Mac vs. Windows vs. Linux
Three operating systems – Windows, Macintosh, and Linux – dominate the world of computing today. But what sets them apart?
History
The first Windows system was released in 1985. Originally, it was just a graphical user interface on top of MS-DOS – a state of affairs that lasted until the release of Windows 95, when MS-DOS products were integrated into Windows. Windows 95 was a huge departure from the previous systems and was the first major step in Window’s transition from GUI to operating system.
The Apple Macintosh system is a little older than Windows, having first been released in 1984. From the start, it was an entirely graphical operating system, and from quite an early stage became popular among the earliest computer graphic designers. In 2005, Apple changed the design and structure of Mac OS, moving from the IBM-made PowerPC CPU architecture to the same Intel x86-based architecture as used in PCs. This heralded the transition from “Classic” Mac OS to the current OS X series. The design change meant Mac became a Unix-based operating system, like the next OS I will cover.
Linux has the unlikely origin of being the hobby project of Finnish university student Linus Torvalds. He was unsatisfied with an existing Unix-like academic operating system – with limited licensing – named Minix, and decided he could do better (and make it free, open-source software). The resulting system was eventually named after Torvalds. The Linux kernel was first released independently in 1991, designed to be used with GNU software. GNU developers eventually integrated their software into Linux to create an OS. Linux is available in many forms to suit many needs, from consumer-oriented systems for home use to distributions for use in specific industries.
Worldwide, most computers are PCs and Windows is the most popular operating system by far. This means the community is much larger and you can get more support for software and hardware. In terms of accessories, PCs have a lot more options and those options are usually cheaper. Though OS X is simpler, that’s not always the best for some people.
Most desktop or laptop PCs come pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows. Macintosh computers come pre-loaded with Mac OS X. Many corporate servers use the Linux or UNIX operating systems. The operating system (OS) is the first thing loaded onto the computer - without the operating system, a computer is useless. The Apple Macintosh platform uses the Apple operating system: Mac OS X (pronounced Mac O-S-X, although the X technically is the Roman numeral ten). This OS has an easy-to-use GUI interface. Mac O X versions have code names as well as version numbers. The figure shows the Mavericks version (version 10.9) of Mac OS X.
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Benefits
The Windows series of operating systems have the obvious benefit of market ubiquity. For most people, Windows will be extremely familiar and therefore easy to use; Windows is the “standard” operating system bundled with new PCs. This means that the vast majority of software, hardware, support and training available is designed with Windows compatibility primarily in mind. The overwhelming market dominance of the Windows operating system has shaped the way consumers relate to and think about OS’s and GUI’s – “taskbar” “start menu” and “desktop” all entered the common lexicon following the immense popularity of Windows 95.
OS X is known for its excellent, intuitive user interface. Its main advantage continues to be that, due to inevitably having fewer users than Windows, there are far fewer viruses written for the system making it less vulnerable to attack. As well as being secure, the system is very stable, whilst maintaining high levels of performance – an advantage considering the impressive range of professional applications available.
Linux has the immediate benefit of being free to obtain, and available for use without restrictions. It is open source with a large, supportive community building a seemingly infinite range of free applications for use on Linux machines. Many (many!) distributions of Linux are available, giving users the ability to choose one that suits their personal needs (then further customize it). Similar to OS X, Linux is less vulnerable to attack than a Windows PC, and Linux distributions are typically updated frequently – incredibly frequently compared to other operating systems – further enhancing their stability and security. Linux operating systems are perhaps the most widely ported – there are distributions used in a wide range of devices from smartphones to TiVo.
Differences
Windows is designed to run on PCs, whether bought new or built cheaply, so hardware costs are essentially determined by the consumer. However, the cost of buying the latest version of Windows can be prohibitive (Windows XP is still the most widely used version), and the restrictive licensing inevitably forces each user to purchase a copy as they cannot be shared. Coupled with the similarly inevitable cost of purchasing the also-ubiquitous Microsoft Office suite and it is easy to see how users may prefer to simply wait until they need to buy a new PC bundled with Microsoft software.
Despite being Unix-based, OS X is also proprietary software. Furthermore, users are forced to purchase Apple hardware if they wish to use it; Apple computers remain much more expensive than PCs.
Linux may be the cheapest, most easily available and customizable of the three, but the continued dominance of Windows (not to mention the fact it comes pre-installed on most machines) often deters home users from changing to this unfamiliar platform. Additionally, while Linux may have a large number of community-sourced applications available, it does not offer as many professional quality one as the other systems. Minority use means some third party software (such as popular PC games) is yet to have a Linux release.
Popularity
Windows continues to be the most popular OS worldwide, with Microsoft estimated to be holding on to roughly 90% of desktop users. Windows still represents the extent of many home users’ experience with operating systems. Apple computers have gained in popularity in recent years, and the Mac OS remains popular with professionals – particularly those in creative industries such as graphic design and video editing – due to the quality and performance of programs such as Photoshop on OS X. The OS X system is also the basis for the iPhone iOS, giving many more users contact and experience with Apple systems. Linux may have the smallest share of home users, however commercial use is huge. Servers, mainframes and supercomputers commonly use Linux, as do the film industry, governments both nationally and locally, and many portable device manufacturers. As personal computers move away from the desktop and increasingly become portable, adoption of other operating systems will surely follow.
Every now and then, I get clients who ask me for recommendations on what laptop or computer they should get. I figured this would be a great place to list some of my favorites. Now keep in mind, it really depends on your needs! There are so many different choices out there that it’s hard to say my recommendations will be right for YOU.
Apple MacBook Air
This is honestly the best laptop I’ve ever owned. It is so damn sexy. While it’s super portable (weighing 3 pounds and measuring .68 inches at its thickest), this is a powerful laptop. Because of its physical size, it may not have as much hard drive space as most computers (256 gb at the most), but you’ll find it has plenty. The battery life is crazy awesome. I can even let it sleep for days and open it to find plenty of battery life left.
Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook
Now, this laptop DOESN’T have Windows installed, but I thought I’d list it here anyway. In case you didn’t know, I love Google and their products! What makes the Chromebook unique is that it is easy and fast to use. Your computer doesn’t really “get old” because with the automatic updates, your Chromebook “keeps getting better and better”. The computer also features automatic updates, no blue screen, built-in virus protection, super fast booting and start up, and more! Check it out.
Since computers are not new and everyone makes use of computer so, the importance of operating system is not hidden from anyone. Operating system that allows you to interact with the system. Your computer system is nothing with an operating system.
Mack Pc
There are various operating systems available that you can choose according to work that you want to perform. Windows, quite familiar operating used in almost all systems since years, Window 98, Windows XP/7/Vista/8/8.1 and recently its new version has been launched Windows 10, one of the most powerful operating systems ever.
Must visit :How to Protect Your Privacy in Android & iOS Devices ?
Similarly, if you are a fan of Apple and using any of its products, laptop, you must know of Mac and another operating system Linux. Apart from these do you know any other operating system? Operating systems that are used by many people and do amazing job while providing compatibility factors and powerful support system. Well, if not then this is the time to enhance your knowledge.
It doesn’t mean that these operating systems are not good, no doubt they are the best operating systems ever. We have come across some more powerful operating system that most of the people are not aware of. We are going to tell you about some operating sytems other than Windows, Mac and Linux.
9 powerful operating systems other than Windows, Mac and Linux
1. Android
Android is well-known operating system currently used worldwide in more than a billion of devices including smartphones, tablets, watches, cars, TV and more to come. Android has become so much popular in very less time because of its customization and easy to use operating system.
Android works well with millions of applications like Google Map, calendar, Gmail and still many applications are developing day-by-day. Starting from Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, gingerbread, honeycomb, Ice cream sandwich, jelly bean, Kitkat, Lollipop, it has reached to its latest version Marshmallow (Android 6.0).
2. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an open source operating system that runs on every platform from smartphone to PCs, from tablets to clouds. Ubuntu provides one experience all over devices no matter what you are accessing with multiple form factors. It provides bulletproof security, reliable updates and an ecosystem for a wide range of Internet things connecting enormous machines and devices.Recently Ubuntu has extends lead in OpenStack. Ubuntu provide simple and intuitive interface for fast, secure processing with thousands of apps. Latest Ubuntu operating system is Ubuntu 15.10, available to download.
3. DOS
Disk operating system, widely known as DOS. You have heard of DOS in the initial stages of computers life and even after so much time, still in used and commonly used in many big organizations where everything is done via writing commands. MS DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system still happily used by many users.
4. Fedora
Fedora is easy to use operating system for laptops and desktop computers with a complete set of tools for all kinds of makers and developers. Fedora needs less setup and provides more innovation. You can choose the flavor of Fedora for your needs to go your work done in the right way.Fedora is free to use for anyone and almost everyone. So, if you want to use, modify or distribute, Fedora you are allowed to do so. This operating system is used by people across the world who are currently working as one community, for the Fedora Project.
5. Elementary OS
Elementary Operating system is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and one of the best alternatives for Windows and Mac. Elementary OS is widely used by many users and runs on even old PCs. It is beautiful and powerful operating system that can be installed anywhere providing fast processing and requires low maintenance. It is fast and lightweight operating system with amazing designs and appearances.
6. Freya
Elementary OS Freya is one of the hottest operating system based on Linux distribution. It is a lightweight operating system that binds all elements of good user interface that anyone can use without any hiccup. Freya provides some really amazing operating system that makes it better platform ever. This includes type software, just a click to enable Canonical Partners and provide authentication with single click.
7. Google Chrome OS
How would you react if you get to know an operating system that will run only Chrome web browser, this operating system is Chrome OS. Chrome OS is a pure web thin client operating system designed by Google to work with web applications. This operating system has the ability to run Android applications natively and provides fast processing with full assistance. It provides virtual desktop access and remote application access with integrated media player and file manager.
Mac Laptops Apple Store
8. Sky OS
Mac Os Store
Sky OS that is Sky Operating System is another powerful operating system that uses its own GUI system. It is full featured and modern operating system capable to provide functionality to the average computer user. Sky OS is commercial operating system is used by graphics developers, in various businesses and software. It provides porting applications and highly POSIX compatible.
9. Red Hat OS
Operating Systems For Pc And Mac Computers
Red Hat is Linux based operating system with technological innovation and business friendly deployment. It provides flexibility with seamless transition and support models. Red Hat is fast, efficient, reliable and application based operating system with integrated visualization and enterprise manageability.