SciActive

By Hunter Perrin - 5/05/2005

You just got a brand new computer or built one yourself, and now it's time to decide on an operating system. This article will list the good, the bad, and the ugly points of the three major operating systems.

- Windows -
Home: Microsoft.com
Best for: Casual or business user who needs readily available and compatible software.

The good:
Windows has been known for its almost universal compatibility. Everything that's anything has been ported to Windows. Windows XP comes with almost all of the software you need to be up and running fairly quickly. Getting support for Windows will be no problem because almost every computer repair company works mostly with Windows.

The bad:
Though a good system, Windows requires a lot of custimizations to run at full potential. Windows has developed a reputation of crashing quite a lot, but a well maintained XP system rarely crashes. Microsoft's technology in XP is constantly being updated and you need to spend quite some time updating. However, Windows automatic update pretty much solves this problem. The real harsh quality of Windows is, sure enough, the price. Though generally cheaper than a Macintosh, Windows will still cost a pretty penny.

The ugly:
Due to Windows' widespread use, many malicious programs are readily available to take over your computer. Viruses, worms, trojans, adware, spyware, and other malware are a major threat to Windows. If your computer is hijacked, hacked, or infected, it can take a load of work, and a ton of patience to remove the threat. Though these problems are difficult to remove, they are fairly easy to prevent. Check the links at the bottom of this page to find some good anti-spyware/adware programs.


- Linux -
Home: Linux.org, DistroWatch, and many more...
Best for: Intermediate user who doesn't have much money, needs an extremely powerful system, or has multiple computers and can't buy expensive systems for every one.

The good:
Linux is a very secure system. Because there are so many versions of Linux, there is very little malicious software for Linux. Many popular Windows software titles have been ported or simulated on Linux. For example, OpenOffice.org is a suite of office applications which provide the same functionality as Microsft Office for Windows. Most software for Linux is open source, meaning anyone can produce and release their own version of it. Because of this unique feature, almost all software for Linux and most versions of Linux are free of charge. Freeware versions as well as very inexpensive versions, make Linux great for multiple computer systems.

The bad:
Most people say Linux is hard to use, and that may be true in most cases, but there are a few versions that aim towards ease of use. Check the bottom of this page to find links to these Linux distributions. Of course, because of the many versions of Linux, comanies don't like to write drivers for Linux. You may have a very difficult time trying to set up a new camera or scanner for your Linux machine. Though, people are writing new drivers for Linux every day.

The ugly:
Linux can be downright evil when it has a problem. Though Linux is pretty stable, the software for it can still cause problems, meaning a difficult time for the user trying to get the system to work again. I often find myself searching for commands to use at a prompt to complete a simple task when Linux has a big problem. Don't expect to be in for an easy ride with a new Linux system. Of course, a powerful system like Linux, tends to be somewhat unfriendly. I recommend you not try any advanced features until you get fairly familiar with how the new system works.


- Macintosh -
Home: Apple.com
Best for: Any user who wants a elegant, reliable, fast system and has some money to spare.

The good:
Macintosh has always been known to be a pretty and functional operating system. The graphics capabilities are no less than awe-inspiring. Graphics programs like Photoshop, which was originally made for Macintosh, run flawlessly and look amazing on a Macintosh. Macintosh is also a very reliable system and quite fast for the quiet, small hardware. Macintosh has been around for a while, and there are many software titles available for the Macintosh. Drivers for Macintosh are also usually not a problem.

The bad:
Macintosh can be very difficult when it's time to upgrade your hardware. Many hardware products are not compatible with Macintosh machines. Trying to replace small parts in compact cases is very difficult. The design of the hardware is not so user friendly.

The ugly:
If you decide to get a Macintosh, it will cost quite some dough to get your hands on one. Macintosh systems are generally more expensive than most others. If you are looking for a thrill on a Macintosh, be ready to open up that check book. Not only is the system expensive, but the software is generally quite a fortune as well. All in all, though, you get what you pay for with a Macintosh.


- Links -
Windows:
Lavasoft Ad-Aware (Anti-Adware, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware, etc.)
Spybot Search&Destroy (Anti-Adware, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware, etc.)

Linux:
openSUSE
Ubuntu