Are you going to buy a new computer or do you want to upgrade the one you already have? The operating system is the backbone of your computer's interface and deciding which one to use will have a big effect on how you use your computer. Take into account what purposes you currently use your computer for, your budget, and any future needs. Consider these factors carefully to guide your buying decision.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examine Individual Needs
Step 1. Think about ease of use
Every operating system (OS) has a learning curve for those who have to learn how to use it, but the curve may not be the same for all operating systems. They are all simple to use, but OS X has made them a point of pride over the past few years. Linux is traditionally among the more complex distributions, but its modern versions are very similar to Windows and even to OS X.
Step 2. Take a look at the software you use
Windows will generally be compatible with most software, as most commercial programs are designed for Windows. Macs have access to a large library of specific software for them, while the Linux community offers a huge number of free open-source software, as an alternative to commercial software.
Step 3. Notice what your colleagues, family or school use
If you intend to share files and documents with many other people, it may be easier to opt for their own operating system. This will make it easier to collaborate with them.
Step 4. Investigate the differences in security
Windows is by far the most susceptible operating system to viruses, although these can be avoided simply with prudent use of navigation. Macs have always had fewer problems with viruses, even though their numbers have been increasing lately. Linux is the safest, because virtually everything requires direct administrator approval.
Step 5. Consider the available games
If you are an avid gamer, choosing a specific operating system will heavily affect the number of games available. Windows is definitely the market leader in video games, but more and more games are using Mac and Linux.
Step 6. Examine the writing tools
If you create a large amount of images, video or audio, a Mac will most likely suit your needs better. Macs come with powerful editing programs, and many prefer to use programs like Photoshop on Mac.
Windows also has many powerful options. Linux has very few options with insufficient support. Most editing programs on Linux are open-source alternatives that feature most of the functionality of popular paid programs, but are generally more difficult to use and aren't as powerful
Step 7. Compare the programming tools
If you are a software developer, you will do well to compare the programming options available on the different platforms. Linux is one of the best environments in which to program personal computer software, while you will need a Mac computer to develop IOS apps. For all operating systems there are compilers and IDIs available for most languages.
Due to the large amount of open-source source code available for Linux, there are many more examples to look at in order to learn a language
Step 8. Think about your business needs
If you run a business and are trying to decide which systems will be best for your employees, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Windows machines will be much cheaper than the same number of computers with OS X, but the latter are much better for creating content, such as writing, images, video or audio.
- When you equip your business with computers, you will generally want everyone to use the same operating system for better compatibility and more effective networking.
- Windows is cheaper and may be more familiar to your workers, but inherently less secure than OS X.
Step 9. Choose between 32 and 64 bit
Computers should usually be shipped with the 64-bit version of the chosen operating system already installed. 64-bit operating systems handle multiple processes simultaneously and treat memory more efficiently. The hardware must support 64 bits in order to use a 64-bit operating system.
32-bit programs should have no problem running on a 64-bit operating system
Part 2 of 3: Consider the Cost
Step 1. Consider your hardware needs
When choosing an operating system, hardware plays a major role in the decision process. If you want to use Mac OS X, you will need to buy an Apple computer. This means paying extra for an Apple product. Windows and Linux both run on the same hardware, although not all hardware is officially supported in Linux.
- You can build a Windows or Linux computer yourself or buy a pre-installed one.
- You can buy a computer with Windows installed and then replace it with Linux or add it for dual-booting.
Step 2. Take into account the price of the operating system
If you buy a computer with an operating system installed, you don't have to pay too much attention to the cost, as it is included. You should know, however, that updating your copy of OS X will usually cost around 80-120 euros less than updating Windows.
If you build your own computer, you will need to offset the cost of Windows with the ease of use of Linux. Most basic Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu or Mint, are free
Step 3. Also pay attention to the cost of the software
The vast majority of Linux software is free. There are many free open-source programs for Mac and Windows, but there are also a significant number of paid programs. Most popular Windows software, such as Office, requires you to pay for a license.
Step 4. Purchase the “Full” version and not the “Upgrade” version
In reference to Windows, you may have noticed that there are standard versions and upgrade versions. In general, it is best to purchase the full version. Even though it will be more expensive, it can save you a lot of headaches in the future. If you wanted to install that copy of Windows on another computer, you would need to put an older version of Windows before you can use the upgrade.
Part 3 of 3: Give it a try
Step 1. Check out the latest releases
In general, you'd better get the latest version of your chosen operating system, even if it's unfamiliar to you. You will often find features of the new operating system that you did not know existed, but afterwards you will not be able to live without them.
- With a few tweaks, Windows 8.1 will work just like traditional Windows, with all the new features that have been added to Windows 8.
- If you're still hesitant about buying Windows 8, be aware that some computers still ship with Windows 7, which is much more like previous versions.
- Don't buy a computer with Windows XP, unless you intend to upgrade or switch to Linux immediately. XP support is no longer done, which makes it an unreliable system.
Step 2. Try a Linux LiveCD
Many Linux distributions provide images to create a LiveCD, which you can boot without having to install the operating system. This will allow you to try Linux before embarking on the installation process.
The LiveCD version of the Linux distribution you have chosen will be a bit slower in use than a real installation. Any changes made will be reversible after restarting the computer
Step 3. Visit a computer retail store
Since there are no "demo" versions of Windows and you need a Mac computer to use OS X, you will need to try these operating systems at a shop or with a friend. These aren't ideal situations, but use your limited time to log in and see how the menus, file organization, and main program work.
Step 4. Consider ChromeOS
It is a more limited operating system than the others, but it is very fast and is available on devices ranging from 150 to 200 euros. ChromeOS is essentially the Chrome browser that acts as an operating system and so is designed for the PC that is constantly connected to the Internet.
