it.it looks pretty cheap when you install linux because you can't depend on the creators to design it for you.you have to design it yourself.because if you dont like one thing or the way it looks you can change that tiny little problem without changing the whole appearence unlike windows.and yeah when i first installed linux i barley knew how to use it.you just have to keep working with it and youll learn a lot by simply messing around with it.you wont mess up the whole system so dont be afraid.Thank you

Justin.L.Busto

It's been 10 years since people predicted linux would surpass Windows. What happened? Windows is better than linux primarily because it works. Some say you can theoretically do everything that you can do in windows under linux. On the other hand theoretically you can also do everything with a box of crayons and a huge stack of paper. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Linux is free, but there is a hidden opportunity cost. Those individuals whos time is cheap, (unemployed or low wages) benefit from linux. Those who can say time = money don't have the patience to hack linux all day just to get the most basic software up and running.

P.S.
Most people aren't skilled enough to read source code anyway, they just enjoy open source to apply leverage on the developer or to snoop around for a few exploits.

Your reasons for Windows being better than Linux are typical of someone who has absolutely no idea what they're talking about! Furthermore, it is clear you have little experience of either Operating System for things other than gaming and IM.

I will reiterate: you have no idea what you're talking about.

Is there a need to argue here? My OS is better your OS that kinda thing? It's always one man's meat, another man's poison. Use whatever benefits/suits you the most.

Actually, as in this case, the real issue is Why Windows is Easier than Linux.

Truth be told, it's not, unless you grew up with Windows.

Some folk do not wish to put forth the little bit of effort to learn a new (YES, NEW) OS. After stumbling about for a few hours, they get impatient, and conclude that Linux sucks.

Do some heavy-duty programming on Windows. make some stupid mistakes, and see how fast the system crashes. Do the same with Linux. No system crash? (user-space crashes don't count! If you can restart your user environment without a reboot, you are ahead of the game.)
As far as passwords, that is a good system protecting you from yourself. Most normal tasks on a computer do not require you to be an administrator (or root). We just set ourselves up as admins on Windoze out of laziness. On my Linux boxes, I set my user up with the permissions he needs to get things done, and that's that! No need to constantly be logged on as root (or admin). I can let the system protect me from any bonehead mistakes I make while developing as a user.
Windows "better?" Linux "better"? If you do not choose your words well, you end up being a FUD puppet for Microsoft. If Linux didn't scare uncle Bill, his lackeys wouldn't be telling all the lies they are telling about it!

(1) Installing programs is easy with windows because there is a standard.
Actually each installation program is different and keeps informations on what is installed in its own place, be it files anywhere or the registry. Please don't think about RPM, it would hurt you.

(2) Anytime you try to install or change something on your own computer you have to type a password.
You are wrong and you just can't imagine a solution

(3) Installing anything good in Linux requires an entire weekend ending up in learning how to reinvent the wheel.
Too wide assertion to be contradicted... I completely agree with you except when it's easy :)

(4) To truly use any Linux distribution your going to have to either take classes in how Linux works or spend time reading a lot of books and forums.
Please don't try to use your brain

(1) - Let's start with the easy one. BS. Windows programs did not have a standard way of installing them until Vista came around. XP only had recommendations and Vista has requirements to where stuff goes. Many programs still do not follow this so not Vista ready. Debian, on the other hand, (or Ubuntu) has packages that always follow nice rules.

(2) - So does a Mac. So does Vista. Well, Vista has much more annoying stuff like Are you sure you like windows better? Click Accept or Disagree? Root is not for running administrative tools and administrating your computer. Not running a web browser. And you can install your own programs in your home directory. So no passwords required.

(3) - No. I have no idea what you are even talking about.

(4) - Bingo! Guess what? So does Windows! So does a Mac! You want to use something, you have to learn how to operate it. Just because you know how to use Windows to some very limited range does not mean you can just sit down and auto-magically use another OS to its full potential. After all, you don't even know the difference between user privilege levels (see your #2)

If you reached a point in your life where you can't learn new stuff, stick with the old and don't try to rehash the same useless "I know what is wrong with Linux!" for a thousandth time like other noobs without even knowing what Linux is or how to use it.

Haha, you dumbasses got trolled good!

(1) Installing programs is easy with windows because there is a standard.
Installing programs in linux is easy also but that is because i know what to do. In my opinion most programs are much simplier to install on linux then windows.

Linux:
./configure
make
make install

Windows:
Next
Next
Yes
Next
Next
Yes
Next
Finish

(2) Anytime you try to install or change something on your own computer you have to type a password.
What is wrong with this? This is the exact same thing as windows. remove yourself from the administrators group on your windows box and try to install something. It will not work. The difference is that you are already an admin on that machine so it is the same thing as installing something on linux as root.

(3) Installing anything good in Linux requires an entire weekend ending up in learning how to reinvent the wheel.
Sometimes that may be the case but that is because no 2 distros are the same but you only have 1 version of windows xp or windows 2000 so you know for sure which dependices are installed already...Not true with linux.

(4) To truly use any Linux distribution your going to have to either take classes in how Linux works or spend time reading a lot of books and forums.
You should have to learn linux to use it. Is this not true with anything in life??? did you just "KNOW" how to ride a bike when you first got one? i doubt it.

The reason that most users say windows is _better_ is because of a few things.

1. They have been using windows for a long time so they know how to use windows. Use linux for 3-4 years then see if linux is hard to use.

2. If a _windows_ user tries to do something on linux but they can't they automatically say that windows is better.

3. There is no such thing as a windows power user. last time i checked being able to point and click never classified someone as a power user.

Windows administrators are a little different because they would have to do some command line stuff. i.e. ldap queries, scripts, etc.

Do i really need to continue??

Installing programs easy on Linux cause all you have to do is type something like "apt-get install vlc". If it's any harder than that, you need a new distro. May i suggest Debian?

(1) Installing with apt is really easy. I think Linux is better in this regard.
(2) Ubuntu fixed typing the password quite nicely by using sudo for administrative type tasks (and remembering the password for some time)
(3) I agree that open-source (not necessarily Linux) applications can be a bitch to configure. It seems every program has its own way of configuring, for example sendmail requires knowledge of the macro language m4, WTF?
(4) I also agree on the general complexity of unix applications. Just take a look at tar for example, it has a gazillion options that you have to plough through, while in most cases you only need options -czvf and -xzvf. I find this extremely intimidating for a new user (and this is just one simple application).

I think I actually spent more time configuring/updating/fixing Linux applications than using them. Blue screens are extremely rare now with a properly up-to-date Windows XP machine and I've seen way more kernel oopses (or whatever) on Linux than blue screens on windows. Windows XP has never ever refused to start, while X starting problems are relatively common with Linux (good thing I know how to fix them with Linux, no idea how I would tackle it with windows - it just works).
I think the Windows GUI is better too (I use the windows classic UI). It's just not as clunky as the gnome or KDE UI's and more ergonomic too: for example closing an application under Windows is as easy as slamming the mouse pointer in the right-hand corner and clicking, while under Linux I have to position the pointer exactly over the X symbol to close an application.
Linux drivers are a joke too: a lot of hardware just doesn't work with Linux and the developers try to blame anyone else but themselves (and that's just lame). With windows xp, I can simply use older drivers designed for windows 2000 in many cases; Linux developers have this unrealistic idea that *everything* should be open sourced. The end result is that hardware doesn't work properly with Linux while it does with Windows.

It's not witchcraft to install vlc!

I open the package manager and install it. (debian, ubuntu)
What's the point?

I've installed ubuntu on desktop PC's and etch on dell powerdege servers.

All runs very very smooth.

Configuring extraordinary stuff on windows is a pain in the ass.
Specially when you do expert stuff on Windows it seems like you have to be a MSDN certified engineer to do stuff.
I develop on windows, and I see no advantage there.
I miss the freedom you want to have when you are an expert.
And as a normal user, it's just as easy.
What you say is pure bullshit at best, sorry.

Those days are over, face it. I guess you have misconceptions going on there.

(3) Installing anything good in Linux requires an entire weekend ending up in learning how to reinvent the wheel. (4) To truly use any Linux distribution your going to have to either take classes in how Linux works or spend time reading a lot of books and forums.

Running Linux requires intelligence. We've never claimed to be the easy OS.

You claim that Windows has a superior distribution model for third party software.

This is a faulty claim, on several levels:

• There is no *real* standard for application distribution on Windows, save from a few common idioms and libraries like InstallShield.
• On GNU/Linux, the distribution model tends to be entirely different. Users generally get all their software, in the entire stack all the way from the kernel to the desktop applications, from a single distributor. Thus, there is a common infrastructure for dependency management, filesystem structure, and configuration file management. Not only does this normalized interface for software management allow for a cleaner user experience in managing and updating their software, but the distributor can perform integration testing. The fact that all this code is Free Software is what enables this distribution model.

apt-get install vlc

Easy!

I suspect that the issues had with GNU/Linux probably arose from you attempting to use stuff that simply wasn't ready yet at the time. If you elect to live on the bleeding edge, expect a bit of pain.

Windows sucks
Solaris sucks
Linux sucks
DOS sucks
CP/M sucks
UNIX sucks
Multics sucks
BeOS sucks
Amiga sucks
IRIX sucks
FreeBSD sucks
NetBSD sucks
OpenBSD sucks (his maintainer even more)
Minix sucks
Plan 9 sucks
My mother sucks
I suck big time
My whole family sucks
All people in this world suck
Earth, the planets, hell the whole galaxy and universe suck
.........
.........
.........

Windows is great.
Linux is great.
They're just different flavors for a piece of software that helps the user do stuff with is/her PC.

Windows:
Easy for everyone, you don't need to have a degree in CS to work with it. Remember the first versions of windows?
Microsoft's biggest crap is the fact that they EXTORT money from everyone by releasing every now and then a new OS with a nicer looks than the previous version. The problem is, it doesn't get any better... the insides are still crap!

Linux:
Oh God! I think the first time I tried to install linux on my old 486, I gave up after trying for several hours to get more than 640x480 at 60Hz from my old SiS graphics card. I like the new Ubuntu stuff and pretty much all the latest releases work without much hassle. In that sense Linux has accelerated a lot lately.

My Point of view is that neither is perfect, and the common user will have the same difficulties with one or the other. Maybe the driver issue would tilt the scale for XP but with Vista....

I think that Linux is definitely going to win the race. Why....mostly because it's FREE! But also because it's getting easier to work with each year.

Windows Sucks!

I think windows is useful for LAZY persons ...
They dont want to try anythings , they just want there job done ...
they dont want to deal with word 'HOW '.
The question "How it is done ...","How it can be done in better way ..." never come in their mind.
They dont want to face CHALLNGES in their life .....
Tell me What is life without challeges ...
Linux teaches you everthing ...
Its a mystrey .... I Love Linux ...
Let the lazy persons to stick with their WINDOWS we are having our own HOMEs builded with LINUX ....

I´m not sure if some of these things have been mentioned but here´s my 2c.

I use all three OS´s and each has it´s purpose.
I have used windows the longest and I don´t really have stability issues with it. But I´m very paranoid about privacy issues so I rarely use it... mostly for gaming.
I do hate windows and avoid it as much as possible.

Linux I´ve been using for about a year now as my web browsing and that sort of things, but I´ve been unable to actually do anything creative with it. Since I work in photography and video editing there are very few options and professional features in the linux world... and most of my hardware is not supported. And yes I know there are softwares such as Cinelerra, Blender etc... those are not enough.

Mac is for work and I must say it covers all my needs except browsing the web since it´s not connected to the internet. But as soon as I buy my second one I´ll get rid of linux and windows. It´s a pitty macs do cost more but It´s very well worth the price. If I would have to point out some bad things about Macs is hardware support isn´t the best but then again I always make sure the hardware I buy is Mac compatible.

For the last few month I´ve been using BSD instead of linux and for basic desktop use I prefer linux since I´m use to it and it´s more updated.

But if you´re not doing anything special with your PC I don´t see any reason not to use linux... I have very special hardware and I need certain softwares that just can´t be replaced by anything available on linux.

PS... why is color profiling so goddamn dificult in linux?

<< (1) Installing programs is easy with windows because there is a standard. Try installing VLC and you'll see what I mean.

Use yum if you can't install a package by reading the simple installation instructions.

<< (2) Anytime you try to install or change something on your own computer you have to type a password. And god forbid you run the program in root, then you get every warning that exists.

This is for your own good. It not only improves security it also forbids you from making silly mistakes and rendering the system useless.

<< (3) Installing anything good in Linux requires an entire weekend ending up in learning how to reinvent the wheel.

That is simply Not True. You can install any Linux package just by following the instruction even if you have no prior knowledge about Linux.

<< (4) To truly use any Linux distribution your going to have to either take classes in how Linux works or spend time reading a lot of books and forums.

No. I learned using and managing Linux system and I really enjoy working on Linux.

That is why I love Linux. :)

- http://www.shobhit.info
- http://www.GeekLord.com

im a long term windows user since win 3.1 and like me there are most likely
millions of others. most of us long term users may have forgotten when we all
had difficulties in learning windows then learning windows NT. and off course, the
other windows systems that followed have not change much.
so in my opinion the question is not Why Windows is better than Linux but
What are Windows good points.
i have moved other to linux (2 month old) my reasons are vista's worth is less
than the disk its printed on.

here are my points on "What are Windows good points."

Q, if linux is so great why does millions of people still use windows ?

A, when i saw windows 3.1 i think, on 7 grayish floppy disks and after installing i was blown
away because before then i was a strict DOS user but after seeing the windows GUI i thought
this was the best thing since "The Ark" i followed it on and off through to windows 98 and when
server NT and 2000 arrived i really thought like many others that nothing could beat windows.
its nice, its easy and gets the job done.
the fact that it has been around for a long time with little incremental changes on the user's
interface and how it reacts with the user is the key to windows popularity today and thats it.
users use windows because users have become comfortable with it.

however the model on what windows is based on has been showing cracks since windows server 2000 and already starting to breakdown been that it wants to be the OS to all man woman and child. it is clear that history has shown that such models are doomed to fail once consumers needs and requirements
sharply rise. microsoft answer to dooms day is windows "vista" however ill leave that story for
another day.

Q, linux is an open system but will hundreds of linux distribution be its downfall ?

A, windows is a closed standard in which everyone is forced to use and see the same functions. it is
a good idea but OS users are varied and want to use an OS for more than just emails and surfing.
hence why linux sits on most servers. users ideology about OS must be freed from the microsft conditioning in order to see the qaulities in another OS. linux has been slowly gaining speed
on the desktop user sector and in recent years nd the growth of speed is faster climbing and with
hundreds of linux distributions for a varied crowd. a downfall is way off by a long shot.

Q, why on earth is installing a software in linux such a pain. windows is much better,
you "click and go"

A, true windows does most of the tasks without much pain. users who complain about linux installing
methods are usually "new bees" to linux like myself. installing can be frustrating to both read and do. however like with any new challenge that must be overcome then one has to face the challenge with an open mind and be prepared to learn. installing software is quite easy once you get to know how to get
it done.
the question is how much time are you willing to give in order learn how to install a few linux packages. it took me a day (and i am a slow learner). should linux install methods be standard,
maybe one day it will be standard but currently installing any software is quite easy has as
it is and with the added safety that once a package is installed there are no spyware,
worms, or viruses unlike windows.

everything else about linux outshine windows and if you don't believe me try linux for yourself. :)
be prepared to learn the functions you want to do and use linux with an open mind.

krugs

u know i must be one of those shitty lazy windows fuckers , i like to download some shit games software or whatever with some extra virus,
i’ve got 7 spywares and norton XD and 50 viruses in month and im fuckin tired of windows i dont care how linux is dificult i just fuckin hate windows " real virus "
sory bout my spanienglish

"And god forbid you run the program in root, then you get every warning that exists."

Ignore anyone who tells you to not run as root.
Laugh into their face.

And run as root.

If they say you will screw your machine up, laugh into their face.

Laugh until they stop telling YOU how to use YOUR computer.

And then, for the gigs of it, laugh once more, so you can continue
to run YOUR computer anyway YOU see fit.

Why Linux is better than Windows? What are we speaking about? OS? It's simple! Linux is an OS, Windows is not an OS. So, Linux is better than Windows, because Linux is what I need, Windows is something else ... :-)

The best feature of windows I love is driver compatibility across different windows versions. Because of linux drivers being kernel code, the drivers have to be compiled with very same kernel source or even with same compiler and same compiler version. This really sucks. In windows platforms, a device driver for windows 98 is compatible with windows xp generally (and when this driver was developed, there was not a windows called windows xp). Even that both windows versions are very different because of the nt kernel thing.

More than 2 years after this thread was started, let's sum up where we are. Windows has released Vista... a rather attractive piece of work. Unfortunately, good looks came with a price - my Dual Core system with 1 GB of RAM can hardly run it. Ubuntu has just released Gutsy... a highly customizable OS that seems stable. Installing programs is as easy as ADD/REMOVE > CHECK WHAT YOU WANT > DONE.

After weighing the two... give me Linux, any day. I can actually get things done without killing my computer or dragging it to the point of having to hard-powerdown every 5 seconds.

Oh... and I didn't have to pay a hundred-and-a-half for the OS. Beauty!