You have more operating system options than ever. What is the best operating system for your computer?
Windows is still popular, but Macs are a great option for creative professionals. Google offers Chromebooks that are simple and cheap, and Linux laptops are also an option. But what's the simplest OS for your new computer? We will give you an overview of all your options, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Minor spoiler: There is no one best option for everyone.
Should You Use Windows?
Windows is that the most familiar OS for many users. Microsoft released the newest version, Windows 10, in 2015, and it's a substantial improvement over previous versions like Windows 8. The advantage of Windows is that it has a very wide range of software available. All kinds of software are available for Windows, from business software to home computing applications.
The downside to Windows is that it has security issues, as it is the target of a large amount of malware. If you are going to use Windows, it is important that you keep your operating system up to date.
One group of people for whom Windows is the best operating system are gamers. If you wish to play games, especially AAA titles, then the simplest OS for your PC is going to be Windows. The selection of games available on Linux and macOS is improving, especially since the launch of Apple Arcade and Steam that bring support platforms beyond Windows.
Should You Use macOS?
A preferred OS among creative professionals is macOS. Unlike Windows, which you can install on most PC hardware, macOS is generally only available on Mac hardware. (You can install macOS on non-Apple hardware to create what's called Hackintosh, but this is complex) . For most users who want to use macOS, they will need to buy a Mac machine.
The advantage of macOS is its exceptional support for creative software like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere. While this type of software is also available on Windows, it generally works better and has more options on macOS. Another point in favor of macOS is that Apple updates it regularly and that the update to the latest version of the operating system is usually free. Also, malware attacks you less often.
The downside to macOS is that Apple's hardware can be expensive, and laptops and desktops cost thousands of dollars. There's also a lot less free software available for macOS than other operating systems, so be prepared to spend more on software, too.
Should You Use Linux?
One option that you may not have considered in your search for the best operating system for a laptop or desktop is Linux. Linux has a reputation for being difficult to use, although easier-to-use distributions have become available in recent years.
Linux's greatest strength is its flexibility. You can change almost anything you want on a Linux system, as long as you have the necessary knowledge. That is why the operating system is so popular with advanced users who want to perform complex tasks efficiently.
However, for the average user, the Linux learning curve is quite steep. Some people are intimidated by the command line. And it may take a long time before you learn the commands you need to use the operating system efficiently. For this reason, Linux is not suitable for less tech-savvy users.
However, there is one area in which Linux completely shines: resurrecting old hardware. If you have an old computer that is too slow to run Windows, try installing a lightweight Linux distribution on it and you can still use it for simple tasks like web browsing and email.
Should You Use Chrome OS?
An interesting competitor for the best laptop operating system is Chrome OS. Google's Chrome OS is a light competitor that is capturing a larger share of the market. Chromebooks run a simplified operating system which is basically the Chrome web browser with some desktop bits. You have access to Chrome, Chrome apps, and Android apps, that's it. You cannot run Windows desktop software.
Chrome OS may be the best laptop operating system because Chromebooks are simple. They update automatically, sync with Google Drive for file storage, and require no antivirus software. Most Chromebooks cost $ 200- $ 300 and don't include bloatware.
If you only use Chrome and want a simple PC with a full keyboard and a powerful desktop web browser for little money, a Chromebook is a good option. On the other hand, there are still a lot of things a Chromebook can't do – if you use Photoshop on a daily basis, look elsewhere.
Should you use BSD?
An interesting and less known alternative to Linux is BSD, which stands for Berkeley Software Distribution. This Unix-based system was developed for researchers and is open source. Today you will often see descendants of BSD like FreeBSD or OpenBSD in use.
BSD systems are most useful for advanced users who prioritize functions such as complex networks or a high level of security. In some ways, BSD is even more flexible than Linux and may be installed on a good larger range of hardware. The big limitation with BSD is that there is not much support for it from third-party developers. So much familiar software that you use every day will not run on a BSD system.
What operating system should I choose?
We've covered several different options for the best computer operating system software here, but none are the winners. Each operating system has its own strengths and different options will work for different people.
Hopefully, we've given you a place to start your research on which operating system to use, and we've helped you eliminate a few options.
Comparing all these operating systems is a difficult task. If you're not sure whether to go for Windows or choose one of the many Windows alternatives available, you should probably play around with these operating systems in person. Try using a friend's PC, working on a display laptop at a store, or booting Linux on your current machine.
