Windows, macOS or Linux?

Windows, Linux or macOS; which operating system(OS) should I use? Before I answer the question, let's explore the world of operating systems a little by talking about each of the three aforementioned systems. 




Windows is a proprietary operating system that was developed by Microsoft and runs on a plethora of device types. For purpose, I will only focus on Windows for PC(PC is short for Personal Computer: the laptop you and I use to surf the internet, play games or write and submit reports and assignments is a personal computer).

Personal computers are by far one of the more ubiqitious computer types right next to smartphones.There are other types of computers such as supercomputers and mainframe computers but that is a topic worth exploring on its own.


Okay, back to Windows: 

The Windows OS was first released in November of 1985 as Windows 1.0. Today, the latest version of the OS is Windows 10. Windows is still the most popular OS in the world for PCs and comes built-in on most of the PCs that are purchased today. If you are reading this, you are most likely running a version of Windows on your PC. 


Linux is the name given to a group of operating systems that are based on the linux kernel. A kernel is the primary program on a computer. It connects the user and hardware by following the user's instructions and having the hardware execute them. Think of the kernel as a master orchestrator of all the processes that go on inside your computer. Now, the kernel along with supporting applications make up an operating system. Therefore, the group of operating systems that fall under the Linux family(often referred to as linux distributions or simply distros) are made up of the linux kernel and permutations of supporting applications.


The linux kernel is relatively young having been created in the early nineties by a Linus Torvalds from Finland. Unlike Windows and macOs, Linux is open-source and thus free to use for anyone and everyone. The open source nature of linux makes for a collaborative effort of epic proportions with thousands of volunteers working on improving the kernel at any given time. There's an even bigger open source community around the distros that have emerged from the kernel. Some common distros include Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS and Linux Mint. 

PS: I used Linux Mint to write this blog post. 


macOS has its roots in the mid 1980s and its ancestor which ran on the 1984 Macintosh PC is hailed by some as a pioneer and is responsible for the PC we know and love today. macOS is a proprietary operating system owned and developed by Apple. Unlike windows and linux that can run efficiently on any or all hardware, macOS has been specifically designed for and predominantly runs on Apple proprietary hardware. Thus, to get macOS, you have to purchase the Apple PC that it runs on. 


So, to answer the question posed at the beginning, the choice on which operating system to use largely depends on what you use your computer for. Thus, the answer - as is almost always the case in the world of software - isn't conveniently binary and invovles some nuance. 


If you are merely an end user, that is, you use your computer to surf the internet, watch movies, write and submit assignments, edit videos, write blog posts, play games etc... then Windows or macOS is well suited for purpose. If you are on a budget, Windows will be the default since Apple hardware is signicantly more expensive. 


If you are either a computer hobbyist(someone who is interested in how computers work and likes to play around with them) or a software developer, linux is the appropriate choice for you. Linux is very customizable and allows for great flexibility due to a hands-on approach when it comes to configuration. Furthermore, the majority of the world's servers and supercomputers run linux which further cements its status as a staple for IT professionals. Unlike Windows and macOS, linux operating systems do not abstract most of the configuration and complexity that come with OS customization, updating and upgrading, application installation etc...

The best way to use a linux operating system is through the terminal. The terminal is a tool that allows users to interact [directly] with their operating system.



My answer to the OS question is far from exhaustive and does not accurately portray the reality of operating system use. It is however a rule of thumb if one is relatively new to the world of PCs and is finding it hard to decide on what to choose or, if one is looking to make a change from what they're using to something else...

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 16, 2021 at 11:21 AM

    this is such a easy read for nontechnical people - I think MacOS is for me :)

    ReplyDelete

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