Best Operating Systems

Guide to Operating Systems

If you've used a computer of any kind at some point, you've interacted with an operating system. Often referred to as an OS, an operating system is a unified collection of software that acts as an intermediary between a human user and a computer's underlying hardware. Operating systems essentially give applications like word processors, video editors and web browsers an environment in which they can run. An OS is responsible for everything from managing a computer's display to communicating with peripherals like USB drives. The kind of computing that today's consumers are familiar with would be impossible without operating systems.

Every operating system under the sun performs the same basic tasks as any other. At any given moment, an operating system is allocating CPU and memory resources to different applications while managing file hierarchies across a variety of connected storage devices. Operating systems are also in charge of things like system security and error detection. For the most part, any computing device you'll buy off the shelf such as a laptop or tablet comes with an OS already installed. However, installing a new operating system of your choice is usually pretty easy.

What Does OS Stand For?

In computing terms, OS is shorthand for "operating system". For the most part, an operating system is the glue that binds virtually every aspect of computing together when it comes to providing a seamless experience to end users. Without an operating system, your computer would be nothing more than a high-tech paperweight.

What Common Features Do Most Operating Systems Share?

Due to the sheer diversity of computing hardware on the market nowadays, operating systems can be radically different from one another depending on what they were designed to do. Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all blueprint for what an OS should look like. Nevertheless, most general purpose operating systems you're likely to encounter share a few key traits:

1. Software Updates: No operating system under the sun can meet the needs of its target audience forever. Many operating systems are only guaranteed by their developers for a few years. During that lifecycle, an operating system will undergo a significant amount of change in the form of software updates. These updates can be either trivial or serious in nature. For instance, many software developers tweak things like the desktop layout or GUI behavior to better suit the tastes of users. Likewise, emerging security threats from hackers and malware must be constantly monitored and addressed with new and improved code that will plug the gaps in the system's defenses. Companies like Microsoft and Apple usually bundle updates into periodic "patches" that are installed either automatically by the system itself or manually by the end user.
2. Vendor Support: One of the key attributes of a modern operating system is an expansive support ecosystem designed to make the user experience as productive and pleasant as possible. Apple and Microsoft provide their millions of users with around-the-clock customer assistance via web chat assistants. The major commercial OS vendors even have the ability to directly access your computing device and fix your problem in many circumstances. OS publishers are constantly gathering information about how your operating system is performing to create better software patches in the future that will fix lingering bugs. The end result is an operating system that becomes increasingly secure and flawless as it ages. Even free operating systems like Linux provide users with technical assistance via support forums.
3. Applications: Operating systems wouldn't be of much use to humans if they couldn't support a rich selection of applications. The major players like Windows and macOS put a lot of time and money into developing applications that are specific to their platforms. Everything from text editors to media players come standard with an installation of either operating system. Support for certain applications that are critical to one's workflow is a critical consideration when it comes to picking an OS.
4. User Permissions: Since the birth of modern computing, the ability to support multiple user accounts and restrict access to files and programs have been integral to the success of any given operating system. The ability to grant certain permissions to certain users when it comes to who can modify what goes a long way towards safeguarding the integrity of sensitive data. For instance, business owners and their IT administrators can use permissions to ensure that only trusted users can view or edit files.
5. Security Precautions: If a hacker wants to gain access to your information, compromising an operating system's built-in security features is one of the best approaches to take. That's why all the major operating systems like Windows 10, macOS, iOS and Android take great pains to actively combat the installation of viruses. Firewalls and anti-virus programs prevent attacks from becoming full-blown disasters. Modern operating systems also feature many security tools devoted to maintaining the integrity of data. Full-disk encryption and recovery utilities give users peace of mind that their files won't be lost if they experience a hacking attempt or an unexpected hardware failure.

What Kinds of Operating Systems Are Out There?

Just about every operating system can be grouped into one of several broad categories:

1. Multi-Tasking OS: Otherwise known as a time-sharing OS, a multi-tasking operating system allows multiple applications or processes to share CPU resources simultaneously. Pretty much every modern OS from Windows to macOS to Linux is a multi-tasking OS.
2. Mobile OS: A mobile OS is a stripped-down operating system that's typically found on mobile devices like smartphones.
3. Real-Time OS: A real-time operating system or RTOS handles jobs as they appear in the processing pipeline within very specific time constraints.
4. Batch OS: A batch operating system groups similar kinds of operations into batches and completes them all in one go. Batch operating systems are often employed by businesses like financial institutions to handle repetitive calculations like generating bank statements and issuing payments.
5. Embedded OS: Embedded operating systems are compact device-specific programs that perform relatively simple tasks. They're typically stored on non-volatile flash memory chips and power things like Wi-Fi routers, ATMs and elevators.
6. Network OS: Typically found on servers in large organizations, network operating systems allow large numbers of users to access the same physical hardware resources.
7. Distributed OS: Unlike consumer-oriented operating systems, distributed operating systems aren't bound to a single machine. They rely on a number of different processors located in multiple computers to complete tasks very quickly.
8. IoT OS:Internet of Things (IoT) Operating Systems are designed to provide a secure and reliable platform for connected devices. These systems are used to manage interactions between IoT devices, allowing them to communicate with each other and with the cloud. They can also provide real-time analytics and insights, helping to improve the performance and efficiency of connected products. Additionally, many IoT Operating Systems offer robust security features to protect against malicious attacks.

OS Options You're Likely to Encounter

While there are thousands of operating systems in use around the world, the market is dominated by a handful of products including:

• Windows: Easily the most popular operating system on the planet, Microsoft Windows can be found on everything from desktop PCs to gaming consoles to supercomputers. Originally released in 1985, Windows quickly became the go-to operating system for consumers and businesses in every industrialized country on earth. The latest iteration, Windows 10, is the most flawless version of the OS that's ever been released. One of the biggest upsides of using Windows on a daily basis is the sheer number of mature application suites that have been designed to run on it. Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop in particular are must-have programs for many that require the use of Windows to deliver superior performance.
• macOS: If you buy an Apple computer of any kind, you'll become intimately familiar with macOS in short order. Launched in 2001, macOS is a proprietary OS that's been designed from the ground up to run on a very specific, very limited selection of computing hardware. While macOS isn't as popular with businesses as Windows, many companies and entrepreneurs in the creative arts use macOS to do everything from music production to graphic design. Apple's many remote web services such as iCloud and iTunes boast impeccable compatibility with every macOS variant. Generally speaking, macOS only works on Mac hardware.
• Linux: In many ways, Linux is the most important and most misunderstood operating system currently in existence. For starters, Linux isn't an operating system per se. Rather, Linux is a "kernel" or low-level component of an operating system that distinct operating systems can be built upon. Since the very beginning, Linux has been an open-source project that is free to use and modify without paying license fees by any developer who chooses to do so. Linux distributions or "distros" such as Ubuntu can be installed on any consumer-grade PC or commercial-grade server with relative ease. The main advantages of Linux distributions are their low cost, high customization potential and top-notch performance. On the flip side, Linux-based operating systems typically require a greater level of technical proficiency on the part of the user. Compared to Windows and macOS, Linux affords users a greater level of security in the face of online threats posed by hackers of all stripes. The Linux operating system powers most servers in the world.
• Mobile Operating Systems: Nowadays, the mobile OS market is dominated by two primary options: Android and iOS. Android is an open-source project based on a modified Linux kernel that was largely developed by Google. It runs on literally billions of mobile devices around the world at this very moment. Android has far greater market share than iOS. The iOS platform is Apple's mobile operating system. You'll find it or variations of it on everything from iPhones to iPad (which uses iPadOS), Apple Watch (which uses watchOS), and Apple TV (which uses tvOS). While iOS is incredibly mature and bug-free, it can't be modified in the manner that Android can.

The Many Benefits of Operating Systems

1. Customizable GUIs: The ability to customize the appearance and behavior of a graphical user interface will have a major impact on your productivity throughout the day. The latest operating systems give users a great degree of control over how their screen looks and acts.
2. Resource Sharing: Operating systems allow users to interact with a wide array of hardware ranging from network printers to external storage devices simultaneously while providing a seamless experience.
3. Data Security: Operating systems are the first line of defense against data leaks. They ensure that your personal and professional files can't be accessed by unauthorized persons if everything goes according to plan.
4. Device Control: At the end of the day, an operating system is simply a tool that allows users to control various hardware components with nothing more than a few keystrokes or mouse clicks. In a nutshell, an OS translates your desires into results via an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Operating systems eliminate the need to tinker with behind-the-scenes software and hardware to get things done.
5. Ease of Use for Non-Technical Operators: Even the least tech-savvy people on the planet can leverage operating systems to do everything from editing documents to generating graphics without having to know anything about Java, C++ or Python.

Operating Systems Issues to Consider

Operating systems are never perfect. Some of the many problems that can arise when using an OS include:

1. Hardware Quality and Compatibility: Operating systems are made to work with a lot of different CPU, motherboard, SSD and memory combinations while maintaining a predictable user experience across the board. Nevertheless, some operating systems are more finicky than others when it comes to the hardware they work best on. For instance, Windows is famous for being able to interface with a plethora of hardware components with few if any conflicts. The macOS platform is designed to work with only a limited selection of CPUs and peripherals. That's why looking at hardware quality and compatibility is so important when choosing an OS for any given computer or mobile device.
2. Performance: Every operating system differs greatly insofar as the strain it puts on the underlying hardware is concerned. Linux is famous for being a lightweight OS that can run on even the most outdated laptops, servers and mobile devices. Windows requires quite a bit more RAM to avoid sluggish performance. MacOS is somewhere between those two extremes as far as hardware requirements are concerned. Then again, Apple products are designed with the software in mind to ensure that the hardware can keep up with the demands of the code involved when you fire up a browser or a graphic design application. Some operating systems make it easier than others to maximize performance by tweaking how the platform as a whole handles tasks.
3. Complexity for End Users: It's undeniable that certain operating systems are more "user friendly" than others out of the box. For the most part, Windows and macOS are dead simple to work with and boast a low barrier to entry for new users. Linux has a reputation for being the preferred OS of "tech nerds" who don't need a lot of hand-holding with regards to installing programs and troubleshooting problems. However, it should be noted that many operating systems aside from Windows and macOS have made great strides in the user friendliness department.
4. Application Integration and Support: The best OS for you is the one that supports your go-to applications without a lot of hassle. Depending on the programs you use most frequently, that operating system could be Linux, macOS, Windows 10 or something completely different. If there's an application you simply can't live without, making sure that it runs seamlessly on a prospective OS before switching platforms is a commonsense decision.

Trends Related to Operating Systems

1. Increased Security: Operating systems are becoming more secure with the introduction of features like biometric authentication, encryption, and two-factor authentication. This is important for both personal and enterprise users as it reduces the risk of data theft and malicious attacks.
2. Ease of Use: Operating systems are becoming more user-friendly with increased customization options, intuitive interfaces, and voice-enabled features. This allows users to quickly navigate through their devices and use them with ease.
3. Multi-Platform Support: Operating systems now support multiple platforms, allowing users to access their data from any device or operating system they choose. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple devices or software packages in order to access the same data or services.
4. Cloud Integration: Cloud integration is becoming increasingly popular as it allows users to store their data centrally in the cloud and access it from any device or operating system they choose. This makes collaboration easier between different devices and users as well as simplifying the backup process for personal files.
5. Automation: Automation is becoming increasingly popular with modern operating systems as it enables tasks to be performed automatically without manual intervention. This can save time and effort for both personal and enterprise users, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity overall.

Who Uses Operating Systems?

The simple answer is that most people use an operating system of one sort or another almost every day. However, certain people rely on them more heavily than others:

• Designers: If you work in the field of creative arts, your operating system is essentially the canvas that you use to get things done. Using this analogy, applications are like different types of paint. An operating system's ability to do what you want to do when you want to do it can have a big impact on the finished media product. Picking the right OS for your hardware is critical when you create visual media on a daily basis.
• Developers: Coders in particular are some of the most discriminating operating system users you'll ever meet. Each and every one of them has a distinct preference based on the languages they employ and the industry in which they work. Developers that write programs for Windows using different programming languages will necessarily favor Windows. Quite a few developers that work on mobile applications favor macOS. Python enthusiasts often opt for Linux due to the open-source nature of the platform and its low resource footprint. Software engineers keep a careful eye on changes to their preferred operating systems and choose their OS variants based on how those changes affect their productivity.
• Gamers: Despite the rise of platform-agnostic online gaming, many hardcore gaming enthusiasts base their choice of operating system on how well a particular OS will impact their playing experience. For the longest time, Windows has ruled the roost when it comes to delivering the best gaming environment possible. However, operating systems like iOS and Linux have become increasingly popular with gamers of all stripes in recent years. Hardware support for powerful video cards or GPUs is a big consideration as far as choosing a good gaming OS goes.
• Business Users: Businesses of all sizes have been using operating systems for decades. Don't forget that computers are tools and not toys. As such, the OS needs to overlap with what the business is trying to accomplish. More often than not, these businesses opt for a desktop or laptop experience either running Windows or macOS. Linux has also seen a steady rise in adoption within the business space, particularly as organizations strive to implement better security measures on their networks.

How Much Do Operating Systems Cost?

The cost of operating systems varies widely depending on the type, version and features you need. Generally speaking, a basic open source operating system such as Linux can be obtained for free or a nominal cost. Microsoft Windows is typically more expensive, with prices ranging from $100-$200 for a single license to over $1000 if you want the enterprise edition. Apple's macOS is also fairly expensive, ranging from around $129 for an upgrade to $999 for Mac Pro models. In addition to the initial cost of an operating system, there are also recurring costs such as annual maintenance or subscription fees that may be required in order to receive ongoing updates and technical support.

How to Select the Right Operating System

1. Compatibility: Check that the new operating system is compatible with your hardware and software. Some older hardware or software may not be able to run on newer versions of an operating system.
2. Cost: Different operating systems have different costs associated with them. For example, Windows is generally more expensive than other options like Linux. You should also consider any additional costs for software or services associated with the chosen OS.
3. Features & Functionality: Look into what features and functionality the OS offers, as this will determine how helpful and useful it is for you. Consider if it meets all your needs - such as security, user experience, backup solutions etc - and look at customer reviews before making a decision.
4. Support & Maintenance: It’s important to know what support and maintenance options you will have when using an OS, so check for these before selecting one. This includes both online resources as well as support from the manufacturer or seller of the OS itself in case of problems down the line.