Best OS for a college student?

There we go.🙂

I’m currently studying mechanical engineering in Chicago, focusing on the Mechatronics and robotics track.
I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on a new laptop, and I’m trying to figure out which operating system would be the best fit for my needs.
I know robotics involves a ton of programming, so I've heard Linux usually has the edge there.
But is Windows still a viable option for me? Am I going to miss out on anything critical if I go that route?
And what about just sticking with FreeDOS?

Also, I'm assuming I'll need to run CAD software like AutoCAD or Pro/ENGINEER on Linux?

Aim for a laptop with at least 3GB of RAM and a 2GHz processor. As for the OS, I think Linux will run the fastest, but honestly, I doubt your specific programs will even work on it. Just slap Windows 7 on there (cough, cough, no need to actually *buy* it, wink, wink) and you should be fine. You might also need a dedicated graphics card instead of just relying on Intel integrated graphics, but I'm not totally sure about that. Someone else can clear that up for you.

If you’re an FBI student, just head over to the AutoCAD Lab and track down the person in charge of the Microsoft Developer Network. They’ll give you access to the Microsoft software repository that the school pays for, so you can download all the operating systems we use here on campus. And honestly? Trying to run serious CAD on Linux... yeah, forget about it. You’ve got full rights to Windows as long as you're part of the academic community, and since our university is part of the Microsoft Developer Network—just like every major university in Washington, D.C.—you're all set.

As for the laptop situation... look for something with a solid warranty. If you're planning on doing heavy CAD work, screen resolution is your best friend—go as high as you can. It really comes down to your budget, though. If you've got the cash, grab an HP Elitebook to use as a workstation. If that feels a bit too pricey, maybe look at a Dell Studio or a Toshiba Satellite Pro instead.

Huh, I didn't realize CAD software and Linux weren't exactly on speaking terms.
I was actually hoping to grab a Linux laptop because I need to run some CAD programs for my coding projects.

Regarding downloading software, I know how that works. Back during my freshman year, we were given free access to download SolidWorks for one of our required courses.

Yeah, having a solid warranty is a big deal for me, along with decent battery life.

As for the screen size... I think a 15.6'' display should be plenty for what I need.

Raymond Anderson4 said:Regarding the screen size... I think a 15.6'' should be plenty for me.

To be honest, if you're doing CAD, a larger 17" screen would definitely be better. But then there's the mobility factor... it really comes down to how often you plan on lugging it around. Carrying a 17" laptop everywhere isn't exactly easy... though if it's mostly replacing a desktop, then bigger is always better...😉

Just a heads-up, screen size isn't the same thing as resolution... 🙂

Tecra is actually a killer choice, even if that 1366x768 resolution feels a bit low when you're deep in CAD work. If that one’s a bit too pricey for your wallet, you could always go with the Satellite Pro.

With the Tecra, you can grab an extra 5-year warranty, while the Satellite Pro offers a 4-year option.

Other paths you could take are Dell's Vostro Studio 15

Honestly, though, that resolution issue is kind of a headache with pretty much all the laptops out there in this size range right now.

Katya V5 and Solaris 😁

Thanks for all the advice. You guys have already given me a pretty good idea of what I actually need.

Jason Harris5 suggested I look into Intel graphics. Is there a specific reason for that?
I'm wondering if there's any real advantage to going with Intel over a Radeon HD5470(4570)...

Also, would it be possible to move this thread to a different PDF if my questions and your answers from this one end up being useful🙂.

Raymond Anderson4 said:There you go.🙂

I'm a mechanical engineering student in a major city, specializing in mechatronics and robotics.
I'm planning to buy a laptop soon, so I'm wondering which operating system would be most ideal for my needs.
I know there's a lot of programming involved in robotics, so I assume Linux should have the edge.
But could I choose Windows instead? Would I be missing out on anything?
Also, what about FreeDOS?

Naturally, I assume Linux would need to run CAD programs (AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER)?

There is no such thing as "the most ideal"; there is only what is optimal or what is less than optimal. Nothing can be better than optimal... as a mechanical engineering student, you SHOULD know that.😉
Getting back to the topic—I haven't met a single "engineer" using Linux because, unfortunately, all the best engineering applications are built for MS Windows. As for whether you should get a laptop with Windows pre-installed or not, that's up to you; it just depends on how tech-savvy you are, as a solid Windows setup with properly installed drivers ensures reliable and long-term performance.
Regarding the hardware itself—a 17" screen is definitely the minimum, though I suspect you'll quickly end up buying a second monitor. Even my buddy says he felt like a new man once he moved from 17" to a 22" display (he uses Photoshop, CATIA, and... I can't remember what that third piece of crap is he uses).

Oh, right—from what I've noticed, 15" models are sometimes even more expensive than certain 17" ones, so they definitely offer better value. Plus, they are much more comfortable to work with.