For someone who is looking to purchase a new computer, the decision usually comes down to a laptop or a custom-built desktop computer.
On the other hand, the choice is also affected by an operating system. At the moment, MS Windows is usually the default choice. Microsoft has the lion’s share of the market. Having said that, it does not mean that one should discard other available operating systems.
Linux and macOS have their fair share of users as well, and considering the recent changes in Microsoft policies and backlash from users, it would not be a stretch to suggest that the number of people who prefer MS Windows over other operating systems is decreasing.
If you are someone who is unsure about which operating system to prioritize, expect to spend a lot of time researching different options. To not get overwhelmed, there are five aspects to focus on and build on as your foundation.
How Regular the Updates Are
The first thing to figure out is the frequency of updates. Operating systems need to have regular updates.
For one, it is to be expected that the developers will push new versions to improve the overall performance.
Computer owners tend to run into notable performance problems, which calls for solution seeking. A video below is a good example of a useful source that can help in such situations:
New features are also neat, especially when they enrich the user experience. Not to mention precautions against cybersecurity threats.
Of course, in some cases, computer owners might need to downgrade the OS version because it turns out that the computer model is too old and does not support the latest version.
Or, you could encounter some compatibility issues, such as the OS and hardware, causing screen flickering and similar problems. For example, MacBook owners might use the Time Machine option to downgrade.
One final thing to note about updates is whether they are free or paid. The current trend indicates that most OS developers allow free updates for users who have already paid for the operating system.
Overall, frequent updates are a good indicator of how good an OS is. You can check the update history to discover the frequency.
Is the Operating System Prone to Cybersecurity Issues?
As already mentioned, one of the reasons behind operating system updates is to fight off malware and other threats.
These days, OS developers are usually smart enough to figure out the threats and prevent them. In some cases, developers can see ahead and push new updates before a threat can even manifest.
Of all the available operating systems, macOS seems to be at the top as far as security goes.
Picking an operating system that excels in security is a worthwhile consideration, yet you should not rely entirely on the OS itself. You will need to be smart about what you do on the Internet to avoid potential problems. Think of shady URLs and attachments you might receive via emails as an example.
A reliable anti-malware tool is also a must. And while the OS has built-in security features, a third-party antivirus solution is usually the go-to option.
What Does the OS Offer in Terms of Integrated Apps
Speaking of built-in features, your choice of an operating system can also be affected by what the OS has to offer in terms of integrated software.
It is true that third-party software is usually compatible with multiple operating systems, but you should not discard built-in software. After all, you might not want to clutter the computer with third-party software, and the basic kit of built-in tools can be enough.
Can You Expect Compatibility Issues?
Compatibility issues vary case by case, so it is difficult to determine what you can expect. These days, most software developers try to create software that works on multiple operating systems.
Exclusives for MS Windows or macOS, for example, are not that common. Sure, Apple has a dedicated app store specifically for macOS, but is that enough to reconsider switching to a MacBook? Probably not.
Video games are probably a much better example in terms of compatibility. If you were to buy Linux, do not expect to have a smooth gaming experience because the operating system is not meant to be used for gaming.
macOS is also not that great, but more and more game developers are trying to change that. Apple’s effort to improve MacBook hardware to support more demanding applications comes in handy as well.
The bottom line is that you need to judge the compatibility of an operating system depending on your needs. Obviously, compatibility should be one of the priorities.
How Intuitive Is the User Experience?
Similar to compatibility, the user experience also varies depending on a plethora of factors. Ideally, you should have the option to experience different operating systems first-hand to determine what you prefer.
Note, though, that switching from one OS to another takes time, and you are likely to feel some discomfort first. However, similar to other things in life, you can expect to become more comfortable with a specific OS after using it for a while.
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