So I was wondering if anyone around here has installed a JP version of their OS. And if so did it cause any problems with getting programs to work and that sort of thing? I've been thinking of installing a JP OS to up my immersion, but then again spending the required amount of money on the OS seems kinda crazy (unless I can re-install the OS and choose a different language setting, but I don't think you can do that).

I'm just somewhat curious on peoples opinions of this? I figure now that its summer if I'm going to do it it's the perfect time, because I have nothing crucial I need to do on my computer till school starts again in the fall. So I have enough time to get used to everything and not be fumbling around come school time.

arch9443 Wrote:So I was wondering if anyone around here has installed a JP version of their OS. And if so did it cause any problems with getting programs to work and that sort of thing? I've been thinking of installing a JP OS to up my immersion, but then again spending the required amount of money on the OS seems kinda crazy (unless I can re-install the OS and choose a different language setting, but I don't think you can do that).

I'm just somewhat curious on peoples opinions of this? I figure now that its summer if I'm going to do it it's the perfect time, because I have nothing crucial I need to do on my computer till school starts again in the fall. So I have enough time to get used to everything and not be fumbling around come school time.

I have installed the JP version of windows 7, the software/everything is up and running fine. One thing is that, your definitely going to know quite a bit of kanji to be able to use it well(without difficulty)
You can download it off the internet, the pack for jp language function. That's what I did for windows 7, should be the same with xp. Just download the pack and install it.

I certainly don't expect to be able to use it without difficulty. But that's part of the reason I think I should use it. I'm still a beginning learner and my Kanji is only around 950 right now. It would be a lot further, but I stalled for a couple weeks only doing reviews, because finals week of school + the first week of being back home was crazy. Just getting back to it.

So if I installed it I would expect quite a bit of difficulty, but I think it should also teach me quite a bit in the process. If all the programs work fine then I think I should at least consider doing it.

Can you download that straight from microsoft? I'm going to look now. I'm also using windows 7. If it's just a language pack then did you have to re-install the OS still or how does that work?

I'm not sure, but I believe you need the ultimate edition of windows in order to get the Japanese language pack, in which case you will find it on windows update, under the optional updates section.

I think there was a different way to do it, if you don't have the ultimate edition, but I can't remember.

Just switched my Mac OS 10.6 to Japanese. I don't know why I never thought of this before.

It's really simple on Mac, and I'm not sure it really makes a difference in terms of applications, but the User might have troubles ;D

Just got it all switched over. I need to download a JP version of firefox though it looks like. I see lots of confusion in my future, but if I'm ever to lost switching it back is rather painless. Although I hope to avoid doing that.

I've been using Japanese operating systems (XP, Windows 7) for more than a year now.. never had problems with any of the programs I use.

In my opinion, it's just not worth it.

It's annoying when you need something done quickly and just at that moment something unexpected happens and you need to spend time figuring out what it says. The rest of the time you mostly end up relying on your memory of where things are rather having to read the text.

In my opinion, it's great.

It gets you used to language used on the computer and may prepare you for using a friends computer which will be all in Japanese (or similar scenario, work computer perhaps).

I did it after completing KO2001 and think that's a decent point. Also helps if you know how to use a computer in the first place. In the initial stages you tend to rely on your knowledge of the English version but that definitely faded for me after a short while.

If problems crop up... it's a great test of your reading comprehension! If you need to spend too much time figuring out what it says (more than 5 mins) then you're probably not quite ready.

What you don't want to do: read end user licence agreements in Japanese. (or english for that matter) just click 同意する

One option is to install Japanese Windows in a virtual machine first to see if you're ready. Using Virtualbox (http://www.virtualbox.org) you can set yourself up a virtual PC that's totally seperate from your main Windows installation. Install Japanese Windows in your virtual machine and have a play. If you're struggling, no worries just leave it a few months. When you're ready you can migrate fully to a native Japanese Windows installation. You can also use Microsoft Virtual PC for Windows 7, I'm on Vista though.

Codexus Wrote:In my opinion, it's just not worth it.

It's annoying when you need something done quickly and just at that moment something unexpected happens and you need to spend time figuring out what it says. The rest of the time you mostly end up relying on your memory of where things are rather having to read the text.

Agree 100%. It's usually either memory or annoying. And it's total hell if you're trying to migrate to foreign OS that is command heavy.

Getting the Japanese version of your web browser is a good test to see if you want to change your whole OS. Also you can switch your YouTube, Gmail or Facebook to Japanese, which is practice enough.

On Windows it might be a lot of hassle to switch back (I don't really know), on the mac it's pretty straightforward. For me it's good katakana practice, but in time you also tend to learn new compound kanji. Some are just a more formal way of presenting things, メールで送る＝メールで送信

On a different thread Vistalizator was recommended, and having installed it last week I can attest fairly easy installation of new languages and no apparent problems since, even with all the awful finicky programs that I have to use as a developer.

http://www.froggie.sk/

I haven't tried switching it back to English, but it doesn't appear to be difficult.

It is no trouble at all. Like Codexus wrote, it takes a bit of time to figure things out and then you'll have everything committed to memory.

I have mine on French now and every day I see a new word or 2 because of it.

And, you'll have to learn it someday anyway. Not know how to use a computer today is almost like being illiterate.