What are the differences and advantages of these 3 operating systems: Windows, Mac and Linux?

Question

I want to choose between Windows, Mac and Linux, but i need to know the pros and cons for each one.

Answer 1

Windows. Made by M$. Uses the ntoskrnl.

The main advantage to Windows is all of the software, and a huge user base. Most major distributors use Windows as the default OS, therefor, there is very good support out there.

Main disadvantages: You are going to NEED that support.

Windows uses dynamic link libraries to run it's guts, so if one of those catches a cold, your whole computer gets sick.



Mac OSX = Unix = most versitile OS ever created = 40 year track record.



OSX is very user friendly. It is also very pretty, and frankly uses a bit too much juice to make the pretty. Don;t get me wrong. I LOVE my OSX leopard, but it is a bit top heavy.



If you are going to be doing a lot of graphics, or music work, Your choice has really been made for you... get the Mac.



Linux = Increasingly competitive with the other desktop environments out there = 100% customisable = open source = you actually get to understand what the machine is doing, down to the last bit.



Sooo..



I have a lot of work to do = Windows

I'm creative and want a machine that accents that = Mac

I want to understand this stuff = Linux

I want to thumb my nose at the establishment = OpenSuse 11 (A linux distro that works like Windows, and looks like Leopard.)



Now....

Here's the big deal breaker.



Get a Mac, then:

Partition the drive in to 4 parts.

1 for OSx

1 for Windows XP (Don;t do Vista yet if you can avoid it)

1 for your Linux.

1 for keeping stuff like documets and files to be read by all of the OSs



You don;t really have to pick one... you can heve 'em all.



(PS You can do Windows / Linux on any windows box, but if you want OSx to work the way it is supposed to, you'll need a actual Macintosh.)

Answer 2

The main advantage to Linux is that it's open source. You can modify it to be anything you need. Writing programs is easier because there's nothing "unknown" or hidden about the operating system. So to the average user there's no advantage other than price. The main disadvantages are to the average user. There are many programs that don't have Linux equivalents, and the Windows programs don't run in Wine. Doing many things that are easy to do in Windows (because Microsoft has written a wizard for just about everything) are more difficult to do in Linux. And upgrading Linux to the next version, if you didn't install it properly (and there's nothing in the installation program, and almost no documentation, to tell you how to install it properly), will wipe out all your installed programs. (The virus question is a no-starter. In over 30 years, I have yet to download a virus, in ISIS, SOLOS, CP/M, Unix, DOS, MacOS, Linux or Windows. But the most destructive virus ever unleashed was a Unix virus. Virus problems are caused by computer illiterate users, not by operating systems, much as MRSA was caused by people who stopped taking antibiotics before they should have.)

Answer 3

You can actually try 2 out of 3 with relative ease.



Mac OS, you need to buy a Mac (well, technically you don't, but the alternatives are just about as cost-prohibitive, or resource-prohibitive).



If you know Windows, throw it on there. I'd stick with Windows XP - it's matured, has a ton of software, and more or less works.



If you want to try Linux, grab the latest release of Ubuntu - Hardy Heron. It has an app to let you install Linux through Windows. No partitioning, no reformatting, no fuss. Then, whenever you boot up, you can choose either Linux or Windows, and see where you're comfortable.



That being said, I prefer Linux. It takes a little learning, but it's well worth it, both intellectually and financially (antivirus subscriptions, anyone?). Of course, it's not for everyone.

Answer 4

The absolutely best OS for you is, obviously, the one you know!!!! That is a no brainer - you know the OS, and you probably have the software as well. With the exception of Linux, the software for the new OS will cost you if you change OSes - but if you really want to spend $$$, you can do that with Linux as well!



Pros - Linux has the fewest virii and trojans, Mac is next and PCs can really be a virii nightmare for people that can't be bothered to figure out how to configure their system. I think Linux, Mac and PC systems properly configured are all safe and secure, barring operator error!



Mac requires that you pay extra $$$$ for the privilege of having the Mac logo everywhere you look, on the machine, on the software, on your forehead (if you are a BELIEVER!!!!). They also offer a bit of improvement in the virii/trojan arena over windoze PCs, but they are not 100% clean, pristine, protected.



Linux - too few users for crackers to bother with creating virii / trojans - no bang for the *uck! For me, Linux is much, MUCH faster to boot and eventually to shut down than windoze! Visibly noticeable! But since I have never been able to figure out Macs, and no one has given me a mac to muck with, I can not judge how Macs compare, so PCs and Linux rule, Mac sux IMnsHO!!!



Go with what you know. You can always add Linux later - at no cost. PC or Mac, there is a FREE Linux distro or 20, available for downloading and installation. But, to be honest, you have to know a bit more than how to move a mouse to use Linux - so, enjoy your OS of choice. Ignore those PCs /Macs suk fanatics. When the time comes, you WILL discover Linux!



;^)

Answer 5

Everyone has their preferences but ultimately the choice is one of your own needs and favoritism.



Macintosh popularized the icon interface that everyone has since imitated. Their new OSX OS is a powerful modern version of their classic operating system and has the underpinnings of Unix making it a very powerful system for beginners and power users alike.



Windows is very popular due to its roots in the old school business computing giant IBM, which long ago faded to the glory of Microsoft. PCs are a popular choice if you're looking for easiest compatibility to a majority of computer users, but you will also want to be adept at making sure you keep up with the latest internet security/anti-virus as this OS is most subject to attacks due to its popularity.



Linux is a very nice option for the more technical folks who want to keep using their old PCs but with a more robut (Unix based) OS that gives them stability and power and solutions more suitable for the high-technology realm.



Overall, Linux if you want inexpensive and are comfortable with learning system administration. Go for windows if you want a popular OS that most of your friends would know. Go with Macintosh if you just want to be cool and kick everyone's opinion to the curb because Macs continue to be the coolest kit around. Isn't that why everyone has an iPod and iPhone? Apple knows how to get the job done.

Answer 6

Mac is more for dumbies. Look cool has alot of cool features but what you is what you get. The only good I see in it is; its very good for graphic application because it utilize its memory better.

Windows, is more versetile. It does the same as MAC but allow you to customize alot, including the OS and troubleshooting is easier.

Linux, don't even go there if you don't know anything. Its for advance users.

Answer 7

Go with Windows. If you don't know the difference between these then your best going with Windows.



Linux don't even consider.

Mac I personally hate but you might like it more i dont know.