Should I use Microsoft or Linux?

Question

In computer science, Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is the field that seeks to develop a computer that is conscious as humans are conscious. I have a degree in a computer field, I believe I have a crucial insight, and that I may develop this machine if I work on this matter (yes, you may laugh; no, I am not crazy.) I am not certain enough to quit my day job, but sure enough to invest significant effort and resources in this matter. I plan to work on this project as a serious hobby, and I do not expect results for years.

I will need to do experiments in computers, and write drivers. I learned C++ over ten years ago, and that could be adequate for my needs. I do not expect to use the exotic capacities of the language. That said, ten years is a long time in computing, and I believe I should use present tools and languages. I know learning will take effort, and that I will need assistance.

I have two options. I can use Microsoft, pay for their software, or I can use Linux, and pay less. I know there is hard work ahead, and that I will need support from a community, read books and so on. I do not know enough to decide between Microsoft or Linux.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

Answer 1

No, do not quit yor day job ! (that's a security you will need).



Complex applications such as yours are never developed on Microsoft OS, but more likely on Unix systems. Since Linux is a child of Unix, go for that one. It has all the support you need for compilers of all kinds. A bit harder to learn, but free of the useless gadgets MS has. You don't need gadgets: you need TOOLS.



Since you already have a degree in Computer "field" (science?), why don't you join a University as a post graduate? You could present the abstract of your intended research, and I am sure you will get plenty of support. On top of it, being registered with a Uni, it will give you access to all the papers related to your subject, and, MAYBE, even some funding! You don't need to be there every day, just a few meetings per month will do, as most of your research will be done at home.



C and C++ are definitely the right way forward, but have a look as well at Java.

A parallel approach would be to have a look at the construction of the software that translate languages: they have made huge progress in the last few years, showing some sort of "Intelligence" (infantile, mind you, but it is a start).



Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress: I am fairly interested in that field.

Answer 2

Ugh. The problem here is that you need to first understand what a computer is and what is going on with your computer. You don't need to be able to write drivers for a particular operating system either. A driver is required if you're going to add new hardware to an OS, but artificial intelligence is software.



As for which OS to use, you can get free compilers for both Linux and Windows. Microsoft also has free C/C++ compilers. If you just require simple keyboard input, text output, and file I/O then you can just stick to using the crappy bloated, slow standard C or C++ libraries without having to learn to use the direct functions that the OS provides --which is the PROPER way of programming under an OS.



Read my posts on artificial intelligence here:

https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20130626191202AAMb0L0

(bdtsr01's answer is hilarious. Sure, act like a freaking ROBOT (i.e. brainless idiot); Don't THINK and write your own code, but just copy and use some crappy code made by some other MORON. You can see why almost all modern programmers can be replaced with computers.)



Now look at the article below:

(EDIT: I put in another link. The original one might ask you to register on the site.)

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/technology/42525-artificial-intelligence-vicarious-captcha-breakthrough



That's NOT artificial intelligence. Someone wrote an algorithm which searches for pre-defined patterns of data in order to make out letters, symbols, and numbers. My evaluation? Well, you can give them credit for developing an algorithm, but I know that their code is bloated, slow crap and on top of that, those idiots don't even know what a computer is. If you want to call that algorithm 'artificial intelligence,' then you might as well call any computer program that does at least ONE comparison of numbers an AI program While we're at it, we might as well call heat sensing automatic lights (like the kind I use in front of my garage) AI devices too. Then there's washing machines, furnace thermostat controls, microwave ovens, electric kettles, stoves, etc.



The best advice anyone (who knows about computers and programming) can give you is to that you should not go all out on trying to get a career in this field. Same goes with game programming. This isn't to say that you can't do these things in your spare time, but you have bills to pay and a life to live so first concentrate on sticking with mainstream career options which can keep you employed.

Answer 3

You should be able to write the bulk of your code in standard C++ that will compile and run anywhere that meets your minimum requirements.



You might have some "driver" code to port, and you might choose a cross-platform library like GTK+ or Qt for GUI components, and maybe networking too since Windows has their own almost-compatible sockets model that doesn't quite match the Berkeley sockets model that Unix/Linux/OSX/everybody else uses.



Another issue might be threading, since that's new in C++11 and support across compilers may not be as smooth as you'd hope for a standard feature.

Answer 4

Linux are usually used by Hackers & Programmers, Windows are for average people who goes to Facebook & YouTube.



If you used windows since ages I'd recommend you to stick to windows but if you want to learn something new Linux is the way buddy!



Windows = Only if you're very comfortable

Linux = 01001000011001010110110001101100001000000111100101100101011000010110100000100001

Answer 5

if you do not want privacy

and only want development



then ubuntu linux is best for you



http://www.ubuntu.com



but note that ubuntu also violates privacy like microsoft windows 8

but you can disable that feature of privacy violation in ubuntu linux (if you have knowledge) which is not possible in windows 8





lol

Answer 6

AI huh... Why don't you look into JarvisOS http://www.jarviscorp.com/ [Linux Based]



Demo : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah6tHb7eWBY