The Role of Operating Systems: Windows vs. macOS vs. Linux
Operating systems are simply software that manages the hardware and resources of a computer
Operating systems are simply software that manages the hardware and resources of a computer while offering some common services for running different programs.
Over the past few decades, computers have evolved from bulky machines to sleek, performance-driven devices. Right now, three main operating systems run most computers:
Windows
macOS
Linux
In this post, we will compare each and look at their best use cases and features. Let’s get started!
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Windows
According to Statista, Microsoft Windows has around 74 percent market share in the desktop operating system market. Despite its ups and downs (let’s forget Windows 8 and Vista!), the operating system is still by far the market leader since its release in 1985.
People all over the world use Microsoft Windows on their computers. It got even more popular with Windows 10 and the free upgrade to Windows 11 that Microsoft offered.
If you buy a new laptop today, chances are it comes with Windows pre-installed. Most major manufacturers pre-install Windows and add custom software before shipping their products to consumers.
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Ease of Installation
Windows is very easy to install. This software also works with most hardware, which is another reason why it’s so popular. In addition, you can buy a digital copy or disc to create an image and install Windows.
There are different ways to install Windows 11, and most of these are quite easy to follow. The installation wizard is user-friendly for people with basic computer skills. More importantly, Microsoft has relaxed its strict minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, so you can now even install Windows 11 on an old PC.
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Software Usability and Performance
This is where Microsoft Windows truly excels. Almost every software runs smoothly on Windows because so many people use it. Thus, Windows is super flexible, and most software developers make apps that work perfectly on it.
If you’re a gamer, Windows is the top choice. That’s because Microsoft really focused on making games run great, and most game makers and computer companies use features like DirectX 12 to get the best performance out of your graphics card and processor.
You can even optimise Windows 10 to improve your gaming performance. Windows is ideal for users who want a customisable PC. You can easily install new drivers, swap out different components, and upgrade parts as you like.
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Backups
The built-in system utilities in Microsoft allow you to create different backups easily, and you can restore them with a click!
macOS
Apple’s operating system, macOS, may not have as many users as Windows, but its popularity keeps growing. Unlike Windows, you can’t just buy macOS and put it on any computer. macOS only comes with Apple devices like iMacs, MacBooks, and Mac minis.
Although it’s a closed system (with lots of open-source influence and code!), it’s proven its worth over 35 years. Plus, it’s known for being super secure.
You don’t have to worry about malware threats on macOS because it’s not a big target for hackers. Still, it’s good to know the signs of a potential virus on your Mac, just in case.
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Ease of Installation
The OS comes pre-installed with every MacBook and iMac Apple sells, and updates are seamless. The best part? Updates come regularly and are quite easy to install.
You don’t have to worry about your Mac running updates at the most inconvenient times, which often happens with Windows. So they’re less likely to disrupt your workflow. And guess what? They’re all free.
While some might argue that buying a MacBook costs more upfront than Windows, most people believe that in the long run, you spend less because you don’t have to worry about constant upgrades.
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Software Usability and Performance
macOS is incredibly popular due to its ease of use and deep integrations with the Apple ecosystem. Also, most people argue that installing and managing apps is just as easy, if not more, than Windows.
Even though it’s based on Linux, macOS lets you install software directly from the App Store. You can also download a DMG file, which is a disk image. Then, to install the software, simply drag the icon into the Applications folder!
And to get rid of it, just delete it from the Applications folder. You don’t need to worry about running any installation wizards. Developers and designers generally favour macOS because of its support features for creative tools.
What’s even better is that macOS includes a bunch of free apps. Here’s what you get:
- A productivity suite, including spreadsheet software, a word processor, and a presentation tool
- The Preview app, which is great for editing photos and PDFs
- A video editing program
- GarageBand, a music editing tool that’s user-friendly and favoured by creative pros
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Backups
If you’re curious about backing up your Mac, you can do it using Time Machine. You can do manual backups or set it up to happen automatically. You can also make a backup on an external drive, just like what you can do on Windows.
Linux
Linux is a favourite among developers due to its incredible versatility. Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux is completely open-source, which means you can modify and personalise it as you wish.
Because it’s open-source, there are different variants of Linux, known as distributions. Some of them are even designed to run on older PCs, making them great for giving new life to ageing machines.
These distributions range from core system functionality to custom user interfaces designed to run specific hardware. Ubuntu is one of the most popular distributions and is widely used because of its flexibility.
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Ease of Installation
To know how to install the most recent Ubuntu version on your laptop or PC, download the most recent image from Ubuntu’s website. To install it, simply copy it to a USB stick or generate a disc image.
Software Usability and Performance
Compared to macOS or Windows, usability is limited. It’s not always easy to run new software on Linux because not all programs offer native support. Thus, you might need to install a compatibility layer like Wine. If you’re using Ubuntu, you’ll need to follow specific steps to install Wine properly.
Previously, Linux GUIs weren’t as impressive as those on Windows or macOS, which had better graphics and performance. However, things have changed, and now Ubuntu features a stunning GUI that can easily rival the likes of Finder and Windows Explorer. Installing applications on
Linux can be complicated. It’s better to be familiar with command-line interface tools because you’ll often use them. Unfortunately, this technical aspect of Linux can be a barrier for some people. Also, many Linux applications are free or open-source alternatives to popular Windows or macOS software, which may not always match the quality of their proprietary counterparts.
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Backups
Running backups on Linux is also not easy, as you need to know specific commands. However, there are some GUI tools that you can use, like Déjà Dup. With Déjà Dup, you can easily learn how to backup your data on Linux, even though that requires running some commands.
Which Operating System Is Right For You?
As you can tell, each of these three operating systems has its strengths. Your choice ultimately depends on your familiarity and personal preferences. For example, Linux might be the way to go if you want complete control. However, deciding between macOS and Windows is likely your best bet if you want something more user-friendly.
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