Which desktop OS suitable for non-techncial cryptocurrency owner?

[Husna QA]

I don't see new topic created on Technical Discussion board, so i decide to create one.  On thread What operating system do you use for crypto?, many user use either Windows or Linux for cryptocurrency purpose. But i wonder which desktop OS would you recommend to non-technical cryptocurrency users?
-snip-

I migrated from Windows OS and used MacOS for a few years before knowing Bitcoin/cryptocurrencies.

In terms of user experience, there is quite a difference in the durability of the OS security. I had a rather annoying experience when my work files were encrypted by malware when I was still using Windows OS.

In Cryptocurrency, the installation process of software such as Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and others tends to be easier and simpler on MacOS than on Windows OS or even Linux (which usually uses the command line). Meanwhile, the use of software is the same.

I've used all three OS types to try using several Bitcoin wallets.

So, regarding ease of use for non-technical cryptocurrency users, I prefer MacOS (although the price of the devices may be higher).

[examplens]

Recently, there was a case on the Btt forum where a (more experienced) member complained that his Ledger wallet was empty. Although he accused Ledger of this, it turned out that he himself approved the transactions, thinking that they were actually claim airdrops.
I want to say that even the OS is not that important if someone is careless, not even the hardware wallet.

[bitmover]

Recently, there was a case on the Btt forum where a (more experienced) member complained that his Ledger wallet was empty. Although he accused Ledger of this, it turned out that he himself approved the transactions, thinking that they were actually claim airdrops.
I want to say that even the OS is not that important if someone is careless, not even the hardware wallet.

No OS or security device can protect users from themselves.

Phising explore our greed and we often approve things in hurry.

I receive tons of fake phising tokens in my ledger as well... better just to ignore   even if I left some bucks on the table.

[joniboini]

In Cryptocurrency, the installation process of software such as Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and others tends to be easier and simpler on MacOS than on Windows OS or even Linux (which usually uses the command line). Meanwhile, the use of software is the same.

I wouldn't be surprised if Linux is a bit harder, especially if people don't use appimage or something similar, but are you sure Windows installation is more complicated than MacOS? I never realized that. I know Electrum needs specific Windows updates on older Windows iirc, but based on my experience the difference between installing it on Windows or Mac is negligible.

[bitmover]

In Cryptocurrency, the installation process of software such as Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and others tends to be easier and simpler on MacOS than on Windows OS or even Linux (which usually uses the command line). Meanwhile, the use of software is the same.

I wouldn't be surprised if Linux is a bit harder, especially if people don't use appimage or something similar, but are you sure Windows installation is more complicated than MacOS? I never realized that. I know Electrum needs specific Windows updates on older Windows iirc, but based on my experience the difference between installing it on Windows or Mac is negligible.

Windows installation is pretty much straight forward. You don't even need to format your drive anymore, and you don't even need to uninstall previous windows versions. It is very simple to install or upgrade windows.

[Husna QA]

In Cryptocurrency, the installation process of software such as Bitcoin Core, Electrum, and others tends to be easier and simpler on MacOS than on Windows OS or even Linux (which usually uses the command line). Meanwhile, the use of software is the same.

I wouldn't be surprised if Linux is a bit harder, especially if people don't use appimage or something similar, but are you sure Windows installation is more complicated than MacOS? I never realized that. I know Electrum needs specific Windows updates on older Windows iirc, but based on my experience the difference between installing it on Windows or Mac is negligible.

Each user may have a different perspective on which OS is considered easier to use for non-technical cryptocurrency users.

I installed several versions and used Windows OS from Windows 98 to Windows 10. (I even remember the Windows XP serial number, which I have used for quite some time).

I have also tried several  Linux distros, including Mint, Ubuntu, and Kali Linux (formerly  BackTrack). The last time I used MacOS was for cryptocurrency-related purposes.

In this case, my previous opinion above is based on my experience using various OSs from different platforms.

[Lucius]

~snip~
I like to use windows. I love windows 11.
Windows subsystem Linux (wsl) is just amazing imo. You can have an Ubuntu just under your windows. I am very happy with it. It fills all my needs.

Are there any major differences in W11 compared to W10? I haven't decided on that upgrade yet because everything works as it should with the old version.

I'm honestly hearing about WSL for the first time, is it something specific for W11 or?

+1

[rdluffy]

~snip~
I like to use windows. I love windows 11.
Windows subsystem Linux (wsl) is just amazing imo. You can have an Ubuntu just under your windows. I am very happy with it. It fills all my needs.

Are there any major differences in W11 compared to W10? I haven't decided on that upgrade yet because everything works as it should with the old version.

I'm honestly hearing about WSL for the first time, is it something specific for W11 or?

+1

I also still have Windows 10 on my PC and on the laptop where I work
I've been advised to upgrade to Windows 11, but I haven't done it yet (I will)

I've had bad experiences with Windows Vista and when I have a perfectly working Windows, I usually take a long time to change it.
It took me a long time to get off Windows 7, I used it for a long time and I liked it a lot

In Windows 10 what gave me the most trouble (helping my friends and family) was the bug of the HD working 100% and slowing windows down

[bitmover]

~snip~
I like to use windows. I love windows 11.
Windows subsystem Linux (wsl) is just amazing imo. You can have an Ubuntu just under your windows. I am very happy with it. It fills all my needs.

Are there any major differences in W11 compared to W10? I haven't decided on that upgrade yet because everything works as it should with the old version.

I'm honestly hearing about WSL for the first time, is it something specific for W11 or?

+1

WSL is amazing. You will have both operation system in the same machine, and you can access files from Windows in Linux and vice versa.

It is very straight foward to install. Just go to command prompt and install it with this line:

Code: [Select]

wsl.exe --install
More info here
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/how-to-install-wsl2-on-windows-10

[Lucius]

@bitmover, thanks for the info, I really don't understand how I've never heard of this, and I can't remember anyone mentioning the WSL on BTT because I would definitely remember that. I'll definitely try how the whole thing works because I've been meaning to try Linux for a long time - although I've already had some experience before with a Linux version that I booted from a CD.

+1

[ABCbits]

Are there any major differences in W11 compared to W10? I haven't decided on that upgrade yet because everything works as it should with the old version.

If everything still works, then IMO there's no strong move to W11. After all, it's still supported by Microsoft and almost all software. But expect some annoyance and possible unwanted feature such as,
1. Requirement to create or login to Microsoft account.
2. TPM requirement.
3. More application installed by default.

Although there are workaround for examples i mentioned.

@bitmover, thanks for the info, I really don't understand how I've never heard of this, and I can't remember anyone mentioning the WSL on BTT because I would definitely remember that. I'll definitely try how the whole thing works because I've been meaning to try Linux for a long time - although I've already had some experience before with a Linux version that I booted from a CD.

+1

And there's no reason to mention WSL, unless you're specifically asking how to run Linux while keep using Windows or trying to run certain cryptocurrency software which can't be run directly on Windows.

[philipma1957]

Interesting question.

I have used

 android
 mac os
Mac ios on various ipads.
Linux
Windows

Never ran an iPhone or a chrompads.


I prefer Mac os. But over time Mac has become more and more expensive to get a good unit to run.

[joniboini]

But expect some annoyance and possible unwanted feature such as
-snip-

Recall is one of these. This is why they keep delaying it, probably to find a way to include this feature without breaking any laws even if the users hate it. I also found out that their scheduler is a bit of a mess for Intel's latest-gen (and AMDs before they patched it). If you're using your PC for things other than crypto such as playing games this is worth keeping in mind. I'm not sure if non-technical users will find the difference in performance though. CMIIW.

[ABCbits]

--snip--
I prefer Mac os. But over time Mac has become more and more expensive to get a good unit to run.

The price is definitely expensive. Just recently Apple release new Mac device with M4 chip, where the cheapest one is their Mac Mini which costs starting from $599. Meanwhile you can find new chromebook or laptop for half of their new Mac Mini.

But expect some annoyance and possible unwanted feature such as
-snip-

Recall is one of these. This is why they keep delaying it, probably to find a way to include this feature without breaking any laws even if the users hate it. I also found out that their scheduler is a bit of a mess for Intel's latest-gen (and AMDs before they patched it). If you're using your PC for things other than crypto such as playing games this is worth keeping in mind. I'm not sure if non-technical users will find the difference in performance though. CMIIW.

I think there's no end if we also talk about canceled or delayed feature. Do you remember about ads on Windows explorer?

[Freemind]

We must start from the idea that the security of an operating system is proportional to the care and knowledge of the user who uses the device. so it doesn't matter if a user with little experience uses the latest version of Debian, for example. I have been using Linux and BSD for more than 20 years and I have always been able to verify that the user is responsible for the failure 99% of the time. Non-technical users will logically use some version of Windows, since it is the most widespread operating system, that is neither good nor bad, it just depends on the user's knowledge.

I will continue using the operating systems that I have used for years, they allow me flexibility, configuration and security that no other proprietary software can give me.