I learned to use a computer and to program, before Microsoft. Then I used MSDOS, OS/2, and Windows 1.0 through Windows XP, after which I switched to a Mac, and I still love it.
How about a UNIX or LINUX system? I, too, learned programming prior to Microsoft or Apple. I learned on an IBM 1620 that filled half a room and you had to go into a separate keypunch room to generate the punchcards that were fed into a reader to program the beast. Very little programming could be done from the keyboard, although it DID have one. Ours had a bunch of attachments like huge open disk drives and tape drives that made it much larger than the one shown here. I haven't done programming in decades, and that world has passed me by.
Wouldn't that take a bit of getting used to a new system for Hal? I've always been a normal user and as such have never had any problems with my Windows PCs since 1993. Did try an Apple in 1992 once but those were hilariously expensive back then and prices still are a bit on the high side. In 1992 I had the feeling that they were easier to use but later on they just became "special" because for anything I wanted to do with an Apple you needed to have or do something extra. You'd often hear: "O yeah, you can do that (with an Apple). You just need to...(and be it a simple adapter or other stuff that you needed) Windows users never needed something special. Apple PCs have always remained something for people with special needs or wishes. Colleagues who were using an Apple did not buy a new one after some time but changed to Windows because Windows PCs have been a kind of natural environment over here. Nonetheless, I'd have changed to Apple if I had ever felt a real need. It turned out, though, that whatever I wanted to do was easier with a Windows PC.
I agree. We own Windows and Apple devices and I find myself using my Dell Windows laptop most. I have never cared much for tablets because I prefer a keyboard, mouse and BIG screen. (I do like my old regular Kindle for reading, though.) I believe Hal will be unhappy with whatever he buys because he is resistant to change.
I agree and said it only in jest, somewhat in the same tone as @Beth Gallagher's post. I think Hal's best bet would either be the Chromebook or the Firestick or similar, since he apparently doesn't use his computer for much "computer stuff". The Chromebook would allow him to participate in this forum, which, although possible with a streaming device, is quite awkward, at least for me.
Well, Frank... I was simply teasing Hal because of his "track record" of buying/returning computers...
@Beth Gallagher Aha! I might guess he is more adept at shedding teasing than I, who am in fact a rather cantankerous old man! Frank
It took a while but windows 10 grew on me and now I don't think I could ever go back, but if you want really fight the power then convert to Linux