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> I really can't think of any common Windows-only software. At least nothing that wouldn't run on Mac OS. Most CAD software, unless you are OK with websites or

> I really can't think of any common Windows-only software. At least nothing that wouldn't run on Mac OS. Most CAD software, unless you are OK with websites or glorified websites with desktop clients (looking at you, Fusion 360). Alibre? SolidWorks? Standard AutoCAD? Add CNC milling tools to that. Good luck finding Mac-compatible CAM software of any kind (unless, again, Fusion 360 and only Fusion 360).

autoexec 3y ago
Thankfully the number of windows users that need to use CAD/CNC milling software is not statistically significant. At this point almost nearly all Windows users could stop using Windows at least for their home/personal use. If the only windows machines being used were on corporate LANs and on factory floors the world would be a better place.
- NewsaHackO 3y ago
  True that there are not many users that need CAD, but you are missing the point. There are dozens of industries that require specialized software for day to day activities that can only be run on Windows or Mac. You can't just blow off the OS requirements for all of these industries. Honestly, I see this a lot in these discussions about using some toy OS or Linux. People don't realize that to work in the real world it isn't good enough to support 90% of the requirements when you need 100% to function.
  - autoexec 3y ago
    I know that companies run on Windows. Nearly every company I've worked for has subjected me to it. Many companies could switch away from windows and the reasons they don't include things like "we've always done it this way", tech support (both in terms of vendor support and in-house IT) is easier and cheaper with Windows, workers tend to be more familiar with it, etc. These are reasonable considerations, but nothing that can't be overcome. For many companies that are running specialized windows only software, some of that software will have only been written for Windows in the first place because Windows was either already being used by the company or because that was the expectation. Again, not unreasonable. When companies write their own software they write for the OS they have. When software companies want to sell their programs they'll naturally tend to target the most popular OS being used. It's sort of self-perpetuating that people use/write software for what they (or most people) already have. For software that couldn't be run using something like WINE it would take time/money to replace or rewrite that windows software. That's a hurdle, but not an impossible one to clear. I've worked at companies that were entirely dependent on the AS/400 or Lotus Notes, but they somehow made the investment and found other solutions. As much as I don't think web apps and SaaS are a good idea, those options will make it easier for some companies to let go of windows too. Right now, it probably wouldn't make sense for a lot of companies to stop using Windows. The same can't be said for what most people have installed on their personal computers though. The more alternatives to Windows spread outside of the office/factory the easier it gets to replace it in the workplace.
deadbunny 3y ago
CAD is common software now?
codedokode 3y ago
Most people do not need this software at their home computer.
gerdesj 3y ago
I look after integration with quite a lot of industrial machinery. One runs DOS. Good luck with getting Windows or a Mac talking to Lanman/NetBEUI. Samba can talk to it after you take the safety catches off (but at least you have the option). There is also quite a lot, and growing, amount of software that is rather legacy and will only run under WINE. You can obviously run up a Linux box on a Mac in a VM and Bob's your mother's brother.
- autoexec 3y ago
  > Good luck with getting Windows or a Mac talking to Lanman/NetBEUI I'd bet it's possible. Older versions of windows were capable at least so you could probably upgrade from DOS to windows NT or 2K. Honestly though, I'd stick with DOS for as long as you have a good stock of replacement hardware.

autoexec 3y ago

Thankfully the number of windows users that need to use CAD/CNC milling software is not statistically significant. At this point almost nearly all Windows users could stop using Windows at least for their home/personal use. If the only windows machines being used were on corporate LANs and on factory floors the world would be a better place.

NewsaHackO 3y ago
True that there are not many users that need CAD, but you are missing the point. There are dozens of industries that require specialized software for day to day activities that can only be run on Windows or Mac. You can't just blow off the OS requirements for all of these industries. Honestly, I see this a lot in these discussions about using some toy OS or Linux. People don't realize that to work in the real world it isn't good enough to support 90% of the requirements when you need 100% to function.
- autoexec 3y ago
  I know that companies run on Windows. Nearly every company I've worked for has subjected me to it. Many companies could switch away from windows and the reasons they don't include things like "we've always done it this way", tech support (both in terms of vendor support and in-house IT) is easier and cheaper with Windows, workers tend to be more familiar with it, etc. These are reasonable considerations, but nothing that can't be overcome. For many companies that are running specialized windows only software, some of that software will have only been written for Windows in the first place because Windows was either already being used by the company or because that was the expectation. Again, not unreasonable. When companies write their own software they write for the OS they have. When software companies want to sell their programs they'll naturally tend to target the most popular OS being used. It's sort of self-perpetuating that people use/write software for what they (or most people) already have. For software that couldn't be run using something like WINE it would take time/money to replace or rewrite that windows software. That's a hurdle, but not an impossible one to clear. I've worked at companies that were entirely dependent on the AS/400 or Lotus Notes, but they somehow made the investment and found other solutions. As much as I don't think web apps and SaaS are a good idea, those options will make it easier for some companies to let go of windows too. Right now, it probably wouldn't make sense for a lot of companies to stop using Windows. The same can't be said for what most people have installed on their personal computers though. The more alternatives to Windows spread outside of the office/factory the easier it gets to replace it in the workplace.

deadbunny 3y ago

CAD is common software now?

codedokode 3y ago

Most people do not need this software at their home computer.

gerdesj 3y ago

I look after integration with quite a lot of industrial machinery. One runs DOS. Good luck with getting Windows or a Mac talking to Lanman/NetBEUI. Samba can talk to it after you take the safety catches off (but at least you have the option). There is also quite a lot, and growing, amount of software that is rather legacy and will only run under WINE. You can obviously run up a Linux box on a Mac in a VM and Bob's your mother's brother.

autoexec 3y ago
> Good luck with getting Windows or a Mac talking to Lanman/NetBEUI I'd bet it's possible. Older versions of windows were capable at least so you could probably upgrade from DOS to windows NT or 2K. Honestly though, I'd stick with DOS for as long as you have a good stock of replacement hardware.