OS 101: Suggestions for Choosing an Operating System

Posted by Josef Delinga on: 2005-06-15 12:29:39

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An operating system (abbreviated OS) is essentially the path through which a computer accesses files, games, the Internet, and all vital stored information. The OS is the most important program on a computer because it runs all of the other programs. The major operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Unix. The operating system is essential to the computer, and so extreme care should be taken when choosing an operating system.

Consider Its Use

Consider what operating system will be used for. If the OS is for a business, an operating system that can handle important business data should be selected. If the OS is for a college student, one might consider an OS that is optimal for gaming, yet still has a nice word processor. Finally, if the operating system were for a new computer user, then a user-friendly, simple OS would be best. Knowing this, one must also consider what software is available for the operating system. Some software is only available on certain computers. This often leaves Macintosh OS X, Linux, and Unix in the dark because most of the computer market runs on Microsoft operating systems. Most computers come standard with a certain operating system (Apple computers have Mac OS X and most PCs have Windows XP). Therefore, it is sometimes important to consider the OS even when selecting a computer.

Security

Security is the biggest priority for many computer users, especially businesses. Some OS have stronger security than others. Macintosh has been called â€œthe iron man of operating systemsâ€ because of its ability to keep hackers out, while Windows has been criticized for being easy to hack. Do not let security completely deter you, however. Most operating systems can be â€œhardenedâ€ and with constant security updates, made safer from hackers.

Pros and Cons of The Big Four

Every operating system has its positive and negative elements. There is no perfect operating system. Keeping this in mind, consider the most common operating systems (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and Unix). Mac OS X is great for keeping out hackers and for graphic design. However some problems are the fact that certain software is not available for Macs. If the OS is for a college student who would rather play Half-Life 2 than study, then Mac OS X is not the best choice. Windows is very good for compatibility, since most consumers use Windows. Windows also comes with applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, Windows is weak against viruses and can get bogged down easily. Unix is good for networks, especially if for businesses. Unix has also been around for almost 30 years, so it is quite dependable. One drawback of Unix is the cost, which can sometimes be a bit expensive. Unix is also complicated, which can confuse beginners. The final OS, Linux, is free and completely customizable. However, one major drawback is the extreme scarcity of applications for Linux. Microsoft and other software developers are often very reluctant to release their products for Linux.

Conclusion

Whatever operating system one chooses, it needs to be the system that will best fit the needs of the consumer. All operating systems have good and bad elements. Understanding how each system works, and the systemâ€™s pros and cons is a must for anyone deciding on a computer and OS. An OS selection based on research and understanding will certainly yield the highest satisfaction.

About the Author

Josef Delinga loves writing about computers and CEOs, especially Steve Jobs and Apple Computers.

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User comments:

MacDuff - Posted on: 2005-06-15 17:19:46

You neglected to mention that Microsoft Office is also available for the Macintosh platform. This is a crucial point for people to know when considering platforms. There is a wide range of well over 10,000 Mac OS X compatible software titles available, covering almost every type of computer use. There are around 20,000 titles if one considers any Mac OS 9 software, much of which can run under "Classic" in OS X.

I suggest people looking to research the Mac platform consult Apple's product guide. From hardware to software of all kinds (almost all of it by 3rd party manufacturers), it covers just about everything and the software categories are well organized:

http://guide.apple.com

Something else that would be of interest is the fact that Mac OS X can connect to and share peripherals with Windows networks right out of the box. Software for the Mac -- including Microsoft's Mac version of Outlook, called "Entourage" -- can also connect to Exchange servers.

Finally, Apple offers unlimited client licensing with their server products. This should be taken into account when considering TOC.

jeffsters - Posted on: 2005-06-15 23:19:03

A few notes:

Author writes:
"The major operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Unix"

The Mac OS is also a verison of Unix and is in fact the #1 selling version of Unix. Throughout the article the author makes sweeping generalizations about Unix, both positive and negative, that seem to forget that Mac OS X is essentially FreeBSD with the mach kernel.

Author writes: "Windows also comes with applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel..."

Windows does NOT "come with" these applications, they are however available as they are on the Mac OSX platform as well. There are also free and low cost document compatible office suite alternatives available for Linux and Unix under X11 etc.

Author writes: "If the OS is for a college student, one might consider an OS that is optimal for gaming, yet still has a nice word processor."

I'm not going to touch this one except to say as a parent of a college age child I have purposely bought a machine NOT suitable for gaming.That's not why I am paying $15K per year.

Author writes: "Knowing this, one must also consider what software is available for the operating system. Some software is only available on certain computers. This often leaves Macintosh OS X, Linux, and Unix in the dark because most of the computer market runs on Microsoft operating systems." then writes, " Do not let security completely deter you, however. Most operating systems can be â€œhardenedâ€ and with constant security updates, made safer from hackers."

This I thought funny. On the one hand The Mac and Linux are hit for not having some unnamed specifc software titles, yet no mention is made that alternative titles often exist on both platforms, while some software, like Apple's iLife, ONLY run on the Mac. I found this lack of balance all the stranger when the author gives more balance and credit than is due to the ability to "harden" Windows to mitigate the advantage other OS's have in security.

Author writes: "Windows is very good for compatibility, since most consumers use Windows."

Compatible with what? The fact a person uses Windows has NOTHING to do with compatibility. The real measure of compatibility is the files and their formats and what's supported. For example MS Office for Mac and Windows are binary compatible. That should be the focus NOT the OS. Two Windows users could find that their programs are in fact not compatible without some translation or saving in some alternative file format.

Author writes: "Unix is good for networks, especially if for businesses. Unix has also been around for almost 30 years, so it is quite dependable. One drawback of Unix is the cost, which can sometimes be a bit expensive. Unix is also complicated, which can confuse beginners."

We're ignoring here that Mac OS is Unix, low cost (shrink wrap) and VERY VERY user friendly.

Author writes: "An OS selection based on research and understanding will certainly yield the highest satisfaction."

I wish I could say that was the case here.

Jeffsters

josefdel - Posted on: 2005-06-16 04:44:59

Well, I am sorry that my article did not meet your standards. I never claimed to be an expert....my webmaster has since fired me from the team in response to the comments made here. I hope you are happy with yourself.

jeffsters - Posted on: 2005-06-16 16:03:21

Sorry You got "fired"! I don't think I ever said you needed to be an "expert" simply you need to the the research your own article recommended people do! That's not too much to ask is it!?!? Good luck!

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