Switching Operating Systems
The best desktop operating system to use depends on what its intended use will be and who will be using it. There is no specific operating system which can be called “the best” overall, and since most current operating systems share most common and advanced features there is much debate on the topic.
Every now and then the opportunity to re-evaluate exactly which OS is best for a given user comes along, this can or may come into play on a number of factors: broken/new computer time, easily confused with existing option, unable to avoid malware despite your best efforts. Sometimes this means going from OS X to something else, from Windows to something else or even Linux back to something else. This is simply not black and white situation. Remember, what is annoying and unusable to you, could fit like a glove for someone else. So please remember this before expressing extreme dislike for any platform in front of non-geeks.
A few of the most popular operating system, their pros and cons, and some of their best uses are described below.
OS X advantages
Macs are said to be easier and with the abundance of software and resources available from Apple these days, I’d say there is a lot of truth to this. For the most part I think that we can all agree that using a Mac is “different.” Whether or not this is a good thing, really depends on the individual. In some cases, it’s a natural fit as you can get an all-inclusive iMac, where everything they need comes in one box. Well, perhaps minus the printer. Even if the individual is just looking for something with a bit of a minimalist appeal, maybe the Mac is a good fit.
In the past, a big selling point was the fact that Macs really were unaffected by malware problems affecting Windows. Note, I DID NOT state that there isn’t malware available on the OS X platform because this is nonsense, there is indeed malware (and it’s growing) becoming available to affect users of this platform. But thus far, going so far as to getting security software hasn’t really proven itself to be needed. However, if the user is someone who downloads and installs everything emailed, Googled and so forth without a second thought…then I would say the bundle of switching to Mac with security software, might be a good idea. Yes, say it with me — Macs and Linux both, can be affected by malware. Understand this.
Yes, there are other advantages as well such as the work flow for designers, etc…but I’ll leave this to the commenters as they’d know more about it than I would.
Who’s it best for?
Folks needing to limit the malware threat a couple of notches. Also fantastic for those needing access to plenty of mainstream software from companies such as Adobe, Microsoft (Office) and others.
Windows advantages
Familiarity is a pain. I can count equal people I have had to switch BACK to Windows from both OS X and Linux, because of the fact that nothing worked as they expected. Then there was the fact that they had a couple of hundred worth of software that was near useless on the other two platforms as well. Generally speaking, Windows needs fall into one or two of the following categories.
- Enterprise software compatibility. This means the software at work, needs to work at home too. MS Office, other legacy stuff that just isn’t going to be cutting it with alternative software on other operating systems.
- It’s what they know. I cannot stress just how powerful this can be. Mac, Linux, don’t care. I have seen plenty of instances of “what the heck” on the faces of people trying to switch away from this platform simply because of its familiarity factor.
- PC Gaming. While not something I bother with anymore (I have other hobbies now), gaming is a huge driving force for the Windows platform. Mac and Linux don’t even remotely touch this. Not even close. Windows owns the market here, period.
Who’s it best for?
I’d say anyone with the needs described above. But I’d also bundle this need with the ability to keep software running like Microsoft Essentials, not installing software without a little commonsense and opening up stuff in email like “MyNekedPhoto.exe”. I mean come on, that last point is not even a conversation. If this cannot be avoided, you in my opinion lose the right to choose your OS. Sorry, there, I said it.
Linux advantages
Is Linux really harder? Well, for a Windows user trying to switch a friend or relative…my goodness, yes. If I blasted back to early 2003 and tried to switch people over to Linux with the understanding I had back then, it would have been a mess. But like being the “support guy” for any family or group of friends, it can work and most DEFINITELY has its place. The key is to be the support guy who knows how to use it in the first place. You know, much like Windows or OS X.
Best usage cases are for those with compatible hardware, unwilling or unable to go OS X, while being in position to move away from Windows. The reason to switch to Linux is different for the folks you’d be helping than it would be for you. For those other folks, it’s about avoiding malware (although some still exists, be it limited), making software available in a freely available container without fear of them breaking something, or perhaps it’s to be installed on an old XP box not really best suited for Windows 7.
I’d say 95% of you are in no position to suggest this option though. Remember, you need to understand what you’re doing! I mean, would you start offering health advice like a doctor without your MD? I tend to doubt it and the same applies for tech advice. Become proficient in it or stick to the platforms you understand. It’s really simple. But for those 5% who have been using Linux for at least a year full time, understand that there is a reason why Flash and DVD Codecs are not provided out of the box and that if the sticker on the box says “Made for Windows”, there might be a reason behind that sticker, you could be in a position to suggest and support this option.
Who’s it best for?
Assuming you meet the criteria above, I have found Linux is a brain-dead fit for small businesses needing a kiosk computer, completely locked down so folks can use software/surf/work on office docs, without installing tons of malware. Another good situation is like I suggested above, with the user who has a compatible machine, but is not wanting/needing to go OS X. As with any OS, a good idea is to sit them down and show them the basics. From there, let them surprise you. And by the way, I’ve done this in retirement communities. Limited computer experience and they took to it in less than 20 minutes. Apparently supported by outside help, it’s viable enough for people/places on a budget.
Dispelling myths across the board
Windows is a virus magnet – False. Malware creators are simply looking for maximum impact with as many users as possible. The market dictates Windows. OS X has recently begun showing signs of malware infestation and as Linux adoption grows, the same applies here. The fact is that if the end user either opts to run as a limited user or simply uses some sense when running their computer, malware can largely be avoided.
Macs are for “creative types” only, no good software titles available – False. Truth be told, since the move to the Intel CPU, Apple computers have countless software titles available. And due to the success of their mobile devices, the concept of the software store is coming to Mac to further illustrate this point. The buttons on the keyboard may be different and installation and uninstallation of software is different, but quantity of great software is definitely not lacking at all.
Linux has terrible hardware support – Mostly false. To give the best example possible, let me say that brand is everything with peripherals. Here is a partial list of what I have that works out of the box with zero configuration from me. Two brand new Logitech HD webcams, one HP all-in-one printer, a Wii guitar, USB headphones with noise canceling, USB speakers for secondary audio, USB DVD burner, three new external hard drives, one video Firewire capture card (in PC), five USB 802.11g dongles, two reasonably new digital cameras, one no-name Bluetooth dongle. I am likely forgetting some stuff, but you get the idea.
Now the Linux networking stack is very strong. Sadly though, dongle manufacturers are caught up with something called “revision numbers.” This means one model may have one chipset, while another has something completely different. No biggie for Windows users…they have the driver CD. Mac, has it’s own Broadcom wireless built in to most of their machines. And due to the diverse nature of the Linux universe, a solid working list of wifi devices is a joke. Dated, flat wrong or otherwise broken best describes it. This said, distributions like Ubuntu have limited this problem by providing two options: TONS of support for natively supported chipsets and a Windows driver tool that detects the device, installing the Windows driver using a special tool with about three mouse clicks.
Which software is best?
These days, Windows and Mac tend to provide the best looking stuff. Selection is becoming transparent across the board, but Linux lacks proprietary titles. For most things, I think OS X has a great model of how software should look. But many open source apps I use on OS X or Windows run like snot, while running very well on Linux.
“If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.”
–Bill Gates, Microsoft
The takeaway for each of you is this. When finding a new OS for someone, it’s not what YOU prefer. Stop that right there, open your eyes and accept that despite your feelings about the alternatives out there, thousands are making use of these options each day. Might as well give others a chance to experience these alternatives themselves.
I believe that advising someone to use a specific OS should be based on their needs. The frustration with trying to get people to look at alternatives is their flat resfusal. I have friends that simply refuse to try a linux live cd (even after explaining to them that it makes no changes to hdd or current setup). My response to them, “then stop complaining about Windows”.
