Want to buy a new computer or upgrade your existing one? The operating system is used to manage computer resources and organize user interaction. Its choice is influenced by the purpose of using the computer, your budget and future needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Needs
Step 1. Think about ease of use
Each operating system (OS) will take time to learn, but this time is not the same for different operating systems. The most basic is Windows, then Mac OS, and then Linux (modern Linux distributions are also quite easy to use).
Step 2. Think about the software you need
Windows is supported by most of the released programs (mostly paid); Mac OS has access to a large library of supported software; The Linux community produces a huge number of good and free software, similar to paid applications.
Step 3. Pay attention to the system in which your colleagues or relatives work
If you are going to share documents and files with a large number of other users, it might be better to install the same system.
Step 4. Learn about security
Windows is the most vulnerable (insecure) system. There are a small number of viruses for Mac OS (although they are growing). Linux is the most secure system as a password is required for any change to the system.
Step 5. Think about games
If you are an avid computer gamer, most games are released exclusively for Windows, but the number of games that support Mac OS and Linux is also growing.
Step 6. If you are editing images, video or audio files, then choose Mac OS, as this system includes powerful editing programs
There are a number of good editor programs for Windows, and Linux has free counterparts of commercial programs (for example, Gimp instead of Photoshop), which are as functional as paid programs (but more difficult to use)
Step 7. Compare programming tools
If you are a software developer, choose Linux for creating desktop software or Mac OS for developing iOS applications. There are compilers and development environments that support all operating systems.
A large number of open source programs that support Linux will come in handy when learning a programming language
Step 8. If you choose a system for the office, then Windows will be cheaper, while Mac OS X is better suited for creating letters, images, video or audio files
- In the office (on work computers), it is better to install the same (identical) system to ensure compatibility and ease of interaction.
- Windows is cheaper and more familiar to many users, but less secure than Mac OS X.
Step 9. Choose between 32-bit and 64-bit system
Most new computers come with a 64-bit version of the operating system of your choice. Such systems support multithreading and manage memory more efficiently. To use a 64-bit system, computer components must support this bit depth.
32-bit programs also run on a 64-bit operating system
Part 2 of 3: Cost
Step 1. When choosing an operating system, computer components play an important role
If you want to use Mac OS X, get a computer from Apple (and overpay for the brand). Windows and Linux can run on the same hardware, although some of them are not supported by Linux.
- You can build a computer yourself and install Windows or Linux on it.
- You can buy a computer with Windows already installed, and then install Linux instead of that OS.
Step 2. Think about the price of the operating system
If you buy a computer with an installed operating system, then its cost is included in the price of the computer. However, keep in mind that upgrading Mac OS X costs $ 100-150 less than upgrading Windows.
If you build your own computer, choose between the cost of Windows and the ease of use of Linux (this system is free)
Step 3. Also think about the cost of the software
The vast majority of Linux software is free. There are many free programs for Mac OS and Windows. The most popular programs that support Windows, such as Office, are paid.
Step 4. Buy the full version of Windows, not the upgrade version
It will be more expensive, but such a version can be installed on any computer, whereas the upgrade version requires an older version of the OS.
Part 3 of 3: Testing
Step 1. Most likely, you will want to install the most recent version of the system (even if you are unfamiliar with it) in order to enjoy new and convenient features
- By setting up Windows 8.1, you can work with it as you would with Windows 7, but you can still enjoy the advanced functionality of Windows 8.
- If you are hesitant to buy Windows 8, many computers are still sold with Windows 7 installed. You can also buy this system at many stores.
- Don't buy a Windows XP computer unless you plan on upgrading or switching to Linux. XP has been dropped, making it a very insecure operating system.
Step 2. Test Linux
Most Linux distributions can be run from external media (disk, flash drive) without installing on a hard drive. This will allow you to test Linux before installing this system on your computer.
Linux is slower from external media than from hard drive
Step 3. Windows and Mac OS X can be tested at an electronics store or with friends
At the very least, you will be able to get a basic understanding of the system.
Step 4. Think about the ChromeOS system
It is a much more limited OS, but it is very fast and can be installed on mobile devices. This system is designed for computers that are constantly connected to the Internet.