>Windows is out of the question after seeing what a factory OEM image comes with nowadays.
Fair play. Research the manufacturer's policy if you're buying pre-built. If you build your own desktops, this is not an issue.
>I'm not giving them money and spending 2 days formatting/reinstalling/seeking out drivers on slow Taiwanese servers just to make a half-usable computer.
When's the last time you actually installed drivers on a fresh Windows install? I will concede this used to be the case, but nowadays the whole process is much more streamlined. Microsoft has made progress on supporting a lot of hardware drivers via Windows Update. Intel also has a great driver update tool that will scan your system and make recommendations.
>And then, after all that, spend another 2 days installing various adware infested shitware to get a fricking PDF viewer.
2 days is rather exaggerated. Most browsers display PDF. If you absolutely need to read a PDF, Foxit Reader is free, as in beer. Yes, you'll have to uncheck some boxes to avoid their bundled software. Big deal.
>And don't get me started on getting a half-decent dev environment going. Ugh.
Yeah, windows isn't great for a lot of developers' needs. You really could have just left your argument at this rather than spouting off the rest of that FUD.
I use Linux, OS X, and Windows all on a regular basis. They have their strengths and weaknesses, like any other products.
Fair play. Research the manufacturer's policy if you're buying pre-built. If you build your own desktops, this is not an issue.
>I'm not giving them money and spending 2 days formatting/reinstalling/seeking out drivers on slow Taiwanese servers just to make a half-usable computer.
When's the last time you actually installed drivers on a fresh Windows install? I will concede this used to be the case, but nowadays the whole process is much more streamlined. Microsoft has made progress on supporting a lot of hardware drivers via Windows Update. Intel also has a great driver update tool that will scan your system and make recommendations.
>And then, after all that, spend another 2 days installing various adware infested shitware to get a fricking PDF viewer.
2 days is rather exaggerated. Most browsers display PDF. If you absolutely need to read a PDF, Foxit Reader is free, as in beer. Yes, you'll have to uncheck some boxes to avoid their bundled software. Big deal.
>And don't get me started on getting a half-decent dev environment going. Ugh.
Yeah, windows isn't great for a lot of developers' needs. You really could have just left your argument at this rather than spouting off the rest of that FUD.
I use Linux, OS X, and Windows all on a regular basis. They have their strengths and weaknesses, like any other products.