An
operating
system
(abbreviated
OS) is
essentially
the path
through
which a
computer
accesses
files,
games,
the
Internet,
and all
vital
stored
information.
The OS
is the
most
important
program
on a
computer
because
it runs
all of
the
other
programs.
The
major
operating
systems
are
Microsoft
Windows,
Mac OS
X,
Linux,
and
Unix.
The
operating
system
is
essential
to the
computer,
and so
extreme
care
should
be taken
when
choosing
an
operating
system.
Consider
Its Use
Consider
what
operating
system
will be
used
for. If
the OS
is for a
business,
an
operating
system
that can
handle
important
business
data
should
be
selected.
If the
OS is
for a
college
student,
one
might
consider
an OS
that is
optimal
for
gaming,
yet
still
has a
nice
word
processor.
Finally,
if the
operating
system
were for
a new
computer
user,
then a
user-friendly,
simple
OS would
be best.
Knowing
this,
one must
also
consider
what
software
is
available
for the
operating
system.
Some
software
is only
available
on
certain
computers.
This
often
leaves
Macintosh
OS X,
Linux,
and Unix
in the
dark
because
most of
the
computer
market
runs on
Microsoft
operating
systems.
Most
computers
come
standard
with a
certain
operating
system
(Apple
computers
have Mac
OS X and
most PCs
have
Windows
XP).
Therefore,
it is
sometimes
important
to
consider
the OS
even
when
selecting
a
computer.
Security
Security
is the
biggest
priority
for many
computer
users,
especially
businesses.
Some OS
have
stronger
security
than
others.
Macintosh
has been
called
“the
iron man
of
operating
systems”
because
of its
ability
to keep
hackers
out,
while
Windows
has been
criticized
for
being
easy to
hack. Do
not let
security
completely
deter
you,
however.
Most
operating
systems
can be
“hardened”
and with
constant
security
updates,
made
safer
from
hackers.
Pros
and Cons
of The
Big Four
Every
operating
system
has its
positive
and
negative
elements.
There is
no
perfect
operating
system.
Keeping
this in
mind,
consider
the most
common
operating
systems
(Mac OS
X,
Windows,
Linux,
and
Unix).
Mac OS X
is great
for
keeping
out
hackers
and for
graphic
design.
However
some
problems
are the
fact
that
certain
software
is not
available
for
Macs. If
the OS
is for a
college
student
who
would
rather
play
Half-Life
2 than
study,
then Mac
OS X is
not the
best
choice.
Windows
is very
good for
compatibility,
since
most
consumers
use
Windows.
Windows
also
comes
with
applications
like
Microsoft
Word,
PowerPoint,
Excel,
and
Internet
Explorer.
Unfortunately,
Windows
is weak
against
viruses
and can
get
bogged
down
easily.
Unix is
good for
networks,
especially
if for
businesses.
Unix has
also
been
around
for
almost
30
years,
so it is
quite
dependable.
One
drawback
of Unix
is the
cost,
which
can
sometimes
be a bit
expensive.
Unix is
also
complicated,
which
can
confuse
beginners.
The
final
OS,
Linux,
is free
and
completely
customizable.
However,
one
major
drawback
is the
extreme
scarcity
of
applications
for
Linux.
Microsoft
and
other
software
developers
are
often
very
reluctant
to
release
their
products
for
Linux.
Conclusion
Whatever
operating
system
one
chooses,
it needs
to be
the
system
that
will
best fit
the
needs of
the
consumer.
All
operating
systems
have
good and
bad
elements.
Understanding
how each
system
works,
and the
system’s
pros and
cons is
a must
for
anyone
deciding
on a
computer
and OS.
An OS
selection
based on
research
and
understanding
will
certainly
yield
the
highest
satisfaction.
Josef
Delinga
loves
writing
about
computers
and
CEOs,
especially
Steve
Jobs
and
Apple
Computers.
Article
Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josef_Delinga
