Linux supports process parallel processing with copy-on-write memory sharing (i.e. forking via mclapply) that makes certain kinds of algorithm parallelization much more memory-efficient.
On August 28, 2020 7:45:12 AM PDT, Gregg via R-help <r-help@r-project.org> wrote: >Phillip, > >The primary differences between Windows and Linux: > >Windows attempts to monetize most of what you do on your computer in >the same way that Facebook, Google, and other Social Media sites go, >but Microsoft goes one step further, and they use the OS to monetize >Windows Users. Linux on the other hand, being open source does not. >Linux Distributions are free, and there are many to choose from. My >recommendation on Distributions would be either PCLINUXOS with the KDE >Plasma 5 Desktop interface, or Kubuntu which is Ubuntu with a KDE >Desktop (instead of a Gnome, XFCE, Enlightenment, or Cinnamon) Desktop. >The KDE Desktop is much more refined compared to the others - IMO. So, >in a nutshell - Windows monetizes you thru the OS, Linux does not. > >Windows Pros: >-Much greater variety of commercial software available and easier to >install >-Familiar interface >-Better for people who want to play games >-Will not lock up as easily if the computer runs out of memory > >Windows Cons: >-Less Secure in the sense that more nefarious players target windows >-Cost (not free) >-Microsoft Monetizes users of the OS >-less control of what is installed on the machine (there are commercial >apps in Windows that Microsoft makes it hard to remove - like xbox, and >crap like that) >-commercial software is typically more polished - like Microsoft Office > >Linux Pros: >-Free >-More Secure - fewer nefarious players targeting the OS >-Free software available thru repositories make it easy to install much >of what you need to include an office suit that is good (Libre Office, >among others) >-Satisfaction in having learned something new - kinda outside the box >-User has MUCH more control >-Just a better experience - IMO > >Linux Cons: >-Some hardware is still difficult to get working with Linux, but not >much anymore (CAC card readers for instance, or remote scanners, and >sometimes printers) >-Linux OS can lock up if a program consumes all of the physical >memory... thought it'll usually recover once the application craps out >(like R - had this happen many times before I built a new computer with >128GB) > >-Linux is poor at memory management when a swap file becomes necessary >(yes, it is true - sorry) > > >I prefer Linux, but because I have a work computer issued to me that >runs Windows - I still use it. If it were not for that, I would not. I >run Linux (PCLINUXOS 64 bit with KDE) on all my home computers, but can >still dual boot into windows when I need to. > >As for R - it runs fine on either. > >As for memory - get 128GB, and you won't have to look back and worry... >that is if you think there is even a remote possibility that you'll >need more than 64 GB - which is likely if you are using R to process >weather data. > >r/ >Gregg >AZ > > > > > > > > > >‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ >On Friday, August 28, 2020 7:08 AM, Philip <herd_...@cox.net> wrote: > >> I need a new computer. have a friend who is convinced that I have an >aura about me that just kills electronic devices. >> > >> Does anyone out there have an opinion about Windows vs. Linux? >> > >> I’m retired so this is just for my own enjoyment but I’m crunching >some large National Weather Service files and will move on to baseball >data and a few other things. I’d like some advise about how much RAM >and stuff like that. I understand there is something called zones of >computer memory. Can someone direct me to a good source so I can learn >more? I really don’t understand stuff like this. Does anyone think I >need to upgrade my wifi? >> > >> Thanks, >> Philip >> [[alternative HTML version deleted]] >> > >> R-help@r-project.org mailing list -- To UNSUBSCRIBE and more, see >> https://stat.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-help >> PLEASE do read the posting guide >http://www.R-project.org/posting-guide.html >> and provide commented, minimal, self-contained, reproducible code. -- Sent from my phone. Please excuse my brevity. ______________________________________________ R-help@r-project.org mailing list -- To UNSUBSCRIBE and more, see https://stat.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-help PLEASE do read the posting guide http://www.R-project.org/posting-guide.html and provide commented, minimal, self-contained, reproducible code.
