Which operating system is better

Operating systems on the market have different uses and show the best experience when used in certain areas.

Which operating system is best for a computer, laptop and for games

There are several dozen operating systems on the market. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, they are not interchangeable. Choosing from among the operating systems, it is worth focusing on the most popular ones:

1. Windows 7;

2. Windows 10;

3. Ubuntu and Kubuntu;

4. macOS ;

5. Elementary OS and other 'lightweight' distributions Linux;

6. Remix OS.

Windows 7

This is the most popular and familiar operating system for most users. Its classic windowed interface, familiar Start menu, and ease of use make it the most sought after by 'casual' PC owners.

Advantages

• Familiar interface and usage scenarios;

• Low requirements for the technical characteristics of the computer;

• The possibility of deep customization thanks to the support of the theme engine;

• Widest compatibility with third-party software, such as drivers for 'exotic' devices;

disadvantages

• Not fast enough distribution of updates, including security updates;

• Availability of security vulnerabilities;

• The need for regular reinstallation due to a drop in performance due to 'littering' the system;

• Undeveloped update system (as a result of which the installation of updates takes too much time and does not always complete successfully);

• Lack of compatibility with most modern graphics technologies (such as DirectX 12) and hardware solutions (such as Intel Coffee Lake or USB 3.0 processors at the kernel level).

Windows 10

The operating system Windows 10 has a new update mechanic. Therefore, there is no separate 'ten' – its different versions are simply presented. For example, as of early September 2017, the current version Windows 10 is 1703 (Creators Update), and the Fall Creators Update will be released very soon. Global updates that update everything – both the interface and the kernel – are released approximately twice a year.

This operating system is the most modern. It implements support for all necessary protection technologies, interaction with the hardware platform and management. But with some limitations.

Advantages

• Regular security updates, built-in antivirus and SmartScreen for maximum security;

• Perfectly working cloud backup engine for data and apps through accounts Microsoft, Outlook and OneDrive.

• Support for the most modern technologies for interacting with the hardware platform, including DirectX 12 for the most recent games;

• Download and install updates in the background;

• Distributing driver updates via Windows Update;

disadvantages

• An unusual interface for some users;

• Updated sleep mode that is poorly compatible with older laptops.

• The impossibility of detailed customization of the computer 'for themselves' for most users (for example, it is very difficult to disable the built-in antivirus or the update system – this will have to be done through the group policy and registry editors);

• Availability of both Modern and desktop applications;

• Built-in telemetry tools that not only collect information about the user, but also slow down the computer;

Thus, Windows 10 is a good solution for modern computers, games, working on the Internet and with the 'clouds'.

By the way, there is a Windows 10 LTSB edition, in which telemetry is disabled and some pre-installed Modern applications are removed. It is more efficient. However, updates – both security and drivers, as well as global updates – arrive at it with a long delay.

Ubuntu and Kubuntu

Ubuntu and Kubuntu are the most popular of the Linux -based alternative operating systems. They have the same runtime, but differ in interface and pre-installed applications. However, thanks to the same 'kernel', you can always switch the GUI to the desired mode – by installing the GNOME package (to 'move' from Kubuntu to Ubuntu) or KDE (vice versa). But this is not recommended.

Operating systems Ubuntu and Kubuntu are a good solution for undemanding users.

Advantages

• Completely free;

• Perfect for programming and assembling mobile operating systems;

• Undemanding to the 'hardware';

• Takes up a minimum of hard disk space;

• Well protected (there are practically no viruses for them);

• Updated regularly;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for running most Windows – applications (except through emulators, but this leads to loss of functionality. Moreover, many programs simply do not work through emulators);

• Have non-standard interface and user interaction mechanics;

• Requires a high level of computer literacy to install software;

• Many devices simply don't have compatible drivers;

• Not suitable for games;

The best solution would be to install such an operating system on a computer for parents or relatives who just use the Internet and no more. Then the protection against malware will be guaranteed.

Also, due to being free, such operating systems can be used in budgetary and commercial organizations without the need for separate licensing.

In addition, they suit most non-functional or design-conscious users.

macOS

The macOS operating system is a proprietary (that is, copyrighted and closed for development by third parties), manufactured by the company Apple for Mac computers and MacBook laptops. Nevertheless, with sufficient IT literacy and the right hardware, it can be installed on a regular PC.

Advantages

• Unique user experience;

• Maximum safety;

• Excellent synchronization system with 'cloud' and mobile devices Apple;

• The presence of many useful exclusive programs for users;

• Suitable for developing and signing applications for iOS;

• Excellent optimization;

disadvantages

• Closedness, which manifests itself in the complexity of installation on a PC;

• Extremely limited number of games;

• Unusual use cases;

• Application incompatibility for Windows;

Install macOS only if you really need it. Well, or you just want to experiment and have a lot of free time. However, the easiest and best way to get a macOS computer is to buy a computer from the company Apple.

Elementary OS and other 'lightweight' distributions Linux

An important advantage of 'lightweight' distributions Linux is the ability to install them on very old computers with unsuitable Windows technical characteristics (low amount of RAM, weak processor, 20 GB hard drive, etc.). etc.). Also, due to their low resource consumption, they are suitable for use on laptops.

'Lightweight' distributions Linux – such as Elementary OS, Linux Mint, Lubuntu, Tiny Core, Colibri and several dozen other versions – have the same advantages and disadvantages as others Linux – distributions (in this case Ubuntu and Kubuntu). Therefore, it makes no sense to paint them. The only additional advantage of 'lightweight' distributions is the ability to run on very weak and old 'hardware': for example, with 128 MB of RAM.

Remix OS

The operating system Remix OS is a special version Android for computers. Unlike Android x86, it supports multi-window mode, has a similar interface and user experience to Windows. Being originally a mobile operating system, Remix OS can also work on weak computers – with a not too powerful processor and 2 GB of RAM.

Advantages

• All the advantages of a mobile operating system Android (excellent notification management system, the ability to install clients for social networks and web portals, Play Store support, rooting support, Xposed and Magisk);

• Nice and intuitive interface.

• Completely free;

disadvantages

• All disadvantages Android (low security, high resource consumption, lack of support for desktop applications);

• Remix OS is an operating system for enthusiasts. It is not suitable for everyday use, but offers an unusual user experience and advanced features.

• Incomplete Russification and problems with input from the Russian-language keyboard.

• Lack of drivers for many devices;

Summary

In fact, an operating system Windows 10 is ideal for the vast majority of users. Its interface is not too different from the “seven”, and thanks to constant updates, it is well protected from winlockers and other dangerous viruses. The most recommended for installation is the LTSB edition, since telemetry services and some 'garbage' Metro applications have been removed from it.

If the free operating system is critical, then you should pay attention to the easy-to-use distributions Linux – Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Linux Mint, Elementary OS, etc.

“Seven” is an outdated operating system, and it is suitable only for those users who simply do not want to relearn a new one.

The rest are for the enthusiast.

!

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose a card reader for your computer and laptop, and the secrets of choosing a reliable flash drive – an overview of the best manufacturers.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.