[R] Would Like Some Advise

[Jeff Newmiller]

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 using 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
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>‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
>On Friday, August 28, 2020 7:08 AM, Philip <herd_dog using 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]]
>> 
>
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-- 
Sent from my phone. Please excuse my brevity.